Is it summer in the South of France?

Well not really, although for a few days recently you could have thought it was. I took this photo on the last day of March when the temperatures were in the high 20s. After a winter of drought, then bitter cold and then more drought, the trees and bushes have suffered. Ours have got off quite lightly – we have seen many dead palm trees but ours has survived. Some of the olive trees look dead, but just need severe pruning (so we are told) and some other bushes have had to be cut right back.

There is blossom on the quince trees – will they bear much fruit this year? – and the tamarisk is beginning to change colour. The birds develop new songs each day.
As I write this it is just starting to rain, but it is only a light drizzle which will not be much help for the dry ground.

What to do with the quince?

We had a good crop of quinces this year. I’ve identified some recipes for them; firstly quince paste, which goes very well with goats cheese or our local Roquefort – or you can nibble it on its own.

This year for the first time I tried

Quince compote

5-6 Quinces
100g Caster sugar
1-2 tsp Chopped rosemary leaves
Peel, core and chop the quince into 2cm dice. Put in a saucepan with the sugar and 60ml water, cover and cook on a medium heat until soft – about 35 minutes. Add the rosemary, taste and add more sugar or rosemary as needed.

I froze this in small tubs, but it disappears so quickly that maybe larger tubs would be a good idea.

Other recipes suggest adding spices such as chilli or cinnamon, but so far we have been happy with the plainer one – and we have a large bush to supply us with rosemary.

September days

As the TV constantly reminded us, 23 September was the first day of Autumn (not to mention the day of another strike about raising the pension age, which did not however prevent me from getting back here.) When I arrived it was raining, but it was still warm and it was good to be back.

After that there has been sunshine, but the weather cooler than usual for the season.

As usual when I arrive I made an inspection of the garden and found figs (lots!) and ripening quinces and pears. I might try to make quince paste again this year. I’m not sure what to do with the pears; they don’t have much flavour.


It looks like the olive harvest will keep me busy in November.

On Saturday morning I saw (and heard) a hunting dog with a bell round his neck – yes it’s the hunting season.. He looked lost and very sorry for himself. I met his owner on my way down to the market. I hope they found each other in the end.