First signs of spring

“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” 
― Percy Bysshe Shelley

The return of the frogs

Last year was the first year we put tadpoles in our pond to watch them change into frogs.

So I was very excited to see a couple of them return to their birthplace for mating. Here is hoping for a new generations of tadpoles!

Hope springs eternal

Going for a walk at the weekend, I spotted this coltsfoot plant growing virtually out of the tarmacked path. Such a tough, hardy plant!

 Does anybody know why ladybirds huddle together? I read that they do it for warmth ... but do they even give out warmth??
Either way, every winter, without fail, I see these little groups huddled together. Waiting for the spring sun, no doubt, which will warm them and allow them to leave the huddle and move on.

I was happy to spot this bumblebee. My first this spring!
It busied itself in a patch of crocuses, emerging dusted in pollen, only to move on to the next flower.

First Crocus

Today, on my lunch time walk I spotted - to my amazement - the first solitary crocus!
I pretty yellow one.
I didn't have a camera to hand, so this picture will have to do.

I found this poem, which I thought suited very well:

"First a howling blizzard woke us.
Then the rain came down to soak us,
And now before the eye can focus,
Crocus."

(Lila Rogers)

FROGS!

Finally I did what had to be done - I released the tadpoles and froglets into the garden pond.

As soon as I had done that, I spotted this adult frog. I am just hoping that big frogs don't eat little frogs ... Hhmmm

Here is one of the froglets, enjoying the big outdoors.
They have been outside a week now, and I still spot them once in a while.


Hopefully at least a few will thrive and will be back in the spring.

Spot the frog! (Click to see the full size picture)

Spring is here!

Spring has arrived!

You might think that after 44 years I am used to that annual event - but NO, every time it blows me away!

The new growth, the sun gaining in strength, the days lengthening, the soil warming, the creatures stirring ...

How can I not feel excited?!

Welcome sun, welcome life, welcome season of growth and development! Please enter and stay for a while.

Beauty in small things

Now the weather has turned cold again, an icy wind is blowing and it seems that spring has abandoned us!

But then, walking through the churchyard we spotted this little huddle of ladybirds on a gravestone.

How sweet are they??!

The second group seems a little bit more organised! LOL 

These little guys certainly brightened up this cold, miserable day, and gave me hope that spring IS on its way. After all, the ladybirds should know, shouldn't they?

In the garden

At last spring seems to have arrived, and it is time to do some gardening.

The trench for the runner beans was already dug a few weeks back and is filling up with kitchen waste (apparently runner beans like it that way!).

Here is what's happening in the garden so far:

The chives are starting to grow again.

The winter lettuce has survived very well in the cold frame, despite the long and cold winter.

The swiss chard has also survived.

Although I am expecting the plants to bolt soon, the leaves are still good for eating now, and a great replacement for spinach in recipes.

I split the rhubarb in January. Now the new leaves are emerging.

Walking into spring

Today was a beautiful early spring day - still cold and blustery, but also sunny. The sun is now noticeably gathering strength!

I enjoyed a long walk along the river Great Ouse with my 13-year old son. It's a great opportunity for us to spend time together, relax and chat - and, best of all, end with a cup of tea and cake in the local cafe.

I am really, really, REALLY looking forward to spring now, to the emerging of the first green, to the birds nesting and us planning our garden.

Nature seems to be at the ready - just waiting for the right day to spring into life ...

I cannot wait!