Spring has arrived. Spring flowers, crocuses, camellias, and the faithful daffodils. Brilliant in their colours, they lift our spirits. The pure enjoyment and smile that comes across my face when I read Annette Sweeny's column "Behind the Garden Gate" makes me giggle with pleasure. I literally skip to the next Garden Club meeting with a new snippet which I cannot find in any of my garden bibles, for identification. Wild Rhubarb? Exotica Hosta? Swamp Plantain? Who knows? Me with my eager face, and dancing on one foot, will be embraced by a knowing eye, with lots of head nods, and chatter. It's an 'argarguarula', and a very rare one indeedee.

Yes, yes, Spring has Sprung. Our gardens showcase our homes and going for drives around the island justifies that mine is not the only garden pushing into life.

In fact I did at one time belong to a Toastmaster's Club. Much sweating in the armpits was that for me. In any case, I did get over the fright of speaking in front of people. One evening event comes to mind, and that being, "Which of all our senses is the richest, and rