There’s something special about spring. The freshness. Today I have noticed for the first time fresh green spikes emerging from the soil. These shoot up like arrows across a small patch of the garden. It’s been in the shade of a large berberis shrub for a very long time. Last year the shrub received a brutal pruning & the result is – the ground cover below has responded to the injection of sunlight. There is the promise of lily of the valley flowers to follow. Dozens of them. It’s an area near the house, in a shady corner where there’s also a welcoming seat. And when the flowers bloom, a little sunshine & warmth, then the perfume should be amazing. I can almost sense it, imagine the heady scent.

But it’s not just Lily of the Valley that is growing strongly. There is new growth & fresh green leaves from Vinca,….. This little plant has crept along the garden, seeking sunlight & is showing a few blue flowers. I hope they linger long enough t o merge with the pure white Lily of the Valley. Above ground the Berberis towers, despite our harsh pruning. The side of the shrub that had least cuts is producing flower. Those gorgeous bright orange bell like flowers that attract birds & bees alike. You can always tell when it’s a good year for flowers on the Berberis by the heavy buzz from bees that hone in on the plant!

Blue tits too seem to adore this shrub. I can never decide if it’s the flower that thy like to eat & whether I should be encouraging them or not!