Olé to a Mexican wave of colour to replace dull days

GOODBYE to all that. We are seeing out what has been one of the dullest months of March on record.

During it, the UK recorded around half the sunshine it would normally expect at this time of year. London, south-west England and Wales recorded a third. Overall those areas enjoyed 90 minutes of sun per day.

Low pressure, heavy cloud and persistent rain have combined to plunge the country into the grey. This weekend freezing temperatures will join the mix.

Early next week, it will warm up – but the rest of March looks likely to pass by in a cloud of drizzle.

Fear not, however, for though the gloom may seem interminable, something remarkable is building all around us. Many trees and shrubs have delayed bursting into life because of the cold weather. Harsh frosts can destroy blossom, so trees have evolved mechanisms that hold them back until more temperate weather arrives.

According to the National Trust, the chilly start to spring means that a vast amount of blossom will be on show in the coming weeks, a display it predicts will produce a “Mexican wave” of colour.

In truth it could arrive sooner than that. Driving north on the M1 yesterday, I noticed the blackthorn was in bloom, with great cascades foaming along the hard shoulder like bumpers at a bowling alley.

My dad’s nectarine tree is in full pink blossom in London and he is having to wage a daily battle with a wood pigeon that’s attempting to devour it. A pear tree I planted a few years ago is sprouting its first white buds. I visit it every morning to whisper words of encouragement.

Do we all keep an eye on our favourite trees at this time of year as they clear the final hurdle before spring? Nearly there, we urge – as much to ourselves as to them.*