To let...

You've probably heard of the design concept of "garden rooms". Well, having kitted out the plot lounge and recently the kitchen, we have now fully spruced up the guest room. Comes complete with guest book where you can sign your name in the earth.

That's about the size of it...

Apparently, houses always look smaller than you expect at this stage. The main house is 12.5 x 4.5m. And to think we were considering chopping a metre off the far end and both porches to save money! Out came the measuring tapes to show that in fact the lounge is bigger than our current lounge or indeed the one we had in Oxford. I am stood in the ample kitchen diner while Valerie is probably in the shower. From here, I will be able to mull over the supper menu with a view of the potential seasonal ingredients stretching out to the south. Looking behind us from upstairs, we will be able to see the distant alluring snow-capped northwest highlands - believe me they are just about visible in the far left of this picture - which appear through the murk about three times a year, threatening to divert one's passions away from the critical task at this time of year of weeding that onion patch.

Pistils at dawn

There's only one surefire way to keep on top of the weeds in the onion patch. Yes, camp there -with a hoe at your bedside. We experienced a bit of a barbecue spring last weekend - my Met Office approved thermometer was saying 24 degrees* on Sunday. Last year's rarely disturbed charcoals were dusted down and a long-awaited bottle of Prosecco polished to off to celebrate start of construction. And after a shocking night's sleep on a hard floor, what better way to start the day than watch the sun rise through the ash trees during a dawn raid on the hairy bittercress.

*Bitterly cold winds since mind, poor seedlings!

Pretty in Pink

You're probably all wondering how my pink juicy stems looking. Well, under its protective sheath it's come up delightfully. When you're in need of a bit of Spring, lightly sweeten to taste, give a gentle heat for a few minutes and finish off with a lick of double cream. A treat all round. Highly recommended.

Something to build on

Big news. It's out with the all the weeds and the house site is now as clear as the sky. No turning back. A rather upmarket shed will be now erected here and with any luck will be ready with this year's pumpkins.