Is it really summer? Sitting here at 7am looking out at grey skies and damp ground doesn’t fill me with any kind of motivation to get to work and find things to do (there are always things to do but I need some incentive to get on with it). The weather, or maybe the results of the referendum, has caused a big downturn in sales over the last three weeks. Each time I do the watering I’m aware of all the great looking plants which are growing very well but not selling. I really don’t blame amateur gardeners for not wanting to do any work outside at the moment. In fact I have a theory that it’s only when the weather is warm enough in the evenings for people to sit outside and maybe have barbecues that they might feel inclined to make the garden look good.

Another downside to this cool, damp time is that there are very few butterflies so far this year. However there are plenty of ants both in the garden and in the tunnels and at home. They seem to be able to increase at an alarming rate. Very often they make their nests under a clump of Stipa tenuissima but can be found almost anywhere. I’ve started to use a different product which seems to be having some effect in reducing the problem. At work I’ve had to dismantle some 10 litre pots of plants (agapanthus, bamboo and a daisy) because ants had made a nest in them. I do hope I’m not inadvertently selling plants complete with resident ants!

On a positive note to end with though, I must mention how pleased I’ve been with the pinks I bought last year. I took lots of cuttings and have had lots to sell and I’ve also planted out quite a few. There are some old favourites like Mrs Sinkin and Gran’s Favourite but also one called Lily the Pink and Devon Wizard. They all have a delicious scent and it feels somehow self indulgent to pick some and bring home but I do anyway. Which is a timely reminder that the last bunch of flowers I brought home are looking a bit past their best so I shall pick some more today.