Go Wild With Annette: Hold on, Spring is coming

The weather is bleak but life is happening

By Annette J Beveridge

Yesterday, between the rain drops, I wandered around the mud-soggy garden, squelching between the flower beds and sighed at the work left to do to create some sort of beauty in a rain-wracked space. But then I saw something that gave me some hope.

Life is emerging.

It is that time of year when we often feel down. Usually, it is because of the cold harsh winters, but now it is because of the constant heavy rain where there is little respite. Amazing how wearing it is to have grey and dark clouds overhead constantly and to be drenched if daring to go out and about.

Having filled my mind with colour and beauty looking at the stunning amaryllis on my kitchen windowsill, I took a look at the plants that despite being half-drowned have fought their way through the mud.

Snowdrops are out. Always early to emerge, they give that reminder that life conquers whatever the conditions.

Daffodils have emerged - green leaves breaking through the soil and a brave young hellebore is in flower.

Planting a wildlife garden means thinking about the pollinating insects as well as the uplifting effect the flowers have on me. But it is also making me think about the condition of the soil and why now I am doing more in raised beds which enables plenty of drainage.

Climate change means we have to prepare for all scenarios - not so easy.

Seeing newly-planted bulbs emerge from the soil like my Skyscraper lilies, and gypsophila lifts my mood. Life is coming, sometimes, new life, at others, plants that have been established for years return to the borders as the cycle of life continues.

Our gardens - large or small can be a haven for us as well as for wildlife. It is a space that is ours and shields us from the problems of the day. When I feel down and my fight to protect nature weighs heavily on me, I spend time in the garden as it resets me and helps me to keep going.

The connection between us and plants is incredible. Don't underestimate how joyful the experience is.

In the coming weeks, we will see the change as more bulbs emerge, leaves return to the deciduous trees and buds appear on flowering plants. Soon it will be time for us to emerge properly too and make the most of nature.

I cannot wait.