After such a mild and wet February it's a relief to have some sunshine, and these last few days have been gorgeous. Today, our garden was graced with a Brimstone butterfly. These lovely sulphur yellow insects are such iconic heralds of spring. Indeed, the garden is full of signs of new life as everything responds to the increased temperatures and strengthening sunshine. Crocuses, lesser celandine, dog violet and primroses are already in bloom, and many plants are sending up masses of fresh growth. Towards the end of the garden carpets of wood avens and garlic mustard seedlings can be found. It's so nice to see our plants spreading and colonising new areas like this. The frogs and the first newt of the year arrived back in the pond on the 23rd of February, and for the next seven days the surface was a swirl of activity as the frog's enjoyed their lustful antics.