BOB's BLOG - Friday 21 March 2025
- Rob Kelly
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
Seriously interesting musings on all things brunch & beyond.
How well do you know your London Spring Blooms?
Spring has officially arrived in London, with the recent warm weather on Thursday giving us a delightful preview of the season ahead. Don't know about you but I was absolutely buzzing in the warm weather seeing London come back to life - complete with people sitting freezing on blankets at sunset - haha!
I thought this week as we celebrate the spring equinox and witness the first flowers emerging from their winter slumber, we should explore which blooms you'll spot first in London gardens, parks, and wild spaces.
The First Harbingers of Spring in London
London's earliest spring flowers typically appear in this order:
Snowdrops (Galanthus) are often the very first, sometimes emerging as early as January. These delicate white droplets push through even frozen ground, earning their nickname "February's fair maids."
Winter aconites follow closely with their cheerful yellow buttercup-like flowers creating bright carpets beneath deciduous trees.
Crocuses burst forth next, painting London parks with purples, yellows, and whites. The purple and gold varieties are particularly striking against green lawns.
Daffodils herald the definitive arrival of spring across London, from the magnificent displays in St. James's Park to neighborhood gardens and roadside verges.
Hellebores or "Lenten roses" provide elegant, nodding flowers in whites, pinks, and purples from late winter through early spring.
Spring Equinox: When Day Equals Night
This year's spring equinox on March 20th marked the astronomical beginning of spring, when day and night are of approximately equal length. This celestial event has been celebrated for millennia as a time of renewal and rebirth. In London, the equinox means we're gaining approximately 4 minutes of daylight every day - a welcome change after the long winter darkness!
Dog-Safe Spring Blooms for London Gardens
For those of us with dogs it's important to know which spring flowers are safe for your canine companions. While daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths can be toxic to dogs, pet friendly options include Camelia, Magnolias, Pansies and Snapdragons.
If you're creating a spring garden and have curious pets, these varieties provide vibrant color without risk.
Will Spring Be Warm this year?
After Thursday's delightful warmth, I bet you're wondering if we can expect a warm spring ahead. Current forecasts suggest a slightly warmer-than-average spring for London this year, though the typical British spring weather means we should still expect some cooler days and April showers.
Spring Celebrations Around the World
While Londoners are enjoying the first blooms and brighter days, spring is celebrated in diverse ways globally:
Holi in India brings vibrant colors and joyous celebrations
Hanami in Japan centers around cherry blossom viewing parties
Nowruz (Persian New Year) marks the equinox with feasts and family gatherings
Easter traditions combine Christian observances with symbols of spring renewal
May Day celebrations in the UK feature traditional Morris dancing and maypoles
Here in the big city we're lucky to embraces these diverse traditions with spring festivals happening throughout the city.
As we welcome spring in here at T&T, we're taking time to appreciate the small wonders unfolding around us - from the first crocus in a garden square to the sunrise now arriving earlier each day. Spring's return reminds us that after every winter, renewal comes again, bringing with it color, warmth, and new possibilities.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Rob & the Tried & True Team
Last weekend to grab yourself a FULL IRISH!
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