I’ve never grown berries before – other than a few strawberries – and I’m staggered at the varieties that exist. Years ago at a Bowral Market I was impressed when I saw Red Currant plants for sale and began to recognise the potential variety and appeal of different berries. I may have overdone it (a bit like the potatoes) but have an extensive varieties of berries (predominantly,but not exclusively) in a raised veggie/berry bed. So far these include:

• Strawberries (I’m treating this as one berry, although I have quite a few different varieties)
• Rasberry
• Blackberry
• Boysenberry
• Loganberry
• Youngberry
• Tayberry
• Blueberry
• Currant – red, white and black
• Elderberry

There may be more yet to come. Convent visitors and friends have been warned to expect sorbets, jams, jellies, drinks (wouldn’t some liquers be amazing), pies and desserts with a certain theme. I’ve also been warned that this bed will require serious netting as the birds will make it a favourite destination.