. . . a plot at Hadspen

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.

Michael’s Verbena bonariensis, Penny’s Papaver somniferum, Cath’s harvest and Robert in Steph’s plot.

Asparagus, red and russet apples, rhubarb, squash, montbretia.

Issue 1 of the walled garden’s newsletter is published by and for the plot-holders, and for anyone who wishes to find out more about the allotments. It has some history and current preoccupations: articles and illustrations from Penny Hobhouse, Victoria Glendinning and Jenny Hyden. Elisabeth Balfour, editor, has chosen excerpts from articles and correspondence. A small quantity of newsletters will be available At the Chapel in Bruton for the interested or simply curious. For information about the garden contact Hugh Strange, hughstrange@mac.com.