I've been meaning to write this blog for a while. I know I'm prone to getting excited, but I'm telling you this is AMAZING!
In May, I got to fulfil a dream and visit Shetland. Yes, amazing scenery, stunning seabird colonies, Otters - the works.
But I most certainly wasn't going to go all that way and not check out what gardening is like in such a far-flung, wind-lashed, rain-soaked place.
Now most of Shetland looks rather like this...
...which is great for nesting Snipe and wild Greylag Geese and Lapwings.
But then I found this most miraculous of places:
It is the Lea Gardens.
Here Rosa Steppanova and her husband have created the most sublime garden, with over 1500 plant species from around the world in two acres of lushness crammed in around their little cottage.
They grow plants that just shouldn't be possible in Shetland, so you'd think. But with judicious shelter belt planting and loads of loving care and skill, the place is just bursting with life.
And it was here and only here in Lea Gardens that I saw an abundance of bumblebees on Shetland.
Many were on this wonderful semi-prostrate willow, Salix lanata.
Others were coming to gorgeous Dicentras.
And there was a singing Willow Warbler, a Redstart by the kitchen window, and tales of how Wood Pigeons and Mealy Redpolls had bred, both real rarities in Shetland.
It was an absolute inspiration, and an illustration that anything is possible.
It is only right if I give you a link to Rosa's wonderful blog.
And while the following wasn't in the garden, I can't resist one more of my Shetland photos, just to inspire you to go and see everything Shetland in spring has to offer (including some of the very best RSPB nature reserves in the universe!).