A seasonal diary of nature spots and little moments

“In March winter is holding back and spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too.”

— Jean Hersey

Hello March

The month I unfurled my kindled wings into a fully fledged pyromaniac. I can't stop myself from striking the little wooden fuel topped sticks against an abrasive surface and watching as the flames dance. It's become an evening mission of mine to get a 'good' fire going and I've been burning wood like I live outside. I bought an old fire on the FB marketplace and have created a lovely grass free stone area in the garden in which to sit and BURN.

A month usually of unpredictable weather, 2025 seems to have graced us with the luxury of an extremely mild March. I worry we'll pay for this good fortune later in the year but let us not dwell on the future for this is a place to soak up right now.

Do you know a local ancient woodland? We have surprisingly few public woods here in East Yorkshire but the one we do have is OLD, growing over an ancient man made Dyke. The woods are abundant with wild garlic, primrose, violets and soon bluebells. It really is a wonderland for the woodland enthusiast - aka me, I love a wood! I feel at home in a wood and crave it like most people seem to crave the seashore. I don't visit it anywhere near as often as I should. It being a 25 minute drive away and me being the busy tantrum smoothing, clothes washing, watercolour crazy mum that I am. But this month time was made, The boys and I headed out for a magical wander around. Toby made it most of the way round on those chubby sausage like scrumptious toddler legs and Ted was a dream, helping, being polite, not complaining. Why some days do the stars align to make a day magical and other days the stars aline to ensure everyone is having their grumpiest demon day all at once. My period usually marks a tough parenting week, you'd swear they had the same hormonal fluctuations too but on reflection maybe my mood directly impacts theirs. Poor things. Anyway - digressed - Daynes Dyke photos coming up...

IN THE GARDEN
Me and the boys have planted squashes in our pathetic about to fall down tiny Aldi greenhouse and onions in the veg plot. The garlic is sprouting, so are the little carrots I've sewn under a cloche. Whooopdie doo!

BIRDS
Oh my goodness SO MANY BIRDS. March has been a bird month and I am not talking about the living kind. These ones are perfectly flat and painted with watercolour and salt in my little studio. It's been so hectic but finally as the month finishes I've actually completed them all. Just now for hours of paintstaking photoshop fiddling to get a poster and tea towel done.

There was a passing Black Redstart in the garden, there for just a few short hours, never to be seen again.

BERYL

Mothers day arrived with the best pressie a girl could wish for! The most beautiful van you ever did see. I’m not sure what she’s for yet but for now she’ll just be a big painting studio on wheels.

March In Watercolour

Stories from the studio, a little glimpse into my watercolour creations from this month…

What has March been like for you? Have you seen anything out in nature that’s made you smile or just peeked your interest? I would love to know, tell me in the comments below...