Cabbages and Community
@robbiehg.bsky.social
Retired in Essex UK
Love nature & food with provenance.
Allotment diarist.
American Labrador Barney.
Have just written a book - now editing.
Occasional writer for
https://eastangliabylines.co.uk
54yrs of amateur musical theatre and choral singing.
Love nature & food with provenance.
Allotment diarist.
American Labrador Barney.
Have just written a book - now editing.
Occasional writer for
https://eastangliabylines.co.uk
54yrs of amateur musical theatre and choral singing.
Have been enjoying copious cheese toasties recently. Must be the time of year.
This one is Red Leicester with fig relish. Bit posh! My usual is cheddar & Branson pickle. 😋
This one is Red Leicester with fig relish. Bit posh! My usual is cheddar & Branson pickle. 😋
December 11, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Have been enjoying copious cheese toasties recently. Must be the time of year.
This one is Red Leicester with fig relish. Bit posh! My usual is cheddar & Branson pickle. 😋
This one is Red Leicester with fig relish. Bit posh! My usual is cheddar & Branson pickle. 😋
Woodland in winter morning sunshine. Beautiful!
December 11, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Woodland in winter morning sunshine. Beautiful!
Have trekked through High Wood twice recently when out with Barney.
I’ve mentioned it before, but each time I walk these tracks I imagine the horse & cart & the men with axes & saws coppicing the Hornbeams.
What stories could these old trees tell?
I’ve mentioned it before, but each time I walk these tracks I imagine the horse & cart & the men with axes & saws coppicing the Hornbeams.
What stories could these old trees tell?
December 11, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Have trekked through High Wood twice recently when out with Barney.
I’ve mentioned it before, but each time I walk these tracks I imagine the horse & cart & the men with axes & saws coppicing the Hornbeams.
What stories could these old trees tell?
I’ve mentioned it before, but each time I walk these tracks I imagine the horse & cart & the men with axes & saws coppicing the Hornbeams.
What stories could these old trees tell?
What a glorious day! Blue sky, sunshine, a light breeze, 10 degrees.
Visited the allotment for the first time in several days. Seeing the plot in these lovely conditions really enthused me re next year. Weeds have grown & the grass needs a strim. But that can be quickly sorted. Roll on Spring 2026!
Visited the allotment for the first time in several days. Seeing the plot in these lovely conditions really enthused me re next year. Weeds have grown & the grass needs a strim. But that can be quickly sorted. Roll on Spring 2026!
December 11, 2025 at 11:28 AM
What a glorious day! Blue sky, sunshine, a light breeze, 10 degrees.
Visited the allotment for the first time in several days. Seeing the plot in these lovely conditions really enthused me re next year. Weeds have grown & the grass needs a strim. But that can be quickly sorted. Roll on Spring 2026!
Visited the allotment for the first time in several days. Seeing the plot in these lovely conditions really enthused me re next year. Weeds have grown & the grass needs a strim. But that can be quickly sorted. Roll on Spring 2026!
Had a lovely ‘mooch’ through High Wood with Barn today, in between ball chasing on the field of course.
The old coppiced Hornbeams are clear to see against a pleasantly bright sky now the leaves have fallen.
The old coppiced Hornbeams are clear to see against a pleasantly bright sky now the leaves have fallen.
December 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Had a lovely ‘mooch’ through High Wood with Barn today, in between ball chasing on the field of course.
The old coppiced Hornbeams are clear to see against a pleasantly bright sky now the leaves have fallen.
The old coppiced Hornbeams are clear to see against a pleasantly bright sky now the leaves have fallen.
President Donald Trump
December 9, 2025 at 9:36 PM
President Donald Trump
I was just standing at the kitchen window when I saw the birds in the garden scatter. The bird on the fence (long distance shot with my phone) swooped in and landed.
I think it’s a kestrel. Never had a BoP in the garden before.
I think it’s a kestrel. Never had a BoP in the garden before.
