My old wellington boots, much loved and at least 20 years old, had been leaking for some time, despite bicycle tyre repairs. They were standard old-fashioned Hunter Argylls so simple enough, you would think, to replace. Not if you have small feet! For some reason I cannot fathom, ‘they’ stopped making them in a size 4 some time ago. I searched for ages for a suitable replacement to no avail, reluctant to go for boots I liked less than my old ones (fussy about wellies? yes, I am :0) Eventually I had a brainwave and scoured the internet for traditional rural shops that might have some old stock hidden away and sent off many supplicatory emails. Bingo! A dear man called Neil at Totally Wellies in north Yorkshire came to my rescue and we’re back in business.

Raining as it has been for so long, wellies were certainly required for the annual delivery of compost, this year by a nice cheerful chap. Several more journeys up and down with my wheelbarrow will be needed but it should all be done this weekend.

As I was pondering how to fit in more planting this year, I realised that consolidating all the raised beds on one side into one large plot would not only create more growing space but also reduce the amount of path mowing. I’m very pleased and have been collecting lots of cardboard to put on the now redundant grass paths before mulching well – in true no-dig manner. It will make quite a difference and, I hope, avoid the unhappy dilemma of what to leave out.

Then before heading home, I felt rather smug to be able to harvest a good handful of salad leaves from the greenhouse for my lunch.