The globe artichokes survived the winter… just. I’m surprised, because they weren’t covered in fleece or protected against frost in any way.
Maybe I just got lucky; I notice that other folks’ plants haven’t fared so well.
I could take this lovely April weather as a sign of things to come, but I made that mistake last year (as did the UK meteorological office). I may even have done it the year before, too.
It’s always a mistake to predict the weather in Britain. This country is a graveyard of meteorologists’ ambitions – just think of poor old Michael Fish. Turns out he didn’t fuck up the hurricane forecast, but it will haunt him to the end of his days.
Best to assume it will all be shit. Usually is.
Posted on 24th April 2010
Under: Globe artichokes | 9 Comments »
The artichoke flowers turned out nice, although I’ve left it a bit late for the photo. They were at their best a week or two ago.
I’ve been very lackadaisical at the plot of late. Hardly any progress on clearing up for next season, and time is ticking by.
Still, I have days off on Friday this week and next, and some serious allotment work is pencilled in. This time in a fortnight, I’ll be fully on top of it*.
* Editor’s note: This may well prove to be bollocks
Posted on 2nd November 2009
Under: Globe artichokes | 4 Comments »
It’s, like, TOTAL excitement: The globe artichokes seedlings have finally germinated. After almost 3 weeks.
That’s not all. My new asparagus crowns have arrived. Which means I’ve GOT to get the bramble bed ready to receive them this weekend.
Which means I’ll need to get some compost. And dig it in. And pull out the remaining bramble roots. And perhaps make a movie about it. And… and…
* Nurse! The sedative! *
Posted on 27th March 2009
Under: Asparagus, Globe artichokes | 4 Comments »
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Here they come – the highlight of the summer. I’m addicted to the smell of lilies in bloom, and I grow a dozen varieties in pots and flower beds. Come July, the smell in my garden is strong enough to kill at 100 yards.
On a different note: Anyone know anything about globe artichokes? I sowed some seed a fortnight ago (in an unheated greenhouse), but it’s done nothing. And I mean nothing; I poked about in the compost and the seeds are still obstinately intact.
Is this normal? Will they only germinate in warmer weather? Or do I have dud seeds?
Posted on 21st March 2009
Under: Flowers | 7 Comments »