life got me in its claws..........I won :)

[Berti]

for those who have been wondering why I have not been in touch...

life got me in it's claws again..............since last summer.
so I have been trying to "grin and bear it" so to speak......not easy but by the end of december there finally was a feeling that things were going to be better.
so I crawled up again and here I am....
does that mean that meanwhile I have not been doing anything ish? heavens, no.

I still make quilts, spin, knit, dye and bake my sourdough bread for which latter I have started to write my own recipes now and then and experimenting a lot. (did my own sourdough season's stollen this year....)
You could say that I have become a better baker and am working to become technically better (although I have been baking for four years)
Also I FINALLY got a reply from the allotment organisation close by, as I had been visiting and talking there last summer and they would get in touch with me again, and then...........nothing.
I wrote an email, no reply but now I have got a reply last week (whew, took the guy six months......) that they still have some free space and end of january we are going to set up a date again to talk and see what I am going to take.
Usually they rent out at 100m2 and we are only with the two of us, he commented I better share half of that with someone else.
I am not sure yet, still thinking.
And browsing some sites for seeds, and trying to decide what to grow. But first things first, better have a look at the lottie first...

Let's hope this new year will bring us all more time and lots less things to "grin and bear", more fun in life is what I wish for all of us.
Warmest greetings
Berti

[Flo]

I had the same attitude when I took on a double sized allotment plot (admittedly it was clear of weeds as it had been used) - I was told that as a single older person I should take a smaller plot but I seized the big one with both hands and have kept it in good order as well as supplying two households with vegetables and some fruit for 7 months this year.

Once you have the place in order, and full of crops it's not such hard work keeping it in order. Get herb beds and fruit beds done first then you only have to weed and mulch these areas.

It's the getting things in order that takes the time on and there is no quick and easy method - allotments don't do instant results first season.

[theabsinthefairy]

Hi Berti

Welcome back - glad to hear that you are finding the sun between the clouds again.

I have spare seeds from last year so let me know if you decide to take on the full 'lot and I'll pass on some seeds to get you started.

Monika

[snapdragon]

great to see you back Berti and congrats on winning over life

all best Ishness for 2009 may it be peaceful and productive

[the.fee.fairy]

Good to see you back Berti!

[mrsflibble]

good to see you again berti!

[Annpan]

Welcome back Bertie

[Jandra]

Hi Berti,

Welkom terug.

I'd take the 100 m2. As soon as you plant some berry bushes and fruit trees, you'll fill up your space in no time at all.

Cover the soil between bushes with two layers of cardboard. That way you don't have to weed these area's. (Tip: go to Ikea. The spot where people load their cars they usually have a container for cardboard, you can often get nice pieces of plain brown cardboard. Ideal for use as a mulch) Do make sure to weigh everything down with stones really well, for your allotment neighbours will not thank you for flying pieces of cardboard which potentially could destroy their greenhouses. It's incredible what a strong wind can do. Never underestimate that. But if you make sure to weight it down really well you have a great mulch which will repress your weeds for 6 months before it rots down to enrich your soil.

Happy gardening!

Jandra

[Berti]

thanks everybody :)
I am currently into planning what to start growing first, waiting until I get the appointment with the allotment's landlord (or how do you call him?).
I am tempted to go for the 100 m2, with fruits included, some herbs for healing/cooking and some flowers for dyeing aside from the veg.
We are not allowed to keep bees or plant trees or even have a greenhouse........

I have decided to try one full year and then see what I want, continue or not.
There are some physical issues involved and I don't know how this will work with the allotment....although last year things went fine when I did quite some heavy jobs... mmm.

I have some questions so will post in the appropiate boards.......(about vegs/ seeds/ plants)
cheers
berti

[Jandra]

Hey Berti,

Did you get a look at the allotment site yet?

Keep us posted.

Regards,
Jandra

[Berti]

Hi jandra no I didn't yet.......got pneumonia and am trying to heal from that.
The appointment won't be until end of this month/ beginning february I think
But will post, for sure :)
Berti

[Jandra]

Oh dear, get well soon.

Beterschap!

Jandra