Home grown produce

Some time ago there was a request from our Norfolk friends, asking what we were growing this year. Well, once again we have been busy fighting the ever-present mare's tail weed (la prelle pour les français) which is impossible to get rid of. At least our very sandy soil is easy to weed once the tough top layer of growth has been removed. On the other hand it might pour down one day, and the next you need to water as the rain soaks through so quickly.

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For vegetables this year we are going for broad beans, peppers, aubergines, carrots, potatoes (just coming through: we put them in late), green beans, courgettes, pumpkins and artichoke. We're just about to put the green beans in, the rest are on their way as evidenced here.

Above: (1) artichoke (2) pumpkin (3) courgette (4) broad bean, pepper & aubergine (5) carrot (6) lettuce.

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Fruitwise we have tomatoes (still not planted out but we have loads of different varieties), strawberries, red and black currants, raspberries (new for 2009) and blackberries.

And don't forget the fruit trees, apple, plum, pear, cherry and apricot (not forgetting the vines).

There's also our herb garden which is doing really well, plus a lovely smaller version Christmas present from Clare - hope she sees this photo! The parsley is JUST beginning to show its tiny leaves. The mint comes in very useful for Matt's Mojito cocktails at La Paillote.

I think that's your lot, so fingers crossed for a BIT of rain but lots of sunshine. More on our flowers when they're in bloom!