It's early evening on Thurday, and I'm in desperate need of ideas for my brother's birthday present. You know what blokes are like. Ask them what they want, you get a shrug and 'I dunno'. I haven't a clue what to get him as he's enough gadgets and devices to last him a lifetime. At this rate he's getting socks & gardening gloves as at least I know he'll use those. Anyway, on to other matters. After that 'tidy up or we'll kick you off' letter from the allotment people I've been pulling up weeds and cutting back anything unsightly or overgrown. The plot's not perfect yet but it's definitely in better shape. I'm leaving the large swathes of marjoram though as the purple flowers are attracting bees and butterflies. Not as many as usual, but our insects are having a tough time right now. Loss of habitat, climate change. They need a helping hand. The borage is flowering too, and that's always a favourite wi
There are three or four blackberry bushes on my allotment, and the first of the berries to ripen and be ready to eat were picked today. Served with fat free natural yoghurt and a meringue nest, completely delicious. Lots of the hedgerows locally have blackberries growing in them, and I'll be out - with my freezer bags and plastic tubs - collecting berries in a few weeks time when they're at their peak of sweetness. I was on my allotment today, making the most of the sunshine, and doing my best to tidy things up. I've not been spending enough time down there this year. A combination of cold, rainy weather and having other things to occupy myself with has kept me away. Consequently, yesterday I received one of those official ' tidy your plot or we'll kick you off ' letters. Ooops! I've nearly four weeks to get my act together, which is do-able, and I've made a good start. Pulling up weeds and flowers that've gone to seed, cutting back unrul