Do you make new year’s resolutions?
I don’t always do it myself unless someone puts me on the spot and asks me what mine are for the year ahead.
However, this year I felt full of optimism (and flu) as the bells struck midnight and so decided to attempt a number of resolutions for 2020.
- Grow more dahlias (and flowers in general) – last year I grew dahlias for the first time and I can honestly say that they brought me unbridled joy. I cut them and filled vase upon vase in the house while the plants flowered for months. As they began to die back I dithered about whether to dig the tubers up or not (to avoid frost damage) and eventually I did. They’re now drying and resting safely in the barn. Last year I planted them amongst the flower beds but this year they will migrate to a raised bed as I start my first cut flower patch. Over the festive period I’ve spent hours looking through gardening catalogues choosing more dahlias to add to my collection – I know, I know, I’m living the dream!
- Expand my cooking repertoire – I’d like to think it’s already pretty varied but as my love for cooking grows and grows I’d like to cook as seasonally as I can – taking advantage of the wonderful larder that Norfolk, East Anglia and my veg beds offer. Following on from this…
- Grow more fruit and veg from seed – I’ve already got a big box of seed from previous years but in 2020 I’m going all out. Amongst other things there will be 11 varieties of squash, agretti, luffa, wild garlic, sweetcorn shoots, samphire, pak choi, good king henry, endive and chickpea. To manage and achieve this I will be digging a dedicated new veg patch (yet to be attacked with full force) organising my seed box and building a new potting area in the shed.
- For good measure I’ve thrown in a notion that I will exercise more, building up to my first 100-mile cycle ride in June.
- Lastly I’m going to wear and use all the clothes, shoes and accessories that I keep tucked away for special occasions. Let’s face it, in reality every day is a special occasion – no longer will things be kept for best!
Wishing you all a Happy New Year – what are your new year’s resolutions?