Cut Flowers and Floral Design: Allotment tales

Forum: Cut Flowers and Floral Design Replies: 150, Views: 638 Print -

Author Content terriculture london (United Kingdom) August 1, 2007 1:54 PM Post #3805725 A google earth image of the allotments, mine is highlighted in yellow. A good job the photo is taken from a distance beause mine is a mess. LoL!! I was on the waiting list for about a year, then one became available,(usually because the plot holder hasn't got anything growing but weeds). It costs £18.00 per year.It is lovely and peaceful there, like I'm in not in London somehow. So when I go there my kids call me 'lottie lady' LoL! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) August 2, 2007 12:51 AM Post #3808302 I found a better picture! Click the image for an enlarged view. karmaplace New Orleans, LA (Zone 8b) August 2, 2007 8:46 AM Post #3808850 Lottie lady, I used a currency converter. That's 37 US dollars a year?!?!?!? That sounds like a great deal. I've never been to London, but imagined it to be very nice there. Guess I've read too many regency novels? terriculture london (United Kingdom) August 2, 2007 12:10 PM Post #3809605 Sorry to spoil your illusions about London, but being from Liverpool I sometimes get 'homesick'! no allotment news for you, it's raining again! If we don't get some warm sunshine soon, my tomatoes will never ripen. At least I haven't had to go and water,thats a job in itself, no hoses allowed on the site so it's loads of watering cans to fill up from the water troughs. This message was edited Aug 5, 2007 1:59 AM terriculture london (United Kingdom) December 6, 2007 9:10 PM Post #4269573 Harvesting my Parsnips!!!!!!!!! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) December 6, 2007 9:14 PM Post #4269583 I'm proud of my first ever Arty parsnips! but I don't mind telling you I laughed my head off when I dug them up. hahaha!!! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) December 6, 2007 9:16 PM Post #4269587 Parsnip critter! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) December 6, 2007 9:21 PM Post #4269595 Maybe next year, they will be straight and boring! Click the image for an enlarged view. NisiNJ Bordentown, NJ February 4, 2008 7:43 PM Post #4496028 Dear Terriculture: How big is that allotment? (in yards--I don't understand metric) What did you plant (besides parsnips). Will you have it again this year? NisiNJ terriculture london (United Kingdom) February 5, 2008 12:31 PM Post #4498336 Hi NisiNJ, I forgot about this thread! My allotments is for keeps as long as I keep it in good shape and actually grow vegetables. It is about 60ft by 20ft, with a little shed. I haven't ventured down there yet this year, it is far too wet and soggy the soil is not workable. Last year I grew from seeds in my greenhouse at home, then brought them as young plants to the allotment. carrots, leeks, parsnip, turnip,tomatoes,onions,lettuce, cougettes, lots more and flowers. This year I'm going to sow some seeds directly on the allotment. I have so much clearing still to do from the previous plot holder. I am going to do a big area with flowers! Do you have an allotment, or grow veggies? These are some of the seeds I used. Eddited to say, I got the measurements wrong, it is more like 100ft by 20ft This message was edited Feb 6, 2008 2:36 AM Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) February 5, 2008 12:33 PM Post #4498344 the lettuce grew really well, our rabbit loved it! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) February 5, 2008 12:34 PM Post #4498350 The turnips were delicious Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) February 5, 2008 12:38 PM Post #4498362 more seeds Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) February 5, 2008 12:41 PM Post #4498373 The potatoes were easy, I've heard they are good to improve the soil so I'm going to plant more this year. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) February 5, 2008 12:42 PM Post #4498379 The pot marigolds looked great amongst the tomatoes. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) February 5, 2008 12:43 PM Post #4498387 Sunflowers are a must for late summer colour! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) February 5, 2008 12:47 PM Post #4498398 The last one! more sunflowers, the kong hybrid grew to 14ft! Click the image for an enlarged view. NisiNJ Bordentown, NJ February 6, 2008 11:47 PM Post #4505720 Dear Terriculture: As karmaplace said earlier, that is a wonderful deal! I am not familiar with parsnips. How do you prepare them for eating? Thank you for inquiring about my garden. It could be that you were being polite, but you're going to get the extensive answer anyway... My "allotment" is in my back yard. My husband always said that back yards are for playing whiffleball with the children (that's baseball with a plastic ball and bat), and that I must not interfere with the "playing field." So I was allowed a 3 foot wide strip along the very back fence. Then two things happened: 1) The children grew up (they're college age) and 2) we got a dog who digs holes EVERYWHERE. So to keep the dog out of the garden we put up a rustic looking split rail fence. It looks like the edge of a country field running right through the middle of the yard. And behind it I can put in garden beds to my heart's content. So far the budget has allowed for the purchase of raised bed kits making two 3 ft x 6 ft beds. I have the sides for two more sitting in their boxes; they will go up this year. I also dug up the ground underneath the now-abandoned swing set, which is going to become a monster A-frame. New Jersey residents are very proud of our sweet corn and tomatoes. I have to leave the corn for the farmers, but there have been many tomato plants in my yard. I don't have a greenhouse, but my beloved late father was an electrician, and he put up fluorescent lights in our basement, where seedlings are started. I have also grown onions, zucchini (courgettes?), bush and pole beans, carrots and peppers. Cucumbers develop disease in our soil, so they grow in pots. There are strawberry plants, but the voles (field mice) ate