Sydenham harvest

[Tim Lund]

How about a thread to post pictures of things harvested in Sydenham? Here's the first fig to ripen on my tree this year, and some mulberries, which are in full season.



Most things are late this year - just noticed that my grapes are only just starting to turn purple ... maybe in a a few weeks there'll be something to show.

And yes, Lee, I will get some for the Greyhound wall

[Robin Orton]

Stop showing off, Tim.

[Tim Lund]

No more than anyone entering a village show. Innocent enough, I think

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[leenewham]

I'd be worried if my grapes turned purple.

[Robin Orton]

No more than anyone entering a village show. Innocent enough, I think

Yes, you're quite right. What an ungracious old sod I'm turning into.

[maestro]

I've been showing my plums recently

(my case is up next week )

[Tim Lund]

OK, rising above such childishness, which would really be more suitable in the Town Pub ...

there are now figs coming thick and fast now (and note leaflets for NSPCC Open Day next Sunday ...)



and some out of control courgettes

[Tim Lund]

Hey farmer, farmer
Put away that DDT now
Give me spots on my apples
But leave me the birds and the bees

But slugs might be another matter ...

[Tim Lund]

[Eagle]

Chateau Bell Green?

[Tim Lund]

Probably won't bother with making them into wine this year. They're a variety - Black Hamburg- which is traditionally a dessert grape in this country, although is used for making wine in a few places in Europe. Some sunny days we've had recently mean that they are now sweet enough to eat.

On that web page from the Telegraph it says

It is one of the easiest grapes to grow, though only sets fruit outdoors after a long, hot summer. In a greenhouse it sets freely, producing large bunches of dark red or purple, sweet tasting grapes year after year

which isn't quite right, since this hasn't been exactly a 'long, hot summer'. But nothing like as good a crop as the last two summers.

If anyone wants any cuttings, watch out for next year's Kent House Leisure Gardens May Open Day

[Tim Lund]

So, the slugs and woodlice found their way into this one ...



but these look nice

[Tim Lund]

[owlwise]

A fabulous selection of pumpkins there Tim!

Do rosehips count? I've got lots of those in my garden.

[Tim Lund]

They count if you're going to eat them in some way. I remember my parents giving us rose-hip syrup - for which I find a recipe here. Want to give it a go, or have the pigeons taken them all now?

[Annie.]

How about giving advice on how to grow/nurture plants? Here's one for you - what do I do with my Crocus-Mia now the flowers have all gone and its over- crowded the area it's in? :0)))

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[simon]

How is the Sydenham quince harvest looking this year?

[Tim Lund]

Thanks for reminding me. I'll put in a phone call ...

[Tim Lund]

Not a great year for quinces, it transpires - here's what looks like the entire crop



I had virtually no apples or pears setting on the trees in my garden, although there were reasonable crops from the trees on my allotment. It could either have been subtle micro-climatic variations, or that there are better numbers of bees to pollinate on the allotments thanks to the hives maintained there. But no membrillo this year, I fear.

[simon]

Thats what I feared Tim. Suppose I'll have to buy some membrillo this year.