Phew, what a scorcher!

After our recent weather, we were a touch skeptical about today's 20C forecast. But it was bright and sunny from the off and remained so all day long. By mid-morning we were baking - almost too hot to work but oh so pleasant! The day was spent outside, of course, busy planting up hanging baskets and pots, giving the benches a final oil, planting out a potted buddleia in the field and then some more weeding - well you've got to take advantage of the opportunity when you can. Unsurprisingly, come evening, we were exhausted!

The magnolia is now in full bloom and looking better than ever, despite dropping a few petals. It has grown very slowly in this position, in partial shade from fairly large trees and in rather poor soil. We really should remember to feed it and give it a bit more tlc.