all the blossoms last year. I put in six Caroline and Heritage raspberry plants, and was surprised and delighted with the small first-year harvest. For this year I ordered some flower seeds and bulbs and will try to grow them for cut flowers. Each year I put out a little table in the front yard by the street (I live in a suburb) where I sell the extra tomato and pepper seedlings in 4" pots. When people come by to walk their dogs, etc., they put 75 cents in the "honesty jar" and take plants. Maybe this year they will take some cut flowers, too. I have never grown flowers for cutting before and am a novice. Sorry about the long post; will keep it shorter in the future. Love your pictures; I have to find out how to upload pictures. NisiNJ karmaplace New Orleans, LA (Zone 8b) February 7, 2008 6:36 AM Post #4506341 NisiNJ, I love the idea of selling seedlings to your neighbors. That would be even lovelier to have cut flowers available to them as well. Terri, most of my seeds for the sweet peas came up in their wintersowing containers. What do I do now? We should still be getting cold weather for the next month. I also have snapdragons, bells of ireland, and chinese lanterns coming up. I just don't know what to do with them. My bed is not ready yet, and it may be too early to transplant. What do you have growing in your greenhouse Terri? terriculture london (United Kingdom) February 8, 2008 7:57 AM Post #4510860 Hi NisiNJ, I usually peel , cut into wedges and roast parsnips in the oven with a little oil and rosemary. Delicious. I wasn't just being polite! I am interested in what other people grow. Last year was the first time I have grown veggies, so I'm just learning! I love sweetcorn, I don't think we have sunshine for long enough for it to get very big. I have seem other plot holders and their sweetcorns are tiny! Good luck getting your beds made! Great idea having the basement with your lights, for the seedlings. What flowers are you growing? Hi Karma, I haven't got anything growing in the greenhouse yet. Last year I started too early with everything and it was all a bit leggy before it was warm enough to go in the ground. The sweetpeas will be fine, have you taken off the growing tips? after 3/4 leaves. That will help your plants grow much bushier. If everything else gets too big, you may have to repot, it's not worth the risk putting your seedlings out! I went shopping yesterday, bought some seeds and other nice stuff! will show you later, got work now, bye! terriculture london (United Kingdom) February 10, 2008 10:06 PM Post #4521798 Bought my onion sets, hope to plant them at the end of the month! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 4, 2008 8:31 PM Post #4758646 Allotment nightmare, Weeds galore! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 4, 2008 8:35 PM Post #4758667 more weeds Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 4, 2008 8:37 PM Post #4758678 they go on and on... Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 4, 2008 8:42 PM Post #4758698 next doors plot is looking good!!!!!!! I need weed woman over here! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 10, 2008 8:52 PM Post #4789479 Starting to see some progress! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 10, 2008 8:55 PM Post #4789490 Parsnips! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 10, 2008 8:59 PM Post #4789509 Amost dark, but gettting there ...slowly, I'm aching all over!!!! Click the image for an enlarged view. haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 14, 2008 1:08 PM Post #4807450 Would it help to do something similar to your neighbors next year and cover the area with black plastic to keep the weeds down? Or perhaps some roundup weed killer earlier in the year? terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 14, 2008 7:13 PM Post #4809066 Hi Candee, My neighbour spends nearly everyday there for hours and hours! I don't think he even covered it over winter. We are not allowed to use weedkillers or anything like that on the allotments. I am going to mulch the pathways, which will give me more time for working on the beds, instead of repeating jobs all the time. I got another bed cleared today... Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 14, 2008 7:18 PM Post #4809097 another view Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 14, 2008 7:22 PM Post #4809116 Saw a frog... gave me a fright when it jumped out! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 14, 2008 7:26 PM Post #4809138 While I was digging, someone walked by and offered me some spare strawberry plants from their plot. I planted them in straight away. The people are really friendly there. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 14, 2008 7:30 PM Post #4809162 Another long bed emptied of weeds... almost dark, time to go! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 14, 2008 7:33 PM Post #4809175 Thanks for your suggestion Candee, I will definately be doing a better job of covering it this winter! haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 15, 2008 7:24 AM Post #4811400 So are you having froglegs for dinner LOL! We do have them at the cabin and we fix them deep fried with burgers and call it the "poor mans surf n turf"! You are really making progress, how nice to have strawberry plants to put in, nice to have kind neighbors. I have never done strawberries so will be watching yours progress. Is that your shed in the "another view" photo? If so, what do you have hiding behind the skid, plants ready to go in? terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 15, 2008 4:16 PM Post #4813693 I think I prefer to see them hopping! Another hard day at the office, I mean allotment! Yes that is my shed... look what they gave me.. it looks like a portable loo! Lol. It keeps my tools dry and it's somewhere to sit and rest in the shade. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 15, 2008 4:58 PM Post #4813857 There is nice Ivy growing along the back fence next to the shed. It will come in handy for arrangements. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 15, 2008 5:11 PM Post #4813901 Looking at the plot from the main central path for all the allotments. