It was cold in April, and May was just as cold for a week or so. Then it warmed up, so the temp was getting above 10 degrees most day. Finally a few days ago it turned May-like, and now it's even warm. Had dinner in the new garden and watched a red kite, the first definitely spotted around here.

Tulips: Moneymaker, Ballerina and China Pink make a great combination, Doll's Minuet did add something to that mix, a little extra craziness. I didn't enjoy Princess Irene as much as expected. No more greigiis. Remember to label the pot with species tulips, let them bake in the poly tunnel, and replant, leaving out the largest bulbs from the types with too-big flowers.
Dahlias have been potted on for planting out when we return from Scotland in early June.

Roses are all starting at once, except for Phyllis Bide and mutabilis, both severely damaged by the north winds of April and May. They hardly have a leaf yet.  Lord Lambourne and Discovery apples are almost as bad. Charles Ross apple shrugged off those storms but not likely to have any fruit.

Planted a row of sweet peas in front of new willow trellis, with an angled mesh to climb up the first few feet. The new willow arbour  is nicely leafed, still more basket-work than shaggy shed. It was pleasant to sit there and enjoy the shade yesterday evening when it was hot.