The real reason for building the raised beds

What a wonderful spring day. Pip stayed over last night to carry on the good works in the garden. He has been a brilliant support in tackling a task I have been procrastinating about for far to long. It is amazing what having support enables me to achieve. Thanks, Pip!

We needed strong coffee and copious sunscreen to get going in the hot sunshine and then pints of water to replace the sweat. We dug up an old concrete path to reveal the original rocky soil of the old field on which the house and garden were built in 1937. I was very pleased to find the soil beneath the adjacent grass looks very healthy and will be a good medium for all the wonderful food I hope to grow.

After we had finished, feeling healthily exhausted, Helena cooked us all wonderful bacon and egg rolls before Pip and I settled down to rest our limbs and watch the rugby. Then Pip and I took a final look at our handiwork having both enjoyed the whole day in the wonderful bright light and warm air.

Bomble came out too and was joined by our neighbour's kitten, who is quickly becoming very adult. Bomble has always liked playing with other cats if they have grown up with him. Adult cats are taken on very frequently, though not always successfully. The kitten has become Bomble's friend and they are often playing by stalking and attempting to pounce on each other. Jumping up and over obstacles in the garden is favourite.

They had both enjoyed investigating the soil, the wooden boards, the piles of stacked earth, alternating between aggressor and victim. The kitten suddenly seemed to go too far and Bomble, who is is quite tolerant, was just on the edge of being annoyed, and decided to assert himself. I love the submissive back roll of the not so little one.

It was forgotten pretty quickly and play carried on up and down the garden, including a roof of the shed and the six foot high fence. I am now wondering how to tell them that they have to share their new playground with our food.