Spring sprang sprung

In no time at all, spring exploded in Scotland. From a fairly grey first four months of the year, bar a few mentionable spells of sun and outdoor activities, May arrived with panache and pride in one big bang. The stately stone walled buildings are now contrasted with violent green, pink cherry blossom trees boom from parks and street corners, and soft grass lawns laying dormant for months have grown unmanageable and ruffledly untidy in just a few days. My lovely vegetable garden has gone from puny seedlings to tough turnip leaves and stretchy sugar snap peas - although the sweetcorn are still struggling. They're so dazzling and delightful that snails have taken a fancy to them: so a cleverly constructed beer trap has been mantled near the most tempting green growth. Hopefully I'll get to enjoy my own carrots this way, but who knows what is luring under the surface?

The heritage city of Edinburgh is particularly well suited to a striking touch of spring. I don't tire of walking through the streets, smelling the roses or other available flowers, and wandering between flowerbeds and lustrous green spaces sprinkled between the mansions of the New Town. I've also discovered that the secret to all this wonderfulness most likely is the refreshing rain pouring down at night, all but vapourising by the time the sun wakes up. To get a taste of the downpour, you have to choose your moments, so last night we went for a midnight walk - and secretly plucked some branches of delightful and delicate white flowers and green leaves now adorning the study. Such seasonal pleasures - spring isn't too bad after all. A strong 3rd favourite season if you ask me!