Already the pink and red oriental poppies are dropping their petals.In a few days I will clip the leaves back and hope for a second harvest of blooms, albeit not as spectacular as these have been. Before leaving the garden, I picked a small bunch of thyme .

Today, we had cubed lamb, (a one pound pack was plenty for two). I browned it lightly in olive oil then simmered it in a pint of pomegranate juice (heat it first) with the thyme, a stock cube andsome white pepper.Cooked onsimmerfor about anhour the meat was tender, with a good flavour.

We had Pembrokeshire new potatoes (expensive still, working out at 1.98 a kg, that's 30p a potato) andcaulifower. (I can't be bothered with cauliflower cheese- I just grate some cheese over the top and flash itunder the grill. If in a rush, I melt it in the microwave).

The nectarines were on offer, four for a pound andtheymade agoodpudding.Washed, cutinto quarters, witha teaspoon of syrup and a tablespoon of elderflower juice splashed over them, they were blitzedfor 90 seconds in the microwave.To finish, Ipoured a tablespoon of Amaretto over each one then crushed Marks and Spencer Belgian chocolate meringues over them. Peter also had some cream. A quick dessert and not too calorific. The large meringues from M&S are only 50 calories each and the small ones 15 cals, making them healthier than sponge puddings with butter, sugar and flour.