It has been a pleasure to be in the garden this week. Summer is here at last! There has been a lot happening too. On Wednesday, we sowed runner beans - four varieties: White Lady, Streamline, Scarlet Emperor and Celebration.
We sowed as many as we could because they are 'out of date' (donated by Simpson's Garden Centre) so they might not all germinate.
Lewis and Catriona were also in school for their Biology exam, so they came up and planted our Dahlia bulbs (they've been in the box for some time now!) in amongst the wild flowers.
There are a few dock plants that need weeding out, but the wild flower bed has really filled out this year...
Lots of pansies too.
Even thought the dandelions are considered weeds, they attract the insects, give lovely colour when in flower and look pretty when in seed! So long as they are not in all our raised beds, they are welcome in the garden!
Not sure what this plant is, but it's huge! Has very spiky spines and sharp edges on the leaves. We'll keep and eye on any flowers that may emerge.
On Thursday, we sold four raised beds to a member of staff. That will help us buy more compost for our seedlings.
Connorhan and Grigor helped carry them down and load her car.
They then enjoyed a "tasting session" eating some of the Jersey Kale flowers - mmm! They have a very mild flavour a little like a radish.
"I'm getting a hint of pepperiness, and the warmth of the sun!"
During the week, Miss Swallow also put up some signs around the garden. Here are two with postcards of World War II designs on, to encourage folk to grow and eat their own produce.
Meanwhile in the Betty MacKenzie greenhouse, our peas are coming on well
Some of the sunflowers died in the heat but we potted on the remainder - these are the strongest ones so far. We are running a sunflower growing competition amongst our primary schools - there is another blog for this at dagardenparty.blogspot.com where you can see how they are getting on.
The Jersey Kale (Walking stick cabbages) are looking fabulous. They have been attracting insects, and we will collect the seeds later for sowing again.
Another momentous event is that the second greenhouse is now complete! A large plastic sheet needed to be bought, then cut into two, to replace one missing roof piece and one damaged wall sheet. We now need to think of a name as there will be an official opening on 18th June with dignitaries attending! Maybe the "OJ Greenhouse" short for "Olympic Jubilee" as 2012 is a special year for Britain! What do you think - please leave comments or suggestions!
The elective class used it for the first time this week to sow seeds - pumpkins (donated by our American friend "MacWanders"), peas, more sunflowers and broad beans.
They also planted up a barrel with winter pansies that are in full flower.
Another sign explains how the syphon system works on our water butts. They are so much better than taps as they don't leak!! The butt with the tap on is empty as we need to try and tighten the tap to stop it leaking.
On Friday, Miss Swallow collected more raised beds from the Greenhouse Community Shop. We have sold 7 so far, and now have 7 more in stock.
Luckily Connorhan appeared to help transport them up to the garden. Well done Connorhan, you do not shy away from hard work!
Another important job this week - John, our CDT (Craft Design and Technology) technician did a fantastic "fix" on the Betty MacKenzie greenhouse window.
It is now very sturdy with a heavy piece of tough plastic secured into place. Thank you John - scones could be coming to the CDT department next week!
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