My haven

Hardy geraniums and campanulas in the garden

Even on some of the wetter days I can be found pottering about on the plot.  It's somewhere to escape to before or after my visits to the hospital.  At the moment I am enjoying the first of the new potatoes and broad beans in particular.  Yesterday I was joined by Boula who is making a very good job of John's plot.  Gosh, she doesn't half work hard.  We talked for a bit, then carried on with our jobs, taking advantage of a break in the rain.  I have been collecting a few tayberries at a time, and open freezing them so, by now, I've quite a large bagful.  I also managed to collect a fair number of blackcurrants, which are now also in the freezer.  At the next opportunity it will be the turn of the redcurrants.  My garlic is pretty good, with fat, juicy cloves, but the bulbs are beginning to split apart.  The sooner I get them all out of the ground and as dry as possible, the better.  I did take the opportunity, a few days ago, to plant out some cabbage and cauli plants, protected (I hope) by a few slug pellets and the covered with fine mesh, held down as tightly as possible, to keep off the pigeons and any other pests.  However, I have noticed that something has already had a go at some of the leaves.  I think I can write off peas, parsnips and beetroot this year.  I had made a real effort at erecting two, good, strong wigwams which, between them, are barely supporting one sad plant.  What went wrong here?  I have to avert my eyes from Hazel's amazing climbing peas as I walk past her plot.  Am I jealous or what!

I even managed to get a bit of weeding done in the front garden the other day.  Weeding the drive that is!  I just need one more short session and it will be done, then I'll need to do the same on the patio.  The tomato plants in the greenhouse are looking pretty healthy, with quite a few toms forming, but we will need some sunshine (ha ha) and warm days if they are to be successful.  The chilli plants are a bit slow, but there are a few flowers forming now.  The next job is to find a bit of space on the plot (which could be easy, now that I've given up on quite a few of the hoped-for veg) for the courgette and squash plants which are ready to plant out now.

I'm afraid things are not good regarding Mike.  He is becoming increasingly weaker, sleeps most of the time, and needs assistance with eating and drinking.  Occasionally he does join in some of the conversations, and responds to questions, but it's very hard to see my lovely husband declining day by day.  The staff on the ward continue to care for him with a great deal of attention and compassion, and treat me and the family equally.  The plan is now to move Mike to a hospice as soon as possible.  Both me and our family are getting a lot of support from other family members, friends and neighbours, which is keeping us going during this very difficult time. 

In the meantime, I will continue to visit my plot, which has become a bit of a haven for me.