The virus is still here so we have been locked up for another month in the city. But the seaside garden is doing fine judging from the lovely pictures of it sent by our gardener who has been working hard to keep everything in order. It has so benefitted from nearly four months of continuous rain and the recent heatwave. The plants are absolutely flourishing under these conditions despite the salt blasting during the many winter storms.

• 

• 

• 

The same weather has forced the early development of many plants in our city garden. It was originally part of Earl Spencer’s south west London estate in the 18th and 19th century when he planted an apple and pear orchard. Although those days are long gone, many of the gardens in this part of London have fruit trees as part of his legacy.

Our apple and pear trees always herald spring’s arrival with their prolific beautiful blossoms. Sadly, the show only lasts about a week or so when the winds arrive to clear them away. You can really understand the joy and sorrow the Japanese feel when they celebrate the spring blossom season.

But there is always more and the rhododendron, tulips, arum lilly and alliums are up next. They have been longer-lasting and no less beautiful. And this is the time when the tree fern and cannas are unwrapped from their winter covers to feel the sun once more.

The growing conditions have been just right for the next wave, the big scene stealer – the roses. Roses are tough and they do well in city gardens. From mid-May, the stage is set for the summer and autumn months filled with their contrasting shapes and colours. Wave after wave, and in the evenings the garden is filled with their fragrances. Bursting with buds and new growth everywhere, May is an exciting time in the city garden.

• 

• 

• 

• 

The birds love this garden too. There are thrushes, a pair of blackbirds, many LBJs-little brown jobs- and blue tits, and watching over them all is King Robin-a very possessive territorial bird with a beautiful song. From time to time, a pair of jays and a woodpecker visit to eat and drink in the garden, and each evening flocks of starlings and parakeets fly over as they return to their roosts in the park nearby.

A charming squirrel family lives high up in the pear tree from where they mount their raids on the bird food, avoiding the suburban foxes that patrol the place in their oh-so-nonchalant way. You have to admire their cheek.