In addition to the usual humdrum of daily life in January, two highlights. Firstly, that an article I wrote on sowing sweet pea seeds made it into House & Garden. Secondly, a guest post from Milli Proust in Gather this week, all about building fences and arches in and around her growing areas.

I am officially obsessed…

Tuesday 25 January

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It is likely to be at least a month until the wild garlic appears, but I have started to look for it daily. The spears of the lords and ladies will pierce the soil first in the patch by the stream, but once they are up, the glossy green garlic will follow, and spring will not be far behind.

Wednesday 26 January

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Very very gently preparing for the season ahead as we come into the last week of January. Not so much in the kitchen garden or the field so as not to disturb hibernating wildlife, but moving things round in the greenhouse. Watering some of the winter leaves in pots. Laying out the module trays. Counting the bags of compost. PG Wodehouse on the radio and hot chocolate in a mug.

Thursday 27 January

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Ryder & Hope put in a wholesale order for a big box of seeds and we take the opportunity to combine saving on postage and having a day out. Lyme is very out of season but lunch by the sea is always a joy. The bookshop halfway up the hill also comes highly recommended. What utter bliss to actually browse for books that one can touch.

Friday 28 January

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There have been crocuses on the bank above Mill Lane for a while, but today marks the first snowdrop. The sunken green lane means they are up at not quite eye level, and they are appreciated all the more for it.

Saturday 29 January

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Two days out in a week. Unheard of. Today, a beautiful house in the glorious rolling countryside between Loddiswell and Kingsbridge. Lunch at a long table by a roaring fire, and then a stroll down the lane, past a flock of geese, for coffee and cake.

Sunday 30 January

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An evening walk, the big oak trees standing out against a shocking pink mackerel sky. We get home at a quarter to six and it is, miraculously, still light.