Surprise, Surprise!

Down on the plot, I've been picking plump and juicy strawberries almost every day, but it looks as if they are coming to an end now. Fortunately there were only one or two that had slug or snail damage, and the netting had kept the birds off, so all the fruit was in perfect condition. I spent two long sessions picking the redcurrants, some of which have been frozen for future use, and the rest enjoyed in fruit salads, along with the first tayberries. Now the blackcurrants are ripening up well, but I'm not expecting the bush to produce many this year. As for the fruit trees, newly planted about 18 months ago, there are 10 apples on the Queen Cox and about 7 plums on the Victoria Cross, so I'm hoping I don't lose too many and will get the chance to sample some of my first fruit from them this year.

We are enjoying plenty of broad beans, peas and sugar snap peas, and the first new potatoes, plus container-grown carrots. So far, so good. But just when things were going so well, along came the blackfly on the broad beans, which I'm reluctant to spray with anything, however 'green' it may be, as the ladybirds and their young are out in force too. I don't think they'll demolish all the blackfly, however much they gobble. So the only alternative is to cover my hand with a small plastic bag and rub the critters off. Disgusting! As I cut my first broccoli, I disturbed a number of whitefly. Nasty things! The cabbages are hearting up well, but there are the first signs of slug or snail damage on them too. But more good results, for after sampling the first garlic of the season, it looks (and tastes) like we'll be enjoying an excellent harvest. The courgettes and squashes are also doing well, and we've tested the first round courgette.

The front of the plot is colouring up as the gladioli, nasturtiums and marigolds come into flower. I had intended to completely change my colour scheme this year, but had second thoughts, as I suspected, quite rightly, that the nasturtiums would re-appear in force, from last year's seeds. This year I've added a few ornamental gourd plants, which are beginning to climb up their wigwams. It's been sweatpea heaven. I'm returning home with three or four bunches at a time, and sharing them with friends and neighbours. The house smells wonderful.

To spend an morning or afternoon (or sometimes both) on my plot, in the sunshine, seranaded by the birds, gives me so much pleasure, and more so when I can return home with a basket full of produce and an armful of flowers. So, to find out that I 'd come joint first 'Best Half Plot' was not only a surprise, but an added bonus. I'm honoured to be sharing it with Brian & Plum, whose plot is a delight. I certainly was surprised, because I was just thinking how good the majority of plots at the Hill were looking this year, and how well the new plot-holders have done. Well done to all the other winners. Let's hope we do as well this year as we did last!

Mike and I returned today, from two days away with our first caravan. We had a test run on a camp site on Cannock Chase, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I can confirm that we passed the test, and can't wait to be off again. Over the years Mike and I (and our two sons) have camped with a variety of tents, and a trailer tent, but now feel we could do with a little luxury. Our caravan is 17 years old, in perfect condition and beautifully appointed with even, would you believe it, a drinks cabinet, which was put to full use over our short break. So, as one door closes (no holiday in Greece this year), another one opens (lots of adventures in Great Britain)!