Wandering around the garden, looking in despair at the number of things I should be getting on with before winter arrives, suddenly I saw something to take my breath away.

Earlier in the year I planted a paper bush, Edgeworthia chrysantha, which has been steadily growing and is obviously happy in its new home.

but it is now festooned in tight flower buds ready to open its flowers to welcome spring 2018 and fill the air with a wonderful fragrance which stops you in its tracks.

But for now, I bring you hope of spring, sun, and fragrant days…