tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66556240749741685202024-03-19T09:48:40.661+01:00ZuriGrowAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-7299799916592545902017-02-01T14:54:00.000+01:002017-02-01T15:25:15.640+01:00Stadtgärtnerei/ City Gardens <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><br />A tropical oasis close to the centre of Zurich where around 250,000 plants and thousands of cut flowers are grown annually for the city of Zurich.</i><br />
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It has been well below zero for the past few weeks in Zurich and we have been desperately hunting out new, warm places that are manageable with twin toddlers. I can't believe it has taken us six years of living here to discover the Stadtgärtnerei. This place is amazing! The city gardens are comprised of two huge greenhouses full of tropical and sub-tropical plants. There are also toucans, terrapins, loads of tropical birds and even some Koi carp to look at.<br />
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Located pretty close to the centre of Zurich, in Albisreiden, everything is on the ground floor so provides easy access for double strollers and wheelchairs. There is no cafe but there's a big seating areas for picnics and the coffee machine is good (grinds real coffee beans. Yes, this is important to me!). There are also few vending machines with healthy snacks for children. Entrance is free and the gardens are open seven days a week. <br />
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I actually visited the gardens a few years ago for their annual tomato seedling market, but the buildings were undergoing extensive renovation at the time. The seedling markets are definitely worth a visit if you are interested in growing your own vegetables. The <a href="https://www.prospecierara.ch/de/veranstaltungen/detail/tomatensetzlingsmarkt" target="_blank">tomato seedling market</a> is in April and there is usually a Mediterranean vegetable market in May. The gardens are worth a visit when the weather warms up - the tulip display is particularly impressive.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Rednd4SZVY/WJHiwZQxnjI/AAAAAAABPsY/-DwknRtfRqkVLYad8gqNsPrVUAW0MCDxQCK4B/s1600/IMG_8049.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Rednd4SZVY/WJHiwZQxnjI/AAAAAAABPsY/-DwknRtfRqkVLYad8gqNsPrVUAW0MCDxQCK4B/s640/IMG_8049.JPG" width="640" /> </a><br />
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<b>Manageable with twins?</b><br />
I just about managed this place alone with my two year olds. If they are still at the stage of destroying everything in sight then it's a definite no-no with so many plants around but if they can follow simple instructions then there is not much danger. The areas with water have barriers and the place is small enough that it's hard to get lost.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fxjAYMU-RI/WJHfdBofTeI/AAAAAAABPsI/jyJCWBAp61kQ7kLv7uWP9Oip7VP5yGR3wCK4B/s1600/IMG_20170121_111646.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fxjAYMU-RI/WJHfdBofTeI/AAAAAAABPsI/jyJCWBAp61kQ7kLv7uWP9Oip7VP5yGR3wCK4B/s640/IMG_20170121_111646.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/stadtgaertnerei">www.stadt-zuerich.ch/stadtgaertnerei</a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fxjAYMU-RI/WJHfdBofTeI/AAAAAAABPsI/jyJCWBAp61kQ7kLv7uWP9Oip7VP5yGR3wCK4B/s1600/IMG_20170121_111646.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
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<b>Opening Times</b>Daily from 09:00 - 17:30<br />
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<b>Address</b><br />
Stadtgärtnerei Zürich<br />
Sackzelg 27<br />
8047 Zürich <br />
Phone: <a href="tel:+41444921423">+41 44 492 14 23</a> <br />
<a href="mailto:gsz-stadtgaertnerei@zuerich.ch">gsz-stadtgaertnerei@zuerich.ch</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/stadtgaertnerei">www.stadt-zuerich.ch/stadtgaertnerei</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com223tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-85270749483541423242016-09-30T15:31:00.000+02:002019-01-06T14:47:10.481+01:00Allotment Update: September 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The pumpkin patch has taken over! It's my first time growing these so
hadn't realised how much space they take up. Celery and beetroot are
being swamped under these beasts. Slight panic about how big they are
going to get, yet very proud!! <br />
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Ummm...no comment!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of six of these on the same plant. Think it is a muscat pumpkin that stays green</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have loved being able to pick multiple bunches of flowers each time we visit the garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Tromba d'Albegna are prolific and grow HUGE. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loads of carrots, wish I had planted more!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the best time of the year for me! Not too hot, so green and loads to keep the children interested.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stolen apples!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cucamelons! Millions of them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy gardener.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-5735353516541197172016-09-05T14:21:00.001+02:002016-09-05T19:24:21.357+02:00Balcony Gardening With Toddlers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Only the lucky few have the pleasure of a garden in Zurich city but thankfully many apartments here have balconies and it doesn't take much effort to grow a few vegetables to get your children interested in growing their own food. Here are a few of my recommendations to get you started! </div>
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<b>Carrots</b><br />
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Seeing my children eat carrots straight from the ground has been one of the most satisfying things in life! Carrots like full sun and plenty of water. I have only tried chantenay carrots and the short, stubby length is perfect for growing in a container. These '<a href="http://www.seedsofitaly.com/CARROT_PARISIER_MARKET/p1834925_8313167.aspx" target="_blank">Parisier Market</a>' carrots from Franchi seeds also look good for container gardening. My boys have enjoyed eating the carrot thinnings every couple of days in summer. If you have space, plant a second row a few weeks after the first so that you can eat them in succession. Not only great to eat, the thinnings also make great accessories for Duplo figures! <br />
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<b>Tomatoes </b><br />
Easy to grow, low maintenance and fascinating to watch grow from seed to full grown plant. Cherry tomatoes work well. They need lots of sun. My toddlers love watching them ripen and turn red. They are allowed to pick them off individually and every day lately have been asking 'Ready? Ready?'. We started them off in <a href="http://www.zurigrow.com/2016/06/starting-seedlings-in-eggshells.html" target="_blank">eggshells</a> and then moved them to a bigger pot when the seedlings were established. <br />
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<b>Basil</b><br />
A good friend of the tomato, if you have a pot large enough you could even plant it in the same container. Basil takes a while to germinate and needs lots of sun but is a good one to start off inside on a sunny windowsill before putting on your balcony. Just keep removing the white flowers that appear and it will last beyond the end of summer. The photo below is <a href="http://www.seedsofitaly.com/BASIL_GREEK_A_PALLA/p1834925_8313282.aspx" target="_blank">Greek basil</a>. It has quite a strong flavour and is very delicious! Surprisingly, my twins love eating this straight from the pot. They also love pesto which is amazing to make from homegrown basil!<br />
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<b>Salad Leaves</b><br />
Ok, I don't know a two year old that likes lettuce but mine definitely enjoy yanking leaves from the plant! Lettuce is very easy and quick to germinate. There are many different types you can grow. The leaves can be picked as 'cut and come again' and they last for ages.This year I enjoyed <a href="http://www.seedsofitaly.com/ROMAINE_LETTUCE_FRANCHI_F1/p1834925_8313052.aspx" target="_blank">Romaine lettuce</a> which is really crisp and slow to bolt. Spinach is also a favourite. <br />
