Whispering Earth

I woke up last week to a bright, sunny day and felt a surge of energy in me, almost as if it were already Spring.

So I headed out after breakfast to admire the many wonders of the world around me. In the shade, frost still hung to the leaves and young plants but elsewhere all was aglow with a freshness and vitality that seemed to sing from the rising sap of those first heralds of warmer days.

All about me were the signs that Spring is not so far away.

Spring bulbs in the garden.

Young nettles.

Perfect new Yarrow leaves.

Beautiful baby cleavers.

Fresh and vital Herb Robert.

First teeny Speedwell flower.

Even the autumn leaves, resplendent in death, were aglow in the wintery sun.

My favourite Elder tree, who is one of the most powerful plant spirits I have ever encountered, is just coming into bud and atop the escarpment the gorse was in flower. You know what they say… ‘when gorse is in flower, kissing is in season.’

Elder buds.

Give us a kiss then!

There were others out enjoying the day too and catching a few rays.

Sheep sunbathing.

'Wild' Exmoor ponies.

And when I got home I added a handful of fresh, young cleavers to my seaweed salad and felt the energy of a new year running through me. Cleavers are so delicious and green when they are young and tender so enjoy them over the next couple of months before they get tough and stringy later in the year.

Cleavers, dulse and rocket salad with a tahini and lemon juice dressing.

It was such a joyful day and enough to keep my spirits up for the last of winter and the cold spell they say is coming.

Even in the darkest months there is still so much to be thankful for.