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.

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.

I just wish I could slow time down at this point of the year. From April to June everything seems to grow so fast. The poppies have come and gone in a blink and our wild rose has almost finished flowering.

Now the flowers on the bushes are developing into flowers. The raspberries look good . . .

. . . and so do the blackcurrants . . .

As you can see, I'm a practical gardener and love plants that provide produce. The runner beans are starting to flower, although still have a way to grow up the wall, and the tomatoes are too.

So while it will be wonderful to eat the beans and tomatoes, and make jams and puddings, I don't want the summer to pass by too fast.

I do enjoy flowers though and think the colour of these (haven't a clue what they are ) is stunning . . .