SPRING Is Here - and I'm in the Garden
The colours are back. So are the bees. And look at this forest of moss!
When I looked behind our garden shed for the first time this year to store some cut branches etc. from ‘the wilderness’ part of our garden, I was surprised to see that the moss had completely taken over the flagstones. And how varied and beautiful it was! Real landscapes when you look at them close-up, like tiny forests.
Spring is here and I’ve spent hours in the garden. I’ve watched the bees visiting one crocus after another, while some have been feasting on the hazel catkins. I’ve missed the buzzing, what a delightful sound!
At first it was the bees, but I’ve also seen a bumblebee tumbling heavily through the air and a brimstone butterfly.
Summer has given us a preview last weekend, with long hours of sunshine, pleasant warmth (18 °C) and three lovely days. We pulled out our garden chairs and sat on the patio for the first time this year to drink tea and eat our first slice of strawberry cake - always a delight!
In the beginning, I kept wearing too many layers because I just couldn't believe that it could actually be so warm at the start of March - no matter what the thermometer said. But I adapted pretty quickly. T-shirt was enough, especially when I was working in the garden.
However, I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t believe in the summer preview. It was funny to see how differently people were dressed when out and about. On Friday afternoon, when I made my way to the library and back, most people were still wearing hats and winter jackets, others were already wearing shorts and T-shirts.
It’s so beautiful and reassuring to see nature awakening. The unexpected warmth has also helped, and the garden, which had just been in deep hibernation, has exploded with colour and life.
Not only the crocuses, winter aconites and spring snowflakes are blooming, but the first buds and catkins are also appearing on the bushes and trees. Our corkscrew hazel, a favourite with birds and bees, has already thrived. I’ve also spotted the first buds on our hydrangea outside the kitchen window. The lilacs are making a tentative start, too.
Although the new week has started with heavy mist and ground frost again, I’m planning a visit to the garden centre soon. Here’s what I’d like to look out for: Lawn seed to mend a small patch of bare ground near the hedge where nothing else wants to grow. A bag or two of potting soil. Most importantly though, dahlias and flower seeds of all kinds - let’s see what inspires me there.
It can’t hurt to prepare for the warmer days to come, right?
Note: This post was edited (shortened) Mar 5, 2026.
Thank you for this energentic vibrant spring article. Wow, such beautiful images Claudia. It really kick in the spring vibes🪻🌷🙌🏾 March is a bit unpredictable as always. I have enjoyed spring weather some days here in Stralsund, on Monday next week I will return home to Norway for some weeks. Going back in May to Stralsund, a longer period next time.
Happy belated Anniversary, how lovely 🥰
Those catkins look amazing!
Also, you wrote something which really struck me..... about how reassuring it is to see the spring flowers return. I hadn't realised but that's definitely how I felt this year. 🙏