Today was just glorious. Next to no wind, blue skies, and more warmth in the sun that I would expect for February.

So I set about one of the bramble patches with a vengence.

We have a lot of brambles here, scattered about, and each year I take them back, pulling up as many as I can at root. I’m not trying to eradicate them – I love blackberries – but just trying to keep them under control. They are an amazing plant, I mean – what a trick – planting yourself at both ends!

I have had a lot of experience – Olive’s garden in Exeter had some really mean brambles which could put this lot to shame – and I do enjoy it. On the bank where I was working today there are some trees, a hawthorn, a few ashes, a birch, a sycamore, and something else that I can’t identify, and it a real joy to free them from the encroaching growth.

Gwen and Herbert have been out with me, and the alpacas have been chewing on the bramble leaves, all of which adds to the pleasure!