Saturday 29 October 2011

Painting with the boys

Back down at the Allotment today to finish the shed off.  Took the boys and the father in-law as well. 

The boys enjoyed painting the shed green - will do another coat soon.  I put the window in (didn't smash it which I was impressed with) and also began sorting out the inside - hung the tools up etc.  Will need to buy a small gas stove to make some tea / coffee with and some shelving.

Also spent time sorting out the outside have flattened of the ground and need to buy some gravel and weed suppressor to finish it off.  Will look nice when it is done.  Will also get a few paving slabs to put on it for some pots etc.

So, that's prob it for half-term this year.  It has been a busy time at the allotment.  Have more to do so will hope for good weather at the weekends for the next few weeks.  Then it is seed buying and preparing for next years sowing.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Putting up the Shed

Today was the day I've been waiting for.  It was the day that I could finally get my birthday present up and (almost) being used. 

3 of us went down to the allotment to get the shed up - it was a 6x4 Shire shed.  Now I had hoped that it would go facing the allotment but unfortunately, the concrete base which was already down meant that it would have to be side on.  Which will be ok as I can put some water butts behind the shed and have an 'out of site' storage area to keep it looking tidy

The shed went up pretty easily really, after we had managed to get the hinges on the wrong way and had to take them off again!  Electric drills are great!  The shed itself was fine, although some of the wood needed a little sawing in order to fit it together properly.  The sides went up ok and fitted well and the roof was fine, although we added extra supports and screws to make sure that it all stayed together.  The two pics above showed where we got to by lunch time. 

 
 After lunch we put the felt on the roof, did all the finishing touches and made sure that it was all screwed into the wooden base.  When the power returns to my drill I will drill it into the concrete base.  The window pane still needs to be inserted and the shed needs some preserving paint to ensure that it survives.

All in all I am very happy with what it looks like.  There is more work to do around the shed - will want to get a lean-to / shelter on the front for a bit of shade and want to sort out the area next to the shed with some weed suppressing fabric, gravel and a few small paving slabs.  However, that is another day.  This evening I am going to bask in the success of the shed.  And look forward to using it and spending more time down at the allotment!  Bring on next year!


Sunday 23 October 2011

Wedding Anniversary Day

Well, my 7th wedding anniversary today which is good.  And I managed to spend a fair bit of it down at the allotment (after watching the rugby, going to church etc)

Had a good day digging today and tidying up again. Found more bindweed and picked another cabbage for this week.  And the pic opposite shows my last beetroot of the season - a fair size!  Think they may manage a fair bit of chutney.

Quite happy with how the allotment is looking at the moment - will get some pics this week.  So, half term begins with 2 days at the allotment.  Looking forward to the rest of the week now.

Saturday 22 October 2011

Half term jobs

It's a lovely day today.  And the allotment unfortunately was looking a little unloved - need more time and more effort I think to get it all done!

Was down for a couple of hours today - the picture on the left will give you an idea of what I was doing for most of the time!  I have tidied up one of corners and dug up about a tonne of bindweed and also one/two of teh smaller rose bushes.  (don't tell the wife).

Then moved things around as hopefully I will be putting up the shed this week.  Also dug up one of the beds (think onions will go there next year) and also picked the last of the beetroot.  Will either make some beetroot and potato soup or some beetroot and apple chutney with it.

Other jobs to do - weed the soft fruit area and net it properly, Put shed up!, dig over 3 beds, have fire...


Saturday 15 October 2011

Shed arrived today!

Yay!  My birthday shed has arrived today and is now in the garden waiting for half-term in order to put it up!  (Thanks John!)

Two pics of it lying down.  Will post a few pictures of the construction stage as well.

Went down to the allotment today as well and finished pruning / hacking the rose bushes.  Took a load to the tip less a few thorns which found my fingers.  Picked another cabbage for Sunday luch.  Am impressed with them so far this year.

Anyway - time to watch strictly.