Spring is doing its best to spring and the evidence is all around us. Here's what I've noticed recently.

• Plenty of trees are covered in pale pink blossom, though I'm not sure what type they are. They don't look like cherry blossom to me, nor hawthorn.
• Gardens are springing back to life quite rapidly.
• I've seen an awful lot of ladybirds, wherever I've been in the country but strangely they've all been Seven spot. Whither the dreaded Harlequin?
• The drought here in the South East is making itself felt. Lots of evergreens in my garden are turning brown and I fear it's going to be a very tough year for gardeners.
• Bumblebees are everywhere all of a sudden, with the great weather over the last few days.