It’s the date on the calendar that most gardeners look forward to. The vernal or spring equinox, the date when the length of day and night are equal with the balance shifting to more daylight than night time. At last, the season starts in earnest.
The beginning of March was so calm and still weather wise that I am a little bit wary of how the month will end. Folklore has it that if it starts calm it will finish stormy, and that could have a knock-on effect in the garden. Spring is already late this year, but I’m thrilled to say that finally my little bulbous Irises are finally in flower. I planted them very late, but their beautiful rich blue flowers are now open and exquisite.
The cold frame has been working overtime keeping my spring bulbs sheltered from the vagaries of the weather. These harbingers of spring lift the spirits and are a sure sign that the season has started. I liken them to little flags waving in the sunshine and in fact the insects that are starting to emerge from their winter slumber seem to agree.
I’ve been out in the garden most of the afternoon, tidying and observing what’s going on. The birds are looking for nesting sites and are busily hopping around in the hedgerows; I’ve seen some long tailed tits today, which was amazing. Flocks of these seem to just appear early in spring feeding on the first aphids in the garden. Another sign of spring to cheer the heart.