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 15, 2008 5:17 PM Post #4813921 I've filled one compost bin, need to get some more wooden pallets to make another one. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 15, 2008 5:23 PM Post #4813951 View from compst bin after todays work. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 15, 2008 5:31 PM Post #4813994 Im feeling happier about it now, it's starting to look like an allotment! The guy that gave me the strawberries yesterday was there again today. This time he gave me a bundle of Rhubarb to eat! (very kind) I'm going to stew it with loads of sugar and have it with custard! Click the image for an enlarged view. haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 16, 2008 7:18 AM Post #4816171 Making great progress Terri. Nice little greenhouse he's got next door. I haven't had rhubarb since I was a little girl and that has been a longggggggg time LOL! terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 16, 2008 11:48 AM Post #4817164 Thanks Candee, It's so nice to have encouragement! The other plot holders are friendly and stop to chat and say I'm doing well. One stopped me working for half an hour!!! lol. My neighbour is called Tony and it turns out he is one of the committee members! He was telling me that they are growing plants to sell to the plot holders, to help with the costs of the allotments. They sell them at the weekends and will have many more by planting out time at the end of May. I am still going to sow my seeds in my greenhouse at home. I will buy their plants too!! They have lots of veggies and flowers so I will put those in first and mine will be later cropping. Hopefully I will have something to put on the table this year!! I dug this lot up yesterday, weird shapes ... carrots and parsnips... Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 16, 2008 11:51 AM Post #4817184 Tonys plot Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 16, 2008 11:55 AM Post #4817200 Some of the plants they are selling... outside his greenhouse, I haven't got far to go shopping! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 16, 2008 12:05 PM Post #4817245 Tony has put in his sweet peas. I'm not growing them on my plot, I will have them in my garden at home instead. Click the image for an enlarged view. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 17, 2008 4:56 AM Post #4821151 Its coming along nicely Terri! You'll be able to do midnight raids on tony's plot for cut flowers! By the way, I HATE parsnips! Sue terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 17, 2008 6:31 PM Post #4824006 Hello weed woman! come to my rescue at last have you? hahaha! Well, I was thinking I would be doing him a favour snipping a few flowering sweet peas, it helps to keep them blooming!! Don't dis my parsnips man! LOL... I'm getting fed up with digging out grass... Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 17, 2008 6:38 PM Post #4824032 Met someone new today, her name is Anita and she sells the plants!!!!!!! I got a few things... Love in the mist, cornflowers, sweet william, cabbages (round and pointed) marigolds and sweetpeas! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 17, 2008 6:41 PM Post #4824046 I put some of the new plants in and took the rest home. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 17, 2008 6:44 PM Post #4824060 The plot opposite mine has some nice Tulips flowering... Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 17, 2008 6:46 PM Post #4824071 I like this frilly one. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 17, 2008 6:49 PM Post #4824078 Along the pathway leading towards the entrance of the allotments. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 17, 2008 6:54 PM Post #4824094 I'm quite pleased with the work done so far! teeheehee! Click the image for an enlarged view. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 18, 2008 3:06 AM Post #4825875 Its looking fab Terri! I spose your neighbour might be missing a few tulips now'n'then! LOL. I like the flowers on the way to the allotment. Bluebells aren't they? You said you were taking some of your purchases home. Do you have a plot at home too? I took the day off today. It rained a bit and I just felt a bit off. Got my sale tomorrow so concentrated on getting all ready for that. Keep up the good work terri? Looking forward to more pics. Sue terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 19, 2008 5:35 PM Post #4832651 Thanks Sue! Hope the sale goes well, Good Luck hope they buy loads of your plants! I just took home the sweet peas because they need so much attention and watering, I like to have them in the garden. I noticed Tony has netting over his cabbages, so I didn't put mine in yet... better get some netting first! I'm just copying the others!! There are bluebells and tulips along the pathway, it looked lovely. ... and it still looks lovely!!! Click the image for an enlarged view. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 20, 2008 3:18 AM Post #4834596 Hi Tez! The sale actually went ok. I got rid of 20 plants, so theres a little more space to put some others now! LOL. I made my money back and have a little bit left over to go shopping at the Bromeliad nursery next weekend. Its going to take 2 hours to get there, but the man has already promised me lots of freebies such as succulents and palms and mondo grass. He said to take as much as I like! He'll regrest saying that! LOL Good idea copying the local gardeners. If they've been gardening awhile, odds are they know the tricks! Its raining.flooding again here. Its been on and off since thursday, but this afternoon it got serious and I've had to go and rescue plants out of the nursery that were going under! Bills gone for a drive with jenna to look at others yards and to see the beach and rivers/creeks flowing. I told him not to drive through any creeks! this is the garden this morning before the rain. Click the image for an enlarged view. haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 20, 2008 12:04 PM Post #4835759 Oh Sue that is gorgeous. It looks like a tropical paradise, my favorite thing. The trees really give it a finished look being so stately at the ends. Let's see more! Especially when you get the freebees. Terri, your allotment is coming along splendidly. Sounds like the perfect neighbors to have. You are making me anxious to get some things in the ground, but pouring rain today and the last couple of days although nice weather was not home to get anything accomplished. I got some sweet pea seeds and will soak them overnight next weekend and hope to put them in. