http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/ Weblog OpenACS 5.0 Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:25:35 GMT http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=7600023 http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=7600023 The garlic mustard or 'jack by the hedge' (Allium petiolata) is out near the lower field gate. it has delicate bright white flowers. As the name suggests the leaves have a mild garlic flavour and can be eaten. Also, in the copse in the lower field two patches of 'wood garlic' or ransoms (Allium ursinum),planted by Pat and I, are in flower. Again the leaves are edible. A few patches of bluebells are flowering near the copse and in the corner adjoining the cemetry and cemetry extension, lea... Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:25:35 GMT http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=7524189 http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=7524189 Great to see a chiff chaff dipping in and out of the pond (plots 108/109) on the lower field. First sign of the arrival of the summer migrants. There is plenty of birdlife active at the moment. Both the Greater Spotted and Green woodpecker are around every day, together with Sparrows, Dunnock, Great, Blue and Long tailed Tits, Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Blackcaps, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Siskin and Collared Dove, Magpies and Jays. On a related matter, the last Committee Me... Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:52:31 GMT http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=6101490 http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=6101490 I started keeping chickens as pets on the allotment for the benefits of eggs and the manure which is rich in ammonia. I hope to compost it and use it to grow blueberries. I have been growing gooseberries and have had little success because of disease and pests which eat the leaves plus the plants are thorny and hard to weed out the couch grass. Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:43:51 GMT http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=4780404 http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=4780404 We are about to plant 4 gooseberry bushes on our plot and are keen to hear about other plot holders experiences with them, particularly with regards to pests and diseases on our site. Please let us know how you get the best out of your gooseberries! Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:47:20 GMT http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=4737601 http://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=4737601 I intend not to let the plot go to waste this winter and will be planting out a good selection of winter crops;   Red Russian kale Green borecole Cavolo nero kale Winter green cabbage Spring green cabbage Green frills mustard Calabrese Winter purslane Corn salad Chinese leaf Spring onions Winter lettuce Broad beans   Any ideas for other winter, or over wintering crops?  Suggestions most welcome.   Ian Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:55:35 GMT