Tara's February Letter

February arrives with a particular sense of peace. After the hustle and bustle of the festive months, it is a month of quiet calm, the time to plan for the year ahead.

First signs of spring

On crisp, sunny mornings on the walk to work, the first daffodils and crocuses are peeping up here and there, a sure sign that spring is not far away.

Nature is slowly unfolding in our gardens, and favourites such as snowdrops, violets, primroses and hellebores are reappearing after their long slumber.

February for me is a month of quiet calm as I plan for the year ahead.

Soon the first flowers of spring can be brought in from the garden to brighten the home.

Flowers for Valentine's Day

February 14th is Valentine's Day. Flowers are always welcome, but choose sustainable, British-grown flowers rather than the plastic-wrapped imported kind.

'Flowers from the Farm' is a nationwide network of British cut-flower growers, and you can find a grower near you; the flowers will be beautiful and seasonal. 'Flowers from the Farm' has also staged the RHS Flower School at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. For more information, see rhs.org.uk/flowersfromthefarm.