The Berry Pen

Day 206: Last year's garden was close to a total failure due to a late cold snap which was followed almost immediately by a very hot, dry spell. The only real success story was in my gooseberry crop which yielded up enough for two full batches of jam. The currants (left) were hit by disease and had to be pruned radically to remove infected branches, and consequently bore not a single berry to add colour to the mix. On the other hand, the gooseberries (right) produced a record number of fruits, to the point that at the very end of the season, I left a few on the bushes for the birds to enjoy. The Berry Pen is in full flower now, and if the weather cooperates, I should get fruit from both this year.