One of the many good things about being a runner is that you get out whatever the weather and therefore see the best that nature gives us all year round.

But the month that is my sensory overload has to be May, everything is so lush, the cow parsley where I live is as tall as me and even my lawn looks half decent.

But oh, the heavenly scents. . . I was stopped in my tracks this morning by a Philadelphus (Mock orange) my husband finds the scent too overpowering but I love it and would recommend it for any garden along with lilac - Syringa vulgaris another of my favourite scented shrubs.

As well as delighting our nostrils these plants being rich in pollen and nectar are also helping our bees, which are still in decline due to changes in in our countryside and agricultural techniques. Anything we can do to help bees in the garden is a benefit.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust recommends at least two kinds of bee-friendly plants for each flowering period in your garden which will help provide a good supply of pollen when the queens are establishing their nests and other important dates on the bee calendar.

Here are some suggestions:

Herbs: Lavender; Catmint; Sage; Thyme; Fennel & Borage

Perennials: Crocus; Buttercup; Aster; Hollyhocks; Anemone; Snowdrops; Geranium

Annuals: Calendula; Poppy; Sunflower; Zinnia; Sweet Alyssum; Cleome; Heliotrope

A Load of Rhubarb

Running out of ideas for ways to use up your rhubarb? Try making rhubarb upside-down cake from Sarah Raven’s Garden Cookbook.

It’s not something I would ever have thought to choose but I have changed my opinion, so give it a try even if you are not a big rhubarb fan.

And of course I can’t go without mentioning Chelsea Flower Show … I hope you are enjoying the coverage or perhaps you are lucky enough to be visiting the show this year, I will try not be jealous but I will carry on enjoying it from my armchair always looking to pick up some tips and some inspiration.