When the UK based television programme Gardeners World starts a new series it heralds the start of the new gardening season for many. Not the start of the gardening year of course as many of us have already begun sowing seed in our green houses and clearing up the garden borders.

Presenters over the many years of the programme have left their mark and none more so than the late Geoff Hamilton who was a hard act to follow. Latterly the presenter was Monty Don who announced his intention to take the series back to gardening basics. Unfortunately for Monty he had health problems that necessitated him to relinquish the reins. Enter Toby Buckland who is a self confessed fan of Geoff Hamilton and this year has the daunting task of taking a field and turning it into a garden before our very eyes. A great challenge maybe but what an exciting opportunity.

The start to the series has shown promise with good garden, yes even basic, technique being imparted whilst not talking down to the viewers. It must be difficult to get the right balance of gardening advice when catering for such a large audience with varying levels of expertise. I am sure there will be those sitting the saying “yes, I know that” but my view is that sometimes I need a reminder so it does not do any harm to hear pearls of wisdom each gardening year. I am reminded of watching the great golfer Jack Nicklaus relating how at the beginning of every golf season he went to his old teacher Jack Grout and asked him to teach him how to play golf. Instead of buying Golf Monthly though I will be buying the Gardeners World Magazine!

The birds in the garden have been very busy this week. Many have been gathering nesting material and the blackbirds have continued their territorial fights. I have to admit I have left it later than usual to clean out the nest box but it is done now and at least this year I am pleased to be able to report that all last year’s brood appear to have fledges, no remains left in the box.

Last weekend I sowed Cosmos seed on the Saturday afternoon and Tuesday morning they had germinated. The fastest seed on the block so far this spring. My Nicotiana have also germinated, this is a plant I discovered and fell in live with many years ago. They brighten up the border and provide evening perfume.

The Magnolia Stellata is in full bloom now and truly looks magnificent. The Wallflowers are now beginning to open with just a hint of perfume at present but as more open I look forward to the assault on my senses!

So often I sing the praises of the new flowers appearing that I forget how pleasing it can be when fresh green foliage appears such as the Viburnum leaf pictured.

One surprise is my Standard Fuchsia which is already in flower. Last year I decided to have a go at training a Standard for the first time and was pleased with my effort. I left it in the unheated conservatory all winter, just a drop of water now and again, and it kept some leaf and suddenly there were buds. A very welcome surprise.

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