Rhubarb!

We’ve seen some sunshine this week, at last. As the days get longer I’m spending more time in the garden, pruning, weeding (they’re still growing!) and checking the progress of all the bulbs I planted last autumn. In the midst of all this I noticed our rhubarb bravely pushing its’ way through to the light. Whilst I do have a bell jar to put over it to force growth, I tend not to use it as its’ become a haven for spiders. Just lifting the lid fills me with fear, so it’s more ornamental than functional. Early rhubarb is now available in the greengrocers shop and looks beautiful. Such a lovely shade of palest pink with yellow leaves, it’s so tender and has a delicate flavour. I learned today that it’s a favourite of my nonagenarian friend – she might enjoy Sugared Rhubarb Windows, the recipe is on the website. It came many years ago from a friend who is with us no longer. Her kitchen garden was a sight to behold, with fruit cages and raised beds, compost heaps in a row by the wall and potatoes clearly marked and labelled to be dug in succession. We tend to grow the things we really enjoy as space is tight, so loads of tomatoes, mange tout peas and French beans. Time to think about sowing? Maybe a little early yet ! x