2017
Plants have been growing well, but I have had a problem with thefts from the greenhouse, and the Clivia have been particularly badly hit. I can't be here all the time and although I locked the doors for a while it is really irritating to pop out to the greenhouse and then realise I have forgotten the key. I'm sure it's only bored kids during the school holidays and they will grow out of it. Hopefully my losses mark the enthusiasm of a new generation of young people for growing plants.

2018
Has thrown up a new setback. A mild winter was followed by a weeks freeze at the end of February. Temperatures in the greenhouse dropped to minus 4C and a number of the plants have turned to mush. Naturally it is the most interesting and well-developed specimens that have been hardest hit. The Chinese seedlings are looking very sad and the less usual species have suffered. There is a chance that they will regrow slowly from the base. It will be easier to judge their chances once I have cleaned them up but I am going to wait for a week or two. Prompt action might be a better response, but I don't have the heart to face it at present.