WHAT A DIFFERENCE

A mow makes. Finally got mowers back from service and have lightly scalped the grass.

Gardener came and has built two new compost bins by the far wall. In time, when the old bins are empty they will be removed and then will have to decide if that area just reverts to grass or . . . ? 

R has been dividing and replanting snowdrops. I trimmed back the miscanthus a bit more and finally managed to get the bonfire to burn - ash on the blackcurrants next to the emerging chives.

Before the mowers returned I tidied the shed, just in time. Then a seedling order from Sarah Raven arrived - sweet peas (yes, I will not give up), ammi and verbena bonariensis.

Would not want to be a frog as heron paying regular visits.

We went for coffee at friends and I took some white phlox and red alstroemeria. I did warn him the latter tends to spread.

We have had all weather - rain, wind, hail and even sunshine. Actually no snow yet - only on the fell tops.

Inside the extension the Canna lily is glorious. Outside the Madame Lefebvre tulips are the same but vulnerable to the wind. As I have said before they were one of my mother's favourite plants - what an amazing colour - a blast to the senses.

It was, I think, named after Louise-Rosalie Lefebvre (18 June 1755 – 22 September 1821), also known as Madame Dugazon, was a French operatic mezzo-soprano, actress and dancer.

         

We have several big trees in the garden, the largest is this sycamore - registered as a Notable Tree by the Woodland Trust.

Sometimes one digs up the past. I know someone who might recognise this tile.

The introduction of a nyger seed feeder has brought in a shower of glorious goldfinches but one snag of where the feeders are on the cherry tree is that the pheasants and squirrels trample the daffodils below. I leave you with one of the birds.