Around the Garden - Part 63

Our medlar tree is now in full flower. We have the common medlar (Mespilus germanica), which is a long-known native of south-west Asia and possibly also south-eastern Europe. They feature an unusual apple-like fruit that requires bletting (see below) to eat; although not widely eaten today, consumption of these fruits was much more common in the past. They are very hard and inedible until they start to decay. They will rarely reach this stage by themselves on the tree and need to be harvested as late as possible in November after the first frosts. They should be left in a box in a cool dry place until they turn a dark reddish brown and become soft and juicy (bletting). They can then be used to make jams, jellies and medlar cheese. Unfortunately we have never had the chance of using our fruit yet as I return to the UK in mid October and it is too early to pick them.

The peonies are just coming into flower.

The Viburnum Snowball is at its best at the moment.

The Azalea has just started to come into flower; I thought this had been caught out by the cold spell, as the buds looked very brown, but it seems to be improving by the day.

The climbing rose is looking very cheerful.

The asparagus is now popping up with no rabbits to eat it, or dig holes into the roots!! It may be a bit late, but I guess better late than never. So long as we have some while Nigel is here, I will then allow it to grow and thicken up ready for what I hope will be a good crop next year. It is now in its fourth year.

The chives are starting to flower. They give a bit of colour to the herb garden and there are more than enough, so there is still plenty to use for cooking.

Last years spring onions. Hmmmmmm.

The cherries which with a few sunny days I hope will ripen for Nigel's arrival.

The plums which are still small and green at present may be ready for his next visit at the end of July.

The small Granny Smith apples, which I hope will develop to eating size. These are new trees and we have not had fruit from them before.

Lastly, here is a picture of my flowering sage with a small insect trying to disappear from my view!!