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 20, 2008 5:32 PM Post #4837106 Sue, So glad to hear the plant sale went well, makes it worth all the hard work and effort you put into it. Well done! Well, your garden was looking gorgeous before the rain, hope no damage was done! it looks full of interesting plants. The brom nursery sounds fab, especially now you're on a promise!! I'm going to have the first part of the lottie including the triangle for flowers and the 3 long beds for veggies, I think.. Candee, Thankyou! I'm really pleased with myself!!!!!!haha, crazy I know, but it feels good that I have done every inch myself so far! Everyone kept telling me it was too much for me and I should give it up...( mum, brothers, kids etc ) I think that just made me more determined to get it done!!!!!! Most people haven't put anything in yet. Some have their onoins and potatoes in, someone else said the onions can rot if they go in too early and we have alot of rain. I hope to start my seeds in the greenhouse next week. Nice you are growing sweetpeas, hope we can use them for a theme sometime!!. Sue, can you grow sweetpeas down under? weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 21, 2008 4:38 AM Post #4839816 Yes as a matter of fact! I put in dwarf ones this year and they are up, but wont flower till September! I haven't grown the short variety before, as I used to line the whole front fence with them (120 metres) but I've planted trees along most of it now, so had to settle for a packet of seeds spread around the flower and vege gardens. I can't wait to see you allotment as it gets growing! How exciting! Thanks Candee. I love my garden! I just wish I could sit down in it without starting to pull weeds and prune. LOL. I will definitely put pics up of my shopping trip, but probly in the Aussie forum on Monday. You're welcome to come and look/lurk. I'll make a new thread about it probably. Keep up the good work Tez. Sue The boat garden This message was edited Apr 21, 2008 7:39 PM Click the image for an enlarged view. haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 21, 2008 7:32 AM Post #4839995 Terri, you should be proud, we all know the effort it takes to dig and maintain any plot of ground. LOL Sue I know what you mean about the sitting. I keep hoping one of these days I'll actually sit back and enjoy ours from a distance where I don't keep jumping up to do something, that compulsiveness in me I guess. Steve says I just don't know how to relax. That boat garden is spectacular. Reminds me I still need to replace the palms I overwintered and then they croaked. Think I'll just get one majestic palm this year. They had some 8' ones at Lowes for $15 but I don't have a GH or anything to store them, and house ceilings bit too low. When I went back 2 weeks ago they were practically all sold out? I have never had the sweet peas so wonder how they might fare in my gardens, guess we shall see. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 21, 2008 9:24 PM Post #4843629 I can't SIT for very long either! Love your boat garden, it's really cool! Your garden looks fantastic Sue! I'll be going back to the lottie on Wednesday, still lots more to do! Someone gave me some chitted potatoes...hey I'm doing well with the freebees! Thanks Candee! Good luck with the sweet peas! I have grown the dwarf ones for hanging baskets and window boxes, but they didn't do well hanging down... they kept growing up!! Live and learn don't we?!! weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 22, 2008 3:14 AM Post #4845080 So Terri, I'd be a bit wary of the potatoes with a name like that! LOL Where do you live Candee? haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 22, 2008 7:37 AM Post #4845301 LOL Sue, I never heard of "chitted taters" either and not sure I want them on my table! We live in Western MD zone 6a. Hoping to do some gardening when I get home today. I believe that part of one of the yuccas I transplanted is going to make it and after work yesterday in the drizzle I spread weed n feed on the lawn and then transplanted a little plum bush that is in bloom. Will have to get a photo if it pretty this afternoon. I also moved some monarda that was coming up in my walkway as well as some of the hardy geraniums. I am off on Friday as Steve has a medical procedure but hope it is nice in the morning so I can get some zinnia and sweet pea seeds in the ground. I have my dahlias potted up and placed them around the sun garden where I think I want them this year? Some of the tubers looked grusome in the grocery bag, but have had that experience with them in years past and they still did quite well so they all got potted. Wow, now that I have said all that guess I accomplished more than I realized yesterday? terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 22, 2008 6:13 PM Post #4848482 I'm going to ask Adele if she planted 'chitted' blue potatoes!!! I bet Adele knows what they are!!!!!! I love Monarda, but haven't tried growing it. You did get alot done Candee! Hope Steve's procedure goes well. haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 22, 2008 8:20 PM Post #4849109 Thanks Terri. I have lots of monarda, it grows so easily here. I have heard of blue potatoes, but not 'chitted'? We were just laughing about the word, never heard of it. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 22, 2008 8:33 PM Post #4849186 I know LOL! I do have a sense of humour y'know, even if I am from England!!! 