Searching for glimmers in…February

Even when it’s pouring with rain, this single small pot of dwarf iris has been lifting my spirits every single day of February.

With freezing weather and fierce gales here in Scotland, finding glimmers in February to boost your wellbeing was never going to be easy.

But seek and you WILL find flickers of joy in your day that you can hold onto. The light is returning. I promise you.

If you’re wondering what on earth a glimmer is, you can find out more here and here.

Snowdrops

Surprisingly sturdy, the teeny white pips of snowdrops thrust their way confidently through frozen ground in February.

Just look at them—aren’t they glorious? Tiny, moon-white nodding heads of optimism in the dull dreariness of February.

Snowdrops stealthily multiply underground, so if you plant a handful of bulbs, you’ll gradually get more and more every year. Isn’t that magical?

Iittala cup

How many cups of tea or coffee do you drink every day? Having a gorgeous cup that’s a pleasure to drink from can bring you joy every day.

Glimmers can be everyday objects. In fact, things we see or use often have a particular power to lift our spirits. Take this mug, for example—I use it at least three times every day and each time I get a little buzz of joy.

The shiny glaze is smooth against my lips as I sip. The depth and gleaming richness of the colours is astonishing. And just look at the spectacular artwork.

Do you have a favourite cup?

Aleppo soap

The sense of smell has enormous power when it comes to boosting your mood. Choosing gentle soap with an uplifting scent will cheer you up multiple times every day.

I wonder how many times a day you wash your hands? Choosing a soap with a gorgeous scent will perk you up whenever you use it. This soap is made with 30% bay, so it has a spicy woody scent which is calming and soothing. Turning the smooth block over in my hands feels great too.

Having a soft towel for drying your hands is another everyday luxury. Linen ones are fantastic as they dry much quicker than cotton—ideal in winter when it’s colder in your house.

Robin song

Feeding garden birds and putting out water for them will encourage them into your garden, and then you’ll be rewarded with their beautiful singing.

It’s easy to attract birds into your garden (or balcony/doorstep/ patio) by leaving bird seed out for them. If you don’t have the budget for that, you could try putting a dish of water out for them so they can drink and bathe.

Robin song is particularly delightful with its cascades of liquid notes, trickling through the air like a sparkling waterfall.

Plant your own joy in February

They may still be tiny, but in a few weeks, these tiny seedlings will be adding a peppery punch to my lunch. Do you fancy growing some salad leaves this spring?

February can be icily cold, blustery with storms, and plain old grey. But you can banish the gloom by sowing the first seeds of the year.

These tiny seedlings are mustardy salad leaves, which I sowed in fairly big pots so they can continue to grow happily without needing to be repotted. I’m all for gardening shortcuts.

You can keep picking the leaves throughout spring and summer. If you take just a few leaves at a time, you can cut and come again. So much deliciousness for such little effort.

Would it be helpful to chat through your garden ideas with me—pick my brains for planting inspiration?

How about booking a garden consultation?