It is the season of English flowers on our local market and honeysuckle from the garden.
Cycling through the lanes (preferably when there’s an England match on, so it’s much quieter than usual). Stopping to pick elderflowers to make cordial and admiring the dog roses in the hedgerows. They are too prickly to pick, and in a way, I like the fact that they just need to be left in their wild state.
Making home made ice cream by whisking up double cream, condensed milk and crushed fresh raspberries. I am going to try this with blackcurrants when mine are ripe, too.
It is also the season of open gardens. I missed them so much last year, and I have already been to three events. They are brilliant for inspiration, and for chatting to nice people about plants.
It is always fascinating to see how different people’s gardens are. I noticed a lot more wild areas over the weekend. Fewer stripy lawns and more provision for nature.
I am also loving all the immaculate raised beds full of vegetables. Lots more grow your own going on….another legacy of lockdown.
I loved these terracotta tiles in one garden I saw. Not reclaimed or vintage, but clever reproductions made from concrete.
We’ve had a few warmer days here recently, and I’ve loved getting on my bike and revisiting some of the lanes that I got to know so well last year. This view, above, is one that inspired a whole plot line in my book. My characters go wild swimming here….it was good to see it again!
This is my first blog using a new blog format. I accidentally pressed the update button and a whole new complicated system appeared before my eyes. I hope it works!