After a long winter of bare trees and grey hedgerows, the greening of our landscape each spring is immeasurably important. To me, it feels both inevitable and incredible. Still tired from the winter, I stand bewildered and amazed, but most of all brimming with gratitude, gazing at the young trees as they come into leaf.
Path Mown along the Eastern Hedgerow
At Sun Rising this year, it is the hawthorn and bird cherry, then the silver birch and wild rose, that have come into leaf first, bringing a breath-taking vibrancy to the woodland areas. The olive green of the wayfaring tree and red tinges of the guelder rose bring additional colours. The leaf buds of the hazel, wild service and field maple are just starting to unfurl.
And beneath the trees, and through the meadows, the grass is now growing. The first paths are now in place that will be mown through the coming months. Dandelions are scattered along the pathways, bringing a rich greeny-yellow beside the sunshine of the cowslips. And of the many different types of grass, the first is coming into flower: the meadow foxtails, so aptly named.
Though the winds can still be cold, and we do still desperately need more rain, spring is now very much with us. You can almost believe again in warm soft summer days …
