So long, January blues

I don’t know about you, but getting through January was all about staying positive and being happy about the little things in life.

January really did feel like it lasted for about eight weeks - Christmas and New Year seem like ages ago; as do all those resolutions that, in hindsight, are impossible to keep. For most of us, once again ‘New year, new me’ has not gone quite according to plan.

Scented British Hyacinth © sarsmis

The upside of these dull, gloomy months are the arrival of some of spring’s floral delights. Hyacinths are one of my absolute favourite flowers and I get genuinely excited for their arrival into my home. Not only are they a beautiful colour that will brighten even the gloomiest of winter days, but their smell is just incredible. The fragrance is so beautiful that currently I have a vase of some that I move to wherever I am during the day - they start in the kitchen, and their sweet smell greets me (alongside our two very excitable working cocker spaniels) every morning. They then move to my desk for the working day, and finally end in our lounge during the evening. It’s no exaggeration to say that every time I see them, I give them a sniff to get a quick fix.

In terms of star status in the floral world, they’re right up there at the top of the tree for me. Hyacinths are only around for a few months at the beginning of the year, which means I live by the rule that if I see some, I have to buy them. It’s one resolution I just won’t break.

They look great as a statement piece on their own, or to create the ultimate spring look, throw in a couple of stems of eucalyptus and tulip. I love putting them in fresh water using my favourite pot from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which really emphasises a really rustic and natural look in our cottage. It’s also a reminder of so many great days we’ve had at Kew. It’s an amazing place to learn more about nature and really appreciate the changing seasons through flowers, plants and trees. There’s always something fascinating going on at Kew - take a look at their calendar here.

Hyacinths are associated with rebirth, which is rather fitting for those new year resolutions I think. And if that’s not enough positivity to warm you up, then here is some more - a month today we’ll be in March. Keep smiling.

Me x

Blue Mascari, Grape Hyacinth © sarsmis