Garden report - June

There has been an abundant growth of vegetation this year – when we walk along the local footpaths the grasses wave high above my head (and no, I am not a midget, just average British female height). In the garden it's the same, lush green leaves and towering stems. But as well as some classic English balmy sunny days we've been buffeted by strong winds, anything not anchored to a stout support with strong twine has keeled over like tipsy floral-frocked ladies who have consumed much too much Pimms . . .

here are some of the joys of June . . .

Around our wildlife pond we have allowed native plants to self seed, this summer we have a miniature English lea.


One day growth is just starting and summer seems a long way off, then one June morning you glance ouside and see that the garden has filled out and is in full swing. This is the view from my studio door.



Last night I wallked around the garden and took photos of my favourite June flowers.

Sweetpeas from home-saved seeds, at first I was disappointed that they are mostly white flowered, but seeing them in the evening light they were magical.


The crambe cordifolia may have collapsed onto the lawn but it fills the air with a honey scent. I planted a tall scabiosa next to it – the flowers merge, creamy suns in a starry crambe flower sky.


Either side of a garden seat which gets the evening sun, we have look-a-like lead containers planted with a dark leaved trailing sedum and allium christophii – a summer firework display.


For exotic flashes of colour you can't beat hemerocallis. This was probably a plant rescued from the leftovers of a garden fete plant stall – the petals are like rich red taffeta here today gone tomorrow.


The vegetable garden is now a maze of paths between towering greeness. Here are some of the heritage peas, 'Victorian Purple Podded' and the wonderfully eccentric 'Salmon Flowered'.


We're enjoying the fruits of our labour, this was the harvest for Sunday dinner a week ago:
Cavalo Nero (Tuscan Black Kale) has been a huge success – it looks wonderful, matures early and tastes great (and it's very very good for you!!!); purple podded peas – 'Victorian' firm long slim pods on elegant long stems, and my trusty PPPs; 'Bunyards Exhibition' broad beans harvested from two metre tall plants; and 'Cambridge Favourite' strawberries, as many as we can eat for week after week . Not bad at all!!! This is my contribution for a cornucopia of home harvests – Matron's Trugblog over on Down on the Allotment.