There's birdsong and blossom, longer days with more light and, best of all, the promise of warmer, sweeter days ahead. Naturally, the House & Garden team are fizzing with anticipation for the new spring season. Read on to discover what our editors are most looking forward to.
Hatta Byng, Editor
I always look forward to the first leaves on the trees and enough heat in the day to sit outside, even if it's just a cup of coffee or lunch in several layers.
Virginia Clark, Digital Director
I always look forward to flower spotting in London's parks, particularly when tulip season comes around. The Horniman Gardens near where I live in Forest Hill always has a riotous display, as does Mount Street Gardens in Mayfair, and plenty of other London parks of course. The brief moment when lilacs appear is also a major highlight of spring; their scent is so ephemeral and beautiful, and their blossom so joyful. And it's always a landmark moment when you can have that first comfortable experience of sitting outside in the sunshine. There is a very modest but pretty loggia at my parents' house, and to sit out there with a glass of wine in the evening when the air is still warm is my idea of heaven.
Caroline Bullough, Chief Sub-Editor
I have French windows in our kitchen, which open out onto our garden, and it always feels as if spring has arrived when it is warm enough for me to open them up as I am pottering around in the kitchen.
My idea of heaven is preparing a meal in a leisurely fashion with Radio 4 on and the faint sounds of birdsong in the background. A good Saturday afternoon detective drama, punctuated by the odd call of a blackbird, is the perfect accompaniment to assembling a lamb stew.
Counting down the days 'til springtime? Get inspired for the season with our ideas for decorating for spring.
Rémy Mishon, Assistant Decoration Editor
It's the small things I look forward to. The other day on a Sunday afternoon that hinted of spring, for the first time in months I hung up the washing outside. A steaming cup of tea on the back door steps, warm sunlight on my face, a subtle whiff in the air of the changing seasons. Cheap thrills, aye?
Christabel Chubb, News Editor
I'm most looking forward to the London Open Gardens weekend from 10 to 11 June, hosted by the London Gardens Trust! Across the city, private residential gardens are open to the public, including rooftop terraces and allotments. I'm looking forward to having a nosey around!
Tal Dekel-Daks, Senior Audience Development Manager
I can't wait to spend the longer, hopefully warmer, days hopping around more UK vineyards this spring. There are at least 200 wineries across the UK, predominantly growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Bacchus and our fizz undoubtedly can stand up to the best that France can produce.
Antonia Bentel, Acting Digital Features Writer
As a native New Yorker, this will be my first springtime in London. I can't wait to explore more of the city: there are so many museums I have yet to visit, and as soon as it's even remotely warm enough, eating and cheersing under every awning and on every café terrace in my newfound home, East London. Inspired by my colleague, Christabel, I've enrolled in a WSET course at the East London Wine School… (stay tuned if I pass!). I cannot wait to make the most of the spring produce from London's many wonderful farmers' markets, too. I am also highly anticipating exploring more of the UK, planning more and more trips to the countryside, hay fever permitting.
Arabella Bowes, Commerce Writer
Whilst I'm based in London now, one of my favourite ‘spring things’ happens at my family house in the countryside. The cottage sits opposite a small village church set in beautiful gardens and, on Thursday evenings at around 9pm, the local bell-ringers practice their songs. I like to open my windows and let the sound float in to my bedroom on the breeze. In late spring, the music begins just when the nocturnal birds are beginning their hunt. On particularly charmed nights I'll get to watch owls swooping to and from their nest over the garden, set to the sound of the bells.
