… while the sun shines. So goes the proverb, and it’s particularly apt this year as the weather has been so uncertain. Farmers round here have had their work cut out to gauge when to harvest crops between the outbreaks of rain.
It’s late August, so coming to the end of the lavender season in England. We have a lavender ‘farm’ near us, and not only is it their last day of the season tomorrow, but the business is closing because the owners are retiring. The lavender fields may not match Provence, but there was still a decent photo to be had.
Another appalling day’s weather today – pretty much wall to wall heavy rain all day. At least the forecast for tomorrow is more promising…
Sometimes when I see an open gate I wonder where it leads to, and what it is intended to keep in (or out). This gate however is directly in front of our house, and leads into the farmer’s fields. It’s normally left closed to discourage casual walkers, but has been left open by a neighbour taking their dog for a walk…
Our local farmer has a store area where he keeps ‘bits and pieces’ (aka junk) that might ‘come in handy’ one day… These were some large Belfast style sinks formerly used as drinking troughs, but now replaced. I wonder how long they will stay there…
The extremely hot summer last year not only caused low grass yields for farmers, but has left meadows in poor condition this year. Several of our local dairy farmers have had to plough up meadows this year and plant with maize to give the ground chance to recover. 
