At last!

It rained steadily through the night and has continued gently throughout the whole day. What a relief after many weeks of dry weather and cold winds. My seven water butts and four half barrels were all emptied of rainwater, quite unusual for Blighty!  Dusty roof panels are now cleaned and everything looks refreshed. It is a good year for blossom, I think that much of it has set, so today's rain is timely.

The pond level has sunk and the birds walk about in the marshy ground and pull at the moss.

Some of the veg planting is pushing through the ground but most of the plants are still inside waiting for more reliable weather. I'm playing safe and keeping my peas under the cloches. Only the toughies, like these broad beans,  are unprotected.

I can never grow enough rhubarb. (But look at all the evil ground elder - no problem growing that!)

The tulips that didn't get battered  by the wind have been really good this year.

Oranges are slowly ripening in the greenhouse

and the roof beams are dripping with the China tea rose, Maricel Niel.

Soon we shall be able to socialise once more. I've had my hair cut in anticipation, three inches or so chopped off, not cut since last summer. 

Life feels good!