First one for ages, as I've been mostly absent - well, no gardening during my Christmas/New Year stay, then surgery kept me away, and when I was here for a few days at the beginning of July, the garden wasn't top of my agenda.
Anyway, I'd made a half-hearted attempt on the lawn-jungle with my brilliant battery mower, but in my current state it was early and dewy time, or not at at all. Cue elderly French neighbour with big petrol mower asking me if I'd like him to mow the lawn. Next morning, it was done. So now I can tidy up round and in the bed (don't mention blimmin couch grass!), find the greengages that are falling ripe off the tree (my first proper crop since planting it), and water the cherry tree with my kitchen waste water. Nice gentle therapy for a wibbly heart. And the grass won't grow till we have some rain, and then it'll be easy with my own mower. I really have the nicest neighbours.
At some stage I'm hoping to get a masterclass in pruning big fruit trees from a horticultural friend, as that needs to be done before I leave in September... I think I've done an OK job up till now (keep the middle clear, take out crossing growth, and take out vigorous leaders heading for heaven), but expert guidance would be ace... the greengage (left) is particularly enthusiastic! But also pleased that the cherry (right) hasn't been overly stressed by the drought, and so the leaves are still green and fungus-free.
