I’m committed. It’s too late to change my mind. The flower bed will have to be extended, dug out some time in August ready for planting.

I’ve ordered the iris for a new bed, germanica yosemite star.

It’s said to be strongly remontant, which I take to mean will give me a second flush of flowers in late summer providing I remember to cut back the first flush of flowers in May/June.

The new bed will be roughly 5m by 1.5 m and the iris need 45cm to spread. Apparently they hate being crowded so I’ll plant a row at the front (10 bare root plants) plus a second sparse row offset (4-5 plants) to give plenty of space to grow and spread. If they like the space, they should spread happily. If not it will be a waste of time and effort.

Ho hum – gardening.

The mathematical amongst you will have worked out that with two rows and a spread of 45cm, I will still have space in the bed backing onto the fritelaria and alliums.

I considered peony plants but they seem to take an awful lot of space for a very beautiful but very transient flower. I’ve decided on more roses, a white David Austin called Susan Williams.

According to the catalogue it flowers repeatedly, is strong and disease resistant with an excellent scent. Given the background of green and brown wooden sleepers, the white should stand out better than a pink or darker colour. It’s a bit tasteful but you can’t have everything. Maybe I’m mellowing out of the vulgar in my old age. I’ve ordered 6 bare root plants that will have to be dug in late in the year.

The roses will need mulching whilst the iris will have to be kept clear – they like the sun on their bare bones.

Next stop the on-line hire shop for a suitable digger. The sun is shining and all is well with the world.