July 2026
Dear Gardening Friends,
As most of you will know, it has been so hot here that very little has been done in the garden as the morning warms up quickly and by the evening there is little energy left to do anything except water the plants that I bough last month. They are waiting to be planted and include a light mauve Veronicastrum which will pull together nicely with the established Perovskia, bronze fennel, Catanache caerula (light blue), and some dull red clover. I grow all of these plants at Frensham, except the light mauve Veronicastrum.
We took a cruise along the Douro river in Portugal and saw thousands of hectares (about 38,000 in total) of vineyards planted on the hillsides, along with olive and orange trees, and almond trees. The Douro vineyards are amongst some of the oldest in the world.
The net two weeks are forecast to be in the thirties in our region. As with most homes, schools and commercial premises, there is no air conditioning. We use a couple of simple fans, keep the windows and shutters closed in the daytime, and leave doors and windows open at night when the air cools. We have a high stone wall on our corner section, with a locked exterior door, so it is safe.
This evening we are going to a musical concert in a small church in a nearby village.
As the heat has been so constant this year, beginning with the severe heat towards the end of May, I have postponed the month of my tour to Normandy next year. It will be from 10th – 20th May and the flyer will be ready soon. If the changed dates suit you better, please contact me to register your interest. Our tour will include markets and brocantes and we’ll stay in the beautiful old city of Rouen for seven nights, followed by three nights in Bayeux. As we’ve had our home in Normandy for eleven years, spending three months there each year, I’ve got to know the region quite well. I really look forward dto sharing some of my memorable experiences with you. Many of you have already registered interest and have received updated info.
NORMANDY: GARDEN and CULTURAL TOUR: MAY 2027
Register your interest by emailing me.
Best wishes to you all,
Margaret
