Monday, May 10, 2010

Lemon and red and nature

A few days ago I was just about to hop in the bath when Partner suddenly shouted "Blimey!" from the bedroom. I dashed over (in the nuddy, as they say), expecting another nightmare, but instead found him and Franklin hanging out the window (not literally) spellbound by nature's drama: a sparrowhawk had nabbed a fat pigeon on our lawn. I ran for the camera (still starkers); meanwhile the hawk flew its dinner to next door's garden. If you look closely, you'll see its orange eyes.

After the sunshine and warmth of April, May has disappointed. Apparently we are getting the average temperatures of February. No frost, luckily, but I'm not planting anything tender out just yet. I was tempted to plant out my nicotiana today--after all, it's nearly the middle of the month--but decided to wait just a little bit longer. My early potatoes have now sprouted (yay!); they were planted on Easter weekend, so I'm expecting to harvest them in the middle of June. Hopefully. I've never grown my own potatoes, though I assisted my dad with his when I was younger; he didn't grow early potatoes.

My rhododendron flowered! Frankly, I was expecting a bit more lemon and a bit less peach (the picture on the tag was decidedly lemony); no matter: it's a lovely color, and that bright yellow splash in the photo is a tulip. The tulips are in fact taller than the rhody.

I finished knitting the green and white baby cardigan and will take a picture of Franklin wearing it. I tried it on him, and though super-cute, it is a bit big. I'm kind of on a knitting spree now. I ordered some special yarn online and have started a new baby hoodie. Also in the works: a knitted red and black afghan. I'm hoping no one tells her this, but a very nice lady knitted me a lovely red cardigan a few years ago which I never really wore because it was HUGE. Seriously, it was big on Partner, and he's not exactly small-boned. I've begun unravelling it, and I can see the work she put into it--it's got beautifully intricate cables. I feel a little bit bad about it, but I will repurpose the yarn in my afghan. At least it's getting a new life.

2 comments:

Gilbrides said...

I bet that was quite the site--the birds not you nakie (as my girls say) ;) I love all your flowers. They are so incredibly beautiful. Wow, ptoatoes in June--you are a master gardner!!

I just got my garden plot tilled last night. This morning I dug up a little patch for my herbs and carrots (cause the soil was loosr (more sandlike) there) and planted Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, and oregano plants. I am planting the seeds tomorrow as well as my tomato plants. (and hopefully potato starts if they're at IFA)

Anonymous said...

You have really a nice garden.I like your flowers very much.I have my own garden.But I hardly contribute on it.I trying to plant more flowers and vegetables.I have a mango tree also.Every summer it gives me a lot of mangoes.They are so sweet to eat.I will post the pictures some of my flowers.
garden cloches