I’m up early and the household is still asleep, so I nip out to the allotment. I owe somebody a bunch of asparagus, so I have a good excuse.
And what a treat it is! It’s a beautiful morning with a blue blue sky that makes you want to sing. I don’t, of course, but I do find myself humming. I am quite alone in the world – none of the old boys have made it down yet. Just me and a gang of chattering goldfinches. It’s all happening here – the apple trees are in blossom, the asparagus is up and the broad beans have enjoyed a spurt. There are even some potatoes showing. Weeds too – I’ve got a busy weekend ahead of me.
And, joy of joys, a peony bud! Swelling in the morning sun, ripe with potential. The dahlia tubers are appearing too. No sign yet of the ones that stayed in the ground over the winter – I fear the worst for them and have made a mental note not to do the same this year. Excitingly, the ones planted from seed are going great guns back at home. I had to bring them indoors again because they were being ravaged by the snails – they’ve also done for the sunflowers and the cabbage. But the sweetcorn shoots, tough as old boots, are safe from the hungry gastropods and will be ready to plant out soon.
Behind the Sky 