Spring either started on the 1st March or won’t begin until the 20th! It all depends on whether you prefer the astronomical or meteorological way of looking at things. The whites of the snowdrops are definitely giving way to the cheerful yellows of the daffodils and the paler primroses. The birds are starting to sing in the mornings and look sleek again rather than looking dishevelled having puffed their feathers out in the bird equivalent of a quilted coat two sizes too big. The hens are starting to lay again and the first few buds are starting to unfurl on our apricot trees. Just as I get hopeful that winter is over we get hit my a hard frost and howling winds.
On my veg patch, just as I have begun sowing in earnest ready for the new season, there is very little left to harvest. A few leeks and carrots, stored onions, some spinach and kale and maybe the odd cauliflower. More excitingly the bright pink rhubarb is showing underneath the upturned bin, and the sprouting broccoli, both white and purple, is having its moment. I can think of recipes galore for the rhubarb and broccoli but for the leeks, carrots and onions not so many!
