Glimpses of Spring

This will be our second Spring in our lovely home. There is something so special about having a garden - it really makes you appreciate the changing of seasons. That first spring we had no idea what secrets had remained hidden from us during the previous, long, grey winter. Suddenly little signs appeared that spring was on its way and our garden which we had loved in all its winter bareness was revealing secrets to us that we had never imagined. Underneath the old apple tree were drifts of primroses, that clear pale yellow colour which is so symbolic of spring. Behind the ash tree, bluebells were springing up and daffodils emerged from under the fig tree.


Along with the flowers came the wildlife. Bluetits happily flew in and out the branches until the magpies came, squirrels ran around, much to the glee of the cats who were in their element, but fortunately were never able to catch anything. A frog appeared near the back door and as the weather warmed up the butterflies joined in too. Not bad for a garden on the outskirts of the city.
We bought the lovely old shutters as one of our first presents for our home. My oldest daughter fell in love with them. They have lent a sense of mystery and romance to our garden and the girls have spent endless hours outside imagining what might lay beyond them.
This year we're going to concentrate on our garden. It needs a bit of love and affection and I know we'll reap the rewards. As ususal I'll try and cram in as much pink as possible and the kids will empty packets of seeds everywhere whilst my husband will wander round muttering "we really should plan this out". Days at home in the garden with the family are the best.

Our secret garden is coming back to life again and I've just seen my first butterfly. Sitting outside on a bench and feeling the sun on my face makes me smile - I hope you get to feel some of that spring goodness soon.