My vegie patch has been going well this spring – I’ve counted 36 tomatoes on the plants so far – and also coming along well is the corn (my first try growing it) and there’s eggplant, pumpkin, figs, plenty of pawpaws, lots of different herbs, nasturtiums, daisies and sunflowers on their way for the bees.
Unfortunately, there are also severe storms predicted and after the tomatoes copped some hail on Sunday, this morning I decided it safest to cover up the vegie patch with netting as best I could, being a short person! (I was also perhaps channelling Nonno Anni and his enthusiastic netting that he used to do for his fig trees! That said, hopefully the tent pegs and clothes pegs I’ve got holding it all in place do work.) 
Really hoping the severity of the storms forecast doesn’t eventuate so that not just the garden but people and animals stay safe too. I’ve used this fine, white netting that is best for protection from hail as well as hungry visitors. (The other netting pictured that is black with larger holes is not very effective and it’s cruel as birds and flying foxes can’t see it as well and also get caught up in it and break their wings.)
I also wanted to say congratulations to everyone in Melbourne and thank you for your forbearance! Well done!! You’ve stayed in my thoughts and am so pleased for you all. Enjoy coming out of lockdown! As the Nonnas would say, Sempre avanti. Zoë xx
From the Isabella vine that grows over the pergola, some of the grapes harvested this year (in one of Nanna Francesca’s salad bowls circa 1960s/70s.) Each year the grapevine yields enough to make about half a dozen bottles of wine…a modest, homemade vintage but a tiny bit of Italy in an Australian suburban backyard.
Zoë Boccabella 