After the very cold winter it looks as if one large shrub is not going to make it. This is an improvement on last year when six large shrubs were lost.

I had a holly that had self seeded and grown into a sizeable bush to about six or seven feet high and wide and the centre well on its way to making a good sized tree. I allowed it to develop as it screened an unsightly feature. Thankfully that feature has gone and the holly needed to be trimmed so that it did not get in the way of cars going up the drive.

The loppers were put to good use cutting the bushy part back and I was thankful once more for the powerful shredder I purchased a few years ago which greatly reduced the bulk to be composted.

Unfortunately it soon became clear that further cutting back was required as quite thick exposed ends of branches were nicely placed to put deep scratches in car paintwork. Having carried out phase two and assessed the result the best course of action appeared to be to cut the whole tree down. Not a decision taken lightly as I value the trees in my garden or any tree if it comes to it.

The higher branches I lopped using a pole lopper that I have owned for many years. In truth a pole saw would have been a good tool to have at hand but a greenwood saw had to suffice. The job is complete but it has to be said that if the tree had been any bigger, for safety reasons, I would have asked a professional tree surgeon to do the job. Even so when lopping any tree it is always wise to read up on how to safely lop and trim trees.

The weather is so mixed at the moment. One day it is warm as a summer day and it is tempting to sow seed or plant out and the next it may be sunny but with a very cold wind that reminds us that it is still March. Patience is the watchword, trying to sow too early will only lead to disappointment.

The Magnolia Stellata is now in full flower. A magnificent bush that brightens up the garden with its brilliant white flowers and delicate perfume. I have known it for over twenty years and it was a fully grown specimen when I inherited it.

The tree blossom still dominates in the garden and is a joy to behold. It perhaps does not last that long and the mass of fallen blossom causes a bit of tidying up to be done but for me it is well worth the effort.

Last year I split my drumstick primulas and I am pleased to say they have survived their ordeal and are in flower. I first saw these in a large woodland garden that had a stream running nearby and the memory of the wonderful show they put on has stayed with me.

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