What a glorious Spring it has turned out to be! unheard of really, such long spells of sunshine and hardly a drop of rain. The kind of weather that lifts everyone’s spirits, humans and animals alike. I hope you’ve been able to get out into the garden and get stuck in, it has been a brilliant start to the year in every way.
Now that we are well into April, it’s time to a get a proper wiggle on. This is the month when everything ramps up- sowing seeds, prepping beds, and laying the groundwork for a productive season ahead. Almost anything can be sown now: veg seeds, flower seeds, you name it. Under glass things are already coming on nicely, but with the soil warming up (despite those cold nights) it’s time to start direct sowing too, especially in milder spells.
All the animals here at Clare’s farm are thriving and clearly enjoying the good weather. And I’m pleased to share that we’ve had some new arrivals: eleven elderly Herdwick ewes, rescued just in time from slaughter. They have settled in beautifully and are adorable, full of character, and a great addition to the farm.
All the ponies are doing well, so are the donkeys and dear old Mooney. Everyone’s nibbling at the first tender shoots of grass just starting to come through, although they are still relying mostly on hay. Hopefully, with a little rain – and there is some forecast – the fields will green up properly soon.
The garden is waking up too. Tulips are flowering, daffodils have been lighting up the place for weeks and first leaves on trees and shrubs are unfurling. The birds are busy nesting, and the turkeys have laid their first eggs – always a real Spring milestone.
All in all, everything is buzzing with energy and promise. It’s such a hopeful, heartening time of year. I really hope you’re all managing to get outside and soak it all in.
Wishing you a joyful April from all of us here – two legged, four-legged, and feathered – at Clare’s farm.