In those depressing grey days since Christmas it has lifted my spirits to walk round the garden and spot the emerging snowdrops. Several old friends have shown themselves already. Three Ships was flowering in early December and Mrs Macnamara was not far behind. To our surprise Fly Fishing with its flowers held so delicately on long elegant pedicels is already flowering. I fear that it will not withstand a bad frost but it was lovely to see. Now is the time to find out if my more extravagant purchases from last year have survived. I have seen Treasure Island just pushing up through the soil which is a relief as it really was expensive. Now every day, armed with my planting plan I walk round the garden hoping to see the latest acquisitions emerging. It must be the most exciting time of year and encourages us to venture out even when the weather is horrible and we would rather find things to do indoors.
