I love this time of year as everything starts re-emerging from its winter hibernation, going for a walk in the countryside and spotting the violas, anemones and primroses as they emerge in the woodlands. The bright white dots of Anemone nemorosa carpeting the woodland floor or the purple-lilac highlights of Viola odorata. Or just enjoying spring in the garden, growing my own small woodland or shady area with Anemones either the white of nemorosa or the blues or pastel shades of Anemone blanda and small violas.

Anemones, Violas and Pulmonaria
© Camilla Grayley

Followed by the cheerfulness of Narcissus, in shades of white, through to cream, pale lemon or the really vibrant yellow. Dotted around the garden they are really great to look out on whether being lit up by the sun or just there adding highlights to a grey day. Even better is walking through a local park or visiting gardens with large swathes of daffodils to walk amongst, sparkling in the sunlight or nodding in the wind.

Narcissus, Tulips and Camassia
© Camilla Grayley

Tulips come in so many different shades, there is a colour for everyone. My personal favourites are the deep rich purple-reds of Queen of the Night and Havran and the pristine whites of White Triumphator and Spring Green. Although I can’t help but smile when seeing a colourful explosion of tulips planted on mass.

Blossom
© Camilla Grayley

One of the key signs of spring for me is seeing the blossom start to bloom. Looking out the window or walking down the street admiring the whites and shades of pale pastels to deep rich pinks dotting the trees. Seeing blossom on mass is always a highlight, being lucky enough one year to visit to the blossom festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is something I will never forget – the gardens were amass with visitors and locals alike making the most of a sunny Sunday afternoon, soaking in the radiance of the trees.

Blossom in the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
© Camilla Grayley