An Update

By Mwillis
The Blossom End Rot has taken a heavy toll of some of my tomatoes, particularly the larger Beefsteak varieties, which is a real pain, but all is not lost:

"Giant Syrian"


"Orkado"


This is "Clou". It is one of the new blight-resistant varieties. Look how few leaves it has. Maybe this is something that contributes towards its blight-resistance, because it must facilitate air-circulation.

"Clou"

None of the tomatoes has produced any ripe fruit yet though. I keep willing them to hurry up, before any blight appears!

"Maskotka"


Elsewhere, the Brussels Sprouts are gradually filling their "cage":

That net is not going to be too tall you know. It needs to stand at least a few inches taller than the plants, to stop the butterflies laying eggs on the leaves through the net.
The spare brassicas that didn't get planted are serving a purpose too. They are the "sacrificial" plants, poor things, luring the white butterflies away from the "A-team" plants!

The plants outside the net are just there for the photo. Normally they live at the other side of the garden, as far away as possible. I have inspected them and they are covered in little butterfly eggs.

White butterfly laying eggs on a PSB leaf.


I'm beginning to be mildly hopeful that this year might be the year in which I produce for the first time a vaguely worthwhile Celeriac. Do I see the vestiges of a bulb here?

I only have four Celeriac plants, but I'm doing everything I can to bring them to a successful conclusion - mainly feeding and watering.
The cucumbers have not done much yet. I have only had one fruit so far.

There are some more forming though, so hopefully it won't be long now before I get a worthwhile number.

This is a little patch of Oregano which is flowering at present.

The bees and hoverflies absolutely love it. Here are some photos of bees which I took last weekend:


Next to the Oregano I have some Lavender in flower too, and the bees love that as well.


As do the hoverflies...


Since I'm posting some photos of insects, I'll chuck in this one of a Cricket, just for good measure!