It has been an enjoyable morning gardening under the summer sun but now I have come into the coolness of the kitchen to prepare a late lunch and drink a glass of cooling water to quench my thirst. My back is aching, my brow is glistening with beads of sweat and my fingernails are dirty, I have tried using my brand new gardening gloves but fingers are so much better for picking out the tiny weed shoots.

Filling my basket with cut flowers, I will arrange them in a large vase after I have eaten. They will look wonderful on the dining table when our visitors arrive this evening.

The little blue canvas shoes, gloves, watering can and straw hat with a blue ribbon to match had been my birthday gift from my dearest friend, I remember her as I leave them on a chair at the back door with my gardening companion Miss Robin stepping in waiting for her bread crumbs, her usual treat. Watching her darting in to catch the occasional worm or bug whilst I turn over the soil fills me with joy. That is the essence of gardening to be at peace and enjoy nature's joys.