The advancing shoots

Either winter is obstinately refusing to leave, or spring is dragging its heels, but we all despair at the inactivity of it all!

Nevertheless, the new growth is starting to get established, as you can see in the hydrangea and elderflower above.

But the pause button is firmly pressed down, as shown by our pear tree flower buds. They have been poised to unfurl for some days, but are decidedly and tantalisingly not complying.