I love this time of year, when leaves begin to unfurl and the garden starts to come to life.

We took the bold step (that’s what it feels like!) this week of making the first grass cut of the year. Everyone seems to have a different theory about whether you should have done it week ago or wait until next month.

Each year the flower I enjoy the most in the garden is the peony and this week they have really started to take shape, in their position, nestled amongst the irises.

There are bulb shoots appearing, blossom filling the trees with splendour and fruit trees blooming into life, it really does feel like a time of hope and beauty.

In the greenhouse, seeds are sprouting through the soil. We already have broad beans, chillis, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce and pak choi on the way as well as an array of flowers including cornflower, morning glory, cosmos and nicotana.

About 18 months ago I took numerous fig and dogwood cuttings. They are now potted up and are winging their way to lots of new homes across the county and further afield. It’s great to share these beauties.

There’s nothing better than freshly picked figs. The cuttings love a sunny spot and can be grown in the ground or trained in a pot.

If you’d like one just let me know.