Saturday at last I was able to cut my lawns. How many times have I written “get your mower serviced during the winter months because come spring there will be a long waiting time”? Did I take my own advice? No, do as I say, not as I do!

Saturday was a beautiful day and I was able to start catching up on a few jobs as my muscles are telling me this morning. I had a small patch of ground that needed tidying and planting where a shrub had died back. Continuing my policy of dividing or transplanting self sown plants instead of buying I filled the space with geraniums and golden grass. I have a hosta that I am bringing on in a pot that will look good there too.

My bluebells are out in force now, they were here when we came 20 years ago and are still a joy even though they can be a bit invasive if I don’t keep a close eye.

Euphorbia Griffithii 'Fireglow' with its orange-tinted bracts and red flush to its leaves is a real statement in the border and the beautiful white flowers of Exochorda 'The Bride' are starting their short but welcome domination.

One of those perennial "good doers" that I must admit I tend to take for granted is the aubretia. Again it was here 20 years ago and just keeps coming.

I remember a time when I used to drive along or walk down the road admiring other people's beautiful specimens and wishing I had on. Now that I have I walk past without hardly a glance. Now I have recognised the fact I am putting it right and taking the time to admire my own little stars.

When I take photographs of my flowers it tends be functional at best as illustrations for My Garden and Garden Diary. I recently found Sandy’s blog, well worth a look if you like quality photographs.