I spent several hours yesterday weeding around the strawberries, blackcurrants and asparagus.  The rewards come later and last through the year – strawberry jam, bottled currants and frozen fruit compote.

The raised beds are getting full.  There is one devoted to “elephant” garlic, another to brassicas and a third to giant red onions interspersed with cabbages.

At the back of the house sit pots of cherry tomatoes which grow quickly in the warmth of the day long sun.  The tangy taste of tomatoes, which I remember from last year, encourages me to carry out the daily task of watering.