Spotted a few bumblebees this week for the first time, they always look a bit discombobulated at this time of year, very much like a teenager waking up on a Sunday morning.
The last two weeks have felt like all four seasons! Finally this week we were able to do our first mow of the year, and begin to sort the garden out. Tulips coming through; a beautiful clear night with the full moon; birdsong returning to the street; the warmth of the sun returning. It finally feels like Spring is here.
Amazing, well done on finishing the 2024 almanac. This week I’ve noticed the enormous full moon, absolutely stealing the show in the sky last night after a dreary drizzly day. I’ve enjoyed potting on all my seedlings and seeing the flush of new green lushness in the garden.
Congratulations on finishing the Almanac! I look forward to reading it. We had the first really warm, sunny Sunday at the weekend and it felt so very of the season to see all our neighbours out in their gardens, building raised beds, laying turf, even sawing dead wood! Also watched a pair of magpies chase a blackbird out of the back green - they're always territorial but this time of year they're coupled up and telling everyone else who's in charge!
Planting the broadbeans and peas out in the garden with little crowns of holly thorns for protection. Suddenly feel connected to the garden again. Spotted garlic mustard and the bird song is expanding each morning.
Wealth of dry, crackly golden-brown leaves in drifts against the steps of the arts centre in city centre, as well as up and down the neighbourhood. Bunches of kowhai keys on the lawn, ready to be raked up to protect the guineapigs in their foraging.
Blossom - blackthorn hedges and cherry and plum trees; butterflies - brimstone and orange tip; lesser celandine. Nature really is waking up now after her winter slumber. I love the verdancy of spring - so welcome after the bleakness of winter.
First of all welcome back! Next - huge congratulations on finishing Almanac 2024. I’m so enjoying reading April ( and listening to the podcast) this year. Well, we are back in Northumberland as of Tuesday - our home for Spring and Summer each year. So I’ve noticed that things are 2-3 weeks behind the south up here - which means enjoying everything all over again, daffodils, blossom, tiny green leaves emerging ! The whole of Spring emerging. Birdsong in the garden and the feeders are mobbed ( now I’m here to fill them?) And lambs - the fields all round our village are full of newborns. So sweet.
Week 14 spring things: A table full of green asparagus at the farmers market, heavy scent of jasmine in the full moon night air, and the first apple blossoms.
So good that this is up and running again! 😀 This week has had a lot of weather - wind, rain, frost, cold nights, warm sunny days. The bees are going crazy in the sunshine and the tadpoles are starting to break out of their huddles and fill the pond.
Morning sunlight on opening tulips,9 magpies gathering on the roof behind, Robin shouting at my husband for mealworms please, first wasp being chased outdoors as I’m very allergic to them. First large goddess being painted while an oven full of food sends smells through the house.
Spotted a few bumblebees this week for the first time, they always look a bit discombobulated at this time of year, very much like a teenager waking up on a Sunday morning.
Ha ha I love that
What a great comparison! I spotted a few too and they seemed not amused to be here 😂
The first bluebell! Great tits popping in and out of my new birdbox. Billowing golden pollen clouds from the leylandii, created by goldfinches.
Ooh I will keep my eye out. Lots of great tits here too
The last two weeks have felt like all four seasons! Finally this week we were able to do our first mow of the year, and begin to sort the garden out. Tulips coming through; a beautiful clear night with the full moon; birdsong returning to the street; the warmth of the sun returning. It finally feels like Spring is here.
It does doesn’t it, some actual warmth in the sun. Lovely things.
Amazing, well done on finishing the 2024 almanac. This week I’ve noticed the enormous full moon, absolutely stealing the show in the sky last night after a dreary drizzly day. I’ve enjoyed potting on all my seedlings and seeing the flush of new green lushness in the garden.
Such a lovely flush of green isn’t it, and thank you!
April damp snow flurries here in the French Alps, the early crocus and daffs nodding their heads sadly until the sun returns...
Ah still snow, of course. It won’t be long!
All the green in various shades that is appearing in the garden is giving me joy. And the smell of the soil 🌱 Congrats on finishing the Almanac!
Thank you! Yes it’s all finally awakening isn’t it.
mmm earthy
Congratulations on finishing the Almanac! I look forward to reading it. We had the first really warm, sunny Sunday at the weekend and it felt so very of the season to see all our neighbours out in their gardens, building raised beds, laying turf, even sawing dead wood! Also watched a pair of magpies chase a blackbird out of the back green - they're always territorial but this time of year they're coupled up and telling everyone else who's in charge!
Ah lovely yes, the gardens full of people again.
Planting the broadbeans and peas out in the garden with little crowns of holly thorns for protection. Suddenly feel connected to the garden again. Spotted garlic mustard and the bird song is expanding each morning.
Wealth of dry, crackly golden-brown leaves in drifts against the steps of the arts centre in city centre, as well as up and down the neighbourhood. Bunches of kowhai keys on the lawn, ready to be raked up to protect the guineapigs in their foraging.
Blossom - blackthorn hedges and cherry and plum trees; butterflies - brimstone and orange tip; lesser celandine. Nature really is waking up now after her winter slumber. I love the verdancy of spring - so welcome after the bleakness of winter.
First of all welcome back! Next - huge congratulations on finishing Almanac 2024. I’m so enjoying reading April ( and listening to the podcast) this year. Well, we are back in Northumberland as of Tuesday - our home for Spring and Summer each year. So I’ve noticed that things are 2-3 weeks behind the south up here - which means enjoying everything all over again, daffodils, blossom, tiny green leaves emerging ! The whole of Spring emerging. Birdsong in the garden and the feeders are mobbed ( now I’m here to fill them?) And lambs - the fields all round our village are full of newborns. So sweet.
Lots of wild garlic and dandelions appearing seemingly out of nowhere. And the birdsongs have changed tunes too’
Week 14 spring things: A table full of green asparagus at the farmers market, heavy scent of jasmine in the full moon night air, and the first apple blossoms.
Ah my huge jasmine died in the frosts this year so I’m missing that! Love the image of the asparagus
Sad news about your jasmine
My irises are blooming! We have had warm temps recently, but this weekend we are expecting lows close to freezing again. We’re getting whiplash!
Oof, brutal, I hope not too cold
So good that this is up and running again! 😀 This week has had a lot of weather - wind, rain, frost, cold nights, warm sunny days. The bees are going crazy in the sunshine and the tadpoles are starting to break out of their huddles and fill the pond.
Isn’t it lovely to have it back, I’ve missed it. Lovely spring things, thanks Anne
Morning sunlight on opening tulips,9 magpies gathering on the roof behind, Robin shouting at my husband for mealworms please, first wasp being chased outdoors as I’m very allergic to them. First large goddess being painted while an oven full of food sends smells through the house.
Very intrigued by your large goddess painting…
Wooden Goddesses approx 3-4 foot high.