Sound the flute!
Now it’s mute!
Bird’s delight,
Day and night,
Nightingale,
In the dale,
Lark in sky,—
Merrily,
Merrily merrily, to welcome in the year…
I just love this spring poem, by William Blake.
In less than a week, we’ll be getting an hour’s less sleep as the clocks go forward, but in return we get longer, brighter days to enjoy the wildlife and nature bursting into action. What’s not to like about that?
I’ve really noticed spring is on its way in the last week or so, with the blossom starting to bloom, huge magnolia buds threatening to explode their beauty, male and female birds becoming inseparable and that distinct smell of a new season is in the air.
And for me, this new season brings hope – remember that twiggy plant in the garden that looked dead, then as if by magic it transforms and within a matter of days, you notice life and growth, which you didn’t think possible – this is the glory of spring.
Yes, we’re going through an incredibly testing time, but imagine going into this in the depths of winter, rather than emerging into spring. You may not have a garden (as I never did when I lived in Cheltenham for over a decade), but there’ll be a park, a garden or a roadside near you which will show the promise of spring and of what’s to come.
If you’re not already doing it, I cannot recommend anything more than spending time outside. Find somewhere you love going and watch it change, watch the birds in the trees and listen to their song, find the lambs who are racing around the field and look out for the hares who are literally boxing off the males because they’re not in the mood.
Remember, nature is still going to put its show on, so it would be a shame if you missed it. Just don’t put yourself in danger and keep your distance.
A x
Abi in the Garden 