Strange to think back to the waterlogged days of winter, when the cloggy mud made it almost impossible to push the wheelbarrow along the path. That same path is now hard and the grass pale brown straw. Daily watering, at least of the greenhouse, is necessary.

The flower bed is doing well, the tiny little honeywort (Cerinthe major ‘purpurascens’) seedlings that I was so concerned about have turned into giants, beloved of bees. The roses have been marvellous, no black spot in evidence, and the new ‘Boscobel’ standard has flowered with stately generosity since early June. Cosmos and lavender also.

The outdoor tomatoes are doing well, with lots of fruit to come. Self-seeded borage too, where I have allowed it to develop, though it is a thug and I too indulgent. My (very tidy) neighbour tuts quietly about it.

The zinnias have now got into their stride, though they were jolly hard to germinate during the very cold spring. I’m so glad there is one pale one among the riot of hot pink and orange. And the ‘rose de Roscoff’ onions are now drying on the apple rack I bought at a vintage sale. Spanish onions still growing. Early ‘Sungold’ tomatoes cropping already; delicately scented and delicious. The bulbous green tomatoes alongside are ‘Noir de Crimee’ and I’m looking forward to them developing their stripey crimson juiciness.

Bean ‘Czar’ has now taken off, with its ethereal white flowers. And below is the butternut squash which is looking great – I’m so pleased as in previous years the fruits have been weedy and often withered. This plant alone has 7 fruits, already quite large. And below that the courgette ‘Soleil’ is providing a constant supply of sunny delights. Its friend ‘Romanesco’ is completely out of control and seems to produce marrows overnight – the less said about that the better… luckily the compost needs greenery 🙂