Harvest Time?

That time of year, when you have to decide when to harvest, is approaching and, surprisingly, I do have some produce to harvest.

Apple - Fiesta

We had two apples on this tree and decided to pick one today as it was looking very rosey and inviting and had been slightly nibbled by squirrels. Whilst it had a perfect texture and crunch, it was still quite tangy (probably why the squirrel didn't finish it off!) so I think we'll leave the other one a bit longer and keep a wary eye on those pesky squirrels.

Apple - Herefordshire Russet

The other apple tree has four fruits on it and seems to like it here in Cambridgeshire. These I'm going to leave as long as possible, before harvesting, to allow the flavour to develop.

Pear - Conference

As you can see, the pear isn't doing so well. We had lots of blossom and early fruit most of which fell off and we were left with just two fruits both of which developed very misshapen. It is in full sun all day so I might move it after it has gone dormant. 

Grape - Chardonnay 

On a more positive note, the grapes are looking swell! I shall leave these until the first frosts in the hope that they will sweeten up nicely. I have resisted tasting any yet. 

I love this time of the year when you are finally getting some return from your hard work.

Progress in the Vegetable Garden

At last the veg plot is starting to look like one. The hard-standing, to the rear off the garage, has been laid which gives us some much needed "admin" space. I'm very pleased with some raised beds that I bought from the internet and, whilst there will be 4 eventually, I'm waiting until we get more spare topsoil before I build the other ones. The fruit trees and vine are thriving and my few lettuces that I sowed seem to be doing well.

We now have the outline of a design to work with and adapt. I like the geometry of it but we will need to consider how we want to use the spaces before we proceed.

Do let me know what you think.

Man alive! My body is feeling the effects of yesterday's exertions in the garden. However, I have made great progress in disguising the fence at the bottom of the garden and adding some height with these Photinia.

As expected, the depth of soil in the garden is variable. In some parts it is great with really good drainage, as you would expect from an old football pitch, in others it's barely a spade's depth before you hit impenetrable, compacted hardcore. 

Transporting these large plants was an interesting logistical challenge. Initially, I had to get them off their pallet by the front door, transport them through the garage, and secure them in the back garden (although, good luck to any potential thieves!). I wasn't convinced that I could lift them into the wheelbarrow (turns out I could, just), so I deployed the golf trolley! First time it's seen the light of day in 25 years and what a life saver. I certainly gave the guy, who was working next door, a laugh or two in my efforts and, all credit to him, he did offer to help but I persevered in my Little Miss Indepedence "I wont be defeated" stubbornness and got them all secured. Sorry no photo of that!

So, even though I ache, I am pleased with yesterday's efforts and the journey has begun.