No rain but plenty of bees and apples

We have not had any proper rain for a couple of months now. Although the grass and the Michealmas daisies are dead, most things are doing fine on their own. The apple tree (now about 10 years old) is completely covered in apples and their weight has dragged the branches down to the ground. The result is a nice shady cave.

Apple tree at allotment

At home, their is still water flowing in the stream (the Riedsbach). The local bee population has obviously been forced out of other options and now spends all day commuting back and forth across our "lawn" to drink at the stream.

Hedge trimmed, but should still keep cows out

One edge of the allotment now has a freshly cut hedge. I can only reach the inside edge and up to about 1,80m (6 ft). In principle I have to keep it to 1,70m but despite my efforts, that whole edge has gone crazy and is about 4,00m high now. I have no idea what to do about that - maybe if I just ignore the problem, it will go away ...

Meanwhile, the sunflowers are really enjoying the hot dry weather. They are around 2,00m and most have three or four flowers. The bumble bees are enjoying them.

Competition marrow and sun flowers

This year's competition is focused on growing the best marrow. 2018 is the 10th anniversary of the Horticultural Society and so there is bound to be some extra enthusiasm for the coveted "Special Prize".

One of the competition marrows

It will be up to the judge to decide what makes the "best" marrow, but I will be doing my best to win.

There are also a dozen sunflower plants growing at the allotment this year. Right now they are about 2,00m high, and I have brought the first vase full home.

Sunflowers at the allotment

I look froward to more sunflowers over the next couple of weeks or so.