Late Summer

I've tried to grow hollyhocks for the last four years, but every year they get battered by the winds and never manage to flower. Probably because this one is partially sheltered by the artichoke, it is putting on quite a show. I had no idea what colour it was going to be, it's so long since I planted it!

This morning I braced myself and tackled the compost bins! Very satisfying work - I emptied the old one onto the bare vegetable beds and turned the new one into the other bin. Rewarding to see lovely black earth on the beds instead of straggly remains of the peas, lettuce and root fly damaged broccoli and to feel my muscles being used!