At this time of year, all food production is looking good. It's the period of hope and anticipation.
All the fruit trees are filled with flowers, what vegetables are already in the ground are looking healthy, and there's not a single thing that doesn't suggest a bumper harvest for later on in the year.
However, between now and harvest time, all manner of things can go wrong. The weather, bugs, viruses, animals both wild and domestic, and goodness knows what else. Things can go haywire and we end-up with far less than we'd anticipated; or even with nothing. By then our only option is to start thinking of 2022.
For the past few years my essential Tomato harvest was ruined by Blight/Mildew. As this is a disease that can live in the ground for several years, my crop has been moved to large pots, up at the barn. Everything else remains at Haddock's.
As we intend to migrate this autumn, there is little point in my growing Squashes or Pumpkins so there will be a lot of free space. Anything left in the ground when we depart will be donated to a very nice neighbour, who, I'm sure, will appreciate them.
In the meantime, all is well.
It was announced late last night by The Home Secretary that any British citizens living exclusively in European Union countries for more than a year are to have their British citizenship revoked. Had you heard about this already?
ReplyDeleteYes, and aren't they to have one leg taken off too?
DeleteDrat! You saw through the attempted Fools Day prank straight away Inspector Clouseau.
DeleteWell THAT would keep them from wandering off,wouldn't it?
DeleteIt sounds as though you have made the decision to overwinter in Blighty. I look forward to reading about your life there when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteUnless there's a radical change from London/Brussels before Summer, it looks as if we'll be heading for Blighty. In a way I'm rather looking forward to it. My only real concern is for Billy who will have his liberty seriously curtailed.
DeleteI suppose you could get a more rural property for him.
DeleteWe've been thinking about it.
DeleteSo you really are going 'home'.
ReplyDeleteLady M is for it; I'm not so much. We'll both enjoy it anyway.
DeleteIt's so long since you have been there. All the changes! What great blog fodder.
DeleteI shall look forward to hearing all about your move back home and thereafter.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like an adventure, even though it's my native country.
DeleteI'm still thinking that you are going North for the Winter because you want to rather than because you have to. Billy will hate to be curtailed.
ReplyDeleteI think it's half-n-half really. We shall enjoy the good points, and just wait until our next three month return (if they still allow us that).
DeleteNo fruit tree blossom yet up here. We are so far behind you.
ReplyDeleteYou will become Reverse Swallows then, flying north for the winter?
Looks like it. Maybe we should head for Oz instead.
DeleteEverything is in bloom here too. I'm hoping for bumper crops this year. Or at least a few kilos of tomatoes
ReplyDeleteMe too. The trouble I now have to go to just to have a few Tomatoes, is ridiculous.
DeleteOne of the pleasures of gardening is that uncertainty - at least that is what I keep telling myself.
ReplyDeleteOne has to treat everything as a 'bonus'. That way one is never disappointed!
DeleteBilly might like it ...... walks on the beach .... lots of people stopping and stroking him ? You all might enjoy the change? This is my positive mental attitude coming out !!! XXXX
ReplyDeleteWe have a churchyard just at the end of our road, with it is a large 'field' where people take their dogs, so I shall take him there every morning. On afternoons we'll probably head to the beach or The Downs.
DeleteIt has been a long time since you were in the UK and I am sure it will be a wonderful adventure seeing what has and hasn't changed. I truly believe that there is no place like home.
ReplyDeleteI quite expect that whatever HAS changed, will not be for the better. Covid-19 has made such a difference to all aspects of life; it'll certainly be interesting to see it all.
DeleteI'm going to put a few vegetable plants in the ground next week...a few tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Maybe a yellow squash plant, too. Hopefully by then we'll be beyond the danger of frost.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet your neighbor will enjoy any fruits or veg you have to leave behind!
All of my small plants have a large plastic pot by their sides in case of frost. I watch the forecast, and if there's any suggestion of low temperatures, I cover everything. It's an easy solution.
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