August about to begin! How the Summer is flying by but still so much to enjoy. Lovely flowers and delicious food from the garden and warm days when the weather permits.
Here’s a selection of pretty things to see in my garden right now.
I love the little surprises which turn up in a garden, like feathers dropped by the birds. One was lying in the corner of the pond. Bamboo grows by the side of the pond and dry bits fall in constantly. Although these are a nuisance they do look interesting in the water.
Another interesting surprise happens every year. Fungi pop up overnight, all around the garden. I think they’re a bit early this time, probably because the soil is so damp. Some of them look very edible but I wouldn’t dare to eat them. They’re fascinating and I welcome them.
Even strands of grass are beautiful.
The view from the windows shows an ever-changing scene. Allan has made new legs for the old garden bench. Really good again now. Just needs a lick of paint.
In the vegetable garden it’s a busy time. The runner beans are producing every day now so I freeze some to make sure they aren’t left on the plant to grow too big. The beans are best when they’re roughly 23cm long (about eight or nine inches). When they’re allowed to grow to an enormous size, they might be impressive but they’re horribly stringy and tasteless. They’re tender and tasty when they’re a reasonable size and as long as I keep picking they’ll continue to produce.
I know I’ve mentioned freezing beans before but it’s useful information if you’re new to gardening and have a surplus. Runner beans are very generous. Best blanched, in other words boiled for a couple of minutes, before cooling quickly in cold water, drained well and open-frozen on a baking tray. When they’re frozen I pack into containers. This keeps them separate and easy to tip out when the time comes to use them. I’m doing the same thing with the French beans.
The tomatoes are ripening at last. Although I love home-grown tomatoes they do take an age before they’re ready to eat. I started the seeds in March and they’re only just red enough to enjoy. Worth the wait though. Nothing bought compares with the taste or texture.
Little outdoor cucumbers are ready too and add a fresh tang to a sandwich lunch. I grow “Marketmore”, an old outdoor variety . It isn’t fussy and difficult to grow like greenhouse cucumbers. The small fruits are just the right size for our needs. They have spiky dark green skin which is bitter but when they’re peeled the flesh is sweet, juicy and good to eat.
Brambles abound in our garden. They’re unwelcome visitors as the plants are vicious thorny things. We don’t eat blackberries but I must admit they look beautiful and the wild inhabitants eat them.
Lots of lovely food available in the garden this month. Carrots, potatoes, beans, kohl rabi, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and basil. A lot of seed sowing is now coming to fruition. Peppers and chillies are almost ready and delicious garlic and onions are stored indoors.
When I’m cooking these garden goodies I value my wooden spoons and other utensils. Although they’re not dishwasher safe I still prefer to use them. There is something so pleasing about a wooden spoon and they feel just right for stirring in the pan.
I used to have one of those glass domed dishes for squeezing lemons. I found it hard to use so I tried a wooden reamer. Far better for extracting every drop from a lemon or an orange. Pleasant to hold and they’re somehow lovely to look at as well.
Allan made me a wooden tool for crushing things. I find it perfect for bashing eggshells when I’ve baked them for use in the garden. Crushed eggshells add calcium to the soil. Good for tomato plants and home-made compost.
With Summer in full swing I was inspired to write another little poem.
Summer Garden
The perfumed lily dances in the breeze,
Scattering its velvet pollen on the air,
While songbirds flit around the trees
and I sit among the flowers and stare.
Enchanted by the sounds and sights
And breathing Summer's sophisticated scents,
I gaze upon the scene's delights
And think what wonders life presents.
A garden full of flowers and bees
Feeds the soul and soothes the mind.
So many lovely things to please
When Nature's generous and kind.
So much to enjoy at this time of year when the weather’s good. My garden has been very wet but I prefer that to extreme heat. The plants are thriving and the watering comes from the sky instead of the watering can.
With you again soon. Enjoy August and all its pleasures. Bye for now.
Living a contented creative life. 