Hello February!

What can you teach us?

I’ve had the “lurgy” (a general or indeterminate illness made popular by Spike Milligan of the “Goons” fame). So, it is just a short post today whilst my energy returns and I step outside my back door for some fresh air and have a wander to see what is appearing. I am not disappointed, there is much to celebrate. My plants, that have been cleverly sheltering during the dark winter days, are coming up to say hello.

This makes my heart sing!

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Well hello February, I’ve been waiting for you! January seemed such an awfully long month. During this month my garden is in its most dormant state and, whilst I know that things are brewing deep down in the cold soil, it is always wonderful when I see signs that things are about to change, to burst into life, colour and bring energy to the space around me.

Noticing tiny details

It is cold “up north” so things are not as far on as in some regions in the UK. But in the more sheltered parts of my garden I see signs that things are about to change.

Ribes sanguineum (flowering currant)

My flowering currant has leaf buds so formed I am sure they will burst open any day, their crinkly, serrated edges giving clues to the form of the leaf, wrapped up tightly inside. Exciting times! Once the leaves are out, it is the turn of their cerise pink flowers that appear in abundance. Sadly, for me, I never get to see or eat the currants it produces, due to the keen birdlife present who devour its delicious fruits as soon as they appear. I don’t mind, I garden for wildlife and they are most welcome to help themselves.

Galanthus (Snowdrop)

Then, there are my tiny snowdrops just peeking through the semi-frozen soil. They look strong and ready to take on the still chilly air around them. There are so many different varieties of snowdrops and quite a thing to collect, if you are keen. To see the differences in them you have to get down close, once the flower is out, to notice the markings. It is these markings that often give them their name. My snowdrops, pictured above, are called “Polar Bear” Can you see why?

If you would like to find out more about these tiny winter flowers, the RHS has a great video to explain the differences in the different varieties.

So February brings hope that the gardening season is about to start in earnest. I am at my most content in my garden, it is so good for my wellbeing. If you have a garden or are out and about, look out for the signs of the start of spring. Take some time to stop a while and embrace to beauty in all the detail. Nature is waiting to show you what a wonder it is.

I am curious

What tiny details have you noticed in nature to tell you that changes are afoot and spring is on its way?