You know that moment when your eyes are still closed, but you start to register that you’re awake? I’m curled up, duvet around my ears, when I hear it… a high pitched whimper on the landing. It’s 6.41am and, naturally, the dog has decided he’s waited far too long to be served his morning kibble. Perhaps I can pretend I can’t hear him? Surely he’ll get bored and come back to bed? But then I remember the bunch of British daffodils I received from my mum the day before, and my plans to forage for spring foliage on our early morning walk.
I sigh, brace myself, and get up. We bundle down the stairs, throw open the curtains to the garden, and –
Snow. Snow?! In March? I kid you not when I say I jumped more at the garden reveal than I have at any horror film this past year. Not only had I not noticed any sign of snow on the weather app, but the recent weather had well and truly lulled me into a false sense of seasonal security.
Only a few days ago I’d jokingly told my Trinidadian workmate about ‘fool’s spring’ – when the weather warms up before surprising us with another cold snap. And as we appear to have found ourselves in the midst of that second snap, it’s high time we find some other ways to bring spring into our homes.
Bring in bulbs
If you’ve read any of my previous Substacks, you’ll know that flowers are my solution to almost any problem. This time of year I love putting forced bulbs on display on shelves, mantelpieces, dressers, fireplaces – you name it. You’ll find hyacinths, daffodils and more in almost any supermarket or home store these days, so pop them in a plant pot or decorative bowl for a splash of scent and cheery colour.
Put it on your plate
Another way to bring the new season in is to cook with seasonal produce. For those with a sweet ‘n’ sour tooth, you can finally get your hands on my favourite forced rhubarb. Why not take the time to make a rhubarb crumble? It’s the perfect dish to bridge the gap between winter and spring. Otherwise, veggies that are shining this time of year include purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, leeks and more.
Spring clean
It may be seasonal in a more metaphorical way, but make the most of this cold weather to get your house/garden/life in order (god knows my craft room-come-home office needs it). There’s no denying that when the sun finally makes an appearance we’ll want to be outside enjoying it, so maximise your home time now – if you’re so inclined.
Less than 48 hours later, there’s no sign whatsoever that any snow graced our garden yesterday. And while the next week looks like a handful of highs-of-10-degrees, next time we’re caught offguard with a little late snowfall, I’ll be ready for it… Just don’t expect me to get out of bed at 6.41am next time.