A day of firsts today. First dragonfly on the wing and, joy of joys, swallows swooping, it’s all happening. And what do you think to this little alien amongst the Erigeron? #mygarden #prayingmantis #GardeningTwitter #swfrance #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

The first of what I hope will be many, have lost count of the number I’ve planted in the woods over the years. Cuckoo and hoopoe have arrived and to my eternal joy, heard the nightingale this morning. Happy days. #GardeningTwitter #mygarden #narcissus #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

I think I might be buried somewhere in the middle of one of those inviting heaps! What illustrious company to be amongst. #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg #cumbria Lakeland Book Awards

So many years for these cowslips to spread, I’ve given a gentle hand to help the natural process and now have several super patches around the garden. Oh, they make my heart sing. Enjoy frog soundtrack! #mygarden #GardeningTwitter #cowslips #wildflowers #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

This deliciously dark pulmonaria, transplanted from the edge of the drive some years ago, is spreading well, lighting up a dry old corner of the woods. #GardeningTwitter #pulmonaria #mygarden #swfrance #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg #wildflowers #woodlandplants #springflowers

At least the girls are enjoying this infernal weather! #labrador #dogwalking #williteverstopraining

Undeterred by the foul weather of February, new treasures are emerging almost every day and I am starting to really feel the force of spring, I can’t wait. #primrose #woodland #springflowers #mygarden #GardeningTwitter #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

One blue skied day in a week of wet and wind gave me a window to enjoy daffodils which are multiplying nicely all over the shop. Happy days. #mygarden #GardeningTwitter #sundial #blueskies #amwriting #swfrance #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

I’m not sure that I believe it, but we are forecast sunshine today and boy, do we need it. This beauty is one of the few things that aren’t flat to the ground after all the wind and rain. #widowsiris #mygarden #swfrance #GardeningTwitter #springflowers #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

I braved the elements to gather the last of the snowdrops and first of the little wild Scilla, soon scuttled back to the fire though, poor old garden is really squelching. So wet! #snowdrops #scilla #filthyfebruary #GardeningTwitter #swfrance #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

New life everywhere I turn, and not just in the garden, the safe arrival of a little grandson making my heart soar in a way that few other things can. #happydays #springisintheair #mygarden #GardeningTwitter #swfrance #Hyacinth #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

A couple of balmy days this week, lots of long overdue cutting back and tidying revealed little treasures pushing through all over. Really starting to get exciting now! #mygarden #GardeningTwitter #wildlifepond #lilypond #swfrance #blueskies #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

Five years ago this was a jungle of impenetrable brambles, now a little haven for wildlife. And Coco and I too of course! #fernery #wildlifepond #gardenpond #woodlandgarden #mygarden #swfrance #birdsong #GardeningTwitter #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

Woodpeckers are hammering, frogs are croaking and things are stirring in the fernery at long last. Dare I whisper ‘spring’? #hellebore #hellebore love #fernery #mygarden #GardeningTwitter #GardeningX #swfrance #woodland #woodland plants #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

I showed this little chap the way back to the water after disturbing him whilst dividing water lilies. I’m not sure why I find newts so endearing, but I do! #gardenpond #wildlifepond #newt #commonnewt #swfrance #Gardening #Gardening Twitter #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

Beautiful sunrise yesterday, lighting up emerging catkins, not a bad start to the day. #sunrise #catkins #hazel #dogwalking #swfrance #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg

Two humungous days clearing the top ponds and dividing treasures. Joy to see long strands of toad spawn, so much life stirring, I feel my own sap starting to rise after a long, hard winter. #wildlifepond #gardenpond #mygarden #swfrance #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg #GardeningTwitter

Hips on the dog roses providing welcome colour on these misty days, even as the wild honeysuckle starts to gear up. And a bramble or two that I shall deal with next time I pass with clippers in hand… #mygarden #GardeningTwitter #dogrose #wildlifepond #TheLostGardenOfLoughrigg