Steadily–in twos at the moment.
Meredith came in from the garden yesterday and offered me two fat strawberries.
I “harvested” two raspberries this morning.
We have already eaten two courgettes.
Tomatoes are small green golf balls–but it’s only the first week of June.
The rain this week and now the sun has made us hopeful.
“Mary Mary quite contrary–”
She transformed a long rectangle behind her Suffolk cottage into something magical, with a fishpond at the end. She loved her garden and reigned over her 90th birthday party in it–on a glorious early July day.
She and my father were privately adopted in 1915 by my grandmother, who was 40 and a widow.
Granny taught violin and brought the two children up as a single mother. She lived to 87 and was contrary too–according to my mother!
Young Dad--RAF trainee
My father was an enthusiastic gardener–Dahlias in October, as I recall….He grew vegetables too–important in post war Britain where some food was rationed until 1954!
I have not inhereted the gene.
…with silver bells and cockle shells
And pretty maids all in a row.
This nursery rhyme has nothing to do with gardens, I discover, but disguises a darker theme (http://www.rhymes.org.uk/mary_mary_quite_contrary.htm).
A corner of our garden--no sign of silver bells and cockle shells...just a couple of canoodling snails this morning.
Robin Ellis 
Hello Meredith & Robin it must be very satisfying to be able to just walk out into your garden and pick your own fruit and
vegetables.
I am afraid that I am the kiss of death to plants all I can grow are weeds regardless of how hard I try.
Elaine
We are talented weed growers too, Elaine!
I too picked two raspberries today – between us we have nearly a spoonful!!
You are far ahead of me with courgettes though, but the broad beans here (Poldark country) are nearly ready….will wait for a great recipe idea from you to use them (hopefully).
Love your postings and cannot wait for the book.
Thanks, Sophie-Jane.
Here in Pennsylvania (Lancaster County), the growing season is well underway. Roadside Amish farm stands are abundant, and I have purchased some delicious strawberries recently. In my own backyard, I have some flowers, herbs, and cucumbers (a favorite). I would love to do more, but time seems not to permit. But I also have generous neighbors with large gardens and benefit from these all summer long. So far, they have given me lettuce – two varieties: green leaf and red romaine.
Hello Robin:
I miss your and Meredith’s lovely garden(s), however, I don’t remember seeing the vegetable garden. Guess there was just too much to explore and enjoy at one time. Today in McLean, VA we are in the process of entering a heatwave and expect it to be almost 100 degrees (F) with high humidity. They only ones who are enjoying themselves in our garden are the nats.
You look very much like your father.
Give my love the Meredith, the kitties and the chick.
By, Norma
Will do Norma.
Doesn’t sound too pleasant in Mclean–stay in and stay cool!
rxx
Hello you two talented caring gardners, Its so beautiful to look at your pictures of your garden, I too am a gardner and enjoy the first crop its so rewarding.
What a wonderful thing to do.
Keep up the fantastic work.
Nancy Davis
I looked you up, Robin Ellis, because I was recommending Poldark to my 50 + daughter who had never seen it. I wondered what had happened to you. Had you finally matured to play King Lear your dream back in the 70s?
I always remembered how you had shocked your interviewer on USA radio when you said you weren’t going to Hollywood but back to your basemant flat in London to continue acting until you would be mature enough to play the great role.
Did you ever?
I like your web site very much. I would like to get your cookbook. I’ll see if I can get it at our independent book store here in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I have hypoglycemia and have tried, sometimes with more resolve than other times, to eat the same kind of food you so beautifully present. It is an inspiration to me.
Hello Maria–thank you for your lovely comments.
I never played Lear, but I enjoyed what I went on to do and I still think to aspire to get better at what you do is good!
At the moment I’m trying to be a better cook!
The book comes out in the States in November.
It IS available from Amazon UK now.
I hope your daughter likes Poldark…