One man and his dog have been trying to keep cool in this heat
This was taken of Gibbs surveying the dam building in the little stream that runs along the edge of our orchard. By the way, we’re still waiting for Gibbs’ biopsy results. I’ll let you all know as soon as we do.
My husband enjoys playing with water almost as much as Gibbs does. Anyway, they were both nice and cool, in the shade . . . meanwhile in the sunshine . . .
This is what the hens’ enclosure looks like, after several months of pecking, and scratching. The only plant that has survived is
I’ve no idea what it is, but it’s very pretty. Hens meanwhile have been moved to summer camp, in the orchard.
They’ve got plenty of fresh grass to peck/scratch and they’re in the shade of two apple trees. You can only see two gals in the photo . . . Miss Moneypenny is brooding.
Anyway, a quick tour with the camera to see how everything is growing in the heat.
The kiwi vine is covered in tiny fruit. That won’t be ready for harvest until December/January, but I’m keeping a close eye on them already.
This is one of the our grape vines (for eating grapes). Husband cut it back last year and it has grown with new vigour this season.
In the veggie patch . . .
Courgettes are spreading and we’ve already begun harvesting & enjoying them while they’re small & tender.
Same goes for potatos which husband planted under straw this year. We’ve already enjoyed some baby new potatos (from the middle row).
We’ve got 18 tomato plants under cover and first tommies are there.
Other plants are looking a bit sorry for themselves, but growing nonetheless, apart from the brocoli which has completly gone to seed.
And I have no idea what’s going on with my beans this year!
We’ve planted 3 rows so far, at fortnightly intervals, but things are either coming up patchy or not at all. Husband suggests he turn over the soil in what was the hens’ enclosure to plant more beans there. I think he might have to.
Claire93's Blog 
That’s a cranesbill or hardy geranium. They come in pretty colours from blue through lavender, magenta and pale pink. Your garden is looking wonderful, and I particularly like the photo of your boys playing in the stream!
thanks for that botanical info Kate ^^
Lots of hard work going on there – and lots of watering too I should imagine. I couldn’t even face going out in the garden a couple of days last week – too uncomfortable even in the shade.
yes it’s at this time of year that I really miss British summers.
Nice of Kate to identify the flower – it’s a beauty. Your garden is magnificent, Claire! The hens must be loving their ‘summer camp’!
the hens aren’t enjoying the heat either, Kate, hence summer camp in the orchard, where they’ve got shade. Only problem is, it’s a longer walk for me to take fresh water each day.
The garden looks lovely and the fresh veggies sound wonderful. What fun your boys had wading in the stream. =)
oh yes, it’s lovely to be able to pick and eat fresh. Mind you, patience is a virtue because crops don’t all ripen at the same time ^^
Those tomatoes are to die for, they are magnificent. Your garden is amazing and your own stream to dam. Bliss!
they will be to die for when they ripen, yes lol. We’ve got 3 sorts in this year.
Looks like your harvest will be plentiful. How lovely to have all this fresh produce 😊
You have a magnificent area. The plants and trees are fruitful and thriving. Your flowers are beautiful.
The creek that one man and Gibbs is in. is an enchanting piece of heaven. It must be a refreshing treat.
I’m sending positive thoughts for Gibbs to have a good report. He’s a gorgeous fellow.
Playing in the stream sounds grand! I may have to try that tomorrow! Your garden is hanging in. Do you have a watering system, or do you get enough without? We got home today, and I’m a bit afraid to look at the cool season stuff, I am afraid that they are all a bust. It was pretty decent weather while we were gone, but no rain I think. Summer camp looks GREAT, hens surely do not enjoy heat and let us know it!
yes we can use water from the Stream for watering the veggie patch (have an irrigation system set up).
That is such a blessing!
I have just found the first flowers on my tomato plants, so you can see we are a bit behind here up in the north 🙂
ah but the main thing is you have flowers, so tomatoes won’t be far away!