A welcome splash of yellow announces the onset of Spring. Bulbs left in containers from last year seem more advanced than those in borders.

The border looks quite sorry for itself at the moment. Very uninspiring! It's time to tidy up and get rid of the dead leftovers from last Summer. Now that we've been provided with a garden waste bin which the local Council will empty there's even more encouragement to clear out and cut back!

Cutting back the growth and clearing away last year's debris reveals a few more spring daffodils on their way. Being lazy, the bulbs never get lifted and stored - but the plants don't seem to mind that much.

Infact the clearing away reveals the results of lots of bulb planting in 2003. Despite just leaving the bulbs in the ground over winter, there's the promise of a great Spring show over the next couple of months without all the work.

Even in the middle of winter the setting sun gives the border a warm glow.

Things are stiring all around the garden now and the thoughts of long warm summer evenings are a real incentive to get outside and start making plans for those wonderful summer nights!

As the last few wet but mild days of January welcome in what is supposed to be the coldest month of the year the welcome sight of the first few snowdrops appearing are a reminder that warmer times are just around the corner