Fitting it all in

Such a lot seems to have happened since the last entry on the 18^th.

Got back into working and I have 2 new customers and also started at the National Trust. My week is just about full now with paying clients and such a varied set of gardens and challenges – it certainly makes for an interesting working week!

Driving is a little cautious still, very much aware of people waiting at junctions and also having an increased awareness of just how fast some people drive, especially in built up areas.

Have yet to hear from the insurance company about my old Focus, but the assumption has to be it is salvage only. It better had be, because I’ve decided to make a long term investment (if such a thing exists) in new transport – yes, a van; a VW Caddy, all nicely lined out in the back with interior bulk head (to stop stuff crashing through to the driver and passenger areas). The test drive was pretty impressive as it was a very comfortable ride with plenty of pulling power which I’ll need for full loads and a trailer should I get one in the future. I take delivery this coming week. An image below just to show what it's like:

Preparations are just about complete now for the Woodmancote Mayday event on the village playing fields. I did a test run of putting up the marquee that will be used (it took three of us to figure it out). Loads of people in the church have been busily producing plants for the stall and I’ve also just got a huge stock of plants from Gotherington Nurseries. Church literature will also be available, covering Tearfund, Mission Aviation Fellowship, and also information about the church community. Hopefully the resident photographer (Lynne) will capture some pictures of the event I can publish later.

Sponsorship for the BHF bike ride is also doing very well with some very generous donations; very humbling (and now no excuse to not do the event!). I’m looking forward to the bike ride as it’s always good fun to be out with loads of people all doing the same thing, and fun to watch those brave souls who haven’t been out on a bike for a while.

Finally got to plant out the main crop potatoes on the allotment and loads of red onion sets, which fortunately was followed by a few hours steady rain – the timing couldn’t have been better. At home I managed to sow broadbeans, two varieties of squash and courgettes (I’m definitely only going to grow 2 plants this year as there is only so much courgette a man and his family can eat!). In the next week or so I’ll sow some runner beans in pots at home and carrots at the allotment and I think that’ll just about be it in terms of seed sowing. Parsnips have not germinated well so a repeat sowing will be needed. I’ll put out a later sowing of carrots in June – these will be for lifting in September/October time for storing.

So, Spring has definitely sprung, everything in everyone’s gardens is growing and there’s plenty to do!!