Spring Seasonal Living and the Little Things I’m Loving
Have you ever been asked what your favourite season is? Like me, you probably always find it quite hard to answer.
A long time ago, I would have said autumn. Then it became summer. I’ve been trying to reconnect with winter, to notice its beauty and even learn to enjoy it. And while I do really appreciate what winter brings like slowness, rest, renewal, reflection, and cosy days spent indoors, it still sits firmly at the bottom of my list!
Spring though, already has an extra special place in my heart. Each year I look so forward to it and I literally welcome it with open arms. It’s such a joy when the first green shoots appear. Then, as if by magic, everything starts to grow. Trees fill with blossom, daffodils appear, then tulips, and soon colour is everywhere.
As Helen Moat beautifully writes in her book, While the Earth Holds Its Breath, “I now understood that without the darkness, I could not appreciate the light; without winter, I would not thrill at spring’s rebirth.”
Perhaps this is why I find myself loving spring so much each year!
So in this post, I’m sharing a few of the little things I love about spring and that are bringing me lots joy…
Let me know in the comments when you’ve spotted the blue tit!
The return of nature
I’m really enjoying the sound of birdsong in the early morning, especially the robin who has been very active lately. We’ve also just heard our first chiffchaff, who seems to have made his home somewhere beyond the garden fence and has been singing all day long.
It’s so lovely to see blossom appearing on the trees, almost overnight in some places. I’m also loving the hum of bees returning to the flowers, and watching gardens slowly come back to life. There’s also so much more colour appearing in the hedgerows and parks, along with the occasional glimpse of wrens darting through.
Longer, lighter days
I’m so happy the evenings are getting longer, with lighter days that stretch a little further each day. It means our evening walks are brighter now and often filled with birdsong along the way. I really enjoy eating our tea with the curtains wide open, and I love that feeling of the day not ending so quickly. There’s also still time to do things after dinner, because it isn’t dark yet.
Seasonal foods
I’ve been so excited for wild garlic, and we’ve been enjoying lots of it in our Riverford box. I especially love wild garlic pesto, and it’s also great for making in bulk and freezing for later.
Tonight we’re having some wild garlic in our stew, which I’m really looking forward to. I also love that it comes with so many wonderful health benefits too.
Simple everyday joys
It might be one of the simplest things, but it brings me so much joy when the washing dries on the line in a spring breeze, especially the bed sheets. I love the feeling of fresh bedding that’s been dried outside in the sun.
As the weather begins to warm, it’s so nice to sit out in the garden and enjoy the sunshine with a cup of tea and a good book. We’ve just brought our little table and chairs out of the shed, which I’m so excited about!
I also love opening the windows and letting the fresh spring air fill the rooms.
Seasonal change
I love those first warm days of spring, especially when you can step outside in short sleeves - which thankfully has already happened! Even when it’s still a little cooler, it feels so nice to swap my big coat for lighter layers. Mornings always feel a little easier to begin too. Waking up to blue skies and sunshine makes such a difference, and I love the way the light reaches our bedroom wall, creating the loveliest silhouettes.
I can feel my energy starting to return after the slower winter months, along with that wonderful feeling of wanting to be outside as much as possible. I love how spring begins to inspire my work and creativity as well, I’ve been doing a little pruning and making room for new growth.
What little things are you enjoying most this season?