As I sat down to write this feature, forecasters announced they are predicting a summer of persistent rain and wet weather for Britain. In fact, the Met Office has briefed the Government and transport chiefs to prepare for at least 50 days of rain in the next three months, leading to fears of further flooding in the UK, and dashing any hopes of a warm British summer. And all of this, of course, is on top of the winter and spring of 2024, the wettest we’ve had for decades.
The soil in my garden has not been truly dry since last summer! To lift somewhat dampened spirits, it is has been good to see particularly fine rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and many other early-flowering plants this year, which appreciated the swelling of
