Lots more developments in the garden. Yesterday, the trees arrived which was very exciting. We also received one of our cases of wine - a much needed delivery from Dr Laithwaites - I like his prescriptions - they cure many things. Suddenly the garden looks very full even though we have not yet put them in their final spots.

Andrew then madly began to fill a skip with stones as darkness fell. Heroically, he shifted all the stones that have been dug out of the garden into the skip ready for collection. I took some photos of it this morning before I left for work and have uploaded one. The mysterious door is one we bought from Ikea that was originally planned to be a door for a bathroom cabinet, but either it didn't fit or we didn't want the length (can't remember which now). The plan is now that he will gravel over the area where the stones were resting and plant the delivered trees this weekend. This will ensure a presentable appearance in time for the visit next weekend by his parents.

Continuing the theme, we were invited tonight to the In Bloom presentation evening event at the City Hall. It was a lovely evening and very touching to see so many people being recognised for their efforts as they planted beautiful flowers - I find it quite inspiring. There was a full complement of nominative determinism at work, including a Mrs Plant and several other similar names. The City Hall is a magnificent building - Edwardian civic splendour, built in an era of pride and confidence. Andrew actually went to the same horticultural college as our Parks manager - seperated by about two years I think. We were seated at the VIP table - I still find that vaguely embarrassing . I just feel that as a bin/litter person, we are used to being in the bottom of the pecking order; it's a nice change when our efforts are recognised. The Parks manager and I had a quick chat about the current budget crisis - we've agreed to swop saving proposals. Should be interesting.