The life and soul of the plot

Let me introduce you to my current squeeze: Jumbo Pink Banana Squash. I admire the way he spreads himself across the soil in a gregarious fashion. Fortunately JPB's a suggestible chap: with a well placed stick I can steer his intentions. He's currently flourishing between my pregnant sweetcorn, making himself useful - quite unlike his uncooperative cousin.

JPB doesn't suffer fools. His tendrils choke any passing miscreants. It's immensely satisfying to see him mete out justice on any nettles that try their luck.

I've recently discovered the story behind his moniker. You see his fruit are outsized: twenty inches long.

Wife is concerned. Me, I'm enjoying the spectacle. His absurd dimensions bring a touch of slapstick to the allotment.

A rival emerges

I've started a new blog: ethical custard. It's about everything else.

A different season

The sun is up, the sky is blue, and I'm at the allotment. My spade is sleeping, because today I'm here to harvest.

I amble between the verdant beds. The strawberry plants are bare at last. A couple of courgettes have reached maturity; maybe we'll fry them in butter alongside dinner.

I check the nettle soup - it's brewing well - and pluck an occasional weed, more from habit than neccessity.

My neighbour wanders over to compliment my squash. We assess the weather, and critique the slug threat level. He meanders off to examine his cabbages.

That's enough for now, time to go home. Maybe I'll drop by tommorrow after work.

Where is James?

James has become a dad again. He's taking some time off the allotment underground to assist Wife and Daughter with the new arrival, who we shall temporarily label 'Daughter 2'.

He promises to be back in July. But we know he's a bit flaky don't we? So take that with a pinch of salt.

At least things are still growing:

Illicit strawberries