The Met office has sheepishly apologised for predicting a 'barbecue summer' that has been resoundingly rained off. I have to say I don't understand why they feel personally responsible for the maverick weather we get in this country - but all the same it's quite enjoyable watching them eat humble pie when they get it wrong.
I am not sure whether to moan about this summer's weather or not. It has been warm enough to ripen tomatoes, peppers and chilis outside in August, whereas I can remember previous years where even in Autumn I have been desperately holding out for some sun to ripen crops. In addition, the watering duties have been negligible compared to the usual fretting every other day. Crops have swelled beautifully, although weeds and lawns have needed more maintenance. The humidity has made blight more likely, which has been devastating for those affected.
But for me one of the mixed blessings of gardening is that each year brings its successes and failures. One plant's meat is another plant's poison, and I quite like having gluts of different crops each year (and of course courgettes every year), and I accept the outright failures.
This week's surprise bonus was the sunflowers, which have done really well. They can be seen here towering over the roof of the wendy house.
The beans and courgettes have gone over while we were away, but the outdoor tomatoes, chillis and peppers have been an unexpected bonus. I can't claim any credit for this, but hats off to Jamie for a fantastic year.
Unfortunately haven't been to the Warren yet since coming back from hols, because of a heavy cold. It is bad enough to worry it might be Swine Flu, but not bad enough so that I feel like I am going to die, which as I remember is a giveaway sign of actual flu. So another false alarm probably.
