We have never seen a more beautiful spring. There were few late frosts, moderate temperatures, and adequate moisture, so the primulas opened slowly and remained in pristine condition for viewing and pollinating. Hellebores lingered with fresh flowers and slowly ripening seeds and throughout the woods aroids of many sorts opened as ferns began to appear. The snowdrops began to fade but left more seeds than we have seen before. Species peonies bloomed early followed by hybrid ones, many of which perfumed the air. All of this is now accompanied by flowering irises, early roses, and nigellas, and larkspur.

Both fringe trees, Chionanthus virginicus and chinense bloomed for weeks accompanied by styrax with widely varying flowers. We are weeding, cutting back growth from last summer, planting woody and herbaceous plants, pruning, and now mowing. Views through the woods are obscured by fresh new leaves in all shade of green and tree seedlings seem to appear from nowhere. Life is good and we are happy as we enjoy the relative silence of those around us, while we rejoice in the small voices of birds, frogs, insects, and even slithering snakes. We miss our visitors and regret that we will not be able to have an Open Day this spring; however, we are already planning to have our usual event in October and the Snowdrop Walk in winter depending how this country deals with Covid-19.

Gardening in Spring

MONTROSE