'Chitted' just means that they are seed potatoes that have sprouted. Maybe I should try again with the Monada, do you have it in the sun or shade? Looking forward to seeing yours when it flowers. What month will that be? haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 22, 2008 8:38 PM Post #4849220 It should be blooming in June. I have some in pink, red and lavender. I have it in full sun, but when it has become established I have moved a bit into the shade and it does well. Interesting word chitted have never heard it before. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 23, 2008 4:05 AM Post #4851011 I have not heard of Monada. I will have to go look it up. Where is "Western MD?" I am not sure of your abreviations for states. I hope steve is o.k. Your garden sounds like it will be a picture. Do post pics as you go! How about you Terri? Hows the allotment coming along? Has it stopped raining for you? Its still raining here so nothing going on and no pictures. I am getting very little sleep due to the excitment of visiting the Brom nursery this weekend. I am hoping the weather clears a bit because we have to go bush and cross a causeway, which has the potential to go under if the creeks get too high. If it gets too nasty, I'll postpone till next week, but that means another week of broken sleep! Anyway, this is the first cab off the rank, so I'm off to answer the other threads. See you's at the cafe. Sue haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 23, 2008 7:26 AM Post #4851216 This is some red monarda from my gardens. Sue, monarda is also called bee balm here in Maryland which is on the east coast of the United States. Thanks, am sure Steve will be fine, don't worry mate! I will be going out today to take some pics, I promise. It is supposed to be 76 here this afternoon with sunshine! Whoopee. Better enjoy as then prediction to go back to rain for a few days and the weekend. You better get some rest so you aren't too exhausted to enjoy the bromeliads. I had one of those once and killed it off in record time! I'll keep my fingers crossed that the rain stays away for you. Click the image for an enlarged view. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 24, 2008 3:11 AM Post #4855882 Oooohh, that looks lovely! I googled it and found some lovely close ups! I mulched and cleaned up part of a huge garden today, but had a hawaiian massage later, so am now feeling all rubbery and saggy! Tomorrow, the house work then "Bromeliad heaven". 2 more sleeps to go! Hows the allotment Terri? haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 24, 2008 7:23 AM Post #4856114 I can't wait to see what you get from bromeliad heaven! I love them as I am really fond of any of the tropicals, but I just haven't had much success with them. Perhaps it is time to try them again? How I could go for a hawaiian massage. That sounds splendid. I have never had a professional massage, but must admit I don't mind long as I have the hottub. I really like the monarda, some of mine get double tops like a double decker bus and if I take the time to deadhead they last most of the summer. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 24, 2008 2:15 PM Post #4858140 Hellooooooooooo! No allotment progress to report! It's been raining the last few days , and when it wasn't raining I was at work! Hope the brom nursery visit goes well and is productive for you Sue! Lucky you with your massage! Beautiful Monarda Candee, you have sooooooo many! they look fabulous planted on masse like that. Maybe I'll get back to the lottie at the weekend! haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 24, 2008 2:22 PM Post #4858171 Dang rain, here we figured you were up to your neck in bean poles!!! terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 24, 2008 2:48 PM Post #4858311 Lol! weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 24, 2008 10:51 PM Post #4860567 rain here again too! Had my massage. Really liked it and last night, slept like a baby! I got up and cleaned bathrooms and showers then vacuumed and mopped the floors. Then had breakfast and went back to sleep! I love holidays! I got up around midday and had a shower, then went for a stroll outside. The rain guage had 40mm in it, I pulled up a garlic root to make a cuppa with, checked on the nursery and relocated some succulents to a dry spot for the duration of the rain. I also cleaned the skimmer box on the pool, then down came the rain, so here I am! Ginger tea in hand and just polished off a couple of warm banana and walnut muffins! Its pouring! I'm going to clean the inside windows shortly, and if we get more breaks in the rain, maybe hose down the outside windows too! (The tanks are full to overflowing) One more sleep to go! I do hope it lets up for the nursery visit! Hey, when you google Monarda, make sure it has the "R" in it. I googled Monada, and got a very confronting image! Hope you get to your lottie soon, and I recommend everyone have a massage at least once! Sue terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 26, 2008 5:12 PM Post #4868062 Hi Sue, How did the nursery trip go? Hope all is well with your Steve, Candee! weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 26, 2008 6:29 PM Post #4868403 [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] heres the link to my day Terri. It was awesome. Its morning for me here and I'm eating raisin toast and having a cuppa. I took the dogs for a little walk seeing as its such a glorious day. I had a quick stroll around the garden and after checking in here at DG, I'm off out to the garage to look at, photograph and pot/plant my purchases! I've got the bug worse than ever now and am so inspired by the ammount of broms Neil had collected/grown over 25 years! Only 23 years and I can have that too! LOL Sue terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 26, 2008 6:36 PM Post #4868440 Hi Sue, Glad you had a good time. I read the link but didn't get to see any photos (subscribers only)! I love raisin toast!! Hope to see a few pics if you post them here! It's great to hear that you weren't disapointed with the nursery. