Finding the magnolia

We have 2 ways of seeing a magnolia in our garden in spring. One is to jump up and down on the trampoline shouting, 'OOOH - next ... DOOR have a ... LOVELY white ... TREE!' the other is to get the shears, the pruners the gardening gloves (and of course the ever-helpful dog) and climb into the jungle to find the magnolia we have in our own garden.

Tess chose the former way and I chose the latter. I had to cut a massive 6 foot wide hydrangea out of the way, 2 enthusiastic camellias and then I made a hole in the hedge so the light could get through. Otherwise the poor magnolia is facing north all day.

3 hours later this was the view from inside the newly hacked back space - only possible with my bum in the hedge and twigs poking into my head.
It's good to share.

A few minutes ago, I heard the Channel 4 news presenter (the one that irritates me) reminding us to put our clocks forward tonight. Back to the having noon at 1pm nonsense. Boo.

This new programme called The Voice has just started on Beeb 1. (Yes, I'm at the mercy of Mr Carter's channel hopping) I'm all for real talent and beautiful voices above showbiz, image and all the other crap... But what is this chair turning around crap?
Horrid. Weird. Nasty. It's still not focussing on great music. It's still about forcing emotion.