NEARLY THERE..

In many ways, the vernal equinox, which we had a couple of days ago, marks my favourite time of the year, for Spring has now officially arrived and the long, cold, drawn out winter we have had, is finally behind us.   This week has been beautiful, days full of sunshine and temperatures above the seasonal norm and Barney and I have made the most of our afternoon walkies.  

Yesterday, we paid a visit to one of the orchards, like the one pictured, and all we could hear was the birdsong and the almost comforting drone of a distant tractor mowing the rows between the fruit trees.   Those fruit varieties that are worth persevering with - eating apples mainly - are nearly there with the budburst, when the orchards become a blaze of Spring blossom.   For others, especially the nearby Bramley, cherry and pear orchards which are either being ploughed up or just being neglected, they will come into blossom too but as they haven`t been pruned at all, then even if the trees survive, the yield will be reduced in both quantity and quality.

But it is a wonderful feeling to wander the Kentish orchards with a faithful companion, to see nature doing its seasonal thing and to feel the warmth of the sun once more.  Spring is here and Barney is waiting for this afternoon`s adventure, so if you`ll forgive me, I had better get on with it.