Have you ever squealed at a snowdrop before? Last week on return from a dog walk, I glanced down at our front flowerbed and – much to Jack’s surprise – couldn’t contain my excitement. For me, the snowdrop is the quintessential sign of winter losing its tight grip. It’s spring gently whispering “I’m on my way!” while it musters the strength to overthrow its frosty counterpart.
This week, across the 1st-2nd February, many celebrated Imbolc. The first Gaelic festival of the year, Imbolc marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, and provides reassurance that the cold, dark days of January won’t last forever. And while I need to remind myself not to get too ahead of myself – we’ve still got a considerable leg of winter left, after all – there are many ways that we can embrace this moment in time as we pave the way to spring.
Snowdrop spotting
Take a walk and you’ll eventually find yourself noticing glimmering clusters of pearly white snowdrops. They’re in our garden, along the pavements on our road, in quiet corners of parks, even peppering the banks along the motorway as I travel into the city mid-week. Before we know it, the barren landscape of winter will be overrun with tiny white blooms, making way for pretty pastel primroses, white, orange and purple crocuses and sunny yellow narcissus. Spring bouquets beckon!
Sky scanning
On Thursday evening I opened the Instagram app on my phone and was greeted by sunset after sunset. Watercolour washes of vivid pinks, reds, blues and yellows met candyfloss clouds and golden suns, as friends and followees (surely the opposite of followers?) across the country were wooed by the same sky. And while the sunsets are majestic, the days are also brightening. I can finally spot the dog gleefully bounding around the garden after his dinner. And before too long, I’ll be rising at the same time as the sun before it overtakes me the following month. While today we were gifted with around 9 hours and 20 minutes of daylight, reassure yourself with the knowledge that by the end of Feb we’ll enjoy over an hour and a half more.
Get prepared
While I’m still a staunch defender of the joys of winter, one of the most challenging parts of the season for me is the scarcity of flowers and plant life. However, it’s the perfect time of year to take stock, make plans and get your garden/allotment/windowsill – delete as appropriate – prepared for the planting season. This weekend my wonderful family came to help me chip away at my new overgrown allotment plot (remember my description of a perfectly prepared plot in November’s Substack? Well, change of plan…), and I’m full of excitement and anticipation of the months ahead. If you can bring yourself to face the chill and get your growing space in order, you’ll thank yourself later. And who knows, perhaps the brisk air will do you some good too.
Stay slow
Failing that, simply relish in the opportunity to keep cosy. This is the perfect time of year to snuggle under a quilt, while away the hours with a good book, delight in a wholesome, hearty roast dinner or settle in with some hand crafting. We’re still deep in hibernation season, so save your energy for spring and embrace slow while it still feels good.
How will you be spending February? I’d love to hear the ways you’re getting yourself through the last leg of winter!
Lorna x