My Mini Orchard

Well four fruit trees which is a start!

I eventually had the right weather & soil conditions & the time to plant my fruit trees at the allotment on Friday. Having gone from not being able to dig a fork into the soil a few weeks ago because it was frozen solid I was worried that they might dry out because it was so warm! I planted them in a row at one end of my plot.

 I have one each of Braeburn Apple, Victoria Plum, Morella Cherry & Conference Pear.

I dug in plastic pots by each root system. This saves water by directing it straight to the roots and reducing evaporation. I use this system for other plants too (tomatoes, courgettes, peppers). Sometimes the foxes dig them up and play with them but hey ho.

Next to the trees are 2 rows of Japanese Onions which were planted in the Autumn. Once these have matured I hope to prettify this area with insect friendly plants and bark/wood chippings which we are lucky enough to have delivered free of charge to the site.

Broad Bean seedlings 'Aquadulce' (over wintering type)

 After weeding I was able to plant my Broad Beans which I started at home in modules. These could have gone straight in the ground in early November  but I run out of space & time. Sometimes the seed also gets eaten by mice so starting them in modules helps prevent this.

 Although the seedlings had been hardened off I covered them in fleece to protect against frost and birds who like to eat the young shoots.

Under the green netting to the left of the picture I have Curly Kale.

I discovered that there is a bee keeper on the allotment so next time I am down I'm planning to have a look at the hives. I've been told that the honey tastes of lavender as there are bushes nearby. 

The blue tits visited the bird feeders throughout the day and although I didn't see my woodpecker I heard it in the distance a couple of times. I've upturned a metal bin lid to provide the birds with water and maybe in the future I might build a little wildlife pond.

Tete a Tete daffodils - small & perfectly formed - my favourite.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend and that the sun continues to shine.