It has been a cold start to spring this year, with even snow falling at the beginning of April, but over the past few weeks as the days have grown longer and warmer and the sun rises higher each day in the sky, spring has sprung.

Though many keen gardeners may think of dandelions as a nuisance, they are edible and have many medicinal properties.

Here at Thyme, there is a flurry of action. The number of red kites seem to have doubled and a blackbird has made a nest in one of our potted Christmas trees, robustly exclaiming if anyone walks too near.

A bright yellow fluttery flash in the gardens yesterday was such a happy sight, a solitary male brimstone butterfly boldly heralding the first day of astronomical springtime.

utside, it’s still the colour of winter - grey and brown (apart from the blooming daffodils) - but inside, the soil is a healthier, richer colour, striped with row after neat row of leaves in a myriad of green.

Water is drawn from the earth by simple osmosis; it literally runs up through their veins. This rising sap can be collected and gives us for instance, maple syrup, while at Thyme, we draw birch sap. Very slightly sweet, it can only be collected on a few early spring days.

The humble stinging nettle has a rich history. It has long been believed that originally stinging nettles were brought to the UK by the Romans for use as a natural remedy to fight ailments caused by the cold.

Gardening tips for undergoing preparations for the year ahead.

The Magic Root
Indigenous to South America, this hardy root vegetable is used to aid good digestion and a healthy gut.

Gardening tips for undergoing preparations for the year ahead

Molly, from the gardening team, shares the highs and lows of December in the gardens

Our gardening team share their top tips for a happy and healthy garden this Autumn

Apples have long been adorning our festive decorations, what was the significance of this fruit?

September is a time of change in the meadows as the floriferous canvas evolves into a habitat for barn owls and other birds, as well as autumnal wildflower species.

The Wonderment of Wildflowers

In one square meter of wild flower meadow the diversity of plants which in turn support the wildlife is astonishing, meadowlands being arguably Britain’s most biodiverse habitat.