I went down to the lottie for the first time in a week (chief cook and bottle washer, nurse and physio and a chest infection to boot!) and collected courgettes and new potatoes which we had for tea tonight. I was somewhat dismayed to find that the broad beans had rust and it is a decimated crop. I did get a few but not enough to last the best part of a year as we usually do. The flowers are on another plot and I loved the colours
There was a black cat eyeing me from its place on the wall.
Our lovely neighbour called round to check on us and to bring me a little gift. She had been to Krowji, our local arts complex and a had met a very interesting artist, a photographer Paul Sanders from whom she bought this delightful little flower in a frame. I love it.
nrhatch
July 26, 2025 at 6:13 pm
Take care of yourself, Sally. That’s a lot of roles you’re filling!
mybeautfulthings
July 26, 2025 at 7:30 pm
It’s certainly a challenging time right now. On top of all, my older brother died last week and that is really complicated. He’s lived abroad for 50+ years and we have a’strange’ history. It has still shaken me… Thanks for being there in the ether! 🙂
utesmile
July 26, 2025 at 8:59 am
What great flower display in your garden!
mybeautfulthings
July 26, 2025 at 7:31 pm
Beautiful aren’t they? I can’t find your address though I know I’ve had it, for your angel of course. Please could you re-send so I can send you the seeds that I’ve collected. 🙂
utesmile
July 26, 2025 at 8:19 pm
Dear Sally , I just sent you an email with it. Thanks so much, no rush. 🙂 Hugs xx
mybeautfulthings
July 27, 2025 at 6:22 pm
🙂 🙂
ortensia
July 26, 2025 at 8:24 am
Oh no, your poor crops😱
mybeautfulthings
July 26, 2025 at 7:33 pm
Talking to other allotment growers – and there was one comment on here – we aren’t the only ones. I’ve managed to salvage a few so will get to enjoy them now and again. 🙂
snoakes7001
July 25, 2025 at 9:33 pm
Our broad beans were a write off too this year. Fortunately the courgettes make up for it 😄
Hope you are both on the mend – that beautiful picture will help lift your spirits xx
mybeautfulthings
July 26, 2025 at 7:34 pm
We are both on the mend thank you and hope your plans are coming to fruition. Shame about all the braod beans but the new potatoes and the raspberries as well as the ‘marrows’ are pleasing crops. Cant win them all. xx
Ark
July 25, 2025 at 8:46 pm
Always a blow when the veggies get damaged. It’s not just the failed crop but the fact we know we usually have to wait an entire season before we can have another go.
When I think of what farmers experience/go through when this happens .. must be a nightmare!
Agapanthus and Montbretia.
Bit of indigenous South African flora!
🙂
mybeautfulthings
July 26, 2025 at 7:37 pm
Yes, farmers must be having a very hard time. Our weather this year has been crazy, too dry for ages and too hot and then massive downpours.
I love our South African fauna, those two and even more, the white Cosmos which yet have to come into flower. I loved seeing them just growing by the side of the road when we travelled in your neck of the woods. 🙂
Ark
July 26, 2025 at 7:49 pm
We have a fair few in the garden. The Montbretia tend to spring up all over, but neither they or the Agas will be in bloom for four or five months.
The garden initally only had the blue Agapanthus but around 15 years ago a lady who used to work with us gave us a number of the dwarf white variety. It too has now made our spot it’s home.
Here’s to the Jo’burg rainy season!
😊