Bees, Trees and Strawberries

The bergamot (otherwise known as bee balm) is in flower at the allotment. I’m thrilled as I planted it as a small root stock in the spring, unsure if it would take. I’m hoping it will survive to grow into a much bigger plant. It’s all part of my plan to incorporate more aromatic and insect friendly plants into my vegetable plots.

Another hot day so we walked Merlin early. I then returned to the meadow to join the community orchard volunteers to do some maintenance of the trees. We spent a couple of hours watering (some of the trees are looking stressed because of the lack of rain), then we did summer pruning of the plum and damson trees. This was a good opportunity to apply some of the skills I’d learned on the pruning course in January. There were some knowledgeable people in the group so I was able to learn a little more from them too. It was a such an enjoyable few hours.

In the afternoon I continued the watering theme at the allotment. The strawberry plants are not looking healthy and I’m not sure why. It might be drought stress so I gave them a good drink.

I returned to watch the ladies singles final at Wimbledon. A disappointing but emotional match.