CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW APPROACHES - PRESS DAY ON MONDAY

Although still working hard on yet another new book manuscript, I am soon back to writing gardening columns and getting back into the flow once again. Chelsea Flower Show is on the horizon (press day May 19) where we will be photographing the best and most expensive of the flower world, but I just wanted to post some pictures for our ex-pat brigade who have mentioned typical English countryside 'weeds'.

 Here we have  Alkanet and Valerian (won't bother you with the Latin terms),which are in full flower at the moment. These self sown plants are so showy and each has a wonderful history in the English countryside. Shame they all have to be pulled up soon to make space for the plants ready hardening off for planting in the newly dug garden borders.   Still very pretty, but goodbye weeks and roll on exotic Chelsea!