Twice a year the Wealden Times hosts a shopping and eating extravaganza and today it was the Midsummer Fair which was located at lovely Hole Park near Benenden.

I was there early but instead of going straight to the fair I decided to take the opportunity to walk round the gardens of Hole Park.   The house is privately owned and they open their gardens to the public from 11am.  Visitors to the fair were allowed to look round the gardens so I set off, hoping to miss the rain which threatened. I cam across the veggie patch first.Artichokes are architecturally stunning plants but they do take up a lot of space for one small vegetable. Considering the size of the house and grounds, the vegetable garden was very small. This was one of my favourite parts of the garden. This was another. As I wandered around I was the only person there which was fantastic.  It gave me plenty of time and peace to appreciate these gardens. In terms of acreage they are substantial but not much has been manicured although what has is beautiful. Time to go in to the fair.  Jewelry.
Real Cheddar. This huge dog was covered in lavender! He did smell lovely. Several companies selling charming craft kits. Lots of food stalls. One of many lovely interiors stands. I enjoyed a very decent latte. Then a small pot of bircher muesli as I hadn’t managed breakfast before leaving home.  I was very pleased with myself as I resisted many cake stalls. I bought some sausages to have for lunch and then realised they contain bread so that’s off limits. Instead I heated up the pot of leftover veggies which has accumulated over the week. I picked lettuce, rocket and spinach from the garden to make a salad. Which I made in to a salad with tomtaoes and avocado and I dressed it simply with lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Served with some crispy bacon. Enjoyed in the garden in sunshine.

So far so good with eating but I am off out now to a local music festival – Waddfest.  I think cider and beer may be consumed!