Fruit crops.

We're just coming into our main Peach season. As you can probably see by the photo, they're not as big as they usually are; probably because of the lack of rain. Every morning I find fallen fruits that are perfect for lunch.

At the same time the Figs are starting to ripen. The last thing Figs want is rain. They swell and split, and often become tasteless. The first to ripen are all at the top of the trees where the birds gorge themselves, but there are plenty for everyone.

Elsewhere we have possibly our best ever crop of Pears. They are a wonderful variety called Doyenne de Comice, but they do have one strange characteristic; when they drop they need to be kept for about two weeks before eating. Unfortunately they are not yet dropping, although it won't be long.

We have plenty of Apples, and as usual the ground beneath the trees is covered with fallen fruit. Grapes are everywhere, but the best of the lot, a Black Hamburg, is only just beginning to ripen. We'll just miss them. 

Outside of the garden, the combines are busy harvesting the Sunflowers, and in the Chestnut woods farmers are busy preparing the ground by mowing and laying down huge nets, ready to catch the nuts.

All is well with the world.