picture Megan Davies
he traditional start of Spring is at the beginning of February. The Spring Equinox is on March 20th. Those keenest on upholding traditions invariably ignore that. It will still be weeks until Easter 2025 by then.
Signs of Spring come before the Equinox. We can leave cuckoos to Times letter writers. In previous years letters in the Guardian have suggested the first lawnmower of Spring, while Waitrose has publicised the first, Forest of Dean, asparagus of the year.
More reliable and absolutely seasonal is wild garlic which appears around the end of February. That pictured comes from Roath Park in Cardiff. Peak season won’t be for another month or so, but early signs suggest a decent wild garlic crop.
Wild garlic leaves have a strong smell (of garlic) but are mild in taste
If you are marking Spring by gathering some wild garlic, forage responsibly.
Perfect in omelettes and scrambled eggs, washed down with a good ale for lunch. The leaves and its tiny white flowers (more milder then the leaves) are also good in salads.
Taid, my grandfather from Llyn always considered St Valentine’s Day to be first day of spring.
Always masses of wild garlic near where I stay when in Llandough, also in the Dingle from Queen Alexandra Gardens leading down to The Pier in Penarth.