I thought it was about time that I started blogging again, and what better subject to write on to ensure some cadence than gardening.
Following our move to Broadstairs one of the things we’ve gained is a lot more outdoor space, and so I’m hoping to put it to good use. In fact may good uses;
- Save money by growing some of our own food
- Help the environment through composting etc
- Educate the kids on all things green
- Educate myself on all things green
- Foster the idea of outdoor activites
- Create a beautiful place to be mindful
The garden is currently in a bit of a state, we had a ground-floor extension added to the back of the house, and the to-fro of workman and diggers has taken it’s toll… but onwards and upwards, right?
The first task was to build a raised bed for some veggies. Raff and I did this together, though as with every task that a 5 year old helps with it did take longer. The structure is made from decking (that I brought down with us in our move) and it stands at 8ft x 3ft and 2 ft tall. It’s filled with homemade compost from the 2 gigantic compost bins that were left by the previous owners. Whether or not this is a good base for veggies I don’t know, we’ll just have to wait and see. I have also made a flimsy frame for the top that is covered with chicken wire, as a hopeful barrier to the birds getting at the goodies inside.
The bed has had an initial “sowing” of peas, carrots, onion and garlic. At this point I should make it clear that I really don’t know what I’m doing, but I am reading and trying things out – and of course watching Monty Don on a weekly basis.
As well as planting stuff in the raised bed I’ve also planted a couple of Nicola potatoes in a tub, and I really hope to have 20-odd new potatoes from this.
Other tasks were also completed at the weekend, including vigorously cutting back a buddleia in the front garden (it stood about 12 ft tall and was being strangled by ivy) and ripping out a load of ivy from the hedges that border our garden at the front.