After six long months, it is great to be back working in the seaside garden. I ran around excitedly to take stock, fully expecting to see a lot of dead plants and weeds but I was pleasantly surprised to see it was mostly in order, and indeed flourishing. The weather has been glorious of late and the winter rains have created the conditions for growth.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

There is a real feeling of expectation as the Spring takes a hold. Buds are breaking everywhere you look and the tapestry of greens will be dotted with bright colours soon. But there are the early bud breaks to keep us going.

• 

• 

• 

Down by the old Tudor harbour, there is the feeling of expectation too – for the sea to cover the rocks and seaweed. It is a miracle of the tides that within six hours all this will be under the waves. You can see why the area was famous for smugglers and wreckers – those rocks are treacherous when hidden as they will hull a sailboat with ease. But not the little boats and canoes which are awaiting their owners to take them out for a spell on the water.

The lesson of the Virus – take pleasure in small things – is the rule of the day. So here we are with the last Tunnock’s Bar to enjoy with my sailor friends as we look at the view.

Come back next time for news of the book and the spring garden.