Hot, hot, hot!

Digital Microscope image of Solaris grape cluster

We've had temperatures approaching 30C for about a week now. No wind. No rain except a few quick but drenching thunderstorms with lightning. That's very unusual for Ireland and more reminiscent of New Jersey. We have not watered the vineyard. The Rondo and other vines are doing reasonably well. The Solaris are hugely disappointing. Many of the buds have turned black and appear dead. None of the buds has bloomed yet. Could they be dying of drought? Or is it disease? So disappointing but then many things are in the garden this year. I don't know how farmers do it. 

Alex mowing the vineyard 

That's a loaner cutter not the one we bought

Navigating the equipment is not easy

The vineyard before mowing

Solaris grape cluster

Temps hit 30C in the shade at our house

 

Grapes not happy this year but vines still okay

 

Nice looking Rondo cluster, but late.

Meanwhile, we've made great progress in the polytunnel. Half of the tunnel floors has mesh sheeting and gravel. The first two beds are partially planted and everything is already coming up. We've gotten a smart timer for the soaker hoses and programmed it for short intervals of repeat watering throughout the day. The only thing is, we can't go in and work on stuff as the temperatures are reaching 48C inside. One of my potted plants has cooked. The doors are open but even the fan, which I tried didn't help. (BTW, there has been a run on fans in Ireland. You can't buy any now.) 

The RTV (Rough Terrain Vehicle) is working out quite well for Alex and he's quickly becoming used to manoeuvring it. He's mowed the vineyard twice and the lower field as well so no more docks. He's also using it to bring stuff back and forth from the boat dock so it's being very useful. 

I've been kayaking or swimming or both every day in this heat. It's just impossible to work in the garden or in the greenhouse and polytunnel when it's this hot. At least the water has warmed up some so swimming is reasonable. It won't last. It's supposed to break tomorrow. 

We've even switched from down comforter to blanket for the first time since moving here in 2008. At least it's not over 100F which they are enduring in the Pacific NW. 

Hot on the Quay

Thunderstorm approaching

Harvest moon reflected in the Bay

Laying the mesh

Laying the gravel

Very nice

Half the floor is done. Can't do more in a heatwave.

Vodka and tonic for refreshment

Lookin' good from the 'residential area'

And Alex's RTV fits in nicely. 

A slightly confused thermometer

Candles do not do well in polytunnels in a heatwave

Stuff growing in the beds

Getting out on the water to stay cool

And picnics on the islands

The vineyard nicely mowed