Gardens are there to be enjoyed!

There’s a trampoline on our lawn. A big one. We can move it around but wherever it goes, it rather dominates the garden. It’s black and grey, and even its orange trim can’t exactly make it look attractive. And yet I love it. I should point out here that I’m not some sort of Olympic gymnast in my spare time; instead it’s something that my children have enjoyed in the last 12 months, when so many of their normal pastimes and sporting pursuits have been curtailed. It represents fun and laughter in the garden, so even if it is a bit of a blot on the landscape, it reminds me that the garden is there to be enjoyed. Of course, we want them to look perfect but it’s much more important that we’re happy in our surroundings outside.

Now that slightly milder weather is here and we’re hopefully easing towards the end of restrictions (anyone else note the Prime Minister using the phrase “the crocus of hope is poking through the frost”?), this is a time for optimism and looking ahead. In this issue we’re getting into the spring mood with some great projects which we hope you’ll enjoy – and which will make your gardens look better at the same time! Take a look on page 18 and give a couple of them a go!

Indeed, there’s a real feeling of hope running through this whole issue, from Carol Klein and Rob Smith both talking trees to a wonderful 90-year-old’s Garden of the Week, lots of jobs to get stuck into and a great feature on that wonderful cottage garden staple, the primula.

Have a great gardening week!