This is the time of year when  we start freshening up the house for the start of the season,.  It is an old fashioned Spring Clean, the curtains come down, the feather duster comes out, mattresses are turned, wood is polished and brass and silver are all cleaned to a sparkling finish.

The paint brushes also make an appearance with the gloss paint being spruced up and new wallpaper hung where we fancy a change.

When the house is finished thoughts then turn to tidying up the garden. Today it even feels like Spring, as we can see the snowdrops, winter aconites and crocus bursting through the last of the snow.  Leaves are brushed up, herbaceous plants are cut back ready for the new growth and the vegetable plot turned over ready for planting.  The Bonsai are brought out of their winter home.  The greenhouse is cleaned and everything is ready for the appearance of new life in the garden.