7 Ways to Celebrate the Coming of Spring
There's been a definite spring-like smell in the air these past few days. The evenings are stretching a bit longer, the hens are laying more, wild birds are chorusing, bulbs are pushing stems gleefully up through the earth. It's a time to celebrate spring - renewal and rebirth, so we thought we'd give you 7 simple ways to herald in the new season. So sit back, pour yourself a cup of tea, open a window and drink in the beautiful spring.
1.Declutter
Allow the fresh air and light to circulate around your home by getting rid of things you don't need or use. Do the 15-in-15 challenge: walk around the house for 15 minutes with a bin bag and collect 15 items that you no longer need in your life.
2.Plan a holiday
For the sun-starved planning a holiday can bring a sense of anticipation of summer that is restorative in itself. Spend some time browsing the internet or guide books and find something that works with your budget and timeframe. Even a two-night city break can be rejuvenating, or perhaps a week spent under the stars in a gypsy caravan. Whether you return to the same place each year, or like to try something new, planning a holiday now means you get more choice and availability, and you may still bag a bargain.
3.Plant some wildflower seeds
Wildflowers are essential in the lifecycle of bees and other pollinating insects, yet they are disappearing from our wild spaces. Throw a packet of seeds over a tricky corner of your garden and watch it turn into a stunning mini-meadow in a matter of weeks. Wildflowers like rough, poor soil so they are perfect for those places where nothing seems to grow.
4.Get new bedlinen
Nothing makes a bedroom feel fresher than some brand spanking new bedlinen. Choose clean whites or muted rose to reflect the glorious morning light and brighten up your space in an instant. Pure linen sheets and duvet covers are eco-friendly and will regulate your body temperature and keep you comfortable all year round.
5.Take a blossom bath
Gather some pretty petals and scatter them into your bath for some natural luxury bathing. The scent will gently diffuse into the water, reminding you of balmy summer days.
6.Eat outside
Make some pastries (cinnamon buns are our faves) or cake and eat them outside. Bring blankets or light a fire if it's still chilly.
7.Celebrate the Equinox
March 20th marks the day when the day and night are equal length. Invite friends and family over for an informal seasonal feast. These vegetables are in season and at their best this month: asparagus, rhubarb, cauliflower, new potatoes, purple sprouting broccoli, watercress and spring greens. This chart is really handy for finding out what is in season, helping you to eat local and slow food.
For more ideas on picnics and how to choose bedlinen go here and here.