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So these are a few easy vegetables and herbs to start with. What have you been growing on your balcony this year? Any suggestions for next year?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com93tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-53613621582548463142016-07-25T13:38:00.000+02:002016-12-12T15:33:13.612+01:00Allotment Update: July 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So...we have been away for a week and the allotment is blooming. The weather has been close to 30 degrees in Zurich all week with very little rain so I was a bit worried about things drying up and dying in our absence. However, the sun has been much needed and despite a really bad start to the season (rain, more rain, slugs) I am feeling pretty optimistic about having vegetables and fruit to harvest from now until the Autumn.<br />
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We picked our first cucumber. This didn't even make it home... I am so grateful that my children are starting their lives with access to food that we have grown ourselves. <br />
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The flowers are at their best! An abundance of calendula, nigella, blue cornflowers and a single surviving <a href="http://higgledygarden.com/product/malope-trifida-vulcan/" target="_blank">malope trifida 'vulcan'</a> plant. I picked enough for about three bunches to take home and the garden is still full of them.</div>
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Despite thinking I wouldn't get any courgettes this year since eleven courgette plants were massacred by slugs, two plants survived and one is producing fruit. Yippee!! There are three tiny yellow courgettes growing which I should be able to harvest in about a week from now. <a href="http://www.zurigrow.com/2015/08/courgettes.html" target="_blank">This time last year</a> we were right in the middle of a courgette glut with more than we were able to consume ourselves. <br />
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The cucamelons are growing really well and the first ones are appearing. I hadn't heard of these until I saw them online at <a href="https://www.zollinger-samen.ch/de/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=melothria&commit=Suchen" target="_blank">C. & R. Zollinger</a>, a Swiss seed supplier. They are tiny little round fruits, originating from Mexico, that look like miniature watermelons and apparently taste like a cucumbers with a hint of lime. I can't wait to try these. The are growing alongside our cucumbers and there are about 40 visible fruits growing so far. I guess they will be ready to start picking in a few weeks.<br />
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The plums should be ready to pick in about a week. Not sure what the variety are called but they are golden in colour. We have been on holiday the last two years when they have been ripe and ready to pick so I am looking forward to harvesting them all. The tree has literally hundreds growing on it so I think we'll have a load to give away to friends and neighbours.<br />
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The cavolo nero looks like it will survive and there are about 8 small plants growing. There are some beetroot and carrot plants almost ready to dig up. Tomatoes, Swiss chard, pumpkins and turnips are looking good. I am planting brassicas for the first time with mixed results so far. The romanesco plants are still there but the cauliflower has totally bombed. The picture below is an example of how NOT to grow a cauliflower. My allotment neighbour, Ulrike, gave us a beautiful one <a href="http://www.zurigrow.com/2014/08/ulrikes-cauliflower.html" target="_blank">two years ago</a>. It was really a thing of beauty which i appreciate even more now that I have tried to grow them myself. Sadly she has given her allotment up at the age of 94. Her husband is ill and she doesn't want to leave him alone to tend to the garden. It is just incredible seeing how well maintained and productive the gardens here are, that belong to people of that generation.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-65136518611291336022016-06-24T15:49:00.000+02:002016-06-24T15:49:04.635+02:00Starting Seedlings in Eggshells<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I tried getting my seedlings started in eggshells for the first time this year and I'd say it has been a great success. It's a really simple process and one that I hope to do with my twins next year. Also a great way to teach your children about planting, composting and recycling. Nothing goes to waste and you don't need to buy any wasteful plastic modules or pots to gets your seeds going. <br />
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Start off by saving up eggshells and their cartons for a few weeks before you intend to start planting. Try to be mindful of how you crack the eggs - I tried to crack just the top third off then discard that bit in the compost bin so I had a fairly large remaining shell.<br />
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Take a small pin and poke a few drainage holes in the bottom of each shell, from inside the shell to out. It doesn't matter if you break a few, just chuck them in the compost or save them up to put around your plants in the garden to stop the slugs eating your young plants!<br />
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Next fill the eggshell with compost then plant a couple of seeds as per the packet instructions. I experimented with lots of different herbs, tomatoes, varieties of flowers, cucumbers etc.<br />
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You can keep the eggshells contained neatly in an egg carton. Just be careful when you water them as the carton can get waterlogged/ disintegrate very easily. These fit neatly on a windowsill and can be moved around easily!<br />
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Once the seeds start growing, pull out the weaker of the two and give the strong seedling space to grow. When large enough either transplant into your garden or a larger pot. Just crack the shell slightly and remove a a bit at the bottom so that the roots have space to escape. The shell will decompose over time and add calcium to the soil. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry Tomatoes </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this was a sunflower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato seedling a few weeks after the seed was planted</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com95tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-65715220351469478382016-06-21T10:30:00.003+02:002016-12-12T15:33:27.795+01:00Allotment Update: June 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been raining relentlessly for what feels like about six weeks now. Despite the odd day of glorious sunshine, we are still waiting for the summer to arrive. My allotment definitely feels it and is crying out for some sun! <br />
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Despite the rain, I am happy to report that the slugs haven't eaten my two pumpkin plants and that the latest 4 zucchini plants (after 12 others being eaten) have survived. I think it is because I changed tactics and planted them right next to the border of the garden where my neighbour put down slug pellets on the other side. <br />
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The romanesco have also not been touched and the cucumbers and cucamelons are coming along nicely. The redcurrants are close to turning ripe and the plums are growing in size. I am feeling a lot more optimistic that we'll have some homegrown veg, just a little bit later this year. Also planted some swedes, phacelia and Swiss chard in the space where the tulips were. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romanesco </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nigella in bloom, self-seeded from last year</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Productive plum tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is a cornflower bud</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornflowers almost ready to bloom. I had planted a whole row but the rest were eaten by slugs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cucamelon looking good!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cucumber growing well but needs some sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More rhubarb</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato plants looking good. Just need to figure a way to keep the cats out...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhubarb patch needs weeding</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin has survived! Put some woodchip round as extra slug protection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found these things that the previous owner left and they are helping my cucumbers to survive!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lonely looking Eschscholzia that survived the slugs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut the hedge that was growing wild</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-87360282810480405492016-05-27T10:32:00.000+02:002016-12-12T15:33:56.202+01:00Allotment Update: May 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It
is amazing what you can do in the two hours that your children nap. To
try and keep on top of the garden (and get some exercise) my husband and
I have been taking it in turns to go up to the allotment during our
twins' afternoon nap time. I am so thankful that they are now
predictable sleepers (and that my husband regularly works from home).<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He
runs and I cycle. It's only about 3 miles but it's uphill all the way
and a decent workout. Once there, it is an hour of digging, weeding,
planting, watering then we meet up at a park half the way between the
allotment and our home. We manage about 3 visits a week in total which
is really helping to keep on top of things.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So
far on our balcony I have loads of seedlings growing that are almost
ready to plant out: celery, romanesco, cauliflower, butternut squash,
tomatoes, cucamelons, cucumbers, Swiss chard, fennel, aubergines.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For
the first time ever, something keeps eating the courgette plants in the
allotment. I have now planted them for the third time. I'm not sure if
it's birds, slugs, caterpillars, mice... Any advice on what to do?<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our
plot looks pretty bare at the moment. Our neighbours have potatoes,
beans and onions growing at great speed and filling the place up. I
really need to get organised next year and plant some things to fill the
gap between November and March.<br />
<br />
These are cucamelons in the first picture - who knew these even existed?! <br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0iPrY0vr5g/V0f_yMxKzeI/AAAAAAAA4l4/z_pjROJOVykHZ_NHSdaT6Ml5LWALDdNqwCKgB/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0iPrY0vr5g/V0f_yMxKzeI/AAAAAAAA4l4/z_pjROJOVykHZ_NHSdaT6Ml5LWALDdNqwCKgB/s640/IMG_3043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My courgette seedlings keep getting eaten. This is the 3rd time I have planted them out :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romanesco busting out of their shell. Planted them out...let's hope they survive.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My balcony is FULL!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My neighbour's garden, definitely a pro. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My patch. Lots of small flower and plant seedling making an appearance but overall a bit bare.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com45Zürich, Switzerland47.3768866 8.541694000000006847.204846599999996 8.2189705000000064 47.5489266 8.8644175000000072tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-22702792702021595842016-05-24T21:18:00.002+02:002016-05-25T10:22:26.344+02:00Rhubarb and Almond Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wlz9Fpon1dU/VzTYbcycaaI/AAAAAAAA35g/citqeZ50P9o1Ap1VHRdMP3Foc2lDc0_gQCKgB/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wlz9Fpon1dU/VzTYbcycaaI/AAAAAAAA35g/citqeZ50P9o1Ap1VHRdMP3Foc2lDc0_gQCKgB/s640/IMG_2473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When I started this blog I decided that I was only going to post recipes
if I had grown the main ingredient myself. So far, this is my first
recipe post and hopefully, this year, the first of many.<br />
<br />
It is currently the middle of May and I have had 3 loads of rhubarbs so far. I
have been picking it much younger and smaller this year because when left to overgrow it becomes woody and inedible
when the stalk are too large. I am aiming to be more mindful of waste this growing season and not letting our precious crops end up back in the compost bin. <br />
<br />
I was going to write one long post with all of the different rhubarb recipes that I have cooked using this years' crop. However, this Rhubarb and Almond cake was so good that it deserves it's own post! <br />
<br />
This cake was really easy to make, pretty healthy and came out well both times that I made it. Here are some photos of my rhubarb in situ! I just love my little rhubarb patch at the bottom of the garden and it is one of the first vegetables (yes, rhubarb is a vegetable not a fruit) to make an appearance in the spring. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9E1dMSG5NjQ/VyUDuio-IUI/AAAAAAAA3gg/Jflcnclnp10-6gC6RIAn0E-KIv2fXt_KQCKgB/s1600/IMG_1887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9E1dMSG5NjQ/VyUDuio-IUI/AAAAAAAA3gg/Jflcnclnp10-6gC6RIAn0E-KIv2fXt_KQCKgB/s640/IMG_1887.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This recipe was adapted it from the lovely website, <a href="http://www.floatingkitchen.net/tag/dessert-2/" target="_blank">The Floating Kitchen</a>. I wanted to be able to give it to my young children so I used a lot less sugar, less flour, and added more almonds).<br />
<br />
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<ul id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNuBUvIElMI/VzTYjsBv3mI/AAAAAAAA35g/OX_wrhCwsjkWJ6fRYvOU6KntyLZH_XxiQCKgB/s1600/IMG_2506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNuBUvIElMI/VzTYjsBv3mI/AAAAAAAA35g/OX_wrhCwsjkWJ6fRYvOU6KntyLZH_XxiQCKgB/s320/IMG_2506.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients">100g raw cane sugar
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients">113 grams unsalted butter
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients">2 egg yolks and 1 whole egg</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients">3 egg whites </li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients">1 tub Greek yogurt (about 200g)
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-4" itemprop="ingredients">zest of one orange</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-5" itemprop="ingredients">scraping from quarter of a vanilla pod</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-7" itemprop="ingredients">100g white flour
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-8" itemprop="ingredients">200g ground almonds</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-9" itemprop="ingredients">1 tsp. baking powder
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-11" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-12" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 tsp. salt
</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-13" itemprop="ingredients">6 or 7 small rhubarb stalks</li>
<li class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-14" itemprop="ingredients">splintered almonds to decorate top of cake</li>
</ul>
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1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees. Lightly grease the bottom of a 10 inch cake tin with a little butter then dust lightly with flour. Set aside.<br />
<br />
2. Separate 3 eggs. Beat 50g of sugar with the butter until light and fluffy then gradually add 2 egg yolks and one whole egg. Then beat in the orange zest, yogurt, vanilla and cardamom. <br />
<br />
3. In a separate bowl whisk 3 egg whites with the remaining 50 grams of sugar until you have formed stiff peaks.<br />
