23rd July 2021 More Building Going On

 23rd July 2021, Sun is out, bees are on the wing, construction continues

We are surprised ourselves - the Runner beans (on the 3rd time of asking) are already in full flower. The bees are going about their business, inadvertently pollinating our crops and providing us with a bountiful harvest (hopefully). 

The beans set nicely after the flowers disappear and as you can see, small beans very quickly turn into edible vegetables. You only have to turn your back for a minute and they have gone from a small cute mini baby bean to part of a wholesome meal.

We are probably going to need to get fairly creative with beans in a similar way to courgettes and tomatoes when the crops go well. Just boiling and steaming won’t cut it, so, we’re looking forward to interesting ways to incorporate what we grow into immediate delights and for storing away during the winter months.

It always amazes me how these beans know how to attach themselves around the canes and just how fast they grow… ok, you can’t see them actually growing, but go away for a couple of days and you really notice the difference.

Construction of the seating area continues. We have kind of nestled into roles down at the Haven. Desi is taking charge of nurturing seeds, potting on, and planting out, whilst I’m taking on the task of getting this terrace project moving along (and cutting grass). 

The basic idea of the raised bed can now be seen. How high the terrace is relative to the raised bed, the height of the retaining wall etc. planned (in my head anyway) hopefully will all turn out for the best… This seems to be what happens at the allotment: not too much planning, but good intentions and it all, kind of, comes together, somehow…  A bit like life? Don’t plan too much; one step forward; (assess) did it work; are adjustments needed; next step.

Notice the spirit level (Ha!) A fellow allotmenteer said “All a bit professional, a spirit level, isn’t it?” With nature, I don’t think anything is ever straight or level, but we can aim for it, right? With the terrace you don’t want puddles forming, so there is an element of getting the slight slopes at least draining onto the grass!

Soil mountains abound when we’re constructing. Here is our work area: soil hopefully keeping the polytunnel on the ground, functioning compost bins and a nursery for the lettuces soon to be put in the ground… but where exactly, who knows!