Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Winter returned today, a sadistic contrast to the previous several scorching days. One minute you're in shorts, the next long johns. A cruel, biting wind swept across the garden from the northeast, Putin territory, and it was so desolate I scurried back indoors as soon as I could. But by the afternoon the temperature had risen and the wind softened, so out I ventured again. I'm creating seed beds everywhere, because the garden is so big I can't just rely on shrubs and perennials to fill the spaces, but raking to a fine tilth is hard work. I have an abundance of 'hocks' from Ruth's garden, red and pink and nearly black, and all the seeds I bought last week. It's cheering to think of this kind of gardening, not one I'm used to. Put the little (or big if they're hollyhocks) chaps in the ground, and watch them grow from seemingly nothing. I planted Nigel's rhubarb at last too, which I'm ashamed to say has sat in a bowl wrapped in paper, sprouting all over the place, for weeks. The rhubarb sticks looked a bit tired so I may have blown it, but I packed well-rotted sheeps' manure with them, so I hope they won't let me down.

By 6 o'clock it was sunny and calm, so I decided to do a walk I haven't been on since last autumn. Up to Janet and John's house where a brand new footpath post signs you through their garden, then round the fields and back through the wood. Patrick has planted a few rows of hedging where it's a bit bare, but at the moment the view out over the Alde Valley and up the slopes beyond is stupendous, even better than mine. It's a terrific year for blossom, something to do with the balance of rain and sun, and the white blackthorn flowers stand out everywhere, glowing and shining without shame or embarrassment. In stark contrast to my last visit the fields have gone from golden to green, and they flow down the hills in every direction filling the senses with quiet satisfaction. I've long since stopped longing for someone to share this kind of thing with me. It's enough to enjoy it myself, and let it work its magic on my spirit. And it did. I came back along the lane as the sun slid down towards the horizon, flushing the sky red, and was glad I'd gone out.