How lucky that little spider is. We have a small village of them in the crevices of our conservatory roof. We cleared the leaves from our grapevine last week. It’s attached to the trusses of the conservatory and produced an abundance of grapes this year, which will become a jelly. I was mindful to leave all the little spiders for a while longer. I’ve never tried a Borlotti bean, so that’s something to add to my wishlist. How pretty they are!
They were also the first thing I grew that I hadn't tasted before. I couldn't believe that a bean could be so... tasty. Actual flavour, rather than the tinned cannelinis I was used to. Now I plant them every year up the side of our duck pen. The bottom ones are occasionally lost to curious ducks who think they might be peas, but they grow so lovely and tall and hide the muddy ducky mess behind them - a perfect and flavourful shield... for a few months, anyway.
Well, if there's something green near they'll either eat it or sit on it, they're messy, they're cheeky, obstinate and bossy, and they turn everything into a mud bath... but they're the best thing I ever did. Hilarious to watch, unbelievably loveable and totally addictive... and the eggs aren't bad either 😂 so I'd say go for it!!!! (Just not near anything you actually want to grow...)
I learned about borlotti beans when I lived in Tuscany. They're such a delicious bean - they don't need a ton of seasoning. I often cooked them up with some garlic and greens and served over polenta with some grated pecorino.
Isn't that just perfect sounding! As you say, they speak for themselves with v little help, but my word they take on whatever flavours you care to add too. The best of beans. And I'm envious of your time living in Tuscany!
It's interesting how an inexperienced gardener, like myself, would look to a book or a plan of the seasons to tell me when to plant, when to harvest. It's wonderful reading how this works for someone who is experienced as you are Mark understanding the climate, the soil and when is the right time to harvest for what you want to create.
Hello Jess, I’m so glad you are enjoying it here. The thing about having a garden is it mostly tells you what to do and when (plus the internet reassures when you need it)…and after a very short time it looks like you know what you’re doing
How lucky that little spider is. We have a small village of them in the crevices of our conservatory roof. We cleared the leaves from our grapevine last week. It’s attached to the trusses of the conservatory and produced an abundance of grapes this year, which will become a jelly. I was mindful to leave all the little spiders for a while longer. I’ve never tried a Borlotti bean, so that’s something to add to my wishlist. How pretty they are!
pretty and delicious...as that jelly sounds!
They were also the first thing I grew that I hadn't tasted before. I couldn't believe that a bean could be so... tasty. Actual flavour, rather than the tinned cannelinis I was used to. Now I plant them every year up the side of our duck pen. The bottom ones are occasionally lost to curious ducks who think they might be peas, but they grow so lovely and tall and hide the muddy ducky mess behind them - a perfect and flavourful shield... for a few months, anyway.
actual flavour indeed! remarkable aren't they. I love the idea of having them by your duck pen - I've never kept ducks and always rather fancied it
Well, if there's something green near they'll either eat it or sit on it, they're messy, they're cheeky, obstinate and bossy, and they turn everything into a mud bath... but they're the best thing I ever did. Hilarious to watch, unbelievably loveable and totally addictive... and the eggs aren't bad either 😂 so I'd say go for it!!!! (Just not near anything you actually want to grow...)
You make it sound utterly compelling!
Beans - I firmly believe that they are the Elixir of Life
I think, as ever, that you are correct
I learned about borlotti beans when I lived in Tuscany. They're such a delicious bean - they don't need a ton of seasoning. I often cooked them up with some garlic and greens and served over polenta with some grated pecorino.
Isn't that just perfect sounding! As you say, they speak for themselves with v little help, but my word they take on whatever flavours you care to add too. The best of beans. And I'm envious of your time living in Tuscany!
Fairy Tale Beans. Adore them, and this piece x
Aren't they just! And thank you x
It's interesting how an inexperienced gardener, like myself, would look to a book or a plan of the seasons to tell me when to plant, when to harvest. It's wonderful reading how this works for someone who is experienced as you are Mark understanding the climate, the soil and when is the right time to harvest for what you want to create.
Hello Jess, I’m so glad you are enjoying it here. The thing about having a garden is it mostly tells you what to do and when (plus the internet reassures when you need it)…and after a very short time it looks like you know what you’re doing