I would just spread it about for now then dig it in in the spring . some one else might have better ideas. What a beautiful photo, that is pure inocense.

Rob, it sounds as if you are going to generate even more wood ash than me. Unfortunately, unless you have a very large garden you will not be able to use it all.
When the weather is suitable I am sprinkling the wood ash gently over the vegetable plot; at the moment I am bagging it! It can be spread, very lightly, over flower and bulb beds. If you have a woodland area then it can also be spread under the trees. However, spread it very lightly.
I use some in my home made potting composts but, at the end of the winter I expect to be putting some in the bin. Shame.
That is a nice picture, Rob. Maybe 'innocence' can be the GoY motto for 2010.

I use a lot of my ash alongside my house to kill the weeds. I have a place that is real hard to mow, and I noticed that if I dumped a lot of ash in one place, it would kill the weeds for a while. It has helped to control wandering jew. Of course nothing else will grow there until the ash has been absorbed, but that only takes a few months. And yes, it gets cold here, it was in the 50's last night and I had a real nice fire.

that is a lovley picture i like it a lot .i dont know about the ash though lol happy xmas

Thanks for all the answers... yes I do have a large garden plus a small wooded area (5 or so plum, apple and damson trees), plus compost bins so you've definitely helped put me on the right track.

Thanks also for the kind comments on the photograph..it is a picture I took over 20 years ago of my daughter Lorraine and won my employers national photo competition with it. The subject that year was "partnerships" and one morning I walked into my toddler daughter's darkened room while she was fast asleep highlighted by the light coming through a crack in the curtains - her favourite dolly was then strategically placed to make it suitable for the subject. Was very pleased myself with the way it came out and still looks good today (even if I say so myself)

Happy Christmas to everyone..wish you all a great 2010!
Rob

Gorgeous photo, you are right to be proud.
Happy Christmas Rob.

You can sprinkle then on patches of ice too Rob...Makes a good anti-slip coating.
Gorgeous photo.

You are correct in saying that the ash makes an anti-slip coating on ice, Gilli, but I find that it quickly turns into a sticky clay-like substance that sticks to the soles of your shoes and makes rather a mess when you come back into the house.

Wood ash contains potash which is good for flowering and fruit plants. I put it on the bed where my sweet peas will be planted and it is really useful around the strawberries. Slugs and snails are not too happy with it either which is a bonus. If the weather is too inclement to go this far, I just spread it over the herbaceous border near the back door. It very soon disappears.