Showcasing Local Produce at Tayvallich Café and General Store

I am very proud to have been one of the local producers selected by Tayvallich Café and General store, to have my preserves showcased. This weekend and next is the local Artmap Argyll event when local artists throughout Argyll open their studios to the public. Tayvallich is well known for its art connections which makes it a very popular time for visitors.

I am very pleased to supply preserves to both sides of the business - for use in their kitchen and for sale in the shop. In addition to my usual preserves Tayvallich has a selection of pickles that I have made. They are carrot, cucumber, radish, cauliflower and cherry. They make a very pretty pictures with their bright colours!

It has been a very busy month for me, with two 'events in a tent' sales under canvas on Kilmartin Green. These were very successful and demonstrated the popularity of local crafting events. Hopefully there will be more of the same in the future. The usual Farmers' Market in the Lochgilphead Co-op car-park on the second Saturday of each month is growing in size and in popularity and in recent months the weather has been kind to us too!

My Garden Stall also has a steady flow of customers. I like the idea that people can pop along and help themselves at any time. I am aware though that some people would prefer to buy three jars of the same product. The stall simple doesn't have space for that much stock. However I am more than happy to put extras out there in response to a message or phone call.

Challenges this month have been getting hold of enough fruit, vegetables, sugar and vinegar - just simply the same issues everyone else has in grocery shopping just now. Also due to my own short-sightedness I encountered a temporary glitch in my supply of jars. I had miscalculated how many I would use in August!

I have not missed not going on holiday this year - I simply haven't had time!