An unbelievably wet start to the New Year. It seems to have been nothing but gales and driving rain recently. But still plants carry on quite happily. Its not a surprise to see Narcissus ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’ in flower before the turn of the year but I was surprised to see the tazetta ‘Cuscarne’. There is quite a lot going on around the garden. Camellias – transnokoensis and grijsii as well as a double white hybrid are flowering. C. transnokoensis is a real favourite of mine. The lovely Daphne I bought from Junkers in the Spring seems to be settling in nicely. Lots of lovely white fragrant flowers. Its one of their own breeding called ‘Cobhay Snow’. Hellebores are just getting started and all the usual early snowdrops are out. I have started a short Spring Walk along the bottom of the garden partly because I wanted somewhere to plant more Hamamelis. I was able to use some of the good soil from my huge weed heap that was opened up when I had a small digger in to remove some hedging. I think this may become quite an interesting area. Hellebores and daffodils have been planted and for later in the year some species peonies.

Now I am looking forward to better weather so I can get on with weeding and getting the garden ready for the new gardening year.