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 26, 2008 6:39 PM Post #4868451 Did you want pics of the nursery or raisin toast Terri? This is Neils back door Click the image for an enlarged view. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 26, 2008 6:39 PM Post #4868456 Were you able to read the whole story? More at Neils back door Click the image for an enlarged view. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 26, 2008 6:40 PM Post #4868459 Neils back yard Click the image for an enlarged view. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 26, 2008 6:41 PM Post #4868468 The shade house where he grows alot of mini Broms. He had three large shade structures I think. I should have taken way more photos, but I had my hands full by now. Click the image for an enlarged view. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 26, 2008 6:42 PM Post #4868477 He had lots of these fantastic logs all planted with Broms, and also alot of orchids in the garden and shade houses. The yard was mostlt palms and some Vireya rhododendrons and of course, bromeliads everywhere! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 26, 2008 7:02 PM Post #4868537 WoW! It looks like a fantastic collection, they are all gorgeous! I never knew there were so many varieties, and different coloured foliage,love the varigated ones too. I read the first post, sounds like you had a great laugh with your mate! Thanks for posting them here Sue, G' on ya! terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 27, 2008 5:01 PM Post #4872610 Raisin toast please. LOL!! haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 27, 2008 7:13 PM Post #4873203 Looks like Neil has a hard time even getting out that door. Great adventure yu had that trip and came back with more than bargained for, always a good day. I prefer my raisin toast with cinnamon, got any??? LOL Such vivid colors in all of the brom pics you posted, makes me want to move to a more tropical area. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 5:13 PM Post #4878391 Raining again today! I went to check out the lottie in my lunch break, It took 6 minutes to walk from work. (sad I timed it) LOL!! Thought I would take you on a quick tour of the place, seeing as I didn't actually DO anything there today. The blue door at the end of the path is the entrance to the allotments. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 5:17 PM Post #4878411 Through the door, the notice board and meeting hut. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 5:27 PM Post #4878455 There is a main path going down the centre with the allotments either side of it. 1st plot, onions planted. This is Tony's (he has 2 plots) Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 5:30 PM Post #4878463 nice tulips! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 5:34 PM Post #4878476 The plot next to mine, I haven't met my neighbour yet. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 5:38 PM Post #4878498 my plot. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 5:41 PM Post #4878517 Tony's plot, next to mine. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 5:45 PM Post #4878528 next one along. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 5:52 PM Post #4878558 This one belongs to the guy who gave the strawberry plants. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 6:00 PM Post #4878593 next! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 6:04 PM Post #4878611 this one is a bit of a mess, LOL! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 6:10 PM Post #4878644 I didn't go any further today. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 6:14 PM Post #4878658 Back to my plot...I still have a lot of work to do! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 6:25 PM Post #4878718 Sat in the shed, here's the view! Hopefully I will be able to get something done this week, depends on the weather! Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 28, 2008 6:41 PM Post #4878814 Some nice spring flowers on the way out. ... Click the image for an enlarged view. haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 28, 2008 9:31 PM Post #4879690 Looks like everyone has been busy in their plots. Your neighbor really has put in quite a bit of plants. I love the tulips with the fringe - just like the ones I have had. How much more work do you have before planting? Looks like you have most all cleared and ready to go to me? weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 29, 2008 4:20 AM Post #4880747 Hi Tezza, what do you do with all your greenwaste? Where are the troughs that you get your water from? Could you not stick a piece of gutter on your little shed roof with a barrel to catch the rain water? The pathway to the blue door is gorgeous! How many plots are there? (you probly already said in the thread, but I'll ask again, being lazy and all!) Is the black plastic and carpet to slow the weeds, or warm the soil or what? It looks so lovely there and the soil in the one next to Tonys looks amazing! The strawberry mans one looks good too, with quite an assortment of stuff by the look. Keep it coming Terri, and how nice to be able to nip down there for a cuppa! In your meeting hut, is there tea making facilities, or do you have to take your own from work? Sue Click the image for an enlarged view. haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 29, 2008 7:27 AM Post #4880919 I believe Terri totes her own tea to the plot from what I have surmised. Those are cute litte broms Sue, they kinda look like they are in dirt, are they? I thought broms lived on just air alone, perhaps that is why mine died off LOL! terriculture london (United Kingdom) April 29, 2008 5:15 PM Post #4883381 Hi candee and Sue, Thanks for being interested! It's nice to go there, peaceful, away from the usual London trafffic noises! The hut is open at the weekends to buy plants and for the AGM meeting once a year!! There are no tea or coffee making facilities or toilets! 