Having decided to go with a few dozen pecans to fill the gaps in the almond orchard, I'm getting cool (if not exactly cold) feet. It's the exchange rate that's making me wobble...pecan trees shipped from Canada, now costing the best part of £30 each rather than about half that when I planted the original 30 three years ago.



They don't exactly flatter the grower either, doing next to nothing visible for a couple of years while they busy themselves like the proverbial swan, doing their work unseen, sending an extensive root system down and out. If only our banks had invested as sensibly before getting on with the business of growing *does 1990 Ben Elton fist salute*

But they are the only thing that I've ever planted in any number that have all survived...apart from the one I mowed flat while singing 'How Soon Is Now' in the tractor at the top of my voice. I have previous form on this sort of thing.

This time last year I'd just had the bill for the vineyard framework, two years ago I was wondering about making myself more appealing for TV, three years ago I was having a great night in, and four years ago I was feeling rather too serious and (judging from the quote) reading Perch Hill as I tend to at this time of the year.