Plum Disaster

 We were all set for a wonderful plum harvest, the best for some years, when Anne sent me a photo of what she had discovered whilst checking on the guinea pigs.

Under the sheer weight of fruit, one of the main branches of the plum tree had snapped. As you can see it has grown at an awkward angle and has long been overdue for thinning out. However I did not want it to happen like this.
 

It was heart-breaking to discard the unripe fruit on the compost heap .... pounds and pounds of it.

It is not uncommon to lose laden branches like this.

Luckily there is still quite a lot left on the tree.

No guinea pigs were hurt.

On a happier note, the craft trolley has been stocked up ready for the main holiday season.
 

 

This year kittens, fairies and bunting seem to be quite popular.

 

Fairy and Dinosaur day is looming .... next weekend in fact so plenty to keep us busy.

Long Awaited Rain

We have had torrential rain at last. The huge water tank is nearly full and the pond is fuller still, after Anne topped it up recently.

 I think the grass has been saved and everything else will get a tremendous boost.

The courgettes are doing well anyway. 

 

In the polytunnel the tomatoes are looking good .....

 ....... but the aubergines are looking a little ropey. I`m not sure if it is a nutrient deficiency or something else.

 

We actually had to pull up 4 cucumbers as they had what we think is mosaic virus.

 

The lavender hedge is mainly ok with a couple of plants not looking too happy. That`s a bit of a nuisance. I`m not sure how we can fill the gaps but maybe they will catch up and fill out.

The sweetpea row is very colourful but the stems are only about 4 inches long. I think the rain will help to keep them going a bit longer. They are not going to win any prizes that`s for sure.

They still smell lovely.

 

 The first Gardeners Delight is out. In the garden this is the most reliable dahlia.

Anne has planted a new one and its lovely. I don`t know its name.

Today`s harvest was good.

 

Many of the poppies are looking tatty so some have been pulled up ..... not before collecting the seed though.