Both onion and shallot sets were growing well.
Last year our broad beans were a total failure, but this year despite the weather, it looks more promising. The plants have attracted the attention of the pea and bean weevils. I've yet to actually see a weevil, but most years the leaves of many of our broad bean and pea plants are distinctly notched where the weevils have had a nibble. As long as the plants keep growing well they usually ride out the attack. It's only when growth is really slow that the plants suffer.
Our potatoes have been really slow to push through the soil but at last some are making an effort.
Our existing strawberry bed is in its third year and due to be replaced. One variety though - Sweetheart - is growing really well and is full of flowers. The bees have noticed this too. I think these plants may have earned a reprieve or at least I'll make sure that I take some runners off them to grow on some new plants.
The bees were taking advantage of the spells of dry weather and browsing any available flowers and not just the strawberries.
The aim on Tuesday was to erect a frame and plant out sweet peas.
This was achieved and we also managed some tidying up, including clearing out one of the spent brassica beds. This now needs to dry out so that the soil can be turned over.
Of course we couldn't leave the allotment without pulling some stems of rhubarb.
Thursday, we decided to brave the showers and head for Nostell. Martyn and I stuck to the pathways so we could keep our feet relatively dry. Ruby, however, ran through puddles and nuzzled in the wet grass so was wet through when we made it back to the car.
Nostell has now been transformed into a different world. The trees have leafed up, and the understory has grown.
The trees are beginning to flower ...
... and the hedgerows have turned white as the hawthorn is now in full flower.
The waterfall that links the lake to another on higher ground has far more water flowing courtesy of all the rain.
The photo below on the top left shows that the temporary lake, that had been a feature throughout the winter months but which had completely dried up, is now reestablishing itself.
In the wooded area several large puddles, or what could be described as ponds have been created. Some bluebells are now growing under water and the larger of the expanses of water had attracted a pair of mallards. If you click to enlarge the photos you will be able to spot them.
The male swan that was involved in the drama described in the previous week’s post was keeping close to his family. Whilst the cygnets swam with mum, dad kept guard at the edge of the lake. Knowing how aggressive he could be we made sure that we kept our distance.
Sunday was a fine afternoon so we spent time at the allotment where I cleared the remaining spent brassica bed whilst, Martyn strimmed the grass. We managed a bit of general tidying too so things looked much more presentable when we left.
