The daffodils, glorious throughout April, are almost over.
However that late starter, deliciously perfumed Cheerfulness, is now in full flower.
The primulas and primroses are still going strong. Some of the
younger plants are only just beginning to flower although others
have been in bloom for over a month.Last year
primulas and primroses set seed well. I am selecting the paler of
the yellow seedlings to plant out permanently. 
However this year I don't expect to find anything as good as these primulas, much admired
by visitors, that I grew from saved seed two years ago.
Another plant that has flaunted itself rather more than
usual is the violet. I have noticed large clumps not only in my garden but all down the road.
The older of the two saplings, self-sown in the side garden, has flowered this year The flowers are more delicate and earlier than those of the morello cherry tree beside it. I am guessing that the sapling will prove to be a plum or a peach, or even an almond. I wonder how many years will elapse before it sets fruit so that I can identify it for certain. The greengage and Victoria that I planted eighteen months ago have not yet set fruit
The apple Discovery is looking pretty showing pink tinged white even before its buds unfurl. It is worth growing for its flowers and the autunmal Victorian sampler effect in autumn; a bonus that those bright red fruit are deliciously edible.
The brussels and cauliflowers, planted out at the end of March, are surviving. I will try watering them with a weak salt solution soon. Brassicas seem to appreciate that. May 7th The weather is warming up and , as usual at this time of the year the greenhouse is bursting. Mark suggested I plant my tomatoes but I cannot evacuate the dahlias yet. A glorious day. A friend and I went to HYDRA Ryton Gardens for lunch. The winter frosts there have been devastating. I see they are digging up their rose garden. Organic methods and rose gardens don't mix since the clean air act.