A fabulous English summer day with fluffy white clouds drifting across a bright blue sky.

For Americans, it is time to celebrate Independence Day.

For my family, it is a landmark that I would like to share with you.

Will, my 18 year old son, is leaving school. Like his sister, Amy, he has grown into a wonderful individual who lives life to the full and is full of optimism about his future.

I have just spent a happy hour wandering round the garden, reflecting on how quickly the past years seemed to have flown by. I took photographs of plants that were not even visible above the ground when I moved to the house in January but which have become such fine specimens with the recent warm, sunny weather and regular watering.

Growing plants is like bringing up children. If you invest all your love and care into these precious beings they will produce quite spectacular results. Nature is truly remarkable as you can see.