More rain needed!

Although we have had some rain recently, it has not been enough to soak into the ground, and we are still having to water beans, tomatoes, courgettes, etc.

Our self-seeded sunflowers are coming into their own now.

Sunflowers always make a good display.

 
Jerusalem artichokes, a relative of the sunflower, are  putting on some height too.

Jerusalem artichokes to the left of sunflowers

The Good King Henry is flowering. This is an ancient herb, the young shoots of which are said to taste like asparagus.  The leaves are a spinach substitute, and the flower buds can be eaten like broccoli. However, the plant can taste bitter, and the leaves apparently benefit from being soaked in salt water before cooking.

Good king Henry in front of marigolds.

Our creeping thyme has been covered in flowers, to the delight of bees and butterflies. This is not the usual thyme for culinary use, but it is still quite acceptable as a seasoning herb.

Creeping thyme at its best.