This year has been the worst I have ever known for climbing beans.  Three attempts with the reliable climber Blauhilde have failed to produce a single plant.  Is this due to the conditions in 2009 or in 2010?  Or is it just me?  I have filled the space with climbing borlotti beans, but they are very reluctant to climb.  It seems my bean poles will not be needed this year.

I don't know whether it is the dry weather, but everything this summer seems to flop if it isn't staked.  These rusted flower stakes look stunning in a herbaceous border, and you can force them into the hardest ground.  If you fancy flopping rather than hitting the high street this summer, you could try the online shopping town.  We are in the Online Shopping Town on the Eco Friendly and Gardening Gifts streets.

At this time of year our large office window can confuse young birds.  A pigeon and bluetit have both flown into it in the last few days and this swallow did one better.  It flew into the office in seach of flies and paused briefly by the window before flying out again.  Another swallow did the same this time last year.  I wonder if its the same one?

I like marigolds in my vegetable garden very much.  They self seed everywhere so can be a bit maddening, but they are easy to pull up and they are a great pest deterrent.  Aphids and carrot fly steer clear of marigolds, and even ground elder and bind weed are reluctant to share a bed with them.  For me, they are the best companion plant.