2nd January. I was trying to keep my spirits up this morning by assessing what is looking good in my garden. I have variegated golden and green shrubs which always look sunny even when its dull. Some red cornus stems though they need some light to bring out the colour.
Several plants are still holding their coloured autumn leaves. A container has two very lush clumps of diascia foliage. Cant believe it has survived the frosts.
Primroses are in flower in a few places and the winter heathers are beginning to colour up. Outside my front door is a variegated holly with lots of berries, surprised the birds haven't taken those.
But no blue sky - there was a glimpse earlier but it's gone now. I have two nice winter gardens near me at Mottisfont and Hilliers Arboretum which have influenced my choice of plants over the years. Used to be favourite visits to cheer me up this time of year but both seem too daunting to attempt now.
Tessa
Dear tvman,
I am unaware of any US flower show that could even begin to compare to the Chelsea Flower Show, wow, thanks for sharing the photo, it is
absolutely amazing!
Im attaching photos of my AeroGarden after harvest, my wilted lettuce salad that I made from the AG and a photo from the front garden peas and one of the sunflowers.
Hugs to all,
Millie.
Hi Millie
Lovely photos, all in beautiful Californian sunshine 
. Your salad in the top photo looks so appealing, set on a lovely plate too. The pea pods look to be well filled, ready for popping out into a pot to be cooked. Don't know about you, but not all of my peas hit the bottom of the pot, some of mine get diverted into my stomach! Fresh peas, whether raw or cooked and eaten half an hour after pulling from the plant, or indeed immediately after pulling, have a fresh taste that is unequalled.
I haven't explored the world of AG much, save the occasional article in a gardening magazine or tv programme. It does look interesting and of course has the advantage of giving a crop in an apartment with no garden. It's amazing to see a large unit in a 3rd floor of a building in an industrial estate. I've seen the terrific results achieved in say, tomato growing.
I'd love to run a side by side blind taste test experiment with a crop of peas and also compare the financial cost between the two methods of production. Of course I have always had, and still do have, a series of compost heaps in various stages that come from all of our domestic green and brown waste, something that I am very proud of. I can only imagine the horrendous smell that would arise from adding outer cabbage leaves to the water of an indoor AG garden! Doesn't bear thinking about. Yuk!
Thanks for sharing your lovely photos Millie and also the AG idea. You have placed a spark into my gardening life that I would like to follow up. It's very early to talk about the C word but should my wife ask me what I would like for Christmas, I know what my answer will be
Stay safe everyone and good gardening.
Tvman xx
Hi fellow gardeners and other friends of course
Well, well!, In spite of horrendous pain at times that almost brought me to tears and thoughts of quitting that lasted a few milliseconds, I, with my wife's help and encouragement, have at last completed the final raised bed. The high five we did brought a brilliant smile to our faces.
There's a little tidying up to do for which I would like to apologise in advance and the small question of digging the founds for the hoops of the polytunnel, the construction of which may or may not be done this year. I know what's involved because I've done it once before but then with the strength of a man with few pains and no cancer diagnosis. Then I didn't have to level up the ground from side to side which also requires attention!
I've yet to transplant leek seedlings (leekings? lol) into the last empty bed that I intend to do today, after a couple or more hours sleep. There are 2 photos below and I don't want anyone asking which is which, grrr, lol.
Enjoy
For a modest fee, I'll answer questions lol.
Take care everyone and stay safe please.
Tvman xx
LETTUCE GONE WILD
I think I have solved my lettuce problem, grow my own. Now at day 24. the AG has gone wild.Having a large salad tonight with home grown peas. Yes tvman, my peas rarely make it to the kitchen table, but the granddaughters have not come by, so I am adding peas to my salad!
the largest leaves are now 9.5 inches long had the light is now at its highest level In the back 2 slots are the cherry tomatoes that are also getting taller- have not started blooming yet.
Off to the kitchen to make my salad, hope I remember to take a photo before I eat.
Love to all,
Millie
Wow! 
can I come for lunch?
My agapanthus seedlings. They bring me joy.
Hi
Glad to hear that there's still joy in your life, but am I surprised? Nah, not at all
You've just reminded me that should you have restricted space then get hold of something like a pallet and with a little imagination, anyone can grow a living wall and you seem to be ahead of the crowd lol.
Good wishes for your new chemo journey, stay safe and take care.
Tvman
