It was an absolute delight to return to our ‘house in the country’, but boy have things moved on. The garden has flourished, by which I mean that the grass has grown ridiculously along with weeds in the beds that I thought were under control. But more seriously, many villagers have upped the ante significantly in the race to win the village in bloom ‘doorstep challenge’. Tired, shabby window boxes are now bursting with vibrants yellow and reds. Pots by front doors are neatly planted with thoughtful arrays of flowers, ready for perfection later next month. Newly hung hanging baskets drip with the promise of exciting displays. The village green has even sprouted a front door, reminding us all of the critical judging date. Time for action.
Luckily parent #2 has stayed for a couple of days; not often I say that but she is a ‘gardener’, so was very helpful. Having perused the wilderness, a trip to the garden centre with our very own Kitty Lloyd Jones was on the cards. Mindful that flat surfaces, frequent stops and coffee are all essentials for a trip out, I was nervous, but needn’t have worried. In her enthusiasm to help, all thoughts of slow walking, using a walking stick or needing to sit at any point were banished in a haze of blue roses, trailing fuchsias, black tomato plants and busy lizzies. A hard afternoon of planting followed, supervised by a sleeping parent on a sunbed!
Hoping to find additional inspiration, we have visited our first major country show – the Bath and West. What a joy! Loved the food and drink tent, (though tasting so many different gins before 10.30 might have been a mistake) replete with local producers of everything from sausage rolls, flapjacks and cider to garlic, scotch eggs, chillies and anchovies. Loved the array of stands selling anything from firepits and jacuzzis to toys, essential ‘country’ wear and tractors. Loved the (mainly horsey) events – pony carriage driving a particular favourite. Honey tasting, engineering stands, kids sitting on forklifts – a bit of everything. I came away with a real sense that, as much as anything else, the show served a ‘public information’ service, informing and educating attendees, ensuring that key issues and traditions are alive in the minds of the next generation. As a former teacher, I doff my tweed flat cap to all concerned.
Eating: Salmon en croûte, recipe courtesy of Gordon Ramsey, though I added a little spinach to the filling, as I had some that needed using up! The wholegrain mustard was a great ingredient. Served with local asparagus, crushed lemony new potatoes and hollandaise.
Drinking: Or rather ‘prinking’ the above with Prosecco in the early evening sun in the garden. It is made with leftover gin-soaked raspberries – not too sweet, so an ideal ‘Kir royale’ style aperitif.
Listening to: Moby – Play. He’s been in the news recently, which reminded me that I used to love this album. To many favourite tracks, but probably ‘Why does my heart feel…’ or ‘Run on’ if I had to choose.
Cook.Eat.Blog.Repeat. 