I recommend a visit to the ICA before September, to catch the exhibition about Tove Jansson. Wonderful array of photos of the artist at work and at play, including her island life. Lots of shots also of early editions of Moomins books. Really heart-warming, and inspiring. I really recommend any of Tove Jansson's general fiction books, as I think those are not as widely known as the Moomins (beloved as they are). The short stories she wrote, and The Summer Book, in particular, have such a calm pace, and lovely curious feel to them - really enjoyable to read as I can't think of another writer who captures such fine pace and tone, often set amidst dreamy environs.
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The first courgette...! I cut off the great fruit and held it aloft, as if it were a champion trophy, I was so excited at the discovery! Since there have been pests gobbling up my various squash plants, and only two plants out of six or seven survive, it was the nicest sight to come along and see, after a bit of absence from the plot. Duly grilled and served with mint in a Sunday roast dinner last weekend! Also introducing my first ever nasturtium flower! Not had success growing these in the past, so gladdened to see these bright orange petals. If more come along, there might be an interesting salad to be had, as petals are edible. Potato plants, doing brilliantly - flowering already. Broad bean plant growing healthily, tall. Mustard seeds have grown copiously. Glad because they are my way of combating the growing of weeds. They feed nutrients into the soil as well as covering it, border-style. It's so cheap at 99p for a big pack - got mine from eBay! Allotment pals - stripey yellow and black caterpillar! Along with birdsong and the presence of cats or foxes, little moments like hearing and watching bees merrily pollinate your growing garden are what make all the time commitment and seriously hard graft worth it. It's also just so good to see bees around, doing as bees might, since they are facing such threat. Hopefully more updates to come, as I've been sad to not have feasible chance to keep up with blogging in recent weeks.
With quite an absence from blogging, I shall just let these photos speak about the progress of my allotment! And just a reminder of the Before photo in May...!
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AthemauraEnthusiastic about 'zines, libraries, gardening in the city, independent book shops/record shops/cafes, vegetarian and vegan, London in all its variety, local living/community. Archives
November 2014
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