Christmas saw slippers and thick socks as well as a beautiful new reference book showing me ways of utilising the plants growing in the wrong places.

I love beautiful books and this is one. I could grow to love those ‘enemies’ I’ve spent time chasing the roots and fronds… but it warns that it might have a compound that destroys Vitamin B1.

If I do want rid I do have to find those early stubby growths when they first shoot up. My gardening in the front will have to be more radical this year.

There are fifty plants to study and work on understanding their purpose and argument for maintaining and it’s quite humbling to read all the facts that have been compiled from the Latin names to the local and nicknames of the plants.

Hyacinthoides for example are the types of bluebells we find in the UK: Spanish, hybrid and English. And it’s a reminder that the Bluebell woods are very much in progress to spear in early Spring.

And the names of Indian Balsam, policemen’s helmet, jewel weed and touch-me-not all belong under the Latin Impatiens glandulifera. Such a lot to absorb and enjoy!

I think I’ve even seen Scarlet Pimpernel in the grass !