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. But this year I've had a few that simply haven't developed properly, a couple that had gone mouldy (has to be all that rain) and the rest are okay but nothing to write home about. I can only think that it's the weather. Ron's had the same problems too which

. But this summer's rain has revived it and on Apple Day last weekend I plucked the first apples from my battered little 'Fiesta' and beautiful they are too. Next weekend I'm going to plant it out finally. I feel this little tree has earned its place on the plot

towards the shallots and garlic, only growing a few onions which we've used pretty quickly. This year, having realised - finally - that I find shallots a bit of a faff, I grew more onions than ever. I dried them diligently on the patio, dodging the rain

from year to year; it is not an exact science, but it is 15cm or so tall and about 20cm or more wide at the base. The result of that tiny bit of extra effort in autumn is an early crop of gorgeously succulent garlic, with bulbs that have shown little

of being outside our plants have experienced wind, rain, hail and sunshine. I'm pleased to report no damage has been done - they're looking good and flowering spikes are appearing.Borage is a great herb for vegetable gardens. The flowers attract bees, which

pigeons.Over autumn they developed hearts and throughout the winter months they've endured rain, winds and last weekend's hail and snow. I've been harvesting them selectively, trying to save them for special roast dinners with friends as they're so good

with light levels, as the warm intense sun has appeared in-between both rain and snow showers. While the plants are growing rapidly in the greenhouse, they're also growing soft; we're having to move them outside to keep their growth turgid. However

. This ensures the seeds have the best possible conditions in which to germinate, and prevents them from being sown too deeply.Last year my carrots were a disaster. It wasn't entirely my fault â?? more a combination of the endless rain and the constant attack

gardener needs, but as soon as those big, bold blooms open it's bound to rain and shatter the petals. In the blink of an eye it's all over and I've got to wait another year for them to flower again.My problem is that I love plants, and have to admit

've many memories to cherish of our 16th Chelsea and our 13th Gold Medal, which included the visit to our stand on the Monday from the Queen.I'm lucky enough to have met her Majesty at a number of Chelseas over the past 16 years, but this year she showed