Took down a lot of ivy on the patio wall today.  Annoyed to discover that my little solar powered fairy lights had grown into the ivy: inevitably, I cut the wire trying to trim the ivy back.  Though when I came to remove the charger, it fell to bits in my hands, so possibly it wouldn't have done another season anyway.

I also cleared brambles and a lot of trailing grasses.  None the less, things are not looking as overgrown as I'd feared, and the ground is soft now so weeding and planting are both fairly easy.  I am hopeful that I will be able to do some raised beds this year.  I am thinking squashes and leeks, if I get the time.  And some new strawberry plants too. 

A few bulbs are showing shoots, but everything seems to be very late in the garden this year.  No sign of any snowdrops yet.