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“Willows whiten, aspens quiver,
Little breezes dusk and shiver”
from The Lady of Shalott Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

A few days ago was special, March 1st was meteorological spring. This may be confusing because there are so many starts to spring until we get to the equinox and then, before we know it, we’ve hit the solstice.

‘’And after summer evermore succeeds Barren winter with his wrathful nipping cold ……” William Shakespeare.

For a few weeks, around Christmas and the New Year, we really did have a very nippy spell.

The lakes were frozen over. Then followed the rain which seems to have been never ending, with saturated ground and mud splashed early bulbs appearing.

“and all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying….”. John Masefield.
But not so windy that the parks have to close…

After months of hot dry weather, it came as a surprise that, at the end of August Bank Holiday, bursts of wind and rain rolled in and have kept it up ever since.

Plants, trees, lawns and beds struggled but now it’s wonderful that clouds of beautiful Autumn flowering planting are there to be enjoyed.

Both parks have looked amazingly beautiful this spring. Tulips, especially, had the Wow! factor. Perhaps it was the incessant teeming rain in the late autumn and early winter (very bad luck for Winter Wonderland) followed by strong sun, meant we had memorable displays.

Blossom round the Albert Memorial, and in the recently planted area in memory of Theresa Short, rivalled Japan’s blossom season. Little ceremonies took place under trees with proud families gathering for photographs, with wonderful costumes and frocks on display. With my useless camera I could only smile and congratulate. Luckily, our “proper” photographers were busy.

I’m so sorry to tell you all that despite vigorous campaigning the decision has now been made to close the dedicated police force in our Royal Parks.

February slides into March. Christina Rossetti said it…
‘But for fattening rain
We should have no flowers.
Never a bud or leaf again
But for soaking showers.’