"Embracing Spring at Blair Cottage: A Garden's Transformation"

As the seasons gently shift, I find myself falling in love for the first time with the beauty of Spring at Blair Cottage. This is my first Spring here, and my goodness it was such a glorious occasion.

For those who know me, you know that Autumn has always held a special place in my heart, with its darker nights, crisp air, and the enchanting allure of the spooky season.

Yet, this Spring has unveiled a delightful bouquet of colours and life in my garden, transforming it into a quintessentially British country garden that fills my days with joy.

Each morning, as I step outside with a warm cup of coffee in hand, I am greeted by the splendid spectacle of new blooms bursting forth overnight. It’s a true celebration of nature, with delicate flowers sprouting where I least expected them, each one a reminder of the whimsical surprises that gardening brings.

Self-seeded blooms, along with those I lovingly planted last year, thrive in a charming chaos of colour, a breathtaking tapestry of nature's artistry.

Last autumn, as I prepared my garden for the upcoming Spring season, I cleared a patch overtaken by 'Solidago gigantea,' known affectionately as Giant Golden Rod.

Giant Golden rod is a woody-based perennial, with vibrant yellow blooms, is a favourite among pollinators and provides a lovely shelter for our feathered friends, especially their young.

In my garden, this golden delight flourishes abundantly, and I found no guilt in removing a few roots to make way for the daffodil bulbs I'd dreamed of planting—a decision that has blossomed beautifully this Spring.

The decision to remove the Giant Golden Rod, was a necessary choice. Though pulling out such a robust and vibrant plant felt a touch heartbreaking, I reassured myself with the thought that its presence would still linger in various other corners of Blair Cottage, a testament to its resilience.

The process of removal was surprisingly gentle. With a simple snip of my trusty shears, I cut the stems low, and with a small handheld trowel, I coaxed the roots from the earth. Each tug brought with it a renewed sense of space and possibility.

This clearing was not merely a chore; it was a step toward cultivating a haven of beauty. With every inch of soil now open and awaiting the touch of new life, I envisioned my beloved Daffodils nestled in their new home. Their cheerful yellow blooms would soon dance in the gentle spring breeze, adding a dash of joy to my quintessentially British country garden.

In this delightful border of my garden every flower whispers a tale of nature’s elegance, and I find myself eagerly awaiting the exquisite transformation that spring promises to my charming cottage garden. Bringing with it Bluebells, Snowdrops, Daffodils and even a charming pink Hyacinth.

My journey for my Spring time preparation began at the charming haven known as 'Baytrees', a delightful garden centre tucked away just a short 15-minute drive from my home in the Spalding area.

This quaint garden centre has become my sanctuary, drawing me in most weekends to embrace the beauty of nature. Here, I find myself captivated by their splendid display of bedding plants, vibrant spring bulbs, and any floral treasure that catches my eye throughout the seasons.

Admittedly, I prefer not to dwell on the amounts I spend at 'Baytrees', but the nursery enchants me with its elegant selection and the reasonable prices that accompany such quality.

For my family, 'Baytrees' holds a special place in our hearts, as we've been visiting since my childhood—especially during the autumn months or at Christmas, when the air is filled with holiday cheer and sweet visits from Santa amidst the twinkling decorations.

Reflecting back to my days in Corby, Northamptonshire, those family outings were joyful rituals. Now residing in quaint Crowland, Lincolnshire, I'm fortunate to be so close to this floral paradise, making it a regular destination for my gardening escapades.

I cherish the memories of those lovely days spent at 'Baytrees' with my mum, my brother, and my dear grandparents. We would arrive, park the car, and savor a warm flask of tomato soup paired with sausage rolls, while treating our dogs to a refreshing drink.

Depending on the year, our companions varied from Holly and Heidi, our spirited white Highland terriers, to Kia, a gentle miniature German schnauzer whom my grandparents used to look after and dog sit, whilst her owners were on holiday, or my beloved Hamish Blair, our current joy—a beautiful white English Bull Terrier.

As children, the play area was a magical escape filled with laughter. I fondly remember the old red fire engine that invited me to climb aboard, although I often bumped my head in the process! The dragon-shaped slide provided endless thrills, and picnic tables nestled in the play area served as our gathering spot for family snacks amidst nature's beauty.

After wandering through the vibrant displays of the nursery, we would cap off our visit with a stroll to the nearby Springfields shopping outlet. These are all cherished memories—woven into the fabric of my upbringing—that I love to reflect upon.

Yet, as the years pass and change sweeps through our lives, my brother has drifted away from these family outings. It aches my heart to witness time transform our cherished traditions, but I remain a creature of comfort, always returning to the intoxicating warmth of days gone by. They are undoubtedly the roots of my current gardening passion.

Fast forward to now, as I stepped into Baytrees last autumn, I found it to be a delightful pick-and-mix experience.

Surrounded by the vibrant hues of nature, I lovingly selected an array of springtime bulbs, envisioning how they will transform my garden into a quintessentially British country sanctuary of floral beauty.

Each flower stands as a beautiful tribute to those warm memories, thrilling me with the promise of spring and the ever-changing cycle of life in my cherished cottage garden.

While I can't recall the precise cost of my lovely Daffodil bulbs—though I know they were affordable—I distinctly remember the joy of choosing two different varieties.

Contrary to popular belief, Daffodils are not merely a single shape, height, or hue. In fact, they boast a stunning diversity of stem heights, flower heads, and vibrant colours!

My beautiful Daffodils this Spring 2025

This charming little plant not only embodies the essence of spring but also adds a touch of timeless beauty to my garden. There’s something quintessentially British about watching these golden blooms unfurl, their cheerful faces dancing in the gentle breeze.

My beautiful Daffodils this Spring 2025

As they grace my cottage oasis, I am reminded of the simple joys found in nature, where every blossom contributes to an enchanting tapestry of colour and fragrance.

Throughout the autumn and winter months, last year, these little gems hibernated, wrapped in the warmth of the soil and dreaming of the spring to come.

With the arrival of the New Year, the promise of spring began to whisper through the crisp air. The photos I captured during this time tell a tale of anticipation and transformation, showcasing the beautiful awakening of my garden.

The sheer delight of planting these bulbs for the first time filled me with such pride. Each time I caught sight of new green shoots breaking through the soil, my heart swelled with joy. With each passing week, their progression was unmistakable, as slender stems pushed through the earth, morphing into the elegant shape of the beloved Daffodil.

Then, just as I had hoped, my garden erupted into a symphony of yellow and white blooms, each flower boasting a golden center that radiated warmth and cheer. It felt as if little sunlit eggs had come to life, dancing gracefully in the gentle spring breeze.

At last, spring had officially graced my cottage garden, enveloping it in a quintessentially British charm. The sight of these floral treasures, adorned naturally by their surroundings, was a reminder of the beauty that flourishes when nature is given the chance to thrive. Such moments are what make a home, a garden, and indeed, life itself, truly splendid.

When I think of gardening, I often chuckle at the glamorous depictions seen in films. Housewives in flowing dresses and wide-brimmed hats while sipping lemonade, I’m more often clad in practical clothing, dungarees and sturdy boots, embracing the earthy mess that comes with nurturing life from the soil.

Gardening, in all its raw beauty, is not without its trials—muddy boots, scrapes, and the murmurs of determination accompany every task.

Even with a trusty pair of gardening gloves on, my hands often seem to tell a different story. Despite my best efforts to stay protected, I frequently find myself with hands that look, well, a bit worse for wear.

The repetitive motion of pulling out the Giant Golden Rod left me with a few blisters as a reminder of my hard work.

But honestly, there's something wonderfully satisfying about getting your hands dirty in the soil and nurturing your little patch of nature. It’s all part of the charm that comes with cultivating a cottage garden. So, while my hands may bear the marks of my labor, they also carry the stories of growth and renewal.

The rockery, a charming nook of my garden, often steals focus during my gardening endeavours. My fear of those stubborn bramble roots haunting my efforts leads me to give it a careful once-over each time I venture out.

Yet, this Spring, my labour has paid off; the daffodils have burst into vibrant life, their yellow hues a joyous tribute to the season and the brambles in the rockery have behaved themselves.

As I wander through my garden, I’m delighted by an enchanting sea of bluebells that sway gently in the breeze, their delicate charm captivating the robin who follows my every move.

It’s a place alive with the promise of new growth, where the Hollyhock and Delphiniums flourish in their own quiet pursuit of perfection. While the flower buds may not yet have awakened, the lush leaves of these favourites bring smiles and anticipation each day.

And then there are the peonies—my heart’s delight. These exquisite blush pink blooms, reminiscent of my father’s fondness for their elegance, fill the air with sweet, fragrant whispers after rain. Walking by them on a sunny afternoon is nothing short of poetic.

As the world wakes around me, I cherish every moment spent in my cottage garden. Watching the Snowdrops and Daffodils in their resplendent display is a soothing balm to the melancholy of Autumn's departure. With the warmth of Spring, I can hang my bathroom towels outside, letting the sunshine work its magic—a lovely change from the cozy clutter of drying clothes by the log burner.

This Spring, as the flowers unfold and life returns to my garden, I revel in the peaceful beauty that comes with each new day. The harmony of a cottage garden, adorned with Daffodils, Snowdrops, and Bluebells, paints a picture of tranquillity that makes my heart sing with happiness.