David and I have been working hard again today, wrestling with this garden, trying to bring it back under control. We’re doing quite well. The greenhouse looks fab. The tomatoes and aubergines are planted in its borders. The chillis and sweet peppers are going a storm and there are courgettes, squashes and sweetcorn all waiting to go into the newly dug bed that I’ve prepared and covered in weed control matting.

None of this sounds like much but it’s all very hard, physical work and takes much longer than we expect. To give an example, it’s taken me around 6 hours to dig a bed, 5’ wide by about 20’ long. I’ve done it in two sessions and I’m completely exhausted by it. Anyway, it’s done now and is ready for planting – only two more of the bloody things to go now.

While I’ve been digging, DM has strung up an elaborate framework of strings and wire to support the tomatoes and he’s also made a pathway into our field, because the previous owner of the house wasn’t content with hiding rubbish all over the garden, she also slung large quantities over the gate too, seemingly completely randomly. So, he’s strimmed out all of the nettles, moved barbed wire, roofing felt and other nasty stuff, along with piles of logs to make it easy for us to get out.

I’m tired but am very happy to have eaten something out of the garden today – and not just our eggs…..I’ve had chives too….not planted by me but they’ve popped up in the border. Cool.

These goggles were worn by David while he was strimming and he looked like a cross between Joe 90, Danger Mouse and Morrissey. He’s abandoned them by one of Rosie’s balls and I just added the second ball for the shot. Yeah, I know, all a bit crass really but who cares? Not me that’s for sure.

Last year, the clock was ticking....but it wasn't mine.