Early in the year we have a shrub in the garden which rivals the gorse for colour, if not for scent. The berberis is covered in an array of bright orange flowers which contrast with it's spikey evergreen foliage. One day, as I was going up the nearby steps, I could hear the buzzing of a large number of bees on the flowers. They were clearly thankful for the early availability of the nectar from the golden bells which hang in profusion. It is a timely reminder that whatever wlse is going on in the world, nature will continue to amaze and entertain in equal measure if we give it chance.