Looking back.

When you've been a Veg' grower for as long as I have, and it suddenly all comes to an end, it leaves a gaping hole in one's life. This was Haddock's 10 years ago, when it was still in full production.

I see Red Onions, Caulis, Red Cabbage, Aubergines, Peppers, Tomatoes, and probably Broccoli in the background. There are also a few Hens in the ramshackle run. It was the sort of garden that all country folk aspire to.

In a lower section (out of sight) there were Courgettes Pumpkins and Butternuts. And elsewhere there were Apples, Plums, Raspberries, Cherries, Figs, Globe Artichokes, and Rhubarb. No space was wasted.

It was amazing how much I grew from such a small plot of land. One doesn't need several acres in order to be self-sufficient (or almost). One simply needs to be well-organised, and prepared for a lot of weeding!

One of my greatest pleasures of living out in the countryside (in S W France) was growing things. I still grow fruit, but not vegetables. With only three months at our home each year these days, there really isn't time, although I do intend to ask Kimbo to plant some Tomatoes for us, and I shall grow some Bok Choi; which I believe grows quite quickly. We shall see.

I loved seeing my cupboards filled with preserves; we made everything we possibly could. It must have been a very good year for Cepes (top, pale jars). What better in Winter than a Cepe omelet! Also plenty of Tomato based preserves, and Jams, with two other cupboards filled.

Sadly my veg' production is now over, and Haddock's has been given over to fruit growing. I shall plant some Peach trees there this year; and maybe build a small Pagoda/Summer house. Already it gives us plenty of fruit for jam in the Summer months, but you can never have enough Peaches.

Meanwhile we enjoy our 2025 jam; which seems to be disappearing very quickly.