Drifting into June — a catch-up from the boat, the allotment, and the soft beginnings of summer
A gentle round-up of what we’ve been growing, cooking, and noticing as the season shifts.
Hello and welcome to our June catch-up! I hope you’re doing well and finding small moments to soak up this stretch of early summer — that sweet spot before it all gets too hot and frantic.
This is our little monthly round-up of what’s been happening around our floating home and scruffy allotment, plus a look at what’s coming up through June — on our plates, in the hedgerows, and everything else in between.
My word — how on earth is it June already?
It feels like only five minutes ago we were poking those first hopeful spring seeds into the soil, wondering if anything would take in our slightly scruffy, winter-weary veg patch.
And now, somehow, here we are — With the first few peas winding their way up a wonky bit of trellis, broad beans starting to plump in their pods, and big leafy mounds of chard and kale are beginning to take over. (Suggestions welcome for how best to get these used up!)
It’s still a bit wild-looking — always is — but it’s the good kind of wild. Alive, generous, full of promise. I’m already dreaming of those long, loungeful June evenings, sitting out with a simple lotty vignarola — the kind of fresh, green dish that tastes just right as we drift slowly toward the solstice.
June promises to be a busy one for us. We’ve got a short boat trip ahead — if you’re new here, welcome! We live aboard a 54ft narrowboat in Oxfordshire. Living on the water brings its own rhythm of maintenance, and part of that is protecting the hull with a fresh coat of black bitumen every couple of years. So we’re off to the dry dock — a journey that, by car, would take twenty minutes, but at canal speed (barely above walking pace), we’ve set aside a full week.
Honestly though, we’re looking forward to it. Travelling by boat at this time of year is pure magic. It slows you right down — teaches you to notice, to be present, to enjoy the travel itself. You’re not just passing through nature; you’re part of it. Drifting gently along the water, spotting elderflower frothing along the towpath, swallows skimming the surface for a drink, soft golden light drenching the landscape. This is the quiet joy of narrowboat living: when the mood strikes, you can simply untie and set off toward fresh pastures.
Let’s have a brew and a catch-up
May has flown past, and I feel a little behind on all sorts of projects — so let’s take a moment to catch up.
We’ve been on the telly! A few years ago, we were featured in the wonderful TV series Narrow Escapes, which shines a light on the diverse, sometimes eccentric canal boat community. It gets into the real highs and lows of life afloat. Happily, we were asked back for series two, and we appeared in a couple of episodes a few weeks ago (you can catch up here).
We also popped up in the new series of Canal Boat Diaries. Robbie Cumming, who documents his own journeys by boat, passed by our floating home and stopped in for a cuppa. It’s been a treat seeing these small glimpses of our life shared on screen (you can catch that here too).
On the home front, we gave our little boat garden a much-needed spruce-up — building a new seating area from scaffold boards to reclaim some outdoor space. It’s now surrounded by pots of herbs and seedlings (though, truthfully, the purple sprouting is taking up far more than its fair share!). We shared the whole project in a recent YouTube video if you fancy a look. It’s such a joy now, the perfect spot for a morning coffee, watching the world slip by.
Speaking of pots — is anyone else slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of things waiting to be potted on? We’re growing lots of herbs this year, planning to dry them and fill our own little apothecary cupboard for winter teas. Mint, dill, fennel, tarragon — Anyway, they’re all lined up and waiting for bigger pots, I just need to get my act together and get them sorted. Thank goodness for long evenings!
Gabby’s also been working away on a homemade sunscreen recipe. We tend to go DIY wherever we can, preferring natural alternatives to many shop-bought products. We’ll share this one in a post of its own soon. It’s a fun little project, and much kinder on the skin.
A heartbreak in the allotment We’d been tending our seedlings carefully on the boat, hardening them off, getting them ready for life in the big wide world. About a week ago, we decided it was time: the courgettes, French beans, and sweetcorn were ready to plant out. And then — two unseasonably cold nights, right after we passed the last frost date — and we lost the lot. The plot is exposed, and the temperatures just dipped too low. It’s gutting, honestly. But we’ll catch up and carry on. Gardening is full of these moments, isn’t it?
Notes from the Apiary
We’ve just launched a new little series here on Substack called Notes from the Apiary — a look inside the hives as the season unfolds. If you’re curious about beekeeping, or simply enjoy the gentle rhythms of the year, I’d love to have you join us (the first episode is linked here).
Heading into summer, the hives are looking really healthy. We had a shaky start after swarm season came early, but it gave me a chance to build up two strong colonies. The honey is coming on beautifully. There’s something very grounding about beekeeping — it keeps you tuned to the small details, the quiet signs: what’s flowering, what’s fading, what’s just coming into bloom.
This year, I’m hoping to produce some cut comb honey alongside the usual raw jars. The frames are already heavy with stores, which is great to see!
A few notes from our foraging journal
If you’re keen to head out with your trug this month, there’s plenty to gather.
Elderflower — It’s been a stunning season; some hedgerows look as though they’ve been dusted with snow, it’s been that prolific. We’ll be making elderflower soda and champagne, and if you’re feeling adventurous, I highly recommend the elderflower Turkish delight from Foraged by Fern — worth the effort!
Pineapple weed — If you catch a sweet pineapple scent underfoot, you’re likely near a patch of this wild chamomile. Perfect for drying and making into evening teas.
Dog rose — Blooming now in the hedgerows. Use the petals for rosewater or infuse them into balms and homemade skincare.
Wild garlic seed capers — The last hurrah! Gather the seed pods, salt and brine them, and you’ll have tiny flavour bombs for salads.
Lime flowers — If you’re a beekeeper, lime honey is a true favourite. For the forager, this is the time to gather lime flowers for tilleul — a calming bedtime tea, beloved in France.
On the menu this month
A little look at some of the seasonal treats to look forward to as we head into full-tilt summer
The strawberries are coming in strong, and honestly, I don’t like to overcomplicate things: sugar, cream… maybe this cheeky pavlova on a weekend afternoon.
Broad beans are starting to appear — I’ll never understand why people go mad for edamame when broad beans are just as good. Georgie Eats has a lovely idea for them if you’re looking for inspiration. Find it here.
Early peas are just arriving on our plot; they rarely make it home. I tend to snack on them straight from the pod as I potter about.
Courgettes will be next, and that means not just the veg, but the flowers — delicate, yellow, perfect for stuffing with herby mascarpone and frying gently in a light batter. This is a superb version
And new potatoes! So often overlooked, but so vibrant. I’ve got a spring salad recipe coming soon — new potatoes, mint, beans, goat’s cheese — and of course, there’s always the option of crispy potatoes with lemony mayo.
Plots and plans
June is usually a slightly gentler month in the veg patch — though I’m in catch-up mode after the seedling losses. The runner beans need planting, but first, the onions and garlic must come up. They’ve bolted after the hot, dry spring — I was hoping for a year’s supply of homegrown garlic, but alas, not this time. At least the bees will enjoy the flowers.
By the end of the month, I’m hoping to see the french beans thriving. There’s winter squash to sow now, and I’m already thinking ahead to our winter crops — cabbage, brussel sprouts, maybe parsnips. And, for the first time, fennel — I’ll be sowing that around the solstice. Wish me luck!
A little something extra…
Did you know it’s been 50 years since The Good Life first aired? I heard it mentioned on the radio the other morning, and it made me smile. For a millennial, it might seem an odd favourite, but I grew up watching the reruns while my parents were at work — and I can’t help but wonder if it quietly shaped the path Gabby and I are on today…
The other day they had Felicity Kendal on The Today Programme (2hrs 54mins in), chatting with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall about the show’s legacy. They don’t do perfect mornings — but if they did…
Thanks so much for reading — it really does mean the world to us. Whether you’re a long-time subscriber or you’ve just found your way here, we’re so glad to have your company.
As always, feel free to reply if something here sparked a thought, or if you’ve got a favourite recipe using the best of the veg patch at this time of year
Until next time —
Have you always lived on a barge? It is a lifestyle that I seem drawn to. This is wonderful content, thank you
There doesn’t seem to be a link to Notes from the Apiary