Reapings

I have reaped by reward for all the weeding.   Just over a kilogram of juicy ripe blackberries from my (thankfully) thornless bushes in the soft fruit orchard.

I did have to wade in a bit and find the fruit in among all the weeds. So instead of just heading in with a bucket, I sat down and pulled out weeds first.   And for once it wasn’t greed driving my morning’s task.

It’s hot again today. Every day over 28C and not a drop of rain in sight. I’m drooping; and so are my plants.

I just can’t get up early enough to accomplish everything I want to do.   But I just have to be patient.

We are in full on entertainment mode right now; so that means the harvesting is going into fruit tarts, stir fries, barbecued aubergines and all sorts of lovely things.

My weeds have to wait. Well, my major weeds. I can do some minor ones en route to the food.

One thing I was pleased to see is the crocosmia Emily McKenzie flowering away behind the jostaberry bushes.   I must remember to move these bulbs this autumn to the potager where I can keep a better eye on them.   And give them more water.

Some of the bulbs didn’t flower at all and aren’t plump enough.   And it’s a shame as they give such great colour in an otherwise green part of the garden after the fruit is over.

I had thought they would work here; but it’s just not moist enough.