November Gardening Newsletter from Jane Follis

As I write this, it is the first Monday since the clocks went back which means we will all be travelling home in the dark! Not my favourite time
of year.
Despite the reduced hours of sunshine there is still quite a lot to do in the garden, not least clearing up leaves. I know I say this every year, but don?t take them to the tip. Once you have raked them up, put them into black plastic bags, compact well and tie up the tops of the bags. Pierce a few holes and store in a cool place. They will rot down and you will have wonderful leaf mould by this time next year.

I am still struggling to tidy up the garden but it seems every weekend when I have spare time the weather decides I?d be better off in front of a
roaring fire with a good book. The vegetable patch is the worst area, but even though it is a frightful mess, I am still picking crops. The last of the
aubergines and courgettes were put to good use at the weekend. There are still a few runner beans and tomatoes trying to survive, but they are past their best.
Hopefully I shall find some time to dig it over soon and incorporate the lovely mix of compost I have produced this year. Then, it will be time to plan for next year ? starting with a row of broad beans.

Jim and I are still working on the new company name. It has caused all sorts of emotions from frustration to hilarity. We think we have found something perfect only to find someone else has obviously thought the
same and we had no idea so many Latin names can be likened to anything from an alcopop to plain pornography!!

It is now narrowed down to two names and we still need to do a bit of delving. Hopefully, we shall make a decision very soon and all will be revealed. The greatest problem has been to find something that relates to the poppy. PAPAVER is the Latin name for a poppy but it doesn?t exactly roll off the tongue.

Business is still brisk with some interesting projects underway and I have recently been taken on as a freelance designer with a very prestigious
tree nursery. This is great because it means we can larger projects and I have the pick of wonderful trees at my fingertips. Thus far it is working really well. I am also hoping to run some courses,
locally, next year on how to design your own garden, including planting advice. More information next month on venues etc.

Remember to look at The Garden Boutique Website ?
www.gardenboutique.co.uk. Quote the promotional code JF268 and you will be entitled to a discount.

RECIPE
Haddock and Chorizo Risotto
1pt Fish Stock Onion
Garlic 125g Arborio Rice
slug of Vermouth 125g Haddock, skinned