July & August 2026
After a promising start with several early harvests, the hot weather has intervened. However, as is often the case, there is always something, somewhere, that will take advantage of the conditions. Step forward the aptly named sunflowers, looking over the wall to see what is happening. We did have a few more of these along the fence by the wildflower area. Unfortunately, the cows in the neighbouring field took a fancy to them, so they were cropped a little early. That leaves us with some fine tomatoes and a lot of struggling plants.
June 2026
After a very dry spring, the rain has come to the rescue. The allotment has benefited, and the fruit especially is ripening early this year. The lettuces have come on well, with the peas and broad beans not far behind. We even have a cabbage that hasn’t been eaten by caterpillars!
Elsewhere, our resident duck finally set up home under one of the exhibits and the red kites continue to circle over the site. All in all, a good start to the summer!
April & May 2026
The most optimistic time of year in the garden is April and May. The plants are growing with enthusiasm, and the challenges, pests, and diseases are mostly still in the future. Everything wants to grow – even in the most unlikely of places.
The wallflower has succeeded in the most unpromising location, even if it is living up to its name.
No doubt some things will go awry, but for the moment, we are enjoying it while we can.
March 2026
It is starting to get busy on the allotment, with seeds being sown, hopefully leading to a good crop later in the year. Meanwhile, there are other signs of spring, sometimes in unusual places. There was a surprise in the cottage garden, as one of the local mallards had tried out a spot in the cottage garden for her nest. She must have laid an egg but had second thoughts, presumably when she was disturbed during opening hours.
If previous years are a guide, she will find a quieter spot elsewhere on the site, building a nest for a clutch of 12 or so eggs.
February 2026
The month has started with pruning the soft fruit in the allotment and the apple and pear trees along the boundary wall beyond the Abbey.
A red kite has been seen hovering overhead again today. It is a real treat to see them use their tail feathers to help navigate in the wind.
Meanwhile, the hellebores are coming into bloom in the cottage garden.
January 2026
A New Year and back to the allotment and garden after the Christmas break.
The weather has been very cold, and the ground has only just cleared of frost and snow. The frost had preserved the evidence of an intruder in the allotment. John recognised the footprints as belonging to a fox. The prints led to a mix of feathers and bone, so we assume someone had enjoyed their Christmas lunch.
Today, the sun was shining, and what a difference that makes. The new growth looked green and vibrant, and the first snowdrop had poked its way out in the cottage garden.
