Ask anyone about their garden this year and you will no doubt end up in a conversation about the weather.

Our Cheshire canalside cutting garden is no exception despite her raised no dig beds and a good number of beautiful mature trees. We are, after all, on solid clay although I am beginning to love our slop down, dug all time ago when the cut was made for the canal. The soil is the most dry there.

The stormy start has signalled perhaps a step change in awareness for the land and the livelihoods of those who gather and grow. For us, our endeavours to lead a more sustainable way of living are fast becoming the purpose and focus of Fierceblooms.

So, as well as flowers, food and medicinal herbs are being grown on the land we are the current custodians of. I know our ancient Chestnut approves, especially as many of his newly sprung leaves were torn away in the spring wind. Resilience and joy are our watchwords this spring.

Thank goodness for the support of those with like minded views. We'd love you to say hello at both The Herb Society Online talk we're giving in May, and our talks at the Chatsworth Garden and Plant Fair in June.

We are delighted to be speaking about sustainability and dried flowers, subjects we are fiercely passionate about.