First signs of spring

Spring is around the corner, but the exact day the garden really springs into life is dependent on the weather and your location. Meteorological spring starts on March 1^st and that’s just over a week away, but take a look around your garden, stand outside and look and listen, signs of spring are out there.

Garden birds

The first sign that spring is coming are the birds. Birds are always active in the garden, but as spring approaches the dawn chorus starts earlier and the excitement starts to grow. They are looking for safe places to nest, checking out the nest boxes and vying for the best spot. If they haven’t already paired-up, there is a certain amount of territorial activity and fluffed up chests. Those that have survived the winter will really appreciate some top-notch food and fresh and clean water.

Spring clean your feeders and water bath and get stocked up with bird food. Choose a feed that is formulated for bird health and offers a range of seed and ingredients to suit a wider variety of species. We know we rave about Richard’s bird food, but it truly is extraordinary. You can buy a small pack to see for yourself, but honestly we know your birds will love it.

Spring flowering bulbs

If you are lucky, you’ve already got snowdrops pushing through the garden soil. Whatever the weather these little beauties appear through winter into spring. They are a vital source of nectar and pollen for early emerging pollinators, but more than that they are a sure sign that spring is coming. If you planted some spring flowering bulbs in the autumn, then have a look, they will be sprouting into growth right now. If you didn’t plant any then take a trip out to the garden centre and buy a few pots to brighten your pots and planters. Look out for crocus, grape hyacinths, species tulips and miniature daffs.

Flowering perennials

Your garden perennials will be starting to grow. Take a closer look at some of your early flowering perennials like hellebores, bergenia, primroses, comfrey and lungwort. Unless we are knee deep in snow, any established clumps should be starting to flower depending on where you are in the UK. These are the spring stalwarts, and even freshly planted clumps will flower this season. Give them a tidy up by removing old leaves and uncovering the flowers. This makes the flowers more visible and improves your display. It’s especially important for hellebores as the old leaves may harbor disease. Keep them deadheaded to encourage new flowers and mulch around them with well-rotted homemade compost.

Emerging pollinators

Stop and listen. Can you hear the buzz?? As the temperature rises the early pollinators start to emerge. The most obvious are the loud queen bumblebees. They resemble fluffy flying golf balls and whizz around fast and furious on their mission. The queens are seeking good food plants and the perfect spot to make a nest. Different species have different needs. The huge and early emerging buff tailed and white tailed bumblebees tend to nest in old rodent holes, so you might find a Queen checking out a spot under the shed, in the compost heap or somewhere in a wilder spot in the garden. They fly in a zigzag motion above the ground searching for a nest site.

Look out for hoverflies and solitary bees searching for pollen and nectar. Sometimes you can follow the buzz to find the plants supplying the best sources of food. Make a note to plant more. Spring flowering bulbs, early flowering trees and shrubs, early perennials and even dandelions and daisies in the lawn will provide vital food for these early emerging and nest building insects.

Flower buds and catkins

Did you pick sticky buds as a child and put them into a jar of water to burst into life? It’s a fun thing to do even as an adult. The sticky buds are formed on the shoots of the horse chestnut and are a great way to look a little closer at nature. Look up when you are out in the garden or in nature. Can you see the catkins on the willow, hazel and alder? Although these are wind pollinated plants they make copious amounts of pollen and can supplement the diet of insects on the wing. A few stems of catkins mixed in with some spring flowers is a lovely way to bring nature indoors or give as a gift to someone in need of a little cheer. These first signs of spring will lift the spirits and are a clear reminder that the seasons are changing.