Before the transformation

The same spot five weeks later

I’m paying my first visit to the Chelsea Flower Show tomorrow. People invariably say: “Rather you than me, it’s like a rugby scrum”, and this is why I have always been put it off.

However, three years after transforming my own garden, with some remote advice from a very talented plantsman, I decided to head south and seek inspiration for new features.

My garden was demolished by my two football mad sons and one day I decided enough was enough, I wanted my garden back, so I set to work.

I remember digging manure and compost into my white, aridpowder-like soil, sadly neglected for the previous 20 years and rock hard, at 6.30pm in my nightie, fleece and wellies. I was so thrilled when I saw the worms begin to turn – I had restored life and enrichment back into the earth.

I particularly like using natural materials, blending different stones of different shapes and colours. My water feature could also do with revamping, I now fancy a cascading waterfall.

I regard my garden now as a tranquil extension to the house, almost like another room, and one that gives me an instant sense of well being and pleasure.

Although I belong to the RHS, I have opted to go to the show with a swell group from Cambridge.

And although I know our gardens need the rain, I’m hoping it will hold off tomorrow.