First Spring in the orchard

Over Easter the rain let up long enough to pull the docks out of the orchard.  Due to the way the contractors dumped the new top soil over the ploughed up and leveled old soil, there are dock and other perennial roots really deep down.

Brook running along the edge of the orchard

The docks do come out but it is really hard to get down deep enough without destroying the surface.  As of the end of today, all the visible dock plants are out but some root got left behind.  From now on it will need to be a regular job to get the docks out as the appear.

I can't decide whether the dandelions need to come out.  It is meant to be a meadow/orchard after all - not a front lawn.

Equinox triggers activity

Now that the equinox has passed and the longer days are here again, work can begin in earnest in the allotment.

The ground is basically ready in the main bed, just the sweet William and herbs have been over wintered there.

Ready for planting one the ground warms up

The leeks, turnips/swedes and beetroot have also made it through the winter in a passable state.

The apple tree is now in bud - its a pretty late fruiting variety so this is normal.  I expect the blossom in early May.

Apple tree

Meanwhile, in the orchard, the peach trees are in bud.  There are a couple of self planted crocuses (one of which is a miserable silvery grey colour) and a snow drop.  We have added a few fritillaries for good measure.