High Summer

High Summer

It's high summer here now. The official start of summer here is the Feu de la St Jean, on the 23rd or 24th of June, with a bonfire on the river bed and music in the square in front of the Bar du Pont. I usually love this celebration but was disappointed this year. The square was virtually deserted until after 9.30, perhaps because there was a pancake stall but no other food on offer, and when more people came I found only a handful that I knew. Also the music provided turned out to be a hard rock band and few people got up to dance before I left, early. Fireworks were added this year to the ritual bonfire and they were good but there seemed little reason for me to linger after they were set off.

The high temperatures that started in June have continued with only infrequent cooler days, which has meant watering plants front and back on most days. The two photos here show most of what there is now in front of my house, the jasmine on the balcony and the honeysuckle and clematis by the front door, and there won't be much more for the rest of the summer. The few sunflowers I have nurtured from seeds dropped by the birds at my feeders into various pots have finished blooming so I shall root them out, leaving the heads for the birds to feed off again. Lavendar is in full bloom all around but I have only a couple of those plants by the bench opposite my kitchen window. Come August and it will be oleanders and geraniums and not much else. I feel I need an oleander in front of the house but can't think where to put it.

And it's high season for fruit too. Strawberries have all but disappeared, a few weeks earlier than usual, but apricots, peaches, nectarines and melons abound in the shops and markets. I eat far more than I ever did in England and particularly love the melons and white peaches. The flat white peaches are particularly good and cost next to nothing. And the grapes overhanging my balcony are ripening nicely and should be ready to eat in a month's time. I had never imagined livong anywhere where I could sit in the sun/shade (as I choose) on a balcony and simply raise my arm to grab a handful of grapes but that is what I will soon be able to do.