Update

Have now also received bee suits so are kitted out to actually work with bees in the spring!
Not had much time for going to the allotment recently,which is disappointing but Trevor is keeping things going. Have been able to use carrots,swede,leeks,parsnips,pakchoi,chinese cabbage and some great brocolli and caulis freshly picked as well as stored onions,pots and squash which I love!!
Decided to have a go at making own Christmas presents this year- the medlar jelly was interesting - didn't end up with much of it; yesterday made Christmas Apple and Cranberry Chutney to give as presents. I know it is meant to mature but it was very tasty with bread and cheese for lunch!

Bees

After really interesting first day on Beekeeping course came home with lots of enthusiasm and ordered smoking tool kit from internet. Arrived today- very exciting -only wish I had bees to try it on!!

Orchids

I love to rescue orchids- this Vanda is a plant I saved last year and is  one that I'm really pleased with - never thought I would get it into flower!

The little Cattleya type is flowering for the 2nd time and smells beautiful as well.

Medlar Jelly

Thanks to Rob for picture of medlar tree and fruit- so far puree has been hangin over bowl for about five hours and doesn't look enough to even get a jar of jelly !!

First Post

Have decided to begin blog - now mainly because tomorrow I am begining a Beekeeping course with a view to keeping bees on our allotment. Thought it would be interesting to keep a random record of how things go; not just with the bees but on a general level concerning life through the year.
Today have collected some medlars and am going to try making jelly. Like the idea of foraging and using 'food for free' as the term goes- would be interested in doing more if I was confident of using what I pick!