December 7, 2025 at 1:38 PM
I was just standing at the kitchen window when I saw the birds in the garden scatter. The bird on the fence (long distance shot with my phone) swooped in and landed.
I think it’s a kestrel. Never had a BoP in the garden before.
I think it’s a kestrel. Never had a BoP in the garden before.
I noticed yesterday running Barney that the surface of the field is much softer & is starting to cut up. The latest rain has saturated it at last.
On the plot the track is showing similar signs, but my beds are fine & the drainage pond has little in it. 2024 must have been VERY wet! 🤞for 2026.
On the plot the track is showing similar signs, but my beds are fine & the drainage pond has little in it. 2024 must have been VERY wet! 🤞for 2026.
December 4, 2025 at 12:02 PM
I noticed yesterday running Barney that the surface of the field is much softer & is starting to cut up. The latest rain has saturated it at last.
On the plot the track is showing similar signs, but my beds are fine & the drainage pond has little in it. 2024 must have been VERY wet! 🤞for 2026.
On the plot the track is showing similar signs, but my beds are fine & the drainage pond has little in it. 2024 must have been VERY wet! 🤞for 2026.
Got a msg from a fellow allomenteer today that the recent high wind has uprooted 2 of my fruit cages. He was concerned that the frames would buckle unless I got there quick.
Did so, but forgot to take a pic until afterwards. The one on the right still needs some work but they are secure for now.
Did so, but forgot to take a pic until afterwards. The one on the right still needs some work but they are secure for now.
December 4, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Got a msg from a fellow allomenteer today that the recent high wind has uprooted 2 of my fruit cages. He was concerned that the frames would buckle unless I got there quick.
Did so, but forgot to take a pic until afterwards. The one on the right still needs some work but they are secure for now.
Did so, but forgot to take a pic until afterwards. The one on the right still needs some work but they are secure for now.
Beautiful day at the playing fields & High Wood today.
At one end the council are butchering the hedgerow.
At the other a fallow deer runs along the line of trees & disappears into the wood.
In the middle Barney waits patiently for me to throw the ball.
At one end the council are butchering the hedgerow.
At the other a fallow deer runs along the line of trees & disappears into the wood.
In the middle Barney waits patiently for me to throw the ball.
November 28, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Beautiful day at the playing fields & High Wood today.
At one end the council are butchering the hedgerow.
At the other a fallow deer runs along the line of trees & disappears into the wood.
In the middle Barney waits patiently for me to throw the ball.
At one end the council are butchering the hedgerow.
At the other a fallow deer runs along the line of trees & disappears into the wood.
In the middle Barney waits patiently for me to throw the ball.
So much natural mulch on the plot this morning. It’s great having a line of trees near by. Do your stuff leafies.
November 23, 2025 at 12:41 PM
So much natural mulch on the plot this morning. It’s great having a line of trees near by. Do your stuff leafies.
Delighted to see how well my autumn onion & garlic plantings are doing. My brassica cage is in various stages of development. We’ll see what happens over winter.
My new strawberry plants are also flourishing.
My new strawberry plants are also flourishing.
November 23, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Delighted to see how well my autumn onion & garlic plantings are doing. My brassica cage is in various stages of development. We’ll see what happens over winter.
My new strawberry plants are also flourishing.
My new strawberry plants are also flourishing.
Called into the plot this morning after recent frosts, torrential rain & winds. When the sun came through it was like an early spring day.
The track is muddy but my plot has drained. Yet there’s only 2” in my drainage pond. The ground is obviously still soaking it up.
The track is muddy but my plot has drained. Yet there’s only 2” in my drainage pond. The ground is obviously still soaking it up.
November 23, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Called into the plot this morning after recent frosts, torrential rain & winds. When the sun came through it was like an early spring day.
The track is muddy but my plot has drained. Yet there’s only 2” in my drainage pond. The ground is obviously still soaking it up.
The track is muddy but my plot has drained. Yet there’s only 2” in my drainage pond. The ground is obviously still soaking it up.