40 plots altogether, 20 on each side of the main path. It is hard to see the size of my plot on the photos. There is still quite a way to go to get to the compost bin and beyond that infront of the shed, all needs clearing. The grass is really thick and in a mound infront of the shed. There are no waste facilities, either compost it , burn it after 8pm or take your weeds home!! I think the plastic is still covering those plots over the winter, I haven't seen anything done on them this year. Hope it's not raining again tomorrow, I'll pop down there at lunchtime with my picnic lunch!! My first pot marigold on the plot, it was a bit windy and it wouldn't keep still! Pretty broms Sue, looking forward to seeing them open. Click the image for an enlarged view. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) April 30, 2008 6:07 AM Post #4885752 Thanks for that terri. Even with all the hard work you have to put in, and no tea and pee, it's still worth it isn't it? Hey Candee, yes, most broms need soil! Some dont, but most do. Sue haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) April 30, 2008 7:40 AM Post #4885914 LOL, Quoted: no tea and pee Well let me tell you Sue, I bought a brom tree one year and there were several species on it, it was like a curly trunk going up about 4' with 4-5 plants and one in the base was that one with the big pink flower??? I used to just put a bit of water in the center of them to soak but it lasted about 2 years and then all was lost. Perhaps I will start again using some soil although not sure how that would have worked with them on that stalk? Oops, Terri, I thought you were almost finished clearing, guess I better take a closer look, or are you fooling me with your camera shots? We had some wind yesterday as well and almost near frost last night, yikes! Enjoy your lunch down there today and keep us posted. terriculture london (United Kingdom) May 1, 2008 5:59 PM Post #4893301 LoL!! Yes it's still worth it or will be worth it when I get some flowers and crops growing!! My SIL is coming to stay for the weekend and she is going to come to the lottie with me on saturday to help!! Yay.. it will be great to get some more done. These past two weeks have been dreadful weather conditions, but according to the weather forcast it's going to be nice on Saturday. Have you planted all your new broms Sue? lets see where you put them!! weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) May 1, 2008 11:54 PM Post #4894925 The little ones along the front are new Click the image for an enlarged view. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) May 1, 2008 11:56 PM Post #4894929 And another view. I will take some better pics later. Its daylight now! Waaahoooo! Have fun with your SIL Terri! And Candee, don't be afraid to give it another go, they are really not that difficult. Warmth, shade, and water in the tank. Thats usually enough for Broms! Your tree sounded lovely. Sue Click the image for an enlarged view. haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 2, 2008 7:09 AM Post #4895450 I found a photo of another that I musta tried years ago that was in a pot, I barely remember it except I know it was here as the photos don't lie LOL! Will give it another try, no fear here. Yours look fabulous, but I must ask about that log tunnel to the rear left and what appears to be a little stone rodent exiting? What is that? Or are my eyes really deceiving me in my old age? This message was edited May 2, 2008 7:09 AM weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) May 3, 2008 3:47 AM Post #4900010 I've fooled many with that one Candee, well spotted! Its a resin figurine of a Native Australian Bilby. It is weathering quite well as it is in the shade and keeps dry also. So Terri, did you get to the Lottie today? Do tell! Illoquin Indianapolis, IN (Zone 5b) May 3, 2008 4:31 AM Post #4900028 Terri, That is very interesting. I have heard of them for years, but was never quite sure what they were..what was on that property 40 years ago, can you guess? I wondered if they were old buildings or houses that were torn down or something. It seems like a property in London citty limits that size would be built on, not rented out for such a handsome sum (LOL!) that would barely pay the taxes. Or does the government own it and lease it out? I have always wondered, after hearing about them, now that I see a photo, I just have more questions :) I was also wondering about the houses in the background of the picture of yours..How old would you estimate they are? I'm just curious what those people think about all the crazy gardener people almost in their back yards, if those are single family dwellings or what. What kinds of people live in them (broadly speaking). Would they be young couples, old people, families, poor, rich or what? Will all those veggie farmers make fun of you for growing flowers, or will you have veggies, too. :)) Suzy terriculture london (United Kingdom) May 6, 2008 2:41 PM Post #4914913 Hi Sue, Your broms look very happy in their new home! Love the way you grouped them, very nice. Thanks for showing me! SIL and I had quite a productive day at the lottie on Saturday. We got the rest of the beds up to the compost bin cleared. Planted in loads of onions and some cabbages! Had a really nice day, loads of laughs and it was lovely warm and sunny. Trina, somehow broke my rake!!!!! I walked along to see if I could borrow one from someone, luckily I found someone who was willing to lend me his for a while. Guess what?!! Trina stepped on it and broke it in half LOL!!!! I owe him a rake now. Hi Candee, I was fooled by that Bilby once too! Hi Suzy, Sorry so long to reply. I have found out that the land used to be owned by a squire 100 years ago! There is a big house which was owned by him and the allotments were his kitchen gardens. Amaizing to discover that they have been allotments ever since. The soil must be very good! I will take a photo of the big house next time I go. The other houses have been built around the allotments over the years. I don't know who lives in them! I think some are converted into flats. Next time I go, if I see anyone, I'll ask more! Thanks for the interest. You can't see the onions! but the cabbages are in. Click the image for an enlarged view. Illoquin Indianapolis, IN (Zone 5b) May 6, 2008 3:47 PM Post #4915201 This is very