the magnolia came out today. The smell is beautiful, I have to stop and sniff every time I go past. It's one of my favourite smells, so delicate and yet so intense at the same time. And I love magnolia for already being in flower when many other things don't yet dare.

Last year's garden disaster (weather, overwork, building site) is being turned around and my garden is getting back to the state I expect of it. All the overgrown things have been cut back and I've been weeding and sowing seeds. Last year's gone-to-seed leeks have reproduced and their babies are in straightish lines. Carrots, potatoes, peas and onions are in the ground. Salads are up next, in the early bed and in the greenhouse. Then it'll be time to get things started in pots ready to go out when the frost season is over. And I am covered in dirt and sweat - how I like to be :)