Hi Everyone, we have one of those windy days and for once I am secretly pleased and happy to stay inside even though I did spend some well needed time on housework!!

Once again I got carried away planting seeds and now hundreds need potting on before heading to the garden. Given, our hot dry climate I have gone for things like Straw flowers and Statice, so I can eventually dry them and hopefully find a florist that will love them. But amongst the masses of dahlias will be more masses of Giant Zinnias, Cosmos and Verbascum. Totally crazy I know. However, I am optimistc that we can sit back and enjoy our hard labour during the summer and Autumn.

Our property is having the last of our major developments ticked off – 27 railway sleepers look fabulous up through the perennial bank, local stone pavers are coming next week to make our courtyard easier to walk on and the shed that was supposed to have a simple addition to house the ‘ride on lawnmower – now is twice the size, complete with lots of beams for hanging dried flowers!!!

Meals here at Tarras are very simple and now we have to make use of the cabbages, cauliflowers, asparagus and spinach from the vegetable garden. Wrapping salmon topped with a mixture of spinach, chopped feta cheese, a little grated parmesan and an egg in a couple of sheets of flaky pastry was a winner this week.

Touring 2024

Tours for 2024 are now confirmed with accommodation and buses and deposits paid . I have what I think is 3 great itineraries that will incorporate food and wine from the region of course, garden visits, historical sites and I will use guides where appropriate. Plus, many days out exploring the countryside. On the French and Italian tours I have incorporated a beautiful Villa for a week and we will have my dear friend Alessandro cooking during that week.

My tours are all inclusive which means apart from the odd meal, pre – dinner drinks and cups of coffee you are not asked to pay for anything else. Although, we have our own private transport there is still some degree of walking each day – nothing strenuous but being a tourist does mean you are on your feet most days.

Itineraries, costings and booking forms are now available. I will be starting to advertise all tours in the next month and I do have some bookings. I am more than happy to have a chat on the phone regarding any tour and questions you may have. I am working with a web site developer at the moment and I hope to have the new look and updated content by the end of next week.

judith@judith-cullen.com | 021735617