Here in England, it’s too easy to harp on about our months of wet and dismal weather. But February has not been all wall to wall gloom. Last week, when we had two sunshine days, everyone was out and about, spurred on by fits of exuberance. How we’d missed the sun. It felt a battery recharge.

I made the most of it, too. Not only did I mow the lawns, but I also dug out my compost bin and spread the contents all over the back garden beds: instant refurbishment to rain beaten soil, and no digging required – at least not beyond the confines of the compost bin. No-dig pioneer gardener, Charles Dowding, would surely give me a thumbs up for effort. The blackbirds are certainly pleased with me, although I’m not so pleased with them. They seem to think the garden path is a better spot for my compost.

And so the highlights – the crocus certainly. They’ve stood up magnificently to rain and wind:

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And in sheltered corners the daffodils are just now following on:

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And about the town, the hedgerows are hanging in hazel catkins that catch the light:

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While hedge bottoms glow with bursts of freshly opened celandines, some of our earliest wild flowers:

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Meanwhile the cherry plum tree over the garden hedge, is treating to us to a sherbet pink confection of early blossom:

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And then one afternoon last week at sunset…

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…a blackbird perched in the top of our big apple tree and sang a call and answer duet with a compatriot somewhere across the town:

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And I stood transfixed, listening, breathing in the sappy scents on the air, thinking of spring…

With apologies for the visual shudder

 

The Changing Seasons: February 2026  Host Brian has a wonderful February gallery featuring his local wildlife. And as ever at Touring My Backyard, Ju-Lyn has both fine views and she’s been creating more fabulous treats in her kitchen.