Happy New Year

Today - the 2nd of January we spent an hour or two tidying up the asparagus bed at the allotment. Amazingly there were a couple of spears that are edible! The bed was given a good weed, all the old plants were cleared and then everything was given a good top dressing with the two year old leaf compost. Although it was cold, the sun was out and it was really satisfying to get the bed into shape. There is plenty to do on the allotment but the ground is very wet underfoot, this is when the bed system comes into it's own. The rotted leaf mould is beautifully friable now- Trev was able to clear a space ready for some more manure when it is available, as they say it's all in the muck! We also came back with rocket, beetroot and some leeks. There is also some purple sprouting broccoli almost ready for cutting and some rainbow chard that I need to give some thought to cooking. Exciting times on the allotment!!

Happy Christmas

This year we have had an early Christmas- it's odd knowing that we have had our celebrations when everyone else is still preparing for the big day. It's Cristmas Eve and I have just cleared the fridge and frozen leftovers! We had a great time with all our family ,including a trip to the Nottingham Playhouse panto- highly recommended! So Happy Christmas to everyone and a brilliant 2012!!

Winter Beekeeping



November Bees!!!



What do beekeepers do in the winter?

Plenty of beekeeping jobs- cleaning and storing equipment, checking the bees for stores and keeping an eye on varroa counts. This year the worry is the weather has been so mild the bees are active and using stores too quickly. So making sure we have some fondant ready for feeding has been a priority. Last year I made my own but this year with not so much spare time I have resorted to buying in bulk- just in case!!

This year as well I have had a go at making candles- not my own wax this year but hopefully next year I will have enough to clean up to use.

These candles are made with sheets of what looks like foundation in different colours- very easy to make and just right for beekeepers to give as Christmas presents!