A few days ago there were still clumps of snow clinging to the trees in my London street. This week, my hopeful search for the first buds that signal the start of Spring has ended: the buds are budding!!
Buds and catkins are often forgotten as plants’ attractive qualities, particularly on trees. And trees do flower! In this quiet time before the rush of life, it’s great to spot the colours and textures of these tightly wrapped flowers and leaves.
Perhaps pick up a few willow branches at the flower shop to bring inside and fondle. Tip: small whole natural branches look better than the dead-straight twigs more widely sold.
What buds or early flowerers have you spotted?