Plums

The heat wave of ‘78, I remember it well. Revising in the garden for my ‘O’ levels, burning my legs, (no factor 50 back then).

It’s probably been the most prolonged period of drought since; a minor shower overnight but another heatwave is due mid week.

Lawns everywhere are scorched, my newly planted garden is only just surviving, certainly not thriving despite my choice of shade and drought tolerant plants.

Yet one thing does seem to have enjoyed the conditions.

My plum tree.

It has been ladened with fruit, so heavy that the branches have bent with the extra weight. I roped in James to help me harvest the top branches, being tall is a definite advantage in these situations. He too could not believe the yield, it was more of a job than he’d anticipated.

My granddaughter helped pick the lower branches, there is something very special and bonding about harvesting your own.

I’ve had eight or nine carrier bags full of plums, managing to pick most of them before they fell, Hettie has been on the lookout for any I drop, she’s an expert at spitting out the stones, and doesn’t seem to have any major consequences with her new diet.

Of course such a glut is unmanageable for one woman on her own, I’ve only so much freezer space, so rather than waste I decided to share my bumper crop with the village.

I spent the other day knocking on doors offering my wares, everyone gratefully agreeing that they are particularly delicious.

What I didn’t expect was the lovely conversations, free plums are a good way and an excuse to visit people and catch up, and I felt good being able to share.

I’ve had offers of lettuce, nice messages of thanks (one neighbour told me her kids ate six plums each I. One go ! ) And in return I’ve had a jar of ‘Linda’s’ plum and apricot chutney which is delicious made by a next door.

I’ve shared plum recipes, reminisced childhood memories before finally giving my last bags away today.

My tree only had about three plums in total last year, and the wasps got them before I did. I’m told plum trees fruit every two years which kind of makes it a bit more special when they do.

But this blog isn’t really about plums, it’s about connections and community, I’m very lucky to be rooted here.