Berry good...

I love raspberries and at the moment am finding myself in a glut situation. The strawberries, on the other hand, have been completely eaten - chief suspect is the local squirrel population. For anyone wanting more advice on growing soft fruits, the RHS are putting on several open days around the country. There are strawberry fairs at Harlow Carr, Yorkshire (on July 5), Hyde Hall, Essex (July 4) and Rosemoor, Devon (also July 4). RHS Wisley, Surrey, is then having a 'berry weekend' on July 18-19, where you can learn how to grow and cook your own fruit, attend tastings and see displays and cookery demonstrations. Expert advice will be available from the Wisley Fruit and Trials team.