Friday 9 March 2007

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.

13 comments:

Victoria May Plum said...

What a lovely thought, 'a secret garden'. Not knowing what is in store for us in the little garden at our new house is so exciting. I think that the idea of sprinkling seeds everywhere and waiting to see what grows is wonderful, I shall encourage my little girl to do the same.

Betty Jo said...

Hi Kim! I followed your link from Victoria's. Your blog is lovely and I've so enjoyed my first visit. xoxox

Primrose Hill said...

What a beautiful post, love all the pictures of your garden. We were the same last year, waiting to see what surprises were in the garden in spring, little clumps of snow drops and daffodils!
We're planning to spend more time in the garden this year too, there's nothing beats having an evening working away in the last of the sunshine and then sitting down with a glass of wine admiring your hard work!
L x

Cape Cod Washashore said...

My doesn't that kitty look content! And those lovely spring photos - thank you for sharing! And you have bluebells??? sigh... Must be so exciting watching each and every new bloom each day! My daughter and I sprinkled some seeds at our home several years ago, and we now have a very large bunch of shasta daisies that return every year.

Charlotte said...

I have to agree with Lisa (Primrose Hill). You have a beautiful way with words. Those shutters are the cutest! I've now got a new blog. hopeandfaith.typepad.com
wanted a change!
Charlotte xx

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

I've enjoyed my first visit to your lovely blog. Love your kitty...I thought I was looking at my own sweet "Shadow".

Emma Herian said...

Oh, I think I am getting a wee bit jealous of your garden, mine has just been trampled on by the boys after a superb spring weekend - BUT we do have a tidy shed that we can now actually work in! No chitting yet (needed the space in the shed!. Thanks for popping by again. Love the shutters!

love.boxes said...

It was warm here in Utah, USA today. It is still brown though and I can't wait for those gorgeous greens to come out soon! Lovely pictures!

OhSoVintage said...

I have just come across your blog and love the photo of the shutters - definitely my kind of photo, I just love old wood. Your tea cosy on the previous post is amazing! I do agree with you about being apprehensive about posting pics of items we've made, it seems a bit like showing off but people enjoy seeing what others have made so why not? I shall return....

Clare and Mike said...

Hi! I really love your shutters, that's just exactly the kind of garden decoration I like! I think your garden will certainly bloom this year! Your cat is adorable! I sat on our bench in the sun this afternoon and watched a butterfly! Lovely blog, may I add you to my list of favourite's? Clare x

Rowan said...

I've just found your new blog, I love the shutters in your garden and your other photos too, especially your lovely black cat. I've always been a stay at home mum as well though regretfully I have to admit to being a litle beyond middle age and onto the grandchildren stage now. I shall be back to read more about the discoveries you make in your new garden.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim! Your secret garden sounds delightful! I'm a "crammer" myself and fully agree that days spent at home in the garden are the best. Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I'm glad you stopped by. ♥

Elisabeth said...

Where I live, it snowed about 8 inches the other day, and is in the 30's today. I'm glad someone is enjoying spring though! Hopefully ours is around the corner. I love, love, your bedroom. It's like my dream! (I think a really pale blush of rose pink would be pretty in there) I'm really glad I came across your blog. And keep showing things you make, they're so cute!
Elisabeth
lambie-pie.blogspot.com