I'm moving on up, you're moving on out, moving on up, nothing can stop me... (sorry, whenever I talk about moving I just hear M People)

Well upon our departure of Sunset Road the garden looked great, well despite there being no fence, yes that was a lovely surprise upon returning home one day, thanks landlord, oh it will be done within two days you say? Oh no wait, that was a three and a half ago...Anyway...

The chosen few (and pile o' fence)

We had only just planted our new bits and pieces when we were told we had to move so our lettuces are still growing (and grew like magic with the couple of downpours we had) and the broccoli are only just starting out, although growing very well. I will put the fence fiasco behind me and hope the landlord likes broccoli.

Oh yeah, and the garlic is sprouting

The lettuces were very lucky to survive as the three or four days post planting were SCORCHING hot and with a rescue water or three in the evening managed to pull through. The spinach wasn't so lucky. The spring onions were solid and will be awesome in a few weeks.

Herbs were all going well (oregano insanely well) but I decided the wheelbarrow was probably easier to move empty so will replant those.

The move was all done this weekend and we took with us about 10 chilli plants in pots which we will try and over winter (about one of each variety), the two tubs of garlic, the rosemary, the lavender in desperate need of resuscitation, the wheelbarrow and the many other empty pots for lettuces, asian greens etc, oh and the trellis off the planter beds ("cost a bleedin' fortune that did" - Elliot).

The moving of said items added a trip or two but we have built up quite the stash of pots and gardening equipment which will be handy wherever we go.

I wish I could say that was Elliot's pink car

The chillies in the planter bed stayed there but our lovely neighbour did come and ask what the hottest plant was and proceeded to dig up the habanero and replant it in a pot so am stoked we could pay the chilli love forward.

The new house has plenty of room for many pots of veg, chilli and herb goodness and is nice and sunny which will help a lot.

It also has a lovely kitchen ready for some new and spicy creations.

In other chilli-related news, the NZ Chilli Eating Champs starts this week. It is a fantastic night out if you can get to a round or two. Lots of fun (not for those participating) but not for the faint-hearted. I think the fact that they give you a spew bucket in anticipation demonstrates how brutal the food participants have to eat is. It's usually about 10 rounds and the food varies from hot wings to chilli con carne to chilli vodka and just whole mentally hot chillies. Good times. And the final is at Hallertau at a Chilli and Hop Festival. Doesn't get much better than that.

Also, Fire Dragon Chillies, who run the event, sell some awesome sauces and stuff at the comp if you're brave enough...

For more details check out http://nzchillieatingchamps.org.nz/

Oh and my Mams has made use of chillies she had and made Nigella Lawson's chilli jam/jelly (or "chelly") which is basically chillies, sugar and vinegar and is AWESOME with cheese and crackers.

Recipe can be found here http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/chilli-jam-2692
Looks super easy and is super delish!

And for those of you wanting a bit of a treat... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqwborlxOwo