Summer Abundance @ Prospect Cottage.

Less than two weeks to the Solstice and growth is rampant, soon to reach it’s peak. The Sun almost at it’s highest point, it’s energy greatest for us in the northern hemisphere. The polytunnels are becoming jungle like, Nasturtiums, Potatoes, Grapevine seem to be growing before one’s eyes. The season of abundance, complete meals from the garden, a time to revel in the joy and beauty of nature. At the moment we are harvesting Purple Sprouting Broccoli(late but welcome), salads, Spring Onions, Strawberries, herbs and Sugar Snap Peas(my current fave veg).

The new bed which we did back in March is establishing well. It is a bit of an experiment to see what will grow here as it is north facing in the shade of the chalet. It does get some sun in the morning and for a short time in the evening. It is planted with perennial Geraniums, Sedum spectablis, Foxgloves, Primulas, Fatsia, Hostas and Lady’s Mantle. Most of the plants were from division or cuttings so cost was minimal. The area was mulched with newspaper and covered with mushroom compost which can be got for free locally. Yes, we’re lucky, I know some places in England charge for mushroom compost. An unexpected bonus from the compost is frequent flushes of Chestnut Mushrooms. Mushroom Soup, air miles free!!

Borage has self-seeded itself generously again this year. The Bees and other insects are ecstatic. The intense blue of it’s flowers would gladden the heart of anyone. Apparently the flowers were added to the stirrup-cups given to the Crusaders at their departure. They were said to give courage. Medical research has found that the flowers of Borage do indeed stimulate the adrenal glands, where of course courage begins. The seeds are high in gamma-linolenic acid .

Bumble Bees & other musings from Prospect Cottage.

There seems to be lots of Bumble Bees about this year. Great to see them as worldwide they are in decline mostly because of disturbance to habitats. There are about 250 species living mostly in the Northern Hemisphere, although they are common in New Zealand and Tasmania. They are ground nesting often in tunnels abandoned by other creatures. Living in small colonies of no more than 50 they produce only enough honey to feed their young. Unlike their cousins the Honey Bees they do not die if they use their sting. However, it is rare for them to sting, usually only if they feel threatened. Bumble Bees are important pollinators of crops and wildflowers.

These Alliums are doing really well considering they were planted late, end of January, bargain bulbs in sale. They are holding up well to all the recent rain. I love purple flowers. Actually I really like the colour purple in clothing too.

Silverweed is plentiful on the lane at the moment, it thrives in the moist soil we have. A member of the Potentilla family, in the past the root was cooked and eaten as a vegetable or ground to use in bread and porridge. Geese are said to be partial to the leaves. The plant was also used medicinally. An infusion is said to be useful for gargles to relieve painful gums and toothache.

Tormentil, also a member of the Potentilla family, is in flower at the moment. It has similar properties to Silverweed being of the same family. The Lapps use the juice from the root to stain leather.