Overall a dry month with just 56mm of rain - our leaky pipe watering system has been used frequently in the month. About half of this rainfall came overnight two days ago in a thundery episode - the garden is now looking much better for the new water. The Trionfo violetta (climbing french beans) are reaching the tops of the sticks and starting to make long side shoots. The courgette plants are finally starting to look at home and grow after giving me some concern for a week or two. They are just starting to produce usable courgettes now.

In the greenhouses cucumber Telegraph is growing very well and producing lots of cucumbers already - this beats growing outdoor cucumbers for me!  The first Sungold is turning colour while Caspian Pink and Costoluto Fiorentino are still small and green and some way from producing ripe fruit. I would say that Caspian Pink is behind others years.

The fruit cage is full of blackcurrants that need picking and our potted blueberries are also ripening.

Its a beautiful summer evening. The shadows are long and the air is warm, the garden full of roses, scent and interesting vistas. Time to go back out there and do some more work!

Susy