interesting to me. I had never heard of an allotment until 7 or 8 years ago when I met some Londoners. I could barely undertand them, and had no idea what the were talking about. LOL! Then we were on vacation in San Francisco a couple years ago, and they have a fenced in allotment gardens, too. Thanks for the information on them...I see pics like that and the background story is as interesting to me as the main one. Suzy weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) May 7, 2008 6:23 AM Post #4917975 Hi Tez. Glad you got some stuff achieved. Geeze your SIL sounds like a clutz. LOL Don't bring her with you if you ever come and visit me! I need my rake and I reckon I use it every day. (Actually, I have a number of them conveniently leaning on trees and against walls for quick access) I was given some cabbage, brocolli and cauli seedlings yesterday from a fellow student, but have yet to put them in. Hopefully I will get a spare 10 minutes before i have to leave for work tomorrow. As for the rest of the garden, it is slowing right down! YAY! Theres still a few things flowering and it never really stops, but the weeds do for a while. Catch you later aligator. Sue haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 7, 2008 7:15 AM Post #4918056 Suzy, thanks for asking the question, I am fascinated to hear the history as well. Kitchen gardens for the mansion, imagine! Glad you didn't borrow a tractor, could have been a disaster! I shouldn't say anything as there have been a few times I have fallen over my own feet. and believe I have some "shovel incidents" of my own. The allotment is looking great and you got lots of veggies in already. Our gardens are really coming into bloom now and Steve put a bit of fertilizer on his garden yesterday eve, so all is coming along here as well. We tried the brocolli and cauliflower one year, but the bugs got it before we could! Candee weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) May 7, 2008 7:19 AM Post #4918065 Hey Candee, yes we get the white cabbage butterflies and caterpillars attacking our brassicas too, so planting them now, while its cold, is avoiding the breeding cycle. Smart eh? We get sooo many chewing bugs here, that in Late summer to Autumn, its not worth planting any edible crops at all! haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 7, 2008 7:27 AM Post #4918078 Oh that is smart planning Sue, I'll tell Steve. weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) May 7, 2008 7:41 AM Post #4918120 What time is it in your part of the world Candee? Its 9.40pm here haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 7, 2008 7:42 AM Post #4918124 It is 7:40 a.m. haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 7, 2008 7:43 AM Post #4918150 I looked on the world clock once, Terri is about 6 hrs. ahead of me and you are about 12 +/- weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) May 7, 2008 7:46 AM Post #4918157 Well its wednesday night. I think Terri is about 6 hours behind, so shes probly about to finish work. You're probly about to start your day, and I'm off to bed shortly. Its good that we can be on at the same time. terriculture london (United Kingdom) May 7, 2008 7:48 AM Post #4918166 Hello mates! It's 12.45pm here . Can anyone lend me a rake? hahahahaha! haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 7, 2008 7:49 AM Post #4918174 Not my rake, you give her one Sue you said you had lots. haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 7, 2008 7:52 AM Post #4918179 Okay so you are 5 hours ahead of me Terri and well Sue, you are almost my tomorrow! Guess I better get some work done here, will catch you all later. I actually got up at 4 this morn and caught up some of my photos onto my webpage, so probably will poop out earlier than usual tonight. Plus, it is supposed to rain tomorrow, so guess I will be cutting grass when I get home today! Always somthing to do and I want to get a new potted tree for the hottub deck and some mulch for the lampost out front and on and on . haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 7, 2008 7:55 AM Post #4918189 Oops, wanted to leave you with this pic from last eve, bit cloudy, but you get the idea this is looking from the sun garden to the isle and shad garden and deck behind. Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) May 7, 2008 8:04 AM Post #4918202 It looks so peaceful on your Island, lovely way to spend the evening with that view! Well done with all your hard work to achieve such a lovely garden. Now ... get back to work..LoL!! weed_woman Coffs Harbour (Australia) May 7, 2008 8:08 AM Post #4918219 yeah, and no, you can't have any of my rakes! So I'm 9 hours ahead of you terri, why aren't you at work young lady? I'm about to head off to bed, I have a mulching job tomorrow. Loving the Garden candee, I remember it from your post in the patio forum I think, it was a looooooong time ago! we were comparing sunny spots! LOL/ Goodnight terri, and terri's lottie and Candee, and Suzy if you come back. Sue Click the image for an enlarged view. terriculture london (United Kingdom) May 7, 2008 8:15 AM Post #4918236 I've got the day off! It's my Birthday!!! ssshhh don't tell anyone. Goodnight Sue, Sleep well! haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 7, 2008 9:22 AM Post #4918475 OMG glad I jumped in here again for a minute. Your birthday, well happppppy day. I won't say a word, but believe I need to get to work on something for your big day! hum, thinking cap on. terriculture london (United Kingdom) May 7, 2008 9:45 AM Post #4918584 Whispering, Thank you Candee! Top secret ok? haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 7, 2008 10:27 AM Post #4918797 NP haighr Hagerstown, MD (Zone 6a) May 7, 2008 3:29 PM Post #4920167 I told everyone it is a secret and to keep it quiet. Come on over and join us on your special day, but hush, hush, sweet Terri! [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] terriculture london (United Kingdom) May 8, 2008 10:47 AM Post #4923697 LoL!! My sister in law is going to kill me when she reads I told you about the rakes hahaha! Serves her right for