This week I have finally finished my Secrets and Storms shawl. It’s currently blocking and I’ll try and get a FO post up by the end of the week. I’m currently back to my orphaned sock projects and I’m also looking for a larger project. I’m trying to only use yarn I already have rather than be seduced by another project which needs another yarn. We’ll see how long that lasts!
The weather has been better this weekend so I managed to get in the garden today. I have managed to get my new strawberry plants in just in time. I think these will have time to settle before the autumn weather gets properly cold and frosty. I propagated these off runners from my existing plants. I’m please with how well the plants had already taken in their pots. The soil in this bed isn’t the bast, but for some reason the strawberries do really well here.
I’ve also managed to get my shallots in so that they have time to become established before the winter. After a bit of trial and error I’m sticking with Jermor this year. I found these dried and stored much better than whatever last year’s spring shallots were.
I’m slowly making my way around the garden putting things ‘to bed’ for the winter. I know it will make spring so much easier if I get this bit done before the rains get too bad. I think I’ve learned a lot in the garden this year and I’ll try and get my thoughts down in a blog post in the next week or two so that I don’t forget!
Finally this week I’ve been picking and pickling the last few bits of harvest. We now have pickled shallots, chillies, and now cucumber and shallot sandwich pickle. The pickling liquor is whatever vinegar I have to hand, plus some sugar, turmeric, and mustard seeds to taste. I’m not sure it will make it to Christmas which was the original plan.
Ceulan Fibres 
Sounds like your garden is ready for cooler weather. Looking forward to seeing your completed and blocked shawl.
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Yes it’s all slowing down finally. Hopefully I can catch up with the weeds!
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Those strawberry plants look great! Sounds like you have learned a lot with your garden. Good luck with the weeds! It’s a constant battle with weeds in our garden.
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It’s never ending!
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Glad you are staying on top of your garden. We waited too long to harvest our basil so we could make pesto. He is still getting some tomatoes but will soon have to wrap any remainder ones in newspaper to enjoy over the next month. I need to transplant a mimosa tree that started in a flower bed before it gets too cold. I just love mimosa trees.
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I have a few green tomatoes left over. I’m not sure what I’ll do with those yet.
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Getting the garden organised in autumn instead of waiting for spring sounds a great idea. I should copy it! Mine has been pretty neglected for months. You’ll find the pickles will taste nicer after a month or so, fingers crossed some survive to Christmas.
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I did well last year to keep some momentum going all year, but interest is definitely dropping off now, it’s looking very sad.
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Your work in the garden looks great – I am a bit behind, but hopefully with half term looming I should be able to catch up then. I love your strawberry patch.
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It’s been a bit unloved for a few years but they’re definitely my favourite fruit so I think it’s time to put some effort in! I’m always catching up…
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