Well it’s been a few days since my last update and things are coming along ok as you can see, the problem with Louis opening up this early has been the combination of the sun and early morning dampness has scorched the outer petals causing a bit of minor damage, never had this happen in the summer, a another week and I think it will be open! 
Still not even a developing bud here…..
What about fixing a bit of something (maybe a bit of card covered in cling-film to stop it getting damp and floppy) to a short cane and stuck in the ground to shade the bud from morning sun? Will help to stop further damage.
Always forget John where abouts are you based? That’s not a bad idea, I may try that thank you, funny thing it’s never happened in the summer, that part of the garden catches the early morning sun 😀
I’m in South Wales, just west of Bridgend. The early sun thing seems restricted to Spring when, of course, the sun’s lower and there’s more morning dew because the nights are that bit cooler (or colder!).
That’s a lovely part of the world 🙂 yes. Think as we get towards summer my problems may disappear