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Summer Cuttings

Or

A tale of revenge, prizes and enforced indolence

Following on from a very wet May, we have had flaming June and scorching July. So far this summer has been lovely. Having a hosepipe ban in this area, we cannot use it to water the vegetables but I can wash the patio and could fill the swimming pool using a hose if I had a one.

          Carrying full watering cans has been an evening chore. The first evening I struggled to the vegetable plot to revive the wilting lettuce seedlings, but as I tipped the watering nothing happened. Not a drop fell from the spout. So having removed the rose I looked down the spout and stared at the snail’s revenge! Two snails had crept up the spout and were steadfastly blocking the flow or water. No doubt it was their payback for me having tried to kill all their cousins.

     The garden has been and is still very beautiful; lilies have done well. The orange Turks Cap lilies look very striking against the purple alliums, and the scarlet flowers of the Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’.  Hostas are flowering; the clematis is entwined with climbing roses on the obelisks.

          The lower garden is like a jungle with the banana plant, which I planted out in May, giving a real tropical feel. Alongside are white hollyhocks, 6 ft high yellow Inulas, these l grown from seed. Phloxes and Heleniums are still to flower

          The conservatory is still looking good. The purple morning glory has grown up through the pink Oleander. Very tropical look.

          Lack of rain hasn’t checked the couch grass. I spent over 3 hours today digging it up. Wish there was something useful I could do with the long roots.

          I sowed seeds for Aquilegias, Foxgloves, Penstemons and Primula in June so soon they will need potting on.

          Prizes mean the Village Produce Show. Yesterday was the day. So I was up early picking bunches of herbs, selecting my three very perfectly round and very small carrots. Washing 10 very large radishes. As well as produce there is an art section.

          The doors open at 9am and we all trooped in glancing sideways at each other’s exhibits. The cost of entering an exhibit in each section was 20p, yes, 20p. With the judges arrival at 11am we were barred from the hall until 2.30 pm then there was rush through the door to see who had won what. I was awarded three first prizes. My bunch of 10 overlarge radishes winning a first and my two entries in the art section winningn firsts. The flower arrangements were stupendous, the vegetables on show were perfect, not a nibble, bite or twisted root to be seen.

          My carrots, well they didn’t even merit a paper plate for display!

This wasn’t Chelsea but something much better. Now when I see old Tom in the village I see a champion beetroot grower.

          During the recent very hot and humid weeks I have lazed in the shade and read ‘The Price of Water in Finistere’ by Bodil Malmsten. This is a very funny but poetic account of moving and creating a garden.

          Plans ? For the next few weeks I shall be weeding, potting on plants, and making plans to landscape a small section for a new Auricular bed.

Alison