The last few days have been spent in the garden where everything is winding down. We've picked the last of the tomatoes, courgettes, raspberries and carrots and have lots of onions now in storage. There are a few beans still producing, a couple of potato bags left to dig up and the cabbages, kale and broccoli are still going strong. But it definitely feels like we're getting down to the last of the yummies our garden has to offer us for this year.
We've had a bumper crop of grapes this year - although we mostly leave them for the birds as they're not very sweet.
Now the garden is being tided and cleared ready for digging in some compost to get everything ready for next season and then a nice winter rest. The chickens have been helping me tidy up - they do a great job of breaking up the soil!
It's been lovely to watch them roaming around outside of their run which is possible once again now that Toby isn't spending so much time in the garden (a small boy who likes to put anything in his mouth and run around barefoot does not mix well with large quantities of chicken poo on the grass!)
Such beautiful photos, Julie. You sum it all up so well - the gentle move into autumn proper, the earth's bounty to us. I do so love your blog!
Posted by: Mary | October 12, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Hmmmm ... but if he did eat the chicken poo would it not make him grow big and super-huge like it does the veggies???
Posted by: trashalou | October 12, 2009 at 10:38 AM
I so need to spend time in my garden, I feel inspired...
Posted by: Suzie sews | October 12, 2009 at 11:12 AM
You've reminded me of the task ahead. I must not shirk it. It's a big one - the garden's become a bit unravelled. Looking at yours though, clearly in order and ready for the next season, it is spurring me on.
Posted by: Emma | October 12, 2009 at 12:35 PM
you've done really well with your first proper year of growing veg! go you!!
you could use the grapes to make grape jelly
Posted by: susetheslowknitta | October 12, 2009 at 01:25 PM
I can only imagine that Toby and the chickens don't mix to well. How does he do with dogs? I think it's a stim-thing. But, love the pictures of the fall clean-up and all the wonderful leaves and colors.
Posted by: The Garden Bell | October 12, 2009 at 04:08 PM
We still have a few beans and the brocolli and kale are doing ok but the rest looks a mess! really need to pull tom plants and tip out potato buckets. love the chicken pics, shame you can't eat those grapes they look so delicious in the photo! reminds me we have a grape vine to plant... :)
Posted by: janet | October 12, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Looks like you've been doing the same as us. We've had the chickens out in the garden for the first time today.
(((hugs)))
Posted by: karen smith | October 12, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Gorgeous pictures... just to let you know I've just finished knitting up a little cupcake from your pattern to go with a tea cosy, It's turned out lovely so thankyou so much x x x
Posted by: Jenny | October 12, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Mmmmmmm autumn is definitely here, the picture of Toby and the chickens made me smile. Well done you on all your veg
Thanks for sharing the piccies
Hugs Jackie x
Posted by: Jackie | October 12, 2009 at 06:37 PM
Our garden's a disaster. The allotment is looking OK but the garden - oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
Posted by: dottycookie | October 12, 2009 at 07:03 PM
We are still picking runner beans.I love this time of the year.Closing the curtains early,heating on and the knitting at the ready.Also planning lots of new projects.I may even reaquaint myself with lace making.
Posted by: busybusybeejay | October 12, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Your garden sounds like a very peaceful place! We must have the same variety of grapes as yours...not the sweetest, but the jelly turned out ok! The blackbirds are just crazy about them, though!! ;o)
Cheers, Mary Ann
Posted by: Mary Ann | October 12, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Sweet.... I really enjoy reading your blog. You are most definately a super mum , how else would you get everything done. Hope that your arm is now fully recovered too.
Sam
Posted by: Sam | October 12, 2009 at 07:44 PM
PS Thanks for the cupcake knitting pattern I purchased from you earlier in the year. It was a life saver as my mom and I were trying to knit cupcakes using four needles and the outcome was well interesting!! Anyhow your cupcakes went down a storm at my wedding as I used them round the edible cupcakes on a stand. Trouble is everyone loved them so much and wanted to take them home. Also used them as gifts in my hen weekend party bags.
Sorry for long comment but just wanted to say how your work is fab and I really appreciated the pattern. (PICS on my blog.)
Sam
Posted by: Sam | October 12, 2009 at 07:49 PM
You've knitted bunnies and foxes and hedgehogs and badgers. I think it's time to knit some chickens, Julie!
Posted by: Eileen in North Carolina | October 12, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Thank you for the inspiration, I would love to pass on an award to you for your wonderful blog.
Posted by: Mamma Look | October 13, 2009 at 05:00 AM
Julie, my wife would like to buy a pattern for the little monkey.
My daughter collects monkeys and my wife would like to make one.
Thanking you in advance, please email her at dramatax@yahoo.com
Sincerely,
Jim and Stephanie Rose
Ferndale, CA
Posted by: Stephanie Rose | October 13, 2009 at 06:07 AM
I think you need to look into wine production, if the grapes aren't too sweet they may suit wine, a little something from the garden just for you and hubby to enjoy!
Rosy x
Posted by: Rosy Nancarrow | October 13, 2009 at 05:23 PM
Another lovely post. And my goodness, what beady eyes those hens have! :)
Posted by: Little friend Susan | October 13, 2009 at 07:26 PM
Your girls look very happy and healthy :)
Moog loves it when we let the chickens out into the garden as she gets to supplement her diet with chicken poo - yum yum!
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | October 13, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Just wondering if you use your vine leaves for cooking at all? My Greek mother in law makes Dolamades with hers and the grapes never seem to make it!
Posted by: lina | October 13, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Your chickens look so healthy. I have made the decision to get some chickens after Christmas. My son is autistic as well, however he has a complete hatred of any kind of poo, so much so if he were to step in it he would probabaly have a meltdown. So chooks will have to go out in the front garden. I love your blog so much so I have started my own, I think it is very thereputic, as I feel I could go crazy from all the intervention, meltdowns etc. Keep up the all the lovely pics and blogs.
Sarah
www.theurbanpotager.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah McGrath | October 14, 2009 at 12:46 AM
I found your blog through ravelry/google and just wanted to pop in and say that your designs and photography are beautiful!
I especially love all the rabbits - I'm a bit of a bunny fiend so I say, bring them on!
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=651135041 | October 14, 2009 at 03:59 PM
You have done well in your garden this year. We have had a small supply of yummy food despite our garden being pocket sized. Broad beans, toms, pots, strawberries and runners all grown in a pot or two. We also have had a wonderful crop of grapes from a vine that creeps over the fence from next door! It makes delecious grape juice. I have managed to make 4 ltrs this week.
Posted by: joanne | October 15, 2009 at 06:47 AM
Is it wine grapes? If so you could decide not to leave it to the birds but try to transform it in a very yummy Florentine sweet! It's called "Schiacciata con l'uva" (grapes bread cake) it's quite easy to do and you can find the recipe here http://gallinavecchiafabuonbrodo.blogspot.com/2007/09/schiacciata-con-luva.html
if you like the idea please let me know and I will send you the English translation at once.
Believe me, after you try it once, your birds will have to live without grapes in the future! ;)
Love
Gallinavecchia
Posted by: Gallinavecchia | October 19, 2009 at 12:58 PM