What a wet miserable day. Even Barney turned his nose up at a run out. We’ll make up for it tomorrow.
Spent the day writing. I’m so close to finishing my book. Then the editing & proof reading starts, not to mention seeing how best to get it published.
I’m a first timer. Any advice will be welcome.
Spent the day writing. I’m so close to finishing my book. Then the editing & proof reading starts, not to mention seeing how best to get it published.
I’m a first timer. Any advice will be welcome.
November 22, 2025 at 5:40 PM
What a wet miserable day. Even Barney turned his nose up at a run out. We’ll make up for it tomorrow.
Spent the day writing. I’m so close to finishing my book. Then the editing & proof reading starts, not to mention seeing how best to get it published.
I’m a first timer. Any advice will be welcome.
Spent the day writing. I’m so close to finishing my book. Then the editing & proof reading starts, not to mention seeing how best to get it published.
I’m a first timer. Any advice will be welcome.
Well the journey into the heart of #stormclaudia late yesterday was horrendous & took twice as long as usual. B&SinL had a lovely dinner ready & we had a great evening.
Saw the new fishpond for the first time today, built by BinL not long after recovering from 5hrs of abdominal surgery. Impressive!
Saw the new fishpond for the first time today, built by BinL not long after recovering from 5hrs of abdominal surgery. Impressive!
November 15, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Well the journey into the heart of #stormclaudia late yesterday was horrendous & took twice as long as usual. B&SinL had a lovely dinner ready & we had a great evening.
Saw the new fishpond for the first time today, built by BinL not long after recovering from 5hrs of abdominal surgery. Impressive!
Saw the new fishpond for the first time today, built by BinL not long after recovering from 5hrs of abdominal surgery. Impressive!
It was only a few weeks ago that we headed to Cumbria for a few days & got a close up of #stormamy.
Today we’re off to Rutland for the weekend, into the heart of amber #stormclaudia weather warning area.
Despite what you may think, we’re not storm chasers. These are just coincidences. 🤷🏼♂️🌧️
Today we’re off to Rutland for the weekend, into the heart of amber #stormclaudia weather warning area.
Despite what you may think, we’re not storm chasers. These are just coincidences. 🤷🏼♂️🌧️
November 14, 2025 at 9:56 AM
It was only a few weeks ago that we headed to Cumbria for a few days & got a close up of #stormamy.
Today we’re off to Rutland for the weekend, into the heart of amber #stormclaudia weather warning area.
Despite what you may think, we’re not storm chasers. These are just coincidences. 🤷🏼♂️🌧️
Today we’re off to Rutland for the weekend, into the heart of amber #stormclaudia weather warning area.
Despite what you may think, we’re not storm chasers. These are just coincidences. 🤷🏼♂️🌧️
Emptied the rest of my bin of Allotment John’s elixir of life & spread it in Tunnel 2. Get to work wormies.
November 13, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Emptied the rest of my bin of Allotment John’s elixir of life & spread it in Tunnel 2. Get to work wormies.
Spent the morning on the plot in my shirtsleeves! Tidied the brassica cage, dumped the bolting caulis & planted out the remaining PSB seedlings.
Weeded the long flower bed, planted a mass of bulbs that I lifted from home then covered it in grass cuttings as I used up a battery of strimmer juice.
Weeded the long flower bed, planted a mass of bulbs that I lifted from home then covered it in grass cuttings as I used up a battery of strimmer juice.
November 13, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Spent the morning on the plot in my shirtsleeves! Tidied the brassica cage, dumped the bolting caulis & planted out the remaining PSB seedlings.
Weeded the long flower bed, planted a mass of bulbs that I lifted from home then covered it in grass cuttings as I used up a battery of strimmer juice.
Weeded the long flower bed, planted a mass of bulbs that I lifted from home then covered it in grass cuttings as I used up a battery of strimmer juice.
First time working in the garden for a while. I’ve had a debilitating bug & we’ve been dog sitting Jasper.
Cut the weather & dog ravaged lawn yet again. Surely that’s the last time this year? Will give it some TLC in the spring.
