Start of the pickling season

The garden produce has suffered this year and the 'harvest' much diminished. There are smaller quantities however and here is the first of the beetroot ready for boiling and pickling. The rest is left to grow a bit bigger. This variety is a great shape as it slices well and fits the jar!Courgettes were lost, tomatoes pathetic and the soft fruit much more sparse.
Spent the morning in the Oxfam shop and left at the end of the shift for a lunchtime swimming session. Lovely sunshine and warm temperatures were tempting. Great picnic weather.
Planted dahlias I bought in Suffolk and then collected the beetroot which is now pickled. So far, 4 large jars for the store cupboard!