August

First three weeks in August a complete write off. No rain, just relentless sunshine.  Visited and watered occasionally. Nothing growing.

August 18

Rain finally came, but too late for most - altgouh the weeds hadn't been growing either.

August 21

Visited with new electric hand shears and gave all herbs a good trimming.

More rain has been forecast, but not turned up yet.

August 31

The rain arrived, and revived survivors.

The leeks looking surprisingly healthy:

The cavolo nero recoverint from overcropping:

The courgettes coming along nicely:

The runner beans as prolific as usual:

Even the black tomatoes staying a comeback:

And next year's self sown marigold seedlings already showing:

July 2026

July 1

Everything nice and fresh after last night's rain.

Hoed throughout (except for the little bit right in the middle behind the climbing trellis).

Runner Beans at top of support:

Off for a few days at the coast tomorrow, but rain forecast, so we should be alright....

July 6

Rain didnt materialise, so watered everything thoroughly.

Second courgettes coming along:

July 9

Hot! Hot! Hot!

So hot it's turned the tomato(es) black!

Watered most areas

Took up speckled lettuce. Gone over the top.

Cavilo Nero nowhere near as good as last year. I think someone has harvested the growing top shoots on two of them:

July 15

Quick visit. Quite chilly this morning 

Watered.

Black tomatoes AND black peas:

Wall rebuilt:

nearly!

July 17

Quick visit  quick water 

July & first half August completely written off. Even the weeds not flourishing under five heatwaves and temperatures frequently over 30 °.

Did a bit of watering when possible, but the soil is being trampled into fine dust, and it's beginning to look a bit like the Sahara.

Bronze Fennel flourishing. Runner beans, sprouts, and courgettes surviving. Rhubarb wilting.