Also filled & put out more bird feeders as colder weather is forecast.
Cut the weather & dog ravaged lawn yet again. Surely that’s the last time this year? Will give it some TLC in the spring.
Also filled & put out more bird feeders as colder weather is forecast.
November 12, 2025 at 2:20 PM
First time working in the garden for a while. I’ve had a debilitating bug & we’ve been dog sitting Jasper.
Cut the weather & dog ravaged lawn yet again. Surely that’s the last time this year? Will give it some TLC in the spring.
Also filled & put out more bird feeders as colder weather is forecast.
Cut the weather & dog ravaged lawn yet again. Surely that’s the last time this year? Will give it some TLC in the spring.
Also filled & put out more bird feeders as colder weather is forecast.
More November blooms.
November 12, 2025 at 2:09 PM
More November blooms.
Haven’t posted for a while as I’ve had a bug of some sort & we’ve been dog sitting Jasper.
Finally got out in the garden again today.
Finally got out in the garden again today.
November 12, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Haven’t posted for a while as I’ve had a bug of some sort & we’ve been dog sitting Jasper.
Finally got out in the garden again today.
Finally got out in the garden again today.
Have not posted for a while. Life keeps getting in the way.
Spotted this late bloomer in the garden yesterday.
Wishing you a wonderful day peeps.🍁
Spotted this late bloomer in the garden yesterday.
Wishing you a wonderful day peeps.🍁
November 5, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Have not posted for a while. Life keeps getting in the way.
Spotted this late bloomer in the garden yesterday.
Wishing you a wonderful day peeps.🍁
Spotted this late bloomer in the garden yesterday.
Wishing you a wonderful day peeps.🍁
I had a cacti collection years ago but apart from that, I’m not really a houseplant person. My wife even boasts of the number she has killed through neglect.
Friends gave us this beaut several weeks ago when they came to dinner. Not only has it survived, it seems to be flourishing.
Friends gave us this beaut several weeks ago when they came to dinner. Not only has it survived, it seems to be flourishing.
November 1, 2025 at 10:20 AM
I had a cacti collection years ago but apart from that, I’m not really a houseplant person. My wife even boasts of the number she has killed through neglect.
Friends gave us this beaut several weeks ago when they came to dinner. Not only has it survived, it seems to be flourishing.
Friends gave us this beaut several weeks ago when they came to dinner. Not only has it survived, it seems to be flourishing.
Delighted at how well the spreading Thyme has developed under my cherry bushes. I also planted them in the garden at home but those plants have been disturbed by my purge on the Chinese lanterns.
First walk down the site for a while. Just one plot in poor condition awaiting a new tenant.
First walk down the site for a while. Just one plot in poor condition awaiting a new tenant.
October 31, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Delighted at how well the spreading Thyme has developed under my cherry bushes. I also planted them in the garden at home but those plants have been disturbed by my purge on the Chinese lanterns.
First walk down the site for a while. Just one plot in poor condition awaiting a new tenant.
First walk down the site for a while. Just one plot in poor condition awaiting a new tenant.
I’ve not been to the plot for several days. It’s pretty well shut down for winter now.
Good to see my autumn garlic & onion sets are pushing on & looking healthy.
My plot is covered in leaves from the trees lining the track. Not a bad thing to add to the horse manure dressing.
Good to see my autumn garlic & onion sets are pushing on & looking healthy.
My plot is covered in leaves from the trees lining the track. Not a bad thing to add to the horse manure dressing.
October 31, 2025 at 11:38 AM
I’ve not been to the plot for several days. It’s pretty well shut down for winter now.
Good to see my autumn garlic & onion sets are pushing on & looking healthy.
My plot is covered in leaves from the trees lining the track. Not a bad thing to add to the horse manure dressing.
Good to see my autumn garlic & onion sets are pushing on & looking healthy.
My plot is covered in leaves from the trees lining the track. Not a bad thing to add to the horse manure dressing.