They seek it here, they seek it there … the elusive scarlet pimpernel! This bright little beauty has managed to survive in quite a hostile environment. Not only is it contending with arid soil and driving wind, it also has to try and avoid farm sprays ...

I invested in some dahlia tubers early in the year – I think I originally had six – but unfortunately due to the saturating rain, this was the only survivor as the other tubers rotted away. But what a splendid one it was

This photo shows just how beautiful these birds are. I just love the dark marking from the beak, across the eye to the extended plumage at the back of the head, and I’m just so entranced by the “cloak” of long white feathers around his shoulders and down his chest. He’s certainly not the most elegant of birds, but his ungainly stance is far outweighed by his beautiful plumage!!