It’s ages since I posted about important things on the lifestyle block. It’s early spring now, so there is a fair bit of planting going on. All the gardening information suggested planting peas before winter, as they are frost resistant, and need heaps of growth before flowering, so we did that, and had a few come up, but they didn’t last long. Don’t know what got them really, frost, mice, rabbits? Who knows? So no peas up yet. I planted a whole heap more last week during a spell of great weather. I put in about 40 seeds, so hopefully most of them will come up. The kids love fresh peas. On the weekend I planted Broadbeans, maybe a wee bit late, but earlier than I did last year, so they should be okay. I found some organic Maori seed potatoes on the weekend at a Green Dollars stall. They are little purple spuds, so Ian and Cam planted them in our prepared bed. I’ve started planting seeds in the woodshed. It’s lovely and warm in there and gets all day sun. Last week I planted Butter Beans, Gherkins, Lemon Cucumbers, Lebanese Cucumbers, Corn, Tomatoes (though I don’t hold out much hope for them yet as the temps aren’t high enough), Coriander (yum!) and Nasturtiums. Cam and I also direct sewed a few rows of carrots and a row of radishes.
As for what is currently being harvested? Silverbeet (chard), Spinach, Spring Onions (huge ones still growing from last spring), Leeks (yay, first time we’ve had good Leeks), and Beetroot. Growing well are Brussels Sprouts, Strawberries, Garlic, Shallots. Not growing so well, Cabbages.
The spring wind has arrived. We are getting gale force winds most days for at least a few hours. So far we haven’t lost any trees, just small piece of fence. At least the washing is getting dry (when it stays on the line).
In good news, I have a sewing buddy!! Hooray. It’s really nice to have a close friend who is into sewing as much as me. My friend C is developing a fabric addiction, but hasn’t the time to sew very often, but now my friend J comes round on a Monday, while Cam is at preschool, her bubba has a sleep, and the wee boy (bit bigger than Cam) is content to have the run of most of Cams toys to have a play with. It’s nice to have company when I’m crafting. I’m still doing the Tuesday night quilting class, but I’ve learned not to take anything that requires too much concentration, otherwise I get distracted by all the conversation and make mistakes.
I got a Sew Kid Bee block made today for Susi. A gnome, as requested.
The embroidery face leaves a bit to be desired (I’m seriously a beginner when it comes to embroidery), but I’m happy with the foundation piecing. Good practice for the Rooster I need to make for Tacha’s block.
And another Friendship bag as my swap partner had a preference for red and black. I had heaps of fabric in those colours, so I was happy to make another.
