The plot is in its high-summer pomp. Twin towers of heavily coloured and scented sweet peas. A wall of climbing beans in assorted colours. Six-foot-plus sunflowers about to burst. Everywhere there are bright orange flashes of calendula and Cosmos sulphureus.
Our new autumn beds are starting to open up. The crimson-flowered broad beans have been cropped and lifted, shared with Howard for perfect summer dinners. Assorted autumn salad leaves have been sown in their place (Italian chicories and mixed mizunas, pak choi and Purple Frills mustard). Plus, a slight scattering of Empress of India nasturtium for their colour and peppery garnish.
