Found an amazing hidden little paradise today quite by chance-- Ranelagh Gardens, just next to where the RHS Chelsea flower show is held. You walk in and follow the path round, and suddenly you are in an oasis of bluebells, daffodils,narcissi,wild garlic, magnolia. The bushes and trees overhang the paths, creating little pools of shade- many are just in bud and the air has an almost perfumed scent of freshness and new life . The traffic, though not that far away, seems to melt into the distance and all you really hear are the birds singing to each other, and to us. Squirrels run up and down the trees, an old (I mean proper old!) man sits eating his sandwiches, a student lies outstretched on a bench in the warm afternoon sun, two elderly Chelsea ladies walk arm in arm along the path ---it is hard to actually move away and walk back onto the Embankment towards home. London is so full of these magical surprises.