The beauty and scent of almond blossom at this time of year is legendary. We thank Lesley Jones, manager of MPG’s Facebook page, for the image, taken in the Jalon Valley, Alicante, Spain, this month. Lesley reports that many almond trees have been cut down there in recent years because of infestation by the destructive bacterial disease Xylella fastidiosa which also attacks olives, citruses, grapevines, herbs and ornamental plants. BeXyl Project is working to improve the situation. See bexylproject.org/about-bexyl-project