We all enjoyed that early Spring sunshine, with plants being moved out of the greenhouse and seeds being sown, writes H.W.

This is the second year I’ve tried to grow seeds from the Wollemi Pine. This tree had become rare in Australia and seeds were sent around the world to ensure its survival. I have one seedling germinated. It’s one inch high and is very slow to grow on. Will it ever make a 40 metre tree?

I did manage to plant a Pussy Willow sapling, ready to replace an old tree that hangs on the edge of the stream. Pussy Willow is a favourite of the bees.

The Mallard ducks arrived on March 1 with much quacking. Indoors ladybirds woke up to start climbing around the window frame.

My husband was surprised to see a few worker wasps trying to get in to the hives at this time of year. The workers don’t usually overwinter, leaving just the Queen to hibernate and make a new colony in the spring. Could it be an early nest?

We often find a Queen wasp emerging in the warmth from logs brought in for the fire. The dog was reluctant to get on her bed one evening – a Queen wasp had settled there first!

Meanwhile, the robin declares his territory as he sings from the top of the obelisk.

The daffodils are in full flower and as the RHS are looking for old varieties and our cottage having been built in the 1800`s, I wondered whether I would have any of interest. However, they are looking for specific varieties Sussex Bonfire – bright orange, Mrs R.O Backhouse a salmon pink trumpet, and Mrs William Copeland a double white.

Potting up some summer bulbs in the greenhouse during a cold period in February for a bit of warmth, I resorted to using a large church candle, under a clay pot supported on bricks, which I’d heard might just keep the greenhouse above freezing. This did work if I stood practically on top of it, but really it still wasn’t enjoyable.

In March, I brushed off the shelf what appeared to be a piece of dead foliage – as it fell into a bucket I saw it had legs! It turned out to be an Angle Shades Moth! Luckily it was uninjured and I carefully put it outside. Research tells me it is quite common in areas of hazel, bramble and nettles.