Is that the time?

I have been thinking about updating this blog for ages, but not seemingly having the time to do so.

June & July have passed by, and mid-way through August hurtling towards September – just can’t remember a time like it for the speed at which the months come and go.

During June we had a lovely holiday amounting to almost 3 weeks away in France. We picked a remote gite surrounded by vineyards in the south about 20 miles north of Montpelier. The property is ‘off-grid’; that is, it has no connection to any mains services. Water is supplied from large tanks, solar panels provide battery/inverter mains power, ‘fosse septic’ and bottled gas for water heating and cooking. It was lovely and warm most days, with a strong and uncharacteristic north wind which helped keep the temperatures down a bit. We explored loads of places and areas, and also spent a little time on beaches – even braving the sea for swimming. We also stayed with a friend en-route in both directions going to the holiday destination and on return. A lovely peaceful country location.

July was very busy with work – such a contrast with last year which was fraught with wet weather. In fact, July this year was uncomfortably hot to work in – at times in direct sun; temperatures easily above 30C. However, it was a period of stability where jobs could be planned and completed without rescheduling. The allotment has almost taken care of itself, as I’ve had little time to devote to it. 2^nd early potatoes started to fade this month, and were completely harvested in early August. Green broccoli and summer cabbage are very successful as I’ve grown these under fleece. Not a sign of white fly, slug or caterpillar damage/infestation. Also, under cover I think provided some shade from the hot temperatures. Other successes this year are carrots without carrot fly damage, French beans, runner beans, courgettes, strawberries, raspberries, onions, garlic, main crop potatoes and a huge crop of blackcurrants. The espalier apples are coming on nicely; I’ve recently pruned these back and reduced the size of the crop to allow the remainder of the apples to mature to a decent size.

I’ve picked up a couple of new customers during July + August; based on referrals. It’s always encouraging to have work coming in this way, as I’m pleased that the work I do for some people is considered worth recommending to others. It’s good to get such direct and positive feedback in a way.

This week I’ve had a few days off – which took a bit of organising with my regular customers. I’ve had a busman’s holiday – with time spent on sorting out our back garden’s patio. Much of the garden is based on circular themes and the patio has always been a disappointment to us as this was left as a square affair when we purchased the property. It’s just one of those jobs I’d thought about tackling, and now I’ve finally started. I think a few pictures might be available when I’ve finished – there’s still loads to do. This project has really brought home to me that I will not take on any hard landscaping work for any customers – it has been really hard, heavy and exhausting work – and much remains…