If you are lucky, you might catch the very last of the British asparagus season. Should you prefer tastes of a more mediterranean nature, then there are some great finds in the garden at this time of year; garlic, brocolli, courgettes and basil. The only problem with basil, tomato or chilli growth is that you may need to share your crop with aphids. So, as with all things natural and native, is the cycles behind the seasons. While the aphids are gorging on your finest greenhouse produce, you will notice the hatching of ladybirds. If you can capture a few of these and introduce them to your trouble plants, you will have one of best defences in the garden.

Sadly another pest is prevalent at the moment, my arch-enemy, the grey squirrel. The walnut tree is starting to show the first fruit of the year and the tree rats have noticed.

What could go nicer with some of those summery herbs, but lobster, prawns and some of the first scallops (check at the end of the month).

Anyway, just putting the finishing touches to a recipe involving squirrel, beetroot and thyme …