Gay abandon

There are several problems associated with being a novice gardener. Most potentially serious is the fact that I don't remember what I've planted so am never sure if what I'm pulling up with gay abandon is a weed or is, in fact, meant to be there.

Another is that I've never worried about leaving the garden when I go on holiday. Now I'm, "oh dear the bindweed will get my raspberries and I might miss my rambling roses. And what about my seeds?"

But I'll soon forget all about the garden when I'm enjoying my grandchildren's company in Italy.

The most important part of the packing has been done: I've chosen which books to take. That said, I might stick an extra one or two in my rucksack, just in case. Books and knickers, you always have to allow for extra, just in case.

The garden is looking very lovely at the moment, very blue, with lots of forget-me-nots and bluebells. I think this may be my favourite season flower-wise with bluebells and wild garlic in the woods too.

And it was a bit of a globe, I was right.