We've all really been enjoying what summer has to offer in terms of weather and food... meaning we're busy gardening and cooking!
Part #1: Gardening
Our little planters, though they're not too sturdy as structures, are proving to be well worth their weight in edible offerings - and gorgeous marigolds... no prizes for guessing who insisted on those!
In the top row we have a pumpkin getting comfortable in the mint planter, tomatoes, basil, and a sneaky beetroot in the shade. The middle row is all about flowers: marigolds in the planters, lantana on the border, and a big oleander tree in the corner. You wouldn't believe it, but the bottom left photo shows a mix of parsley, carrot, and leek plants; then we have our wonderful strawberry giver, followed by our mini bay tree and thyme bushel. And just behind the thyme you can see a random cabbage flower... something Mum inadvertently planted (she just meant to poke the stem in the soil but it embedded itself quite nicely and is now a study plant) when she was here in December which has taken off, surprising us all!
Most of it was deliberately planted, however the pumpkin and a rogue tomato plant underneath the jasmine wall creeper are the result of providential composting!
While Thomas and I did our best not to get sunburnt, Margaux enjoyed some quality time in the shade...
Part #2: Making chutney
It was a clear case of having the ingredients, the inclination, and the time to invest in some solid preserves-making - which Thomas decided fit his definition of an enjoyable weekend...
Plum and Apple Chutney, August 2014:
The top row is all about preparation - including the aversion of onion-induced tears by wearing goggles (yes, I did get approval before adding that photo). The middle row is a before-and-after sequence of the chutney cooking; and finally we have the finished product!
This looks great. Top photos too.
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