Decided not to pull these old corn stalks up just yet. They might be fading back to some kind of transparency, but have stood through the Winter so far and they are about the most sculpturally interesting feature at the plot, unless you count an awkwardly leaning shed. The leaves have weathered to be almost as soft as tissue and don't sound like papers rustling in the wind any more. We'll keep them for a bit longer.
But here's what's emerging, amazingly, after surviving a plague of caterpillars who managed to munch many of the first leaves. (Which birds feast on caterpillars? And why didn't they swoop over for a feast?)
Looks like we'll be having some purple broccoli soon. Don't all come round at once, though as I think there might be just a few stems.
The parsnips didn't do very well this year. Maybe we had some bad seed? Anyway, these will need a few shop-bought friends to help the Christmas dinner along. But still, we have a harvest better than we expected.
However, this is the best bit. After growing broad beans for the first time last year, and with great success, here's what's happening already in the cage.
I think every seed except one has grown into a happy seedling and let's hope the pigeons and crows can't reach them.
And in the apple tree.....
7 comments:
I find it all somewhat of a miracle the growing of things - and I love how nature puts itself to bed ever so quietly each year - it doesn't worry how it will appear in the spring, it just knows this is a time of rest and regeneration - xox
Hi Jeane. Me too!! And it's me who plants the seeds!! Sometimes, I'm amazed that anything survives what nature throws at it, but I guess these plants are hardier than we think. I'm trying for a time of rest and regeneration as well, but you know how it goes....Ax
I always enjoy a wander thru your garden Annie - ours is the opposite of course and bursting forth and needing lots of water as we are so dry at the moment - but truly, vegetable gardens are such great givers aren't they? I am always grateful to the plants when they offer their bounty up for our use. It's a wonder...
Miracles indeed - I find gardening a bit like art -you never quite know what will happen next and therein lies the creative miracle - have a rest full Christmas x
Hi Fiona. Thanks. Pleased you like having a wander here. Yes, their ability to grow despite the weather just amazes me, but I guess vegetables are a tough breed! Read in the paper that now we've had so much rain that there's little chance of hosepipe bans next Summer. I reckon seeds in packets will be hopping up and down at that thought!
Hi Rosie. Thanks for dropping by. I'm always open to seeing what happens next and which plants self seed. Of course, the weeds self seed as well, but they don't get to sit out the Summer!! Have a very Happy Christmas! Ax
Bonnes fêtes
Hi Rosie. Thank you. Hope you have a very Happy Christmas. Ax
Post a Comment