Rocket and Pears

At the beginning of Autumn I had lots of pears ready to pick from the pear tree. I don't know the variety of pears I have on the allotment so if anyone can tell by the photo below please let me know in the comment section below... The pear tree was full so I got quite a harvest!

I was given a couple of apples from a neighbour too :) I decided to try and make a pear compote with the pears. It was my first attempt and I think I added too much water. But the smell of the pears cooking in water with cinnamon and nutmeg was so autumnal! Once I perfect the compote recipe I will share it with you. I had the compote with natural yogurt with some ground flaxseed sprinkled on top. Here is a photo of the pears cooking...I wish I could attach the scent of them cooking to this blog!

I had planted some rocket seeds in late summer and they are now ready to pick. I have always liked rocket in salads. Sometimes when you get rocket from supermarkets it can be quite bland. But the rocket I grew on the allotment was full of flavour. Even my Mum liked it who normally hates it!

Hiding in the shed

The tarpaulin I had put on the roof previously has proved its worth. I went to the allotment with many jobs in mind and low behold the heavens opened 5 minutes after I arrived! I was willing to work in a light shower but this was nearer monsoon level :) I hid in the shed and guess who followed me in.....

Yes our allotment friend Ginger :) I thought I would wait it out hoping it would soon pass, I had to shut the door as the wind was bringing the rain in the shed...

The rain passed after 20 minutes and I eventually got to work. I had to cover the Brussels sprouts. I cut some leaves of the plant to take home and eat, then started erecting a cover with canes and netting. I was really pleased with the results... and the Brussels are coming along lovely.

Planting Daffodil bulbs

One thing I wanted more of this year was flowers. To be able to cut my own flowers to bring home would be nice, so I went on a trip to Crews Hill Enfield. Crews Hill is a great place to go to for all things for the allotment. It has many gardening centres in one small area and makes for a great day out. There are a few pubs that serve food too.

I knew I wanted to plant daffodils as they really are the flower of springtime and I always buy bunches to put around my home at Easter. There were so many types of daffodils on offer at Crews Hill that I didn't know where to start! Then I came across a huge crates piled high with an assortment of daffodil bulbs. There were bowls that you could fill and then pay. I won't remember what I chose until they grow in spring! Adds to the excitement though :)

To have daffodils in bloom at springtime you need to plant the bulbs in Autumn. I had an empty bed that previously housed moneymaker tomatoes. The bed needed more compost which I added and gently pressed down with a rake.

My Mum suggested that I use the Monty Don method to plant the bulbs. Apparently you throw or scatter the bulbs onto the bed and plant them where they land. This will give the natural look rather than uniformed. I much rather the natural look so the Monty Don method was used! I also had some other flower bulbs that needed planting so I added them too! Once they were scattered I dug them in and netted the bed over. Just incase foxes or squirrels decided to dig them up!

Roll on Spring...!