<br />
4. Combine the flour, ground almonds, baking powder and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the cake batter, adding
in about one-third at a time. Finally, fold in the egg whites.<br />
<br />
5. Wash the rhubarb then cut into thin diagonal slices.<br />
<br />
6. Spread about half of the cake mixture into the cake tin then layer half of the rhubarb slices over it. Add the remaining cake batter on top then repeat the rhubarb layering being careful not to let the rhubarb touch the sides of the tin. Sprinkle the splintered almonds and a dusting of sugar on top.<br />
<br />
7. Allow the cake to bake for 45-50 minutes then cool on a wire rack.<br />
<br />
I have tried this recipe with both full- fat Greek yogurt and 0% fat and both turned out well. A handful of raspberries would also work well in the middle layer to sweeten it up a bit of you find the rhubarb too tart.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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<br />
<b>Oh and here are some interesting rhubarb facts:</b><br />
<br />
- Rhubarb leaves are toxic due to the high levels of oxalic acid in them so be careful if you have young children. The leaves can still be composted though.<br />
<br />
- Rhubarb is used in ancient Chinese medicine to treat stomach ailments, constipation, liver and gall bladder problems and much more. <br />
<br />
- Rhubarb is very high in calcium. One cup of rhubarb has just as much calcium as a cup of milk.<br />
<br />
- Rhubarb originally comes from Siberia. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com5Zürich, Switzerland47.3768866 8.541694000000006847.204846599999996 8.2189705000000064 47.5489266 8.8644175000000072tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-16678396492292180962016-05-04T10:13:00.001+02:002016-05-04T10:14:20.368+02:00Blooming Tulips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I planted tulips in the allotment for the first time <a href="http://www.zurigrow.com/2015/11/5kgs-of-tulips.html" target="_blank">back in November</a>. And I am so glad I did. <br />
<br />
It is a bit of a dead spot between November and February when the frost comes but it has been fantastic to have something to look forward to appearing. <br />
The purple ones bloomed first, then the yellow and red and finally some cute three-pronged orange beauties. When a bunch of tulips in Zurich costs around 15 francs, it has also been a big money saver. <br />
<br />
I plan on letting them rot down a bit, then I will dig them up, hang them out to dry in old tights (handy tip from mother-in-law) then replant them in winter. <br />
<br />
I gave my twins a few sacrificial flowers to play with each time I brought a bunch home. In the battle between tulip and toddler, toddler won each time...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com5Zürich, Switzerland47.3768866 8.541694000000006847.204846599999996 8.2189705000000064 47.5489266 8.8644175000000072tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-28977753559075952772016-03-31T14:46:00.000+02:002016-04-12T14:48:26.443+02:00March in the Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
March is the time to start preparing the allotment if it's not been done already. It has been mixed weather in Zürich but thankfully there have been enough sunny days to get stuck in and start making the beds ready to plant.<br />
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We finally got round to tackling the compost heap which has been untouched for the last 3 years. We have been chucking things in but never turning it or using the compost for anything. Amazingly it is in pretty good shape and once the beds were weeded I added it to the earth and dug it in. We bought a new compost bin so now have two to alternate between. Our allotment neighbours all seem to have 2 or 3 on the go...<br /><br />Our tulips are doing well and are coming up. The rhubarb is coming alive again and the rich red colour looks ready to burst out. I have seedlings all over the house and love this period of time, where I start to imagine all the things that will be growing in the garden soon. Definintely need to get control of my seed addicion though! I am trying out cauliflower, celery and lots of different varieties of flowers this year for the first time along with the usual courgettes, cucumbers and tomatoes. <br />
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We had a lovely picnic with the twins at the end of the month and went well prepared with food and plastic buckets, spades etc. They helped out by putting weeds in the bin, digging in the mud and enjoyed a wheelbarrow ride along the path! Looking forward to many more this year. I think the allotment will be manageable with toddlers if we go up there for short periods of time and give them specific things to get involved with. We also now have a sandpit and paddling pool for warmer days. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-16932358764014811112016-03-10T15:27:00.000+01:002016-03-10T15:33:32.791+01:00Feeding My Seed Addiction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Some people buy clothes. I buy seeds. So here is a list of my favourite places to buy them. #seedaddiction </div>
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<img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fETEtvueBgQ/VuF9y2bCjLI/AAAAAAAAyjA/qZOTX8HUMoc/s640/IMG_7858.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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<b>Higgledy Garden</b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7L5uKn9PYUk/Vtw-Qyi10VI/AAAAAAAAyXk/dqSl-TgX86E/s1600/IMG_6311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7L5uKn9PYUk/Vtw-Qyi10VI/AAAAAAAAyXk/dqSl-TgX86E/s320/IMG_6311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are thinking about growing flowers in your garden, look no further than Higgledy Garden, based in Cornwall, England. Alongside an online shop full of the best quality flower seeds your money can buy, he also offers a huge array of free information to help you get started. Orders come beautifully packaged and shipping to Switzerland is often free (or very reasonably priced).</div>
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<a href="http://higgledygarden.com/" target="_blank">http://higgledygarden.com/</a></div>
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<b><br />Franchi Seeds of Italy 1783 </b></div>
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<b><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ1b4Q25j5w/VnVvLmkCmOI/AAAAAAAAsPE/VNcjkt5mkPo/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ1b4Q25j5w/VnVvLmkCmOI/AAAAAAAAsPE/VNcjkt5mkPo/s320/IMG_0531.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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Probably my favourite seed company of the lot. The oldest producer of seeds in the world and a family business now run by the 7th generation. We have had a lot of success with these seeds and there are many organic varieties available. Seeds from Italy and based in the UK but they ship to Switzerland at a very reasonable price. Artichokes from Rome, Cardoons from Turin, Celeriac from Venice and many, many more...</div>
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<a href="http://www.seedsofitaly.com/">http://www.seedsofitaly.com/</a> <br />
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<a href="https://www.beatheuberger.ch/"></a><b>C. und R. Zollinger</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q45Fdw_nLuQ/VuF9yxOFLfI/AAAAAAAAyjM/NCVuS2mL7CA/s1600/IMG_7827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q45Fdw_nLuQ/VuF9yxOFLfI/AAAAAAAAyjM/NCVuS2mL7CA/s320/IMG_7827.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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Just bought seeds from here for the first time so will tell all once the growing season ends! Based in the French part of Switzerland, they have an array of organic seeds available. Shipping is only CHF 1- and super speedy. They also have some useful growing guides on their website. Also love the packaging and growing advice on the back of the packets.<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.zollinger-samen.ch/">https://www.zollinger-samen.ch/<br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZVi8iQMSfI/U85dBx_2f9I/AAAAAAAAXF0/IIrhobXZC3w/s1600/Picollo%2Bveg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZVi8iQMSfI/U85dBx_2f9I/AAAAAAAAXF0/IIrhobXZC3w/s320/Picollo%2Bveg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Piccolo Veg For Pots</b></div>
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An
Italian start-up, based in Venice, that offers a selected range of
vegetable varieties suitable for the container gardening: 'compact and
dwarf varieties that fit like a glove on the small spaces of the
terrace'. Love the idea of this company and the unusual seed varieties
they offer. </div>
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<a href="http://www.piccolovegsforpots.com/">http://www.piccolovegsforpots.com</a></div>
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<b>Beat Heuberger Weine & Gewürze</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPldt81lhCI/VK-WrdaxFfI/AAAAAAAAdn4/-pqA1xycjZs/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPldt81lhCI/VK-WrdaxFfI/AAAAAAAAdn4/-pqA1xycjZs/s320/IMG_1308.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
The self proclaimed
'hottest shop in Switzerland', owner Beat Heuberger, is a chilli
specialist and connoisseur. Over 100 different varieties of chillies
available to buy online - seeds available all year round and seedlings/
plants come early spring. He also has a shop in Kreis 4, Zurich - a
treasure trove of all things spicy (and vast amounts of wine). We grew
these spicy little numbers a couple of years ago in our tomato house.<br />
<a href="https://www.beatheuberger.ch/">https://www.beatheuberger.ch</a><a href="https://www.beatheuberger.ch/"><br /></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-69335180095837338312016-03-07T10:43:00.003+01:002016-03-07T14:58:07.127+01:00Mother's Day in the Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's was Mother's Day in the UK yesterday. I have lived abroad for about 10 years now so rarely see my mum on this day but I still spend it missing her even more than usual. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6-vSUzihLU/Vt2HqOqBtHI/AAAAAAAAyes/zMyrA6rU1BY/s1600/IMG_3954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6-vSUzihLU/Vt2HqOqBtHI/AAAAAAAAyes/zMyrA6rU1BY/s640/IMG_3954.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, my mum and my bowl-cut.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With twin toddlers it can be quite hard to get time to yourself. Now that they are walking (running) everywhere, going anywhere alone with them is pretty challenging so my husband and I rarely spend time alone at the weekend but there are days when I just crave an hour to myself!!<br />
<br />
When we first got our allotment garden I envisaged us spending a lot of time up there barbecuing, sunbathing, planting a few courgettes and strawberries. Eventually, once having a family, I saw us pottering around with plants and enjoying the space we have so craved after living in a city apartment (with no garden) for so long. However, the reality is quite different and I now really appreciated the effort it takes to grow good, healthy, organic, pesticide-free produce. The main tasks are weeding, watering, preparing soil, composting, cutting hedges, mowing the grass. In 3 years we haven't yet sunbathed or had a barbecue up there but I wouldn't change a thing.<br />
<br />
Our allotment has become my sanctuary, the one place I go to alone. Two hours up there and I feel like a new person, with no technology, phone, company, twins to take care of. I am able to completely switch off. This time of year the garden is full of anticipation. There is little growing but the odd snowdrop, daffodil or bluebell. Now its the time to start preparing the beds, weeding everything in preparation for planting at the end of the month.<br />
<br />
So this mother's day my husband gave me the gift of 3 hours up in my
happy place to dig. After 5 minutes of hoeing, the blue skies
disappeared and horizontal snow started pelting in my face. So I sat in
my shed and went through a ton off seeds, planning what to grow this
year and savouring every minute.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIFkWkXY8RE/Vtw9jxIKpAI/AAAAAAAAyXI/TxNg1EeAx5g/s1600/IMG_20160306_102158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIFkWkXY8RE/Vtw9jxIKpAI/AAAAAAAAyXI/TxNg1EeAx5g/s640/IMG_20160306_102158.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walk up to the garden at the bottom of the snowy Uetliberg.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_r7Mu8LhNLw/VtxC5rCgVqI/AAAAAAAAybg/Hytn_GQ4_wA/s1600/IMG_7644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_r7Mu8LhNLw/VtxC5rCgVqI/AAAAAAAAybg/Hytn_GQ4_wA/s640/IMG_7644.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything looking a bit barren. Our shed is the one in the middle. It looks much better from the inside thanks to the Italian touch of the previous owners.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FxZjL3aFV90/Vtw9j6Yaa8I/AAAAAAAAyXI/tIBJi_wOuGM/s1600/IMG_7670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FxZjL3aFV90/Vtw9j6Yaa8I/AAAAAAAAyXI/tIBJi_wOuGM/s640/IMG_7670.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not surprisingly I was the only person up there in this weather.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPn22YgJfg4/VtxC5l4aRII/AAAAAAAAybg/INkfT5Qtt0c/s1600/IMG_7667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPn22YgJfg4/VtxC5l4aRII/AAAAAAAAybg/INkfT5Qtt0c/s640/IMG_7667.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I have a seed addiction. There are about 100 more packets like these...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-55023881889256123382016-02-20T15:43:00.001+01:002016-02-21T10:03:22.925+01:0010 Plans For My Allotment in 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
1. Keep on top of <b>weeding</b><br />
I NEVER want the garden to look like this again! This was the result
of 3 months of allotment abandonment in 2014 (too preggers to walk let
alone garden). In the end we were too scared to go up there and even
look at the state of the place. We paid a guy to do 8 hours of digging, fill up some
rubbish bags and throw all the weeds out. Very expensive in Zurich when giant rubbish bags cost about five quid a piece. 2015 was way better but still
far from perfect. I think the minimum we have to aim for is to weed twice a week...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0016JeHhrLk/U_3eLa7gSxI/AAAAAAAAXrw/rf3dQey-kYE/s1600/WeedJungle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0016JeHhrLk/U_3eLa7gSxI/AAAAAAAAXrw/rf3dQey-kYE/s640/WeedJungle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. Get into <b>companion planting</b><br />
Planting different types of veg and flowers together can work wonders on
your garden - flowers attract bees, bees pollinate your veg plants. <b><br /></b><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KVticRDskc/VshwTcshmZI/AAAAAAAAxJc/yDf_NQk6URo/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KVticRDskc/VshwTcshmZI/AAAAAAAAxJc/yDf_NQk6URo/s640/IMG_2082.JPG" width="426" /></a><br />
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</div>
<br />
3. Sort out and use the <b>compost</b> heap<br />
We have a huge compost heap that we've been bunging stuff into for the
last 2 years, never turning it, never covering it properly. Hmmm...time
to sort it out! A second compost bin is probably the way forward.<br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oai1ui3OONw/VhAM9YLnncI/AAAAAAAAolw/k2ZibStFk54/s1600/IMG_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oai1ui3OONw/VhAM9YLnncI/AAAAAAAAolw/k2ZibStFk54/s640/IMG_2094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
4. Grow fresh <b>herbal teas</b><br />
We have loads of herbs in the garden. Would love to plant some chamomile, lemon verbena, mint (in pots otherwise it will take over) to make my own tea...Any other ideas?<br />
<br />
5. Use my <b>plums</b><br />
We have 2 glorious plum trees. One doesn't seem to produce plums anymore
but the other fruits gorgeous golden plums. Two years in a row we have
missed these beauties and arrived at the allotment to find them rotten
on the ground. 2016 will be the year of the plum!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYLDknGKWog/VT4qxfNSHAI/AAAAAAAAhBU/_sqjXaC4OHw/s1600/WP_20150420_016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYLDknGKWog/VT4qxfNSHAI/AAAAAAAAhBU/_sqjXaC4OHw/s640/WP_20150420_016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
6. Harvest when <b>small</b><br />
Small courgettes are delicious, massive marrows not so much!These bad boys were heavier than the two babies growing inside me at the time.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4dMGxJsYCs/VshymVV2vrI/AAAAAAAAxJ8/9DRgTn5uHAg/s1600/Happy%2BMarrows.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4dMGxJsYCs/VshymVV2vrI/AAAAAAAAxJ8/9DRgTn5uHAg/s640/Happy%2BMarrows.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
7. Cut <b>flowers</b> regularly<br />
Many annual flowers will bloom over a long period if cut regularly. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-2-Jpy7DnA/VshvSxULnDI/AAAAAAAAxJY/p4nEuveFyeM/s1600/IMG_0838%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-2-Jpy7DnA/VshvSxULnDI/AAAAAAAAxJY/p4nEuveFyeM/s640/IMG_0838%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUbIpL41Pw4/VshvgRjCEgI/AAAAAAAAxJM/UsBeHd43PV8/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
8. Enjoy <b>relaxing</b> in the garden<br />
We have a beautiful garden, complete with a 2 room shed that is fitted with a dining room, table and chairs, BBQ, sun loungers. I am sad to say we have never had a bbq up there and never had any friends over to visit. Shameful! There always seems to much to do but this year I really hope we can actually enjoy some time there and not do any gardening. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUbIpL41Pw4/VshvgRjCEgI/AAAAAAAAxJM/UsBeHd43PV8/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUbIpL41Pw4/VshvgRjCEgI/AAAAAAAAxJM/UsBeHd43PV8/s640/IMG_0838.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
9. <b>Fill the garden</b> all year round<br />
This year I will plan better and maximise our space - I need to make sure that there are crops growing in the whole of the garden and not leave huge areas empty. There is nothing worse than weeding a patch of ground that has nothing growing in it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8nC08z5RAA/VnVaz0RTtlI/AAAAAAAAsNs/lwVDT28w7n0/s1600/FlowerLover.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8nC08z5RAA/VnVaz0RTtlI/AAAAAAAAsNs/lwVDT28w7n0/s640/FlowerLover.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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10. Plant only <b>edible flowers</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My toddlers love to eat and aren't all that fussy. They are still at the stage of picking up handfuls of sand, soil, sticks..you name it..and shoving it into their little mouths. Argh! I have just bought a selection of edible flowers from <a href="http://higgledygarden.com/product/edible-flower-collection/" target="_blank">Higgledy Garden</a>. Fab shop that often ships to Switzerland for free and all packages come with a handwritten note. Lovely. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_74Ta3IJuE/Vsh45S3c0fI/AAAAAAAAxKM/ru0C_kbHOeU/s1600/FlowerEater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3Fng3lpNlo/Vq9iYgk5Y5I/AAAAAAAAwGM/DAyscrr-EkI/s1600/IMG_6311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3Fng3lpNlo/Vq9iYgk5Y5I/AAAAAAAAwGM/DAyscrr-EkI/s320/IMG_6311.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_74Ta3IJuE/Vsh45S3c0fI/AAAAAAAAxKM/ru0C_kbHOeU/s320/FlowerEater.JPG" width="213" /><br />
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What are your plans for 2016?<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com0Bachtobelstrasse, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland47.3576377 8.509038199999963647.3468812 8.4888681999999633 47.3683942 8.5292081999999638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-35894047259211096532016-02-08T10:24:00.000+01:002016-02-08T10:34:46.807+01:00What We Managed To Grow in 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A look back at what we managed to grow this year.<br />
<br />
<b>Successes:</b><br />
Garlic, courgettes, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, redcurrants, calendula, nigela, sunflowers, rhubarb, candytuft.<br />
<br />
<b>Failures:</b><br />
Radishes, Echinacea (didn't even appear), fennel, tomatoes (needed more love and attention). <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21Hs9s0lJB8/VnVvuKd-rqI/AAAAAAAAsQs/p4srD-adbG4/s1600/IMG_0856%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21Hs9s0lJB8/VnVvuKd-rqI/AAAAAAAAsQs/p4srD-adbG4/s640/IMG_0856%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haphazard but colourful bunch of flowers!<br />
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<a name='more'></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rG-y9pQP1Bk/VnVv4_IwO1I/AAAAAAAAsR8/yVLvCSzhKXM/s1600/weededGarlic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rG-y9pQP1Bk/VnVv4_IwO1I/AAAAAAAAsR8/yVLvCSzhKXM/s640/weededGarlic.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlic - very easy and SO much better than supermarket garlic </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ1b4Q25j5w/VnVvLmkCmOI/AAAAAAAAsPA/qUatBXzKsW0/s640/IMG_0531.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loads of courgettes - so many we ended up juicing them every day for months</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6o6TDncjSAM/VnVvdQEuo0I/AAAAAAAAsPo/hCPcx8DTZUg/s1600/IMG_0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6o6TDncjSAM/VnVvdQEuo0I/AAAAAAAAsPo/hCPcx8DTZUg/s640/IMG_0511.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More courgettes - the yellow ones are a Friulan variety with very delicate flavour </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1910562329"></span><span id="goog_1910562330"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ1b4Q25j5w/VnVvLmkCmOI/AAAAAAAAsPA/qUatBXzKsW0/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ1b4Q25j5w/VnVvLmkCmOI/AAAAAAAAsPA/qUatBXzKsW0/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SlNk9TFkw9U/VnVv0rneIUI/AAAAAAAAsRQ/evUizH2Abuc/s640/guthaul2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrots, courgettes, lettuce, radishes </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1ApL71FC78/VnVvk8v0KgI/AAAAAAAAsP8/-HASCR_eV3w/s1600/courg3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1ApL71FC78/VnVvk8v0KgI/AAAAAAAAsP8/-HASCR_eV3w/s640/courg3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Genovese courgettes </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtCLmOtrpvY/VnVvcLJAKkI/AAAAAAAAsPY/hKda52fzQls/s640/betterRadishes.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radishes. A bit too woody, probably should pick them earlier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ap_0wIlw6w/VnVvdYQth-I/AAAAAAAAsPs/uMrPjevz1jE/s640/rhubarb.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loads of delicious rhubarb </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AK1QPrEad4M/VnVv3W-q8kI/AAAAAAAAsRc/1wkT1UihKGs/s640/lotsofFennel.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fennel - bit of a failure. They bolted and were planted too close together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSairtMUsgQ/VnVvuXnt6II/AAAAAAAAsQ0/T6k1hXFzG9c/s640/lavenderBerries.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender bush was thriving this year and redcurrants were in abundance </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6JYlFGzw23Y/VnVv4kTQlHI/AAAAAAAAsR0/HwYtH7ZFy8g/s640/IMG_9842.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOADS of lettuce, really tasty and no slugs amazingly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0uxNum5ex4/VnVv3sT-j3I/AAAAAAAAsRk/JI398aot35o/s640/IMG_9841.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary, sage and oregano going strong </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CALktvGdKbo/VnVvxp2yWyI/AAAAAAAAsRE/gi0U4uMsIJU/s640/IMG_9745.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grew carrots for the first time. Very easy and totally delicious</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8-cqm2zio8/VnVvmFMUDII/AAAAAAAAsQI/5M52JToHTIc/s640/IMG_2114.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillies, tomatoes and sunflowers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eE8laFxv1cc/VnVvateFjhI/AAAAAAAAsPM/qDCm_zheOsA/s640/IMG_1192.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very young lettuce from thinning out.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pP54vMJwdM/VnVvnq-946I/AAAAAAAAsQU/7VvHCvZEVzs/s640/IMG_1166.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redcurrants </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5zsMGu7Lcw/VhAM9X6iukI/AAAAAAAAolw/g3gmLy8oy-g/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5zsMGu7Lcw/VhAM9X6iukI/AAAAAAAAolw/g3gmLy8oy-g/s640/IMG_2078.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forgot I planted this, abandoned allotment for a month and this beast was there! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--X5cA38hOGQ/VbEpRJUv71I/AAAAAAAAkvg/cQ4fgGDE-AY/s1600/IMG_9757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--X5cA38hOGQ/VbEpRJUv71I/AAAAAAAAkvg/cQ4fgGDE-AY/s640/IMG_9757.JPG" width="640" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loads of plums from our tree but keep getting caterpillars in them. Yuck. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eci1SxIJwXU/VkX1U04L29I/AAAAAAAAqTk/Ztl7Py3JkTA/s1600/AdzDigging.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eci1SxIJwXU/VkX1U04L29I/AAAAAAAAqTk/Ztl7Py3JkTA/s640/AdzDigging.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did some weeding whilst baby carrying. Success! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_F2yuAHiLE/VkX1U_3L5AI/AAAAAAAAqTk/jkgi1cjrwHw/s1600/Manduca2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_F2yuAHiLE/VkX1U_3L5AI/AAAAAAAAqTk/jkgi1cjrwHw/s640/Manduca2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting sleepy on my back!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQdUa1IrAT8/VkX1U_2SQ6I/AAAAAAAAqTk/1BqI2A5Altc/s1600/FlowerEater2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQdUa1IrAT8/VkX1U_2SQ6I/AAAAAAAAqTk/1BqI2A5Altc/s640/FlowerEater2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved eating flowers. Only going to plant edible ones this year! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDvxHW0XWbs/VkX1U8BQ4jI/AAAAAAAAqWA/ZnLPdRyqwOI/s1600/MudLover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDvxHW0XWbs/VkX1U8BQ4jI/AAAAAAAAqWA/ZnLPdRyqwOI/s640/MudLover.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These R&R merino jumpers are far too nice for the garden. Won't do that again!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4638Z_W69Q/VkX1U3U5lCI/AAAAAAAAqTk/FkjEZVxUl_Q/s1600/FlowerLovers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4638Z_W69Q/VkX1U3U5lCI/AAAAAAAAqTk/FkjEZVxUl_Q/s640/FlowerLovers.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our twins being cute and picking flowers whilst we weed. </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com7Wiedikon, Zürich, Switzerland47.3641012 8.509245899999996347.3210762 8.428564899999996 47.4071262 8.5899268999999965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-82188797697058938132015-12-19T15:43:00.001+01:002015-12-21T14:47:51.410+01:00Cereal Testing <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was very pleased to receive some complimentary products to test in the form of a big box of Nestle Fitness. Delivered by <a href="http://www.coolbrandz.com/" target="_blank">Coolbrandz</a>, who have an intriguing business model based around honest consumer testing and social media, we've been sampling them for the last couple of weeks.<br />
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My partner and I are both believers in simple eating, and trying to consume fresh, organic food where possible, combined with adequate exercise. Products with excess sugar and salt tend to scare us and the increasing dominance of big brands, and equally big ingredient labels is a trend we try not to follow.<br />
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Having said this, the new recipe of Nestle Fitness is ticking some boxes in the fact that there is less sugar and salt than the previous version. There is quite a high wholegrain content and added dried fruit in one version. Whilst we don't eat it for breakfast (not substantial enough) we have been using it as an evening snack or post-sport filler. In this capacity we're really enjoying it.<br />
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Additionally, the parcel got a lot of love from my twins, even if they weren't allowed to try it (they get unsweetened porridge and fruit)!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bwzt30GOt8/VnVlmDjc4FI/AAAAAAAAsOw/Y3Ql5JZERbQ/s1600/Nestle1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bwzt30GOt8/VnVlmDjc4FI/AAAAAAAAsOw/Y3Ql5JZERbQ/s640/Nestle1.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 1 of cereal appreciation: Inspect the box and it's contents thoroughly.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzjlPJfZI_k/VnVlmOwoXTI/AAAAAAAAsOw/MorOjTtNpUE/s1600/Nestle4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzjlPJfZI_k/VnVlmOwoXTI/AAAAAAAAsOw/MorOjTtNpUE/s640/Nestle4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 2 of cereal appreciation: Throw everything out the box and check you've not missed anything.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWKYNT-ZHjM/VnVlmC1ZrDI/AAAAAAAAsOs/8YRSYswWJXE/s1600/Nestle2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWKYNT-ZHjM/VnVlmC1ZrDI/AAAAAAAAsOs/8YRSYswWJXE/s640/Nestle2.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage 3 of cereal appreciation: Lie across the box so that your brother can't get to it.</td></tr>
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<br />Overall, great for cereal lovers and those looking for a quick breakfast without fuss.<br /><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-30425395443590380282015-12-19T14:29:00.005+01:002015-12-19T14:29:48.855+01:00I Grew a Bunch of Flowers!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I decided to try and grow some flowers this year to cut and use to brighten up our flat. Did the usual trick of planting them then abandoning them for the next few months and it seemed to work (sort of). I think I planted them around May and they hadn't started appearing until a good few months later and I thought they had failed. <br /><br />Eventually everything started coming up at the end of summer and looked fab if not a bit chaotic. With a bit more weeding, love and attention next year I think the cut flower patch will be a winner! I bought my seeds from the wonderful <a href="http://higgledygarden.com/" target="_blank">Higgledy Garden</a>. They shipped free to Switzerland and have a brilliant blog and growing guide on their website.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVbJzagRXbM/VddmthOyF8I/AAAAAAAAmuU/gG9c2SdPCmQ/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVbJzagRXbM/VddmthOyF8I/AAAAAAAAmuU/gG9c2SdPCmQ/s640/IMG_0864.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMGBFjJWn5w/VddmIyVpk-I/AAAAAAAAmtU/IqTLJyaG560/s1600/IMG_0830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMGBFjJWn5w/VddmIyVpk-I/AAAAAAAAmtU/IqTLJyaG560/s640/IMG_0830.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nigellas bring all the bees to the yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Candytuft 'Crown' </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8nC08z5RAA/VnVaz0RTtlI/AAAAAAAAsNo/cDWCkbipnG8/s1600/FlowerLover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8nC08z5RAA/VnVaz0RTtlI/AAAAAAAAsNo/cDWCkbipnG8/s640/FlowerLover.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking calendula whilst we get on with some weeding</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvia viridis ‘Blue Monday'</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPNc5lYtBmc/VnVbKUEZB7I/AAAAAAAAsOM/syTXRX6vdS8/s1600/IMG_2104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPNc5lYtBmc/VnVbKUEZB7I/AAAAAAAAsOM/syTXRX6vdS8/s640/IMG_2104.JPG" width="426" /></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta-da!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-41403187006241504362015-11-19T10:22:00.000+01:002015-11-19T10:22:00.484+01:005kgs of Tulips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been around 16 degrees the last few days which has been amazing for November. The temperature is due to drop to 0 at the weekend so I have been desperate to plant these tulips that have been in the shed for the last few months. All in but probably need to add a layer on compost on top because I am not sure if they are deep enough in the ground...Broke the bulb planter oops!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QVXpLGjj70/VkzX0Vqt1xI/AAAAAAAAqhM/y08CmN62Qa4/s1600/IMG_3459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QVXpLGjj70/VkzX0Vqt1xI/AAAAAAAAqhM/y08CmN62Qa4/s640/IMG_3459.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lciXsNbK-0M/VkzX0cB239I/AAAAAAAAqhM/rBTJCU-Bwhk/s1600/IMG_3448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lciXsNbK-0M/VkzX0cB239I/AAAAAAAAqhM/rBTJCU-Bwhk/s640/IMG_3448.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-90207677120682604222015-10-31T10:26:00.001+01:002015-10-31T10:26:15.189+01:00Almost End of the Growing Season 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is only the second time I have made it up to the garden this month. I really wish I had planted more flowers, lettuce and attempted turnips like I'd planned. I have great plans for next year of course! The garden is looking pretty dry and there are lots of weeds but it's still manageable and I had a couple of hours to pull out a lot of the dead plants and clear the space ready for autumn planting. I think I just need two more afternoons and it will be ready to go. I've got about 100 tulips waiting to go in the ground... A gorgeous sunflower plant is in full bloom and the Salvia which I planted in April is still going strong and attracting a lot of beautiful butterflies. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-64711339534513780492015-08-16T09:46:00.000+02:002015-08-16T09:46:54.195+02:00Courgettes, Zucchini, Courgettes, Zucchini<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Pretty much the only thing I can guarantee will grow without fail in our allotment is courgettes. After 3 weeks of only eating courgettes, I never want to see another one again. Especially after I gave them to my nearly one year old twins so many times that even they got sick of them. Once particular vomiting incident has left me with scars for life. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">When my enthusiasm for the garden wanes a bit (usually at the most fruitful time of year), I don't go for three weeks and we have huge, giant marrows to deal with. I shouldn't be ungrateful for these lovely vegetables though. We have been making a lot of courgette and lemon juice which is actually delicious and really cleansing. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I grew two different varieties this year, both from <a href="http://www.seedsofitaly.com/" target="_blank">Franchi seeds</a> - the <a href="http://www.seedsofitaly.com/COURGETTE_RUGOSA_FRIULANA/p1834925_8313547.aspx" target="_blank">Courgette Rugosa of Friuli</a> which has been described as 'one of the ugliest courgettes you'll ever see' (however probably one of the tastiest) and the <a href="http://www.seedsofitaly.com/COURGETTE_GENOVESE/p1834925_8313231.aspx" target="_blank">courgette Genovese</a>. Both delicious and very easy to grow. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M&C not quite sure about the Friulan courgettes!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com8Zurich, Switzerland47.3686498 8.539182500000038147.1966098 8.2164590000000377 47.5406898 8.8619060000000385tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-30780723469755628832015-08-13T14:00:00.000+02:002015-08-13T14:04:49.056+02:00WTF to do with Redcurrants?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I still have a huge bag of redcurrants in the freezer from last year. They are pretty bitter little berries that I don't think taste good on their own and you don't often see recipes using them except for jams, chutneys etc.<br />
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I love their beautiful colour though and they really look great in the garden so this year I was determined to use them somehow before they rot on the tree and go to waste. </div>
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I found a great article on the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/14/red-currant-recipes-jelly_n_3749957.html" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a> with a number of redcurrant recipes. </div>
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I ended up making this red currant tea cake from the gorgeous <a href="http://www.forkspoonnknife.com/blog/rkspoonnknife.com/2010/08/farm-to-table-red-currant-tea-cake.html" target="_blank">Fork Spoon Knife</a> blog. It was surprisingly delicious and the use of ground almonds gave it a sticky, marzipan-y texture. I must have got the measurements wrong somehow when converting from cups to grams because it didn't rise at all but it tastes delicious nonetheless and was eaten in one sitting.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com2Zurich, Switzerland47.3686498 8.539182500000038147.1966098 8.2164590000000377 47.5406898 8.8619060000000385tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-55067845204439811032015-04-27T14:33:00.001+02:002015-08-13T14:05:04.639+02:00Woodchip Paths & Planting Flowers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We decided to put down woodchip paths this year to make the expanse of the plot less daunting and to keep the weeds at bay. Hopefully they won't blow away in the wind. I'm also going to try and sow some flowers to cut - started off with Calendula and Echinacea.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-75089768039026675672015-04-19T13:47:00.000+02:002015-08-13T14:05:21.593+02:00Rotivating and Häckselsammlung<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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3 pairs of hands definitely make things easier to manage so with my mum visiting we managed to rotivate the huge expanse of earth ready to plant. It was also the day to get rid of any sticks and other debris to chuck (Häckselsammlung) so we took a lot of stuff to dump that has been lying around. The plot is starting to take shape and no longer looks like the sore thumb amongst all these immaculately kept gardens! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-86087120919404145742015-04-14T10:23:00.002+02:002015-04-14T10:23:11.737+02:00Spring Has Finally Sprung<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Started digging over the allotment this weekend. We are a bit late but the weather has just turned good and it's not so easy organising yourself with two small babies! The garlic is coming along well and looks healthy. I haven't put any compost in the soil yet and I'm not sure if we ruined the compost heap by dumping huge big twigs in it then ignoring it for over 6 months... I only have about a window of an hour before the twins wake up needing attention so we are doing small sections as we go along. Sorting out the compost heap is the next job. </div>
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Cant wait to get planting some flowers this year and improving on what we grew last year. Cucumbers, fennel and chillis will definitely be planted again.</div>
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Motivated by the reward at the end!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-78356556873990683892015-01-11T10:46:00.002+01:002015-01-11T10:56:21.630+01:00Panorama-Weg - The Allotment Jungle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of the best things about having the allotment is getting the chance to be so close to nature only 10 minutes from the city. Panorama-Weg is a walk way above the city which is lined by hundreds of allotments. Here are a few pictures of the surrounding area and some of the typical allotments round about. Ours is in amongst this lot. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com4Panoramaweg, Zürich, Switzerland47.3579342 8.5020314999999347.3471777 8.48186149999993 47.3686907 8.52220149999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6655624074974168520.post-65499430905467625592015-01-09T12:03:00.000+01:002015-01-09T12:03:08.227+01:002014 Review in Photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A look back at what we managed to grow in our first year as allotment holders. Who knew marrow and ginger jam tasted so good! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02200771296105196705noreply@blogger.com6Bachtobelstrasse, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland47.3576377 8.509038199999963647.3468812 8.4888681999999633 47.3683942 8.5292081999999638