As I'd hoped, the wood pile provided and the shed is now brighter, thanks to some sideways-sash windows and small potting ledge/window sill. In celebration I sowed some seeds I had to hand. Found in the junk drawer, I knew them to be badly treated and out-of-date but planted them anyway. I had a good feeling about them, like finding a lost credit note that's still in date, or being a kid again and discovering lemonade bottles tucked away in the garage that you could return to the Cresta man, for 5p each.
The seeds were Puntarelle, Lettuce 'All year round', and an unopened, yellowing packet of some mysterious CRNFLTM (Cornflower, tall mixed?) their names scribbled on small, new copper tabs (£1.99). The Puntarelle I bought after a trip to Rome. The thought of its bitter frilled leaves, stems split, curled and tossed in anchovy butter made summer feel much closer - but Rome seem so far away.
After completing my patchwork replacement window, accompanied by a curious onlooker and his 'you don't want to be doing that' comments, it felt good to be tucked away behind glass, sowing seeds, my hands moving in small ways. I loved the quiet sounds and the wind, whispering through yet-to-be-filled chinks and cracks.
Small jobs present themselves to me as I work, like new friends tugging on my coat-tail. I jot them down in my little red note book and call it a day.
rake £3.98
fork £5.98
spade £5.98
5 x compost £4.85
discount - £1.96
total £18.83
No comments:
Post a Comment