Genius

Interesting piece by John Authers (The Long View - Financial Times 14th April) on investing genius or genius alone. He mentions a book by Michael J. Gelb in which the seven principles of genius are set out (in Italian): Curiositá, Dimostrazione, Sensazione, Sfumato, Arte/scienza, Corporalitá, Connessione.

In brief the genius investor should be a Renaissance man infused with all these qualities.

What a pity our financial leaders and our leaders in general do not demonstrate these traits in their dealings. What a pity we do not all aspire to this roundedness in our own lives.

Grape futures (2)

This photo shows the vine flowers beginning to develop and swell.

The caplets, which will fall off to reveal the flower, when the time comes, can just be made out.

Wine growers will be hoping for calm and warm weather conditions during flowering. Late frost, rain and wind can all compromise the chances of a good harvest by preventing pollination.

Garden report

It has been a while since I posted on the state of the allotment so here are a few photos.

If you know what to look for you can see overwintering broad beans, garlic and onions; recently divided globe artichokes towards the far end, asparagus sown from seed last year emerging from winter slumber; the remainder of last year's leeks. Strawberry plants planted last year have been putting on some growth and are in flower.

Asparagus shoot from last year's sowing

You won't see, even though they are there, recently planted seed potatoes (5 different sorts) and Jerusalem artichokes; freshly sown carrots, beetroot, leeks, salads, fennel, turnips.

Seedling selection

Elsewhere,  in our sunspace at home, indoor-sown seeds have already germinated and are growing happily.

Now all we need is a little regular rain.