Frost in May

I gave myself until the Chelsea Flower Show to get my new plot in order. But disaster has struck and I've extended the date to our allotments Open Day in support of the London Open Garden Squares Weekend on June 12. How much have I written or banged on about a few warm days in May does not meaning it's summer? How well did I know that I was putting my beans out A BIT EARLY. But hey, we're in a city, protected by buildings, global warming and the balcony needed space to start off annuals. After all, I'd done my bit with bandages and fleece (see previous blog post). But this May frost took no hostages. It struck pockets of our allotments cruelly. The rest is in the picture. Two plots away, my friend F, has a full line of French beans unscathed and I'm delighted. 6 plots away there's a field of limp, brown, frost-burnt potato foliage. As for me, I've lost every one of my French and Runner beans. Potatoes are hit, but will probably recover.

There are good reasons for the old phrases such as "N'er cast a clout 'til May is out".