We had over 120mm of rain in July (that works out at 4.72 inches for the 'imperial' amongst you!). When I dug some carrots for dinner the soil was as wet as you would find it to be in October or November. Today when I walked the dogs the river Stour was up to the tops of its banks - and this is something that you are not accustomed to seeing in the summer. We planned to take the dinghy to the beach for some sailing but we are now in the grip of a big thunderstorm complete with audio visual effects and plenty of rain.  We have had 13mm of rain since midnight and 40mm on the month. So we have not been busy irrigating and have no concerns about continuity of water supply in North Dorset!!

The tomatoes in the greenhouse are wanting some sun but ripening slowly nevertheless. Cucumber Telegraph is producing more cucumber than we can eat - just one plant next year I think! The beans are finally producing and there are carrots and chard to eat. Sweetcorn has set cobs but they are not ready to eat - another crop that would like to see the sun. The main issue in the veg. plot is a visiting rabbit - which comes in and nibbles tasty seedlings from time to time. I lost a good many beautiful fennel seedlings and I am not sure that the replanting can get going in time. These were seed from Sarah Raven and she had intimated that 1kg bulbs were possible - not this year, not at Church House. I also suspect the rabbit of enjoying carrot seedlings too so my late cropping plans are in some disarray.

We had the Shillingstone Flower Show last weekend - its recently been restarted after a 40 year absence. I did not do well because my arrangements were too tall and rules are strictly applied. Calendula Indian Prince received a 2nd in the annual flowers, accompanied by cornflowers, Cosmos and Nigella. I am not sure that I am fully committed to competitive gardening.....

The borders are looking very prolific - or you may say rather overgrown and tending to fall over. There is work to do out there but its not urgent. The guinea pigs are hiding in their hutches and the dogs are feeling very low - send the sunshine soon please!

Susy