. . . a plot at Hadspen

The communal compost turning revealed nicely fragrant dark fertile stuff, and an unexpected inhabitant! Thanks to Seb who gamely joined in.

This quince tree, a gift from Penny, makes a lovely arch shape towards the katabatic gate. Cydonia Oblonga was first planted in England at the Tower of London in 1275. And thank you Penny, for the baby box hedge too.

The chervil and sorrel are flourishing, the garlic and rhubarb beginning to come on.

The garlic’s up! A new path is down; and December’s weather was thankfully unspectacular: perhaps the parsnips would prefer more frost?

It’s uplifting to see what the summer’s work camp in the walled garden has achieved. A handsome alignment of paths and ample compost area. Being in the right place at the right time: a splendid gift from yesterday’s shoot.

43 cloves of garlic planted today, given to us by Charles Dowding; an unspecified variety issuing from generations raised by himself. Planted in beds as yet unaffected by white rot, following broad beans, peas & sweetcorn; watch this space.