Eco Notes May 2026
The joys of spring
With longer daylight hours, coupled with drier and warmer weather (though it can still be cold and frosty at night), suddenly the tree buds are bursting forth into leaf and, for some, blossom, particularly blackthorn; roadsides are bedecked with their delicate white flowers. Bright green foliage on hawthorn and birch trees gladdens the heart, while the oak is still (at the time of writing) holding back from full leaf. Wild flowers are also beginning to bloom and grass is starting to grow, a huge relief for farmers. Even a walk to your nearest shop in a town or village should reward one with delightful sights. However, we should not stop at solely admiring flowers and trees, much as nature is a balm to the soul. Now is the time to get out into your gardens and sow some vegetable seeds, or take a short-cut and buy vegetable seedlings in Tirlan. With the crisis between America, Israel and the Middle East still unresolved, fruit and vegetables could become very expensive or even short in supply, as the fuel which is so critical to wholesale growers (either directly or indirectly, such as in artificial fertilisers) continues to increase in price. If the majority of us grew even a small amount, it would have an impact on supply. Home grown fruit and vegetables are infinitely tastier and cheaper than shop bought groceries. It provides such joy to see little seedlings peep up in the soil and then grow and develop until they are edible. Get out and have a go! You will be amply rewarded.