A small thing

There is a neglected corner of the garden that is shaded, concreted and rarely visited. A few years ago, we tried putting very large plant pots with shrubs in, but it hasn't really worked to make it a pleasing place. Some of the shrubs died. This summer's project is to try to to inject some joy into it; MrsM is on the case

This is one pot that still has a pair of surviving shrubs. Deciduous, so just bare twigs all winter. This year, for the first time, this appeared, before any leaves. So far this is all there is, with two or three more about to burst forth. We can't remember what it is - some kind of dogwood, I think, though the bark is not a very strong colour yet

Our lovely neighbour died peacefully this morning, only a handful of months after diagnosis with a very rare and very aggressive cancer. We have lived amicably and co-operatively side-by-side for 11 years. None of us could remember, but we think she probably visited us as a midwife when our children were new-made - one of life's co-incidental circles. In years to come, the bursting forth of these flowers may become a small commemoration