First Kiftsgate flowers and Diana Roles Ceramics on show

I came home this evening to find the first little white buds unfolding on my rampant Kiftsgate rose - always so exciting with the promise of a halo of white buzzing with bees stretching nearly half way around the garden. The whites are quite prominent at present - white peonies, a few white fox gloves, Iceberg and Madame Alfred Carriere roses - and the first flowers of Mrs Sinkins "pinks" which remind me how my Dad used to grow them in such plenty that I used to pick bunches to fill both hands. Gardens are places that hold so many memories yet at the same time they are so liberating.... I am really looking forward to visiting another garden on 12th June - Diana Roles is opening her garden to show her wonderful ceramic pieces as a part of the annual Surrey Artists' Open Studios. She will also be welcoming visitors on Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th and Saturday 14th June. For more details see www.dianaroles.co.uk and www.surreyopenstudios.org.uk Diana's totally individual pieces are major focal points in my garden. I can't imagine it without them...