Dodgethe downpoursto seespringin allitsglory
IT seems to have been a long while coming, but after a shockingly wet and downright dreary winter, spring really does feel like it has arrived. When you get a chance to look in between the downpours, there seems to be a spectacular amount of blossom on the trees, and birds seem to be busy marking out their territories via song and calls.
Hawthorne blossom is just one of the types in abundance, with blackthorn trees still covered in white flowers and cherry tree branches almost creaking under the weight of the blossom. Add in what seems to be a stunning year for Magnolia trees and the streets, our parks and gardens are awash with welcome colour.
Whilst I don’t really have a favourite time of year, spring is pretty special, and nature does do its best to live up to the sayings such as acting like a ‘coiled spring’ or ‘springing to life’ – but it very much seems like everywhere is bursting with life.
In addition to the branches burgeoning with blossom, our verges and woodlands seem to suddenly be filled with wildflowers from bright yellow celandines to delicate blue forget-menots and the first flush of bluebells.
Whether the flowering periods for different plants and trees are overlapping because of the weird winter we’ve had, or whether I’m just noticing more due to making use of the extra daylight in the evenings since the clocks went forward, I’m not sure.
However, nature’s palette does seem to be condensed this year. I really can’t remember so many things being in flower in such profusion at the same time in recent springs and I’m so glad the last few days high winds haven’t wreaked too much havoc with the display of blossom.
Whether it’s an anomaly or just my mind playing tricks on me after months spent walking the dog in the dark during pouring rain. I don’t really know - but either way, I’m going to make the most of it.
Whether it’s raining or not, I’m thoroughly enjoying the mix of colourful flowers and fresh green leaves as well as the accompanying soundtrack of birdsong.
On my allotment the apple, pear, plum and cherry trees are also bestowed with blossom – I just hope that the winds and any late frost don’t scupper my prospects for a bumper harvest.
Whether I’m tidying the plot or planting early crops I seem to be permanently accompanied by an inquisitive blackbird or robin hoping I’ll disturb some tasty morsel or other.
Whilst I’ve plenty of hard work ahead to knock my large plot into shape, time spent amongst the flowers and bird song is rewarding after months of not being able to work large parts of the site because they were under inches of water.
As the days continue to stretch out, I’m looking forward to finding time to venture into local woodlands to enjoy these natural wonders on a larger stage. Two of nature’s greatest gifts include huge flushes of bluebells in a native woodland and the ‘dawn chorus’ as it builds to its crescendo in May.
The fact that these can both be enjoyed in our local woodlands at the same time of year is something to be celebrated and not to be missed.
All too often I plan to make the time for these amazing natural pleasures only for life to get in the way. Before we know it, summer will be upon us – and whilst that will bring its own delights – it would be a shame to miss out on the best of spring because we haven’t made the time to open our ears, eyes and hearts.