After our first batch of runner bean seeds failed to germinate (we did use last year's seeds), I bought new seeds and they are just now starting to raise their heads above the compost.

The way they lift their 'heads' suggests it is a great effort . . .

 

 The broad beans are also germinating as are marigolds.

The sunflower seedlings look a bit happier than they did several days ago . . .

Out in the garden itself, the comfrey is just about to burst into flower. The bees love these . . .

. . . and a small holly seedling, that really looked quite bare in the winter, is really putting on new growth . . .

It's a marvellous watching everything emerge, stretch and grow in the garden.

Our blackcurrant bushes certainly seem to have set the ladybirds going . . .

They're at it everywhere . . .

Fortunately, we don't take a 'not in my back yard' approach . . . . . . as we hope it'll work up their appetite for eating aphids.

Meanwhile, a bee decided to ignore these goings-on by drinking . . . 

. . . from the apple blossom . . .

. . . while a robin landed on the fence looking very pleased with itself . . .

He'd got a takeaway in his beak . . .

It looked like an insect, but I couldn't tell exactly . . .

It was certainly eat, drink and be merry in our garden this lunchtime.

This morning I spotted quite a few ladybirds on our two blackcurrant bushes.

I hope they are feeding off any aphids and pests.

I can see why they love the blackcurrant bushes as the flowers are wonderfully delicate.

As well as the ladybirds, there were quite a few beed feeding off the flowers, although they would not keep still enough for me to get a photo so I just snapped the ladybirds.

I did catch this bee feeding on the heather flowers.

And just had to snap the bluebells all coming into flower.

There's so much going on in the garden at this time of year.

In the garden, our two apple trees change daily . . . 

This morning the apple blossom opened up . . .

I hope the number of flowers means we will get lots of fruit this year!

Not a day goes by without some new development.

The daffodils are now in full bloom . . .

. . . a shy primrose peeps out from a heather . . .

. . . the camellias produce a superb display . . .

What more could you want?

The alarm clock seems to have gone off for many plants which are springing to life.

At Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe, North Devon, we have blossom on trees, blooming daffodils and snowdrops in flower.

In our garden the chives, mint and lemon balm are waking up.

Camellias, fuschias and hyacinths are also emerging . . . . . . and crocuses and heather are blooming.

A wonderful time of year.

 

Events conspired to keep me out of the garden for much of 2010, although early preparation did lead to a bumper crop of tomatoes, runner beans, apples and blackcurrants.

A review of the garden after the snow and ice reminds me there's a lot to be done.

I am also surprised at how advanced the hydrangeas are already; their buds are quite big and I hope they don't think that because the December snow and ice have gone that spring is just round the corner.

The camellias do not seem to have so many buds, but it's early yet.

One of the apple trees should have been pruned back in the autumn and, while I've given it a quick trim, I think I'll wait until later in the year as there is a lot of winter left to get through.

So the main focus for 2011 in our garden is to get back on track.

Hydrangea . . .

Fuchsias . . .

Daisies . . .

The welcome rain is giving everything a rush.

The apple trees need a summer prune, although the apples are coming along nicely.

The tomato forest in the shed is reaching the roof and fruit is forming and growing.

The runner bean wall is covered with flowers and beans are forming . . . I've pinched out the tops.

Raspberries are having to be harvested daily.

Approaching a delicious time in the garden as so much comes to fruition.

Our poppies are almost horizontal . . .

. . . but generally plants seem to be the better for the water and now the temperature is rising again . . .