Hooray for that time of the year again.

That time of the year when my trips to the supermarket are reduced, I don't have to spend too much time thinking about what the kids can have for 'fruit break' because I can just send them out to the garden.

These are the early cherries and the ladder is a permanent fixture there at the moment.

The strawberries have just started and are loaded this year.

Mulberry time as well.
And the apricots, peaches and apples are coming along nicely- still abit of a way off.
The veggie department isn't too bad either:

The rows are: potatoes, quince trees (for next years fruit tree season), onions, cherry trees (likewise) and broccoli. 
That's the paddock where business and pleasure meet!

I love artichokes to eat, and think they are beautiful ornamentals in the garden. Preparing them though, still is a major challenge for me- seems like a lot of faffing around needed- I sit outside with a bucket with either lemon juice or vinegar and cut them and trim them- put them straight in the bucket (because that's what I read to do- I think it must stop them going black), then steam them and serve with olive oil, balsamic and salt. I don't do it very often and am open to suggestions about artichoke preparation.
Asparagus, on the other hand, which I don't have a photo of- well, it doesn't get much simpler- minimal effort- big result. I am biased- asparagus is my favourite veggie.
I should add- Mr. Apple has full credit for all this amazing produce we are now enjoying. I do nothing except herbs, and 'leafy greens', the occasional pick and a lot of food preparation.
We really do appreciate it.