So the sun is out – hot and 26 degrees. Felt hotter in the full sun working hard pulling weeds! Arrived in the morning after a nice breakfast on a terrace in south Hampstead, and once we finally wound our way into the site and onto our little plot we were amazed to find that our strawberry patch is ready to harvest! Had a fair-sized collection from the early ripeners. So tonight’s going to be strawberry and rhubarb crumble. Yum!

Had a great day on the plot. The garlic beds are looking like they are almost ready to harvest. The little pea patch has perked up and is growing well in front of the shed. There’s sign of life with the sea holly at long last. The gooseberry bush is showing signs of fruit, but we’re living dangerously and disassembled the netted cage around the gooseberry and currant bushes, so we’re hoping the birds leave us a few fruit this year. And the deep red damask rose is in full glory.

Cut a few long stemmed roses for home, a posy of Sardinian oregano, a handful of chive… (along with our strawberries and a few wands of rhubarb) and by 5 we were back in our little flat, watching the Giro ride around the bay of Naples and relaxing.

Lovely days!

PS: Swung through the Regent’s Park on Friday at lunch and checked on their Echium patch. I’m amazed to say that our Echium in the back patch is doing much better and looks healthier than the plants in flower at the royal park. Wow!