Garden notes

Just the other day I was thinking that I can't post any more pictures of my garden as they will all be repeats. You see I started this blog this time last year when I broke my arm. (It was very useful at a frustrating time.) But then we went out into the garden and one of our many clematis, the winter flowering one had flowered for the first time since we planted it years ago. I ignored any suggestions that it should be pulled out and it has flowered!! I love the unpredictability about growing plants. The picture's a bit blurred but the clematis has lovely pink freckles.

My hellebore had lots of gorgeous pink buds waiting to open and shyly hang their heads.

My lovely mother in law brings us these massive containers of olive oil. Turned one into a pot which I crammed with anemones.

Colour already in the garden from the gorgeous camelia.

The winter jasmine only had a few yellow flowers and it turns out I'd missed it in full flower a few weeks before. Such a shame- I have no excuse as I am home every day.

I was so excited to see the snowdrops back again. So delicate - I love the way they tremble when you approach. (They probably tremble all the time.)

walking my sister's dog

My sister read my face and said do you want to take the dog out- you look like you want to be alone. What a lovely sister! I had a lovely walk. The day before I had read a poem from the floor for the first time in front of an audience. I was so nervous but I did it!!!!

Ruby ran off into the avenue of contorted trees. I had the guts to let her off the lead this time. It was only our second walk alone together.
Then I took her to my old sixth form college - she liked it. It's an art deco building-she's got good taste. We continued our walk up a steep busy main road that falls away one side to grass and came across a man sleeping under a tree heaving with blossom.

From my garden: I like this combination of Ajuga and white anemone, though it's not a particularly good photo.