Early spring at the Reverie
Bijgewerkt op: 26 mrt
Even though the air still feels cold and nature looks quiet and asleep, work in the Reverie garden usually begins long before spring fully arrives. As early as February, when most plants are still dormant, the structure of the garden becomes clearly visible. With the leaves gone and the borders still open, it is easy to see where attention will be needed in the coming months.
Late winter is the right moment for planting trees and shrubs that are still at rest. Bare-root plants go into the ground, taking advantage of the cool, moist soil before the growing season begins. It is also the time for clearing and tidying. But carefully done so that insects hiding under leaves or in hollow stems are not disturbed. Gradually the first pruning work follows, preparing shrubs and perennials for the season ahead.
Then, slowly, the garden begins to wake.
As the sun appears more regularly, the first insects return. Standing beneath the tall poplars in the garden, their branches heavy with catkins, the sound becomes unmistakable. A soft but persistent humming fills the air as insects search for one of the first available food sources of the year.
Closer to the ground, the activity becomes even more noticeable. Ground bees, bumblebees and the occasional early butterfly move between the first flowers of the season. Anemones open their delicate petals, wood violets appear along the edges of paths, and clusters of daffodils, hyacinths and muscari bring colour to the still awakening borders.
Elsewhere in the garden, the almond tree bursts into blossom, while Prunus autumnalis continues its quiet winter flowering. Forsythia branches glow bright yellow against the bright blue spring sky, and the first tulips begin to open, with many more still waiting within the protection of their leaves.
After weeks of working outside through wind and rain, the first real warmth of the spring sun feels like a big reward. Small flowers will put everything to a halt, and the garden gives back so much joy.
Early spring in the Reverie is best experienced close to the ground, with a camera ready and eyes open for the small signs that the new garden season has begun.
