‘‘In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” Yes please, Margaret Atwood! If her novel-turned-TV series The Handmaid’s Tale has proved to be too much of a slightly prophetic, depressing feminist dystopia for you, her command to pick up your trowel is an empowering reminder of how getting our hands in the dirt is so good for us. Some of my happiest moments are those spent weeding, planting and mulching. At this time of year I usually stay outside until the light has disappeared and it’s just me, my wheelbarrow and tunes on my headphones – I have a fantasy where one of the neighbours compliments me on my lovely singing voice.
Spring in the garden is a joyful time of planning for food and flowers over the months to come. It’s always good to have something to look forward to, especially when it’s the anticipation of picking tomatoes, warm from the sun and smelling like freshly cut grass, or snacking on beans straight from the vine. And
