Matt and Phillipa's Patch: A garden update

Well the suns been shining, and the garden has sprung into life. And then the wind blew, and one of the fence panels has come down. But thats a different story.

There was a small patch of wild fennel growing in the corner of the garden thats gone wild. Its about 3' tall now, and will be great for adding to any fish we might catch over the summer months. I might try drying some too, and also will be attempting to save the seeds at the end of the summer are they are great sprinkled over salads and in cooking.

The end of the garden has now been tidied up, and covered in plum coloured slate. As well as looking a lot tidier than before, its doubled up as a great place to put the growbags. The end of the garden is prime sun territory, and we are hoping that the slate will deter any slimey slugs and snails from eating our crops

The potatoes are now bushing out nicely, and soon will need earthing up

The broard beans are now beginning to flower. I have bamboo canes in place, but may well web inbetween with string to encourage them to grow.

10 tomato plants have been transfered to grow bags, as have 8 scallopini plants. Phillipa is incredibly protective of these plants that should fruit with small squashes, and I am with the tomatoes. I have plans of soups, sauces and chutneys from the fruit we get.

We also have 6 courgette plants that are doing well, and a few very small tomato plants that need potting on, and will probably again end up in my parents conservatory to give them a good start. Thanks for all you help so far mummy :)

The strawberry plants are getting massive. The first flowers were all pinched off, and we are now waiting patiently for them to fruit. This should hopefully be sometime next month.

The gooseberry plant is also now looking great. Its become really bushey, but will not start to fruit until next summer at the earliest. I also managed to pick up a blackcurrant cane for a pound at the local Wilco's, and thats in a big pot next to the gooseberry bush soaking up the sun.

The garden has come into bloom, and its a pleasure to spend time in. The BBQ has been used, and I cant wait to get it fired up again. We have a great local butchers, and farmers market where I get the most amazing burgers and sausages from.