Looking to the future

Gardeners are an optimistic bunch, never put off by failures, always trying again, and always looking to the future.  Small but barely noticeable signs at Genus HQ have made us aware that despite current restrictions mother nature is still forging her way forward.

Have you noticed that with the subtle lengthening of days the birds are becoming more vocal in the mornings with robins, wrens, and great tits all competing for airtime.  Nest boxes too are being investigated on a daily basis.  Nest making itself  hasn’t yet started but viewings are definitely underway with a few ‘sold subject to contract’ signs going up. and indications of activity at ground level are there too.  Narcissus, snowdrops, and aconites are up and in flower in most gardens.

A rare moment of warmth and sunshine last week prompted the appearance of some very unexpected visitors; basking and feeding in the sun were some large-white butterfly caterpillars enjoying our cavalo nero where they’ve been safely overwintering.  We left them alone to complete their life cycle or to add to the diet our increasingly active bird population.