After so many weeks of gloomy days and heavy rain it doesn’t seem possible that we are experiencing sunshine and blue skies with a possibility of some overnight frost.  And can it be that we have escaped any snow this winter?  Despite the seemingly non-stop rain it hasn’t been cold so any tender plants that can cope with being permanently wet should have survived the winter.

At last spring is nearly here and at this time of the year, whatever the weather, nothing can stop the burst of energy that gardeners experience.  The daylight hours are lengthening, the soil is beginning to warm up and hopefully dry out.  Strange to think that in a few months we will be out with watering cans and hoses. 

On my way to collect some Sunday newspapers this morning I walked past a long grassy bank and to my delight I saw my first wild primroses of the season.  They weren’t in bloom yesterday and hopefully by tomorrow there will be lots more.  With their pale yellow flowers and soft green crinkly leaves they are a sure sign that there are better things to come.  This bank is home to a selection of wild flowers through the spring and summer months and soon it will be carpeted with cowslips, violets and bluebells.  As well as wild flowers there some daffodils that seem to be escaped from local gardens. 

March is reckoned to be the time when we should begin to get to grips with the kitchen garden but because of our unpredictable weather to be sure of success start seedlings off in pots in the greenhouse or cold frame. Baby vegetables are delicious and can be started off in pots on a kitchen windowsill.