We came back in the middle of March. Coronavirus had been around in China, probably since December, and had been a major problem in Italy for several weeks. By Friday 13th, Spain had locked down and Belgium closed its restaurants and cafes. We were worried about our flights, with an overnight stay in Rotterdam, and indeed airports and the hotel were eerily quiet, but we had not expected things to move so fast. Less than 24 hours after we landed in Bergerac, France locked down.

To say we are stranded would imply a complaint. We are rather compelled to remain in a socially isolated house, with ample outdoor space to exercise, plenty of weeds to dig out and grass to cut. For so many years I have seen the seasonal evolution of the garden as snapshots separated in time as we come and go. This year circumstances have given me a opportunity to document the evolving spring in continuity.

Now, in late March, there is little growth in the Prairie or the Gravel Garden, apart from the weeds! The daffodils are largely over, but there are still a few clumps of wild primrose in flower.

The beds by the gate, however are at their spring best

The Lenten roses are not yet over, the Robinia a pleasing spring red, and the dark blue iris, always the earliest, are in full flower. They are welcome colour at this season, although they need regular thinning as they grow and spread prolifically, threatening to strangle their cultivated cousins.

Across the drive, the Mahonia , which Dominique gave me last year, and I planted without much hope, in a dry summer, has survived

The apricot Chaenomeles is also covered in blossom along with a shrub which I think must be related to “bridal spray” although its name escapes me

Also surviving, despite the drought of last summer, in the bed below Walnut Terrace,

Anisodatea elegans princess. This is the third site in the garden that I have tried for this particular plant which, although sad in summer, is worth having for the spring blossom. It has been here 3 years now, so 3rd time lucky, I hope.

Although turning cold now, it is an early spring. The tree peony in the Mediterranean Garden is also in full flower

I remember it was flowering when Liz was painting the trompe l’oeil in 2014, and that was in mid to late April. It was a mild winter, happily wet after the long drought last summer, and indeed bees and even butterflies are out, fortunately the rosemary by the kitchen door is covered in flower, since there is not, as yet, much sustenance for them elsewhere.

The trees across the valley are greening up quickly now, all was brown when we arrived 2 weeks ago. Snow in Limoges yesterday, but the warm weather cannot now be far off. Time to return to those weeds!