Making Progress

 The allotment is gradually drying out, it hasn't rained for a week or so and the flood water is going down now.  A couple of bright Spring days last week has started things growing. This rhubarb looks like it is ready to get going.  I have given it several inches of manure mulch just to feed this greedy plant.

 Despite a sustained pigeon attack earlier in the Winter, my purple sprouting broccoli is starting to show its colours.  Even though the plants had lost many of their leaves in Winter, new green shoots and tremendous growth will soon start as Spring warms them up again.  The netting stays on for the time being.

 All crab apples have now gone, a welcome feed for a flock of fieldfares that visited during the snow.

 I did get out this week to clear up and cut back last years' growth on these Loganberries.  These new shoots will produce fruit this year.  I will tie them back to the wall and give them a mulch.

My newly planted raspberry canes are showing signs of life.  These new Tulameen raspberries came highly recommended.  I have given these raspberries a deep mulch covering too. Now all we need is sunshine and warmth.

Matron gets Naughty

If ever there was a product that Matron just HAD to try on her allotment it has to be this one!  Couldn't resist.  Looking forward to watching them grow..... ;-)

A Splash of Colour!

 Matron's plot has been under water for at least the last 6 weeks. On my heavy London clay there is absolutely nothing to do out on the allotment.  So I thought I would bring you a splash of colour from markets I have visited around the world.

 How about these wonderful apples in the old market halls in Quebec, Canada. An amazing range of fresh fruit and veg grown locally on the Iles of Orleans where it has a warmer climate.

 Or how about the stunning English Market in Cork, Ireland.  Many happy memories from a trip there a couple of years ago.

 And how can I forget these fresh picked Porcini mushrooms at the fresh market in Rome, Italy.  Just a 5 minute walk from my hotel in the centre of Rome I was completely fixed up for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

 

 Or the Rialto Market in Venice, Italy. One of my favourites.

 

 

 Then there were the locally grown pineapples in the Ponta Delgada market on the Island of Sao Miguel in the Azores.  If you love fresh fruit, these just picked were superb.

And of course the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, Madeira.  My favourite market I think. Wonderful tropical treats all freshly picked.  
Where is your favourite market?