It’s bucketing outside so I thought it an appropriate time to come in and catch up with the virtual world. Garden club is at my house this Saturday, so, of course, it’s raining just to keep me from doing the things I need to do before everyone shows up. I have to come up with a few projects to do – it’s an especially good time to do things that are difficult to do on your own (such as rolling out and pinning down huge swathes of mypex over 4-foot high grass – yes, the battle rages on). And also, it’s a good time to do things you have been putting off just because... well, just because you don’t fancy doing them: such as, shovelling out the old compost bin material into the new bin. Then of course there is the monumental amount of weeding that needs to be done – I am buried in buttercup (not repens, the other one – but I do have a fair amount of repens as well). This is the time of year I curse myself (literally) for being unable to make myself spray (though the driveway and parking areas do need a good blast – Did I tell you about my dislike of tarmacadam? Tidy, but so unnatural...).

Perspective. Yes, it’s all about perspective. I walk around the garden and all I can see is fault (strictly, not true, as I was just admiring the poppies that are going full guns right now and the tomatoes are fantastic). But had relatives over yesterday, one of whom I would consider to have one of the loveliest smallholdings you have ever seen – his garden should be on TV or featured in a magazine. He gave me a few compliments on how the garden is shaping up, which was very nice to hear. I think maybe you can see your own weeds whereas other people see only the good stuff.

Speaking of weeds... the rain is slowing down now. Good time to get out there and get to work.