Can you believe that this time next week it’s going to be AUGUST? Time is absolutely flying by this year – on my way into work the other morning, I actually starting thinking about Christmas presents…
The Handsome One has repeatedly told me how much he is looking forward to Autumn and I have to say he’s not the only one – Autumn is a lovely time of year, but I’m not wishing away my Summer just yet. Although it was quite a shock when I spotted some blackberries when I was walking the dog this morning!
I mean how incredible is the weather though?! I can’t remember the last time it was so hot for so long. I understand it’s taking its toll on some people and most definitely the garden, but with proper care and a bit of love, everything seems to be thriving. The only downside of the weather so far is how it’s affecting the girls.
Edna, Matilda and Betty (Edna & Betty are silkies, Matilda is a pekin) keep getting broody and the weather definitely has something to do with it. It all kicked off last week, when we tried to ‘break’ the girls – we locked them out the house but it ended in absolute mayhem with Edna attacking Matilda. It was awful because I saw Edna doing it and poor Matilda just sat there. I then had to clean both of the girls of blood, at which point I gave Edna a right talking to and Matilda all the love in the world. I mean look at her, she is an absolute babe.
I was a bit late planting out my courgettes (especially my yellow ones), but I was definitely not prepared for how big they were going to get! I’ve not even harvested an actual courgette yet, I’m talking about the sheer size of the plant – it’s impressive and gorgeous, and I can’t wait to pick my first one. Although, I think that four plants might be a bit excessive for just the HO and I, so I’m thinking courgette chutney is going to be a gift that everyone gets this Christmas.
Over the weekend, I noticed when I was watering the vegetables that the soil just sank away in certain areas, so I think we have mice burrowing and they might be the little sods that keep eating my beetroot! On the plus side, I did see my first ever runner bean! I’ve grown all of my vegetables from seed, but I was especially excited about the runner beans, as it reminds me of so many great memories from my childhood; helping my Mum with Sunday lunch, cutting them up for her and then being so eager to get my lunch so I could eat all the beans first. They’re a little small to be picked yet, but fear not, I’ll be checking them everyday.
Hopefully it won’t be long until I’m enjoying the fruits of my harvest and I can start thinking about making chutneys, jams and all of those lovely things.
A x
Abi in the Garden 