Beautifully framed against azure skies, the magnolias are magnificent. Dwarfing even the highest of buildings, this ancient species originated in China and Japan. It is believed that magnolias preceded even the arrival of bees and grew to perfection once their pollinating relationship began. Prolific and very hardy, they are named after Pierre Magnol who identified the genus.

The pink white and mauve abundance on which we feast our screen-weary lockdown eyes is the saucer magnolia. The buds sit naked on the branches opening their scented bowls to the sun. Leaves are a sideshow for this impressive cracker!

Gardeners have been busy in lockdown and planted a number of dwarf variety star magnolias. Their stellar flowers are great for front gardens and containers. If you want to mix and match with companion ground planting why not team with hyacinth and campanula. These good looking bluebells bloom heartily in jewel tones. Happily multiplying for years to come they bring colourful cheer that lifts the winter fug!

The chiffchaffs too have arrived. These plain little birds with unforgettable calls are the first of the migratory travellers. They winter in southern europe. As they do not have far to fly they steal a canny march on long distance expeditionists. Warbling away in triumphal delight, these first visitors flit among the profusion.

The early bird catches the worm!