Late-November
This is the time of year when evergreen topiary gives provides essential structure as with this narrow-leaved bay
The broad beans are tucked up in a raised bed and protected from birds, cats and badgers
The last of the zinnia flowers
The Paperwhite narcissi are nearly ready to move indoors
On the allotment: 12th November – Andrew has planted up a new soft fruit area. This has involved a great deal of digging, followed by the addition of well-rotted manure and the laying of a Mypex geotextile membrane to retain moisture and control weed regrowth. Planting holes were cut through it and the new fruit bushes are now nicely tucked in for the winter.
In the garden: November 19th – While it remains so mild, even if it is windy, I’ve decided to plant out some of the Aquadulce Broad Beans that I started off in Roottrainers in the greenhouse. They are in a sheltered spot in one of my raised beds. I’ve also transplanted a couple of rows of winter salad seedlings just in case they can put on some growth before any cold weather arrives.
In the greenhouse: November 19th – The green manure I sowed in the border is greening up nicely and should improve the texture and fertility of the soil. The sweetpeas have put on sufficient growth for me to pinch them out after the second set of leaves. This will encourage strong root development.
Gales have been a feature of the garden this week. Even though we are sheltered from the worst effects, it all looks pretty windswept and the tulip tree has dropped most of its leaves. I spent a good bit of yesterday sweeping them up and putting them on the leafmould heap. This morning renewed gales have delivered a second helping. As compensation, poor weather brings some of our favourite birds to the relative shelter of our garden – our flock of long-tailed tits are back, as are a pair of goldcrests. I heard their distinctive twittering and went outside to find them busily feasting on aphids in the mimosa tree.
