The exquisite scent of Lily of the Valley is always a favourite so this year I've planted out a new bed of it. It likes a cool shady spot where it can form dense carpets of leaves. It reminds me of my Granny's house - there used to be a narrow bed full of Lily of the Valley by the front door, shaded by the house, & so dry not much else would grow there. It can be difficult to establish & so worth the effort. Where might you have a spot for a few plants?

What a difference a few days of rain makes to the cut flower beds! Combined with warmer night time temperatures at last, the blooms are moving into the late Spring phase. Ranunculus still blooming prolifically, first Cornflowers, Sweet Williams, Cerinthe & Sweet Rocket ready to cut. Still plenty of Aquilegia & Alliums. The last few Tulips are being cut for this week today. Next week? I think we'll have the first of the Foxgloves & Lupins. Love this time of year - I can almost see differences overnight as the plants are growing so fast. 

Last Autumn, we put up an owl nesting box in our little corner of woodland. Fingers crossed since hoping a Tawny Owl might find this one bedroom des res, with direct access to open countryside & views to the Galloway Hills attractive. And they have! There are 3 sleepy eyed owlets getting ready to fledge soon. An extra treat to look out for on my morning walk. Build it & they will come!

These blue Meconopsis poppies have been blooming beautifully in the past week. The colour is so intense they look like huge blue butterflies as they flutter in the light breeze. I wonder if they last well in water? Well, as Harry Hill would say, 'There's only one way to find out'. I'm off with my snippers to try one this morning!

  Tulips are great for the variety of shapes & vibrant colours to brighten up even the dreariest day. But did you know many varieties bring a delicious scent too?
  The tulips in this little posy smell wonderful making cutting them an even greater pleasure. They surprise & delight me every time I walk past the bed where they grow.