March Flowers

March has arrived in a most uncharacteristic style, instead of the blustery cold and unpredictable weather that is the norm, we have glorious blue skies and warm sunshine. For once this has left us all cursing because you just don't know what to wear. Mornings are often cold enough for full winter regalia, but by midday we are sweating in our long sleeve thermal tops even after shedding all other layers. This was certainly the case yesterday as we mulched the new raspberry canes and red currants with horse manure, a heavy load to take from one end of the garden to the other repeatedly, who needs the gym! Despite the work being monotonous and hot we still gloried in the sunshine, and our minds were distracted by the flowers which are bursting out with abandon now. one of my particular favourites is Stayurus praecox pictured above, like little strings of pearls sparkling above the still bare earth. The feeling of promised abundance hangs temptingly in the air now, but I have a feeling winter may not have left us just yet and wouldn't be surprised if we see snow before Easter.

"Spring is sooner recognised by plants than by men"
Chinese proverb