In an age of steam ...

The South Devon Railway opened for the season this weekend ... nostalgia rules, OK?

Hidden Away

Hidden away among the side streets and ancient courtyards of Totnes is an architectural practice



One of those places that catches your eye - but you have to look twice ...

Wood Pile

I came across this wood pile while out walking recently. Although fresh cut, the moss and lichen indicate how healthy the growth had been and how unspoilt the area.

I leave a pile of wood in my garden as a site for insects and small animals, and I wondered how many species already inhabit this haven ... I may return later in the year and see if it's still there (if so, I shall avoid the temptation to lift a log and see!).

Sunbury Park

I paid a visit to Sunbury Park recently, and to the walled garden in particular. It's a quiet place, despite the new gallery and tea shop ... the gallery was built to house the Millennium Tapestry and only opened last summer, but is well supported, even at this time of year.

The plants are beginning to bud, and the birdlife is making it's presence felt - we heard a woodpecker, but couldn't catch sight of it, as well as various tits and the usual garden birds.

The walled garden is an oasis so close to the bustle, although the village itself is relatively unspoilt. It was a warm day, warm enough to sit out and listen to the quiet ... to be still.

Next Move

The broad beans I planted a month ago have mostly sprouted now, although the seed was old. So have the lettuce and cabbage (Primo) seeds I planted last week ... it's looking good so far!

Trimmed some of the strawberry plants - there is already a flower on one in the greenhouse. And DD1 planted the potatoes (Marfona) in what used to be her plot ... we didn't trench them so will have to be careful about covering them as they grow. So many little jobs to be done ... the weather has been co-operative, but we've not had much time this week. Hopefully it will last a little longer.

Getting going

I've been ready to do stuff in the garden for a couple of weeks, but time and weather have conspired against me ...

Today was sunny and warm, and not too wet. I concentrated on repairs to the greenhouse, while DH began to dig over this year's potato patch. Then we worked on filling the two new raised beds ... one for carrots and beetroot (I find it so hard to get them to germinate in our sandy soil and windy garden) and the other probably for celeriac. I also planted up some cabbage (Primo) and the first lettuce.

Much more to do ... and no time to take photos today!