N is for narcisus and numbers

I have been making the most of the good weather and have nearly finished planting up the front verge. I have lost count of the exact number of bulbs I have actually planted as I clear out old grass and squeeze a few bulbs in at each opportunity. Often a session sees me plant anything up to 50 at a time. I have done the sessions in a slightly erratic fashion - initially starting by the gate nearest to the house, then the end nearest to my neighbour as Emma was in the garden and we were chatting, then I tackled the middle of the space as I had a different selection of tulips and so my reasoning continues in a hap hazard fashion such I put down to the Mrs Nesbitt approach!

I am planting a selection of bulbs, mainly Narcissus, tulips, grape hyacinth and blue bells. It is very addictive and due to the wonderful tool called the internet I can source sound suppliers, indeed as I write I have 250 bluebells on route. I also have about 230 tulips, 130 mixed narcissus to keep them company!

I spent most of Saturday planting, Sunday was a lovely day so we had a tootle over to Scarborough on the motorbike. Whilst I wore my leathers I was well wrapped up with my fleece tights courtesy of Asda.

To think that only last weekend when I was planting away I was wearing my shorts! The sudden change in temperature saw me scrambling for suitable clothing at the drop of a hat - but I think I am sorted now. Warm jumpers seem to be on the cards now.

When the days are wet (like today) I continue with the clearing of the second bedroom ready for the plasterer coming on 27th. I plan to clear the room by Friday 24th leaving me Saturday and Sunday to strip the wallpaper. When I read that last sentence I try not to feel a hint of panic if I stick to my guns I should be on plan as I know next week is busy but I'll carry on. I have decided on the colour anyway - sticking to the Farrow & Ball colour scheme I am going for Tunsgate Green as I want to keep the room light. The view is lovely from that room so I don't want to take the focus away from the window.

Watch this space!

M is for memories.

Whilst I was de-cluttering the second bedroom (27th fast approaching) I came across several rolls of undeveloped 35mm films. We had no idea what was in store but here are a few of the garden back in 1995.

The garden wall before I spent 6 weeks working to get the grass out.

and how it looks now - on the left before an afternoon's work - and after on the right. Now it's just a maintenance job rather than anything like the initial clearing above.

Our beloved geese, Jo, Peggy and Dolly - we had over 15 years with these chaps.

Now we have this - notice the area opposite the chimney pot......

back in 1995 we had the old gate and concrete path, together with a holly bush to the left....

Now the path is long gone and what was the soiled area has been turfed over. The tiny holly bush has now become a 15 foot tree! The birds love it so much we are keeping it that height.

So yes, a lot of happy memories and many changes in the garden.

Sunday was one of the nicest days we have had in a while. I was tempted to go out with Jon on the motorbike as those opportunities have to be taken - but in the end I decided to spent the afternoon working on the front verge. What a lovely time I had - neighbours were stopping and chatting, people were stopping in their cars to comment and all in all I really felt people would be watching in the Spring for the bulbs to emerge.

I am getting rather obsessive with the bulb situation. daffodils are so cheap at the moment - and in such great quantities - I bought a couple of sacks of yellow species, 2 sacks of mixed varieties, some tulips and more tulips are to come. I plan mixing them all up together - oh and a few packets of wild flower seeds too!

Watch this space!

My M contribution for ABC Wednesday.

Turkey egg.

The owner of our local electrical shop has an allotment, so from time to time she brings eggs to sell. On Saturday there was a bowl of turkey eggs, £1 for 3. Needless to say I had to try one. Boiled for 6 minutes as suggested by the lady - absolutely gorgeous. Very light and nowhere near as heavy as a duck egg. Will be buying some more - very reasonable.