Has Spring Sprung?

[snoopysue]

Noticed there are bulbs coming up in the garden now!
We were out walking along the beach yesterday and it was about 5pm when we got back, and not too dark - a bit fresh though!

There's still a month of winter left though

[Antie Em]

Went for a little walk to the shops this morning with my 9 year old Gr daughter - the sun was shining and the birds were singing. Elisabeth said - this would be just like summer if it were a bit warmer- did feel good though.

[Annie]

I've also noticed the bulbs coming up , and like AuntieEms Grdaughter I also thought it could have been summer while out walking if it had been a bit warmer , the sun is hot when you are behind glass though.

Annie

[snoopysue]

Went for a little walk to the shops this morning with my 9 year old Gr daughter - the sun was shining and the birds were singing. Elisabeth said - this would be just like summer if it were a bit warmer- did feel good though.

The sun's been shining here the last few days, we've had frost at night only about -3 degrees though, so not too bad! The frost on the lawn doesn't quite melt in the shadows though! Can't wait 'til all the plants start waking up. I leave the old growth on over the winter to protect my plants as much as possible (we're a bit colder than a just a hundred meters up the street), so I'm looking forward to trimming everything back! (Hope my chicken wire and leaves has protected our Hydranger so we have flowers this year!!!)

[SRD]

We've got bulbs up in pots kept outside but not in the garden yet.

[snoopysue]

We've got bulbs up in pots kept outside but not in the garden yet.

That's strange, pots tend to flower later as they usually are slightly colder, unless of course you've cheated and got them from the garden center recently!!!

[Northern Lass]

no it is freezing!
iced up!
brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[snoopysue]

no it is freezing!
iced up!
brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Sun's shinning here, but -2 degrees!

[SRD]

We've got bulbs up in pots kept outside but not in the garden yet.

That's strange, pots tend to flower later as they usually are slightly colder, unless of course you've cheated and got them from the garden center recently!!!

Ours always come earlier, no matter the plant, the snow-drops are in full flood at the moment and the crocuses are up but not yet in bud. That's despite the pot dishes having ice in them. They are on a south facing patio covered in tarmac which seems to warm quickly whenever there's sun on it. I've noticed some signs in the garden having looked a little closer but nothing more than a few tips pushing through.

[snoopysue]

We've got bulbs up in pots kept outside but not in the garden yet.

That's strange, pots tend to flower later as they usually are slightly colder, unless of course you've cheated and got them from the garden center recently!!!

Ours always come earlier, no matter the plant, the snow-drops are in full flood at the moment and the crocuses are up but not yet in bud. That's despite the pot dishes having ice in them. They are on a south facing patio covered in tarmac which seems to warm quickly whenever there's sun on it. I've noticed some signs in the garden having looked a little closer but nothing more than a few tips pushing through.

The tarmac sounds as though it's the reason!
I've got some in black pots, so maybe I should move them to a better spot with more sun! As it was they were supposed to be planted under my hostas, but the snow and frost came earlier than expected, so the pot is a temporary fix! Hopefully I'll get to plant them out in a month or so!

[snoopysue]

The birds have really been twittering away this morning. Well the last week really, I saw one great tit checking out a bird box the other day too!

[SRD]

We're lucky we get birdsong for most of the year but I did notice the chaffinches, who have been feeding together perfectly happily for months, getting a bit territorial. The blackbirds have been 'at it' for a week or more.
Our crocuses in pots are now out and there's a large cluster of snowdrops out under the big willow tree, other crocuses are up but not in flower and the daffs are pushing up at a rate of knots.

Talk of birdsong reminds me of a weekend that the late Peter Bellamy (one of the few traditional folksingers who was right wing) stayed at mine whilst appearing at the folk club I was involved with; I was walking with him through the back alleyways of the village where I lived, on our way to catch the bus that was to take him back home, the sun was out, it was warm and the birds were singing their hearts out. I remarked on how lovely the song was to which he replied "You know what they're saying don't you?" I replied in the negative thinking that maybe he would come out with a song or a bit of folklore or somesuch. He continued "What they're saying is "F*** off this my tree! Leave my bird alone! Anyone fancy a F***!""

[snoopysue]

We get birdsong all through the year too (our garden borders on woodland and a nature reserve), but when spring is on it's way they crank it up a notch

[Antie Em]

We get birdsong all through the year too (our garden borders on woodland and a nature reserve), but when spring is on it's way they crank it up a notch

I've got eight big trees in the garden, mostly sycamore and cherry. I've noticed the birdsong starting earlier every day, doesn't bother me because I'm an early bird anyway. Thought I heard a cuckoo at 6.00 the other morning, but when I heard it at exactly 6.00 on subsequent mornings, realised it must be a neighbour's alarm clock. I do have good hearing, but it must be really loud in their bedroom.

[snoopysue]

[Thought I heard a cuckoo at 6.00 the other morning, but when I heard it at exactly 6.00 on subsequent mornings, realised it must be a neighbour's alarm clock. I do have good hearing, but it must be really loud in their bedroom.