I am in absolute denial that Spring is not coming. Last Sunday's walk felt like the turning of wintertide, and to celebrate, I planted our vegetable seeds.
Sticking to what we know grows best for us; three types of squash, including the Boston Marrow that Libby Buttons send me from America. Courgettes (which my US friends called zucchini) Cucumbers, Rosemary, a squadron of them, to nullify the pain of losing my old timers during the snow. Basil, to pretend that we may, one day, have summer. Tomatos and some long sweet peppers that might not come up as they are a little out of date. And broad beans for some early crops. 
Then the weather played spiteful tricks and we have had snow again. Today we dutifully marched across muddy fields for some fresh air and exercise. We were not the only ones waddling down the footpath. 
But we could not fly away like this - 
Or land with such perfect synchronicity.
I have been completely wrapped up with the next stages of my two jobs. and trying to juggle them. One of them has already used up an entire A3 sketchbook. I enter the studio, start work, and with a few mental breaks for Twitter and Facebook (hey, I don't take lunch breaks!) - I am working for 8-9 hours at my desk at things I may not reveal - yet. This is not going to change until July, so I will have to find something else to talk about or I will turn into a silent bore. Let me show you our first baby.
23 comments:
Wow. It's sounds like an engrossing project to be sure. I can't wait to see what you are working on!
Dear Gretel,
I am sure whatever you are working on will be worth the wait...you do not strike me as someone who does anything halfheartedly. I am looking forward to planting my flower seeds you sent me. If you are planting tomatoes then I also suggest giving some cilantro a try. Incase you are not familiar, it is the leaf of the coriander seed. Used alot in Mexican cooking and a natural with tom and peppers...wonderful aroma also. Very easy to grow..I can send seeds if you like ;-)
your friend,
Janet
Oh I still feel spring is never coming and haven't even begun to think about seeds yet!
Seeing all your little seedlings pots makes me want to try growing my own veg again. How much space do you need to grow a butternut squash? I'm always wondering if I should keep the seeds from inside the ones I get at the supermarket.
Lovely pictures of the swans too - I am always amazed at how they manage to get themselves up into the air!
We've had more snow, and quite a lot of freezing fog - a good excuse for heading out to the studio and lighting the logburner!
ps, this will show up as my google ID, instead of frayedattheedge - still having problems!!
Glad you are keeping busy! We know you are always beavering away at your lovely projects, we will stick by you - fear not, its just nice to hear the everyday gardenin news, and country walks pics.
Remember to take a bit of time and space for you - dont want you gettin ill again.
Vicky x
fingers crossed that we have some warmer weather by the time your seedlings need planting out
You've made me feel so spring like! I haven't started my seeds indoors yet as I'm afraid of what the cats will do to them. . . but I DID plant some snow peas yesterday to sort of "get the ball rolling". Hope you don't overwork yourself there and be sure to take stretching breaks often!
You will have such a beautiful garden, because you are already starting your seeds!! My Mom had a greenhouse where she would start plants.. I wish I did.
We have come close to planting seeds and then backed out! Brave you, I don't blame you, I just want Spring to be here.... I seem to have missed that last post of yours, so want to say how lovely "Fiddlesticks Hill" is. :O)
It's so nice that your art will keep you busy until Summer! I'm sure we'll be impressed by your mysterious projects in July! As I can feel you're longing for spring, when inspiration is of another quality... I wish it came as soon as possible, because I'm tired of winter, too! I like very much the swans. Habitually, We don't meet them in Bulgaria, but we have a lot of storks. By the way they'll come soon. When I see a swan, I always remember how devoted partners they are. Forever in love, side by side,never leaving each other, with no exception to the rule!...
Thanks, Gretel for your warm words about my winning Sue's giveaway!
Spring will be there soon ~ your seeds are looking good. They will be in the ground before they know it! The one thing that gives me hope that spring's coming is the longer days and wonderful brighter daylight. Am totally curious about what you are working on ~ can't wait to find out. Sounds as if it is going well.
Hey Gretel, nothing like being prepared.
At the other end of the spectrum "Downunder",our garden has yielded an abundance of sweet, juicy, 'meaty'tomatoes (one slice per sandwich). The beans planted rather late to avoid the scorching heat are turning into triffids and the basil has settled in happily in the shadow of the tomatoes.
Blue sky and sunshine here, with a hint of Autumn, the trees are just starting to turn.
Sending you some of our blue sky and sunny days, hope it helps the seedlings.
Hello Gretel, hints of spring here in New York also, but think that I just might have heard some tv weatherman say there could be more snow by the end of the week.
Your photos of the veg seeds in germination mode just took me back to little peat pots I filled with various seeds and hope back in the early 1970's in Brooklyn. That was my last chance (unless fate throws me a lifeline) to have a garden.
I marveled at the progress of those seeds, they became seedlings, and eventually did get planted in the back garden. And...we did have tomatoes and peppers and zucchini.
Another coincidence. It was at the end of that gardening summer that I made my first trip to the UK, and gave some friends access to those rampant zucchinis and tomatoes.
See how your posts draw out vintage memories of mine. Thank you. Best wishes to you on all those projects that keep you inside. You've got a unique talent and vision. Keep going. xo
I was given this Sunshine Blog award, and I have to pass it on to 12 people.
http://pussdaddyblogs.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-was-given-sunshine-blog-award.html
I chose you because I like reading your blog and enjoy you as a person. A lot of people don't like to mess with it, and I can understand that so don't feel obligated. I did put a lot of thought into who I passed it on to though if that means anything. I hope you accept it. Have a wonderful day,
PussDaddy
How wonderful that you are growing so MANY different things. I am also urging on spring, with every bit of mental energy that I can muster. I spotted a few small purple irises yesterday . . . mixed in with the fat clumps of snow!
I like the 'baby' image!
Penny.
x
We wouldn't dare to dream yet of spring..... even if the sun is shining brightly... it is -9 C again this a.m. and a heavy, hoary frost...beautiful but cool enough.....
Ooooh, your "project" sounds like a bit of a biggy...but, must be totally engrossing and I can only imagine what this might be...... looking forward to occasional pics and posts.... I should stick my head into some projects too instead of spending too much time on here. Computers definitely impede progress on any front..... along with just being total time wasters..... I bet we would all be shocked to find out how much time we actually could be putting to good use if we limited our surfing and playing....
Great photo of the flying swan. The last time I saw one, it was flying above our car on the motorway of all places! Well done you for getting your seeds in, I must do it in time this year I really must!xx
You are so efficient, getting your seeds in on time - I'm still in the thinking-about-it stage. Lucky you having such nice deep window sills to put all those pots on too.
Can't wait to see the results of your secret project - you've really piqued my curiosity!
If winter comes can spring be far behind?
Good luck with your project, we are all awaiting the grand unveiling!
Oh I'll swap you for this scorcher of a day (and the rest of the week - 41C today and 40C tomorrow, with it "cooling" down to around 38C later on...
I am harvesting my chillis, passionfruit and figs. Lemon Tree is stubborn and is curling up it's leaves in protest.
Your secret project is soooo suspensful!
Cheers,
Cindy
I'm sorry you've lost your rosemary, I don't know really what losses I've had this winter but my rosemary (huge and ancient) appears to be fine thank goodness. I hope your new project goes well.
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