Yes it’s true, by Friday lunchtime I should be basking in the South Devon sunshine, without a care in the world, scoffing the first pasty of the holiday. That’s assuming that the weather will cooperate and that Devon also specialises in pasties. Now that’s a thought, because we always go to Cornwall I just took for granted that the diet would be the same, but now I am in turmoil, wracked with doubt. It’s bad enough that in Devon you have to put your jam and clotted cream on your scone the opposite way round to Cornwall, but I’m now also wondering what Devon ice cream is like? We are partial to Roskilly’s or Callestick Farm Cornish ice cream, will the Devon stuff match up? And what about the beer? I am going to have to be open minded and be prepared to embrace the culture and cuisine on offer in the county on the eastern side of the river Tamar.

Having said all of that I am very much looking forward to my break, it has come at the right time (if there is a right time). The past week in particular has been tough working in the relentless heat and sunshine – long days and restless nights. I shouldn’t complain about the weather really, I will be happy enough if it’s like this in Devon next week, but the rain predicted for today will be very welcome, just to provide some respite from watering….it needs to be the right type of rain of course 🙂

So, down to the nitty gritty. All deliveries will be on Thursday this week and there will be no collections from Wyken for the next two Saturdays. Normal service will resume week commencing 3rd July. Please get your orders to me in good time this week to give me the best opportunity to get everything done before I go away, thank you.

There was excitement at Moyns Park again this morning when the Steeple Bumpstead 10k running race came through the estate. I walked up to the drive to offer some encouragement and to take a few snaps. There were a lot of runners, covering a very wide range of ability, age, shape and size. I was stood in front of the ‘Big House’, and several participants asked if it was mine as they passed, I replied in the affirmative on every occasion. One of the runners was a customer of mine, so it was good to cheer Val on her way, well done her.

Quick boys

The middle of the field

Leading woman – her feet didn’t touch the ground!

Go Val!

Last Monday morning when I arrived at the garden the ducklings had hatched. I spied the duck with her brood under the old russet apple tree, but she was very vocal so I suspected that all was not well. I went over to see her and she moved off a few metres with 7 ducklings in tow, but in amongst the nettle stems close to where she had been I could hear a little voice peeping. One of her babies had got lost. In amongst the stingers I went and discovered not one but two little fluff balls. I teased them out from amongst the undergrowth and ushered them towards the rest of the family. I next opened a gate and guided them through and was delighted to see mother and a string of 9 ducklings scurrying off in the general direction of the moat. I wish them well.

There are three types of lettuce available this week – well there were last week, but I forgot to add them to the shop! Little Gem and red or green oakleaf types. The cucumbers are now from my greenhouse, and I will be lifting some modestly sized Florence fennel complete with tops on. The pointed spring green cabbages are still going, and also kohl rabi. Tomatoes will be salad vine ones, but I am not over purchasing, so it will be first come first served I’m afraid. There will be New Potatoes (Orla) – not mine, I did a test dig last week but could literally not get the fork in the ground. I managed to scratch out a few pebble sized spuds for home use but they desperately need rain to beef up, and for the soil to yield to the tines of my fork. ‘Old’ potatoes have now finished. The fruit will all be available in limited amounts because I don’t want to be left with stock that will spoil while I am away.

Upon my return I reckon that there will be round summer cabbages ready to cut, broad beans and chard to pick, possibly some broccoli and courgettes to harvest, so things are looking more positive.

‘Army’ John and wife Laura from the village will be keeping an eye on things in my absence, as they did last year. It’s mostly watering in the greenhouses and cutting cucumbers that is required at this time of the season, but it’s very reassuring to have such reliable and capable helpers.

Oh by the way, Stanley is doing really well. He has a good appetite and is regaining strength and condition, and is much more his old self.

Right, I need to check that the buckets and spades are in good order, and that my water wings will still hold air. Have a great week.

Phil