Alexandra Oakley 
The end of January has arrived and I am already sowing too many things. The latest batch has been more ranunculus, more snapdragons and probably more optimism than is strictly sensible.
The snapdragons were so good last year that I have completely lost perspective with them. Every time I think I have sown enough, I spot another tray and decide I may as well do a few more.
I have also been thinking again about the shadier parts of the garden. When I first started gardening I assumed shade meant very little choice, but that area has gradually become one of the most interesting parts to work with.
February is just around the corner now, the hellebores and snowdrops are out, and I am already mentally skipping ahead to peonies, tulips and all the things I still have not quite got room for.
