citybumpkin – Domestic bliss in SW London

Storm Isha took the roof off!

Took the kids to visit the new allotment (14b) today. We were notified last week that Storm Isha had taken the roof off the shed, and were expecting to find an apocalyptic scene in the Paddock allotments.

But either it wasn’t that bad, or more likely, some very kind souls (and possibly the allotment committee had replaced it for us. Whether it is fixed on, or just weighed down by some pots is unclear.

We spotted some cool stuff on the way to the Paddocks today. Not only the fluffiest kitty in the whole world (named Lady Marmalade by Child 2), but also this robin, who flew in to see Sam and Child 3 as they arrived.

Most excitingly of all, a few tiny figs were half buried in soil in one of the raised beds. If the fruit tree there is a fig we are very luck allotmenteers indeed.

No one else is really gardening yet in the UK, because it’s too early in the year. But if you’re out and about, getting your hands in soil, please let me know what you’re up to.

A fresh plot for 2024

A first look at plot 14b

Very excited to have taken ownership of a 2.5 rod allotment in South West London over the weekend.

I’ll document progress here. We’ve a really nicely looked after plot, with multiple raised beds, a shed, a pear, and rose and redcurrant bushes to boot.

The shed has lost its windows in recent winds, the compost bin is slightly off kilter, but we’ll get it fixed up and growing new veggies in no time.

I’m excited to get into allotment life. There are 170 all together on this site, the vibe seems very friendly and welcoming.

What have you been up to lately? Please let me know.

2021 – A year of foraging?

I spoke to my lovely friend Scary last night. Scary was telling me about how they go foraging at the moment for various things, including mushrooms.

I’m intrigued. How does one forage for mushrooms?

A quick Google throws up the following:

Start with mushrooms that not only are not poisonous, but don’t have poisonous mushrooms that look identical!
Cook all your mushrooms to start with. There is some talk of breaded mushrooms which sound absolutely delicious.
I have entirely missed mushroom season.

Drat! Turns out Autumn is the time for mushrooming. There might be some morels in March, but basically nothing is available right now.

Is there anything to forage in February? Best bet seems to be nettles (late Feb), and maybe wild garlic if I can find some. I’m going to head to the woods next weekend and see what I can find.

How to make porridge

Two ingredients: best breakfast ever

I can’t cook and refuse to learn.

But I know three recipes: porridge, spag bol, and anything with 2 types of booze in it.

Porridge is my favourite. It’s simple, quick and has two ingredients. Neither are booze, but you can’t have everything.

Ingredients (serves 1)

1/2 cup porridge oats (Flahavan’s are the best.)

1 cup semi-skimmed milk

Method

Pour the oats into a saucepan. Add the milk. Heat gently whilst stirring.

After 5-10 mins the porridge will start to thicken and turn into gorgeous, soupy, porridgey loveliness.

Then all you have to do is wait for the children to turn up and complain that you haven’t made pancakes.

Breakfast of champions: the egg muffin

Egg muffin

Ingredients

1 breakfast muffin
butter
1 egg
3-4 cocktail sausages
ketchup

Equipment

Small frying pan
Egg ring
Plastic slice
Bread knife

How to make

Split the egg muffin in half lengthways and pop in the toaster.

Meanwhile, stick a bit of heat under the frying pan. Put the egg ring in the frying pan ( you don’t need any butter or oil) and crack the egg into it. The egg will flow into a beautiful disc shape. Kick off your preferred coffee making routine. If you live in London, this will mean ordering a Starbucks via Uber Eats to be droned in through the kitchen window. Or stick the kettle on for a cup of instant.

Split the cocktail sausages and place, cut side down, next to the egg ring to heat through.
By now, the muffin should be toasting nicely. Hoik it out and butter it.
Arrange the cocktail sausages on the muffin and top with the egg once cooked through (2-3 minutes.)
Place the top half of the muffin and voila, a breakfast that will get you through an entire day of any number of children firing questions at you relentlessly.