Les Feuilles Mortes

Thanks to autumn really kicking in over the last few weeks, the streets abound in delicious piles of red, yellow and brown dying leaves. Consequently, I've already filled my Lisbon Treaty compost heap to its "Vote Yes" brim. Best thing is, after only a week of establishment, its roaring hot! I'm so chuffed that a second bin is in order to capitalise on the free materials falling from the sky.

The detailed garden planning has been shelved for the moment as I need to allocate more brain power towards my studies. However, the potted herbs raised from seed and transferred from Galway have ben dotted about the front and back gardens. I've also located a lovely rosemary bush around the corner and have taken a punt and thrown in a few cuttings here and there. I suspect they wont strike, however, old yoghurt pots will be used as mini green houses to give them a shot.

In a spot of impulse buying yesterday, I now have seeds for spinach ("Spinacio Gigante de invierno"), broad beans ("Aquadulce Claudia") and a packet of asparagus crowns. I'll plant the broad beans here and there for nitrogen improvement and spinach near our front door (a sunny protected area) in the hope of a continuous harvest over winter. Otherwise, the garden beds really need nutrient improvement before the serious planting can begin.