Le Biau

Life at Le Biau, our home in Gascony, South West France which we are turning into a Chambres d'Hotes this year.

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Taking advantage of a few days without guests the builders are in to sort out some leaks in the barn roof (so no more drips whilst playing table tennis in the barn on wet days!!) They are also measuring up for a possible new window in the Secret Room. Watch this space.

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This part of the grounds was where we used to have bonfires. It didn’t have much going for it until I had an idea to turn it into an Olive Grove/Italian Garden. It’s just over two years since the idea made it into my garden planning book and today I enjoyed having a coffee there and reflecting on how all the hard work had paid off.

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The first lot of onions heading for the terrace to dry for a couple of days in the searing 36C sunshine

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You can’t beat beautiful fresh produce straight from the garden perfectly cooked with a selection of fresh herbs from the terrace and oils and vinegars from the cupboard. Read this review of a meal including this dish published in Winchester USA last week http://www.pairingswineandfood.com/blog/

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The garden in August has been beautiful, even if it has been a struggle keeping things watered through the very long dry spells. We’ve certainly found out which plants are survivors and which ones like their water!!

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It’s melon time again and this year they are just amazing!! Must be the long hot dry summer

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The summer months mean alfresco dining and making sure that all the lights are working!!

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Some areas of the gardens are taking on a very lush, tropical look whereas in others the rapid growth needs to be kept in check - especially the abundant topiary!

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These magnolias are like jewels in the garden and really herald the new season. My photo cannot capture the true colour. Magnificent.

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It's been raining these last few days and I've really enjoyed spending time in the kitchen trying out new recipes for the coming season. Yotam Ottolenghi's new book "Plenty More" has given me plenty inspiration for some new ways of using our own produce from the veg plot this year and I've also been trying out some old favourite asian recipes that I miss since we left Hong Kong. The Gers isn't awash with authentic asian cuisine, so if you want it you need to make it yourself!! I have to say that the thai beef salad was fantastic!! I'm not sure that it is something that we will be serving to guests though as local cuisine ... unless by request!

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This year's expansion to the lawns and gardens are beginning to look mature already!

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It's hard to believe that these are real & just picked from the garden. Thank goodness for some tell-tale soil on one of the peppers!! They made a wonderful lunch simply grilled with olive oil and salt, and served with tomato chilli jam, cucumber relish and beautiful, crusty bread ... oh yes and a glass of chilled Uby uni blanc - columbard.

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Amuse bouches this week to accompany aperitifs were melon and ham, avocado and creme-fraiche tartlet with poppy seed, chives and lime juice, sweet & spicy nuts and caramelised onion tartlet with marscapone, dijon mustard and parmesan.

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Still loving the lushness on the 18th August along with some beautiful sunshine!

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The garden has been alive with colour through July and into August. These photos are August and everything is unusually lush for this time of year - lots of heavy rain storms have added to the warm sunshine to produce quite a different look for August. The lawns can sometimes be white at this time of year ... certainly not the case this year!!

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The huge field at the end of the garden is a sea of sunflowers. Quite spectacular!!

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The streets of Eauze come to life in the summer months, particularly on Thursday market day!