14 June 2006

Back in the saddle

My Granny in Ireland (Mum’s Mum) died very suddenly about a fortnight ago. It’s also not really that long (less than a year) that my Grandma (Dad’s Mum - but you might have figured that out) died. Since we got back from the funeral and associated events I haven’t felt much like putting myself out into the wide, wide world of the internet. I’m easing myself back in.

I lost my appetite for the allotment too, briefly, but we did spend some time down there on Monday night this week when I harvested my first garlic bulb (which was divine roasted) and a few embryonic broad beans (lightly steamed and gone in two mouthfuls!).

I find that being down the allotment is therapeutic much of the time, providing a welcome break from the stresses of everyday life. I value having the space to put down the difficult decisions and complex, abstract ideas I face in my working life in favour of something simple and tangible. There’s a far less frantic pace - doing anything with plants forces me to dance to a slower, more sedate drumbeat. At the same time, it is a truism that working a garden or allotment really puts me in touch with how life keeps on going. Time ticks on, seasons change, life renews itself. I think I need that right now.

But then, there is no escaping that particular truth when you see how the weeds have grown down my plot. Bindweed? Turns out I’ve found a use for it after all.

Filed under: Harvest, Mulch — Clare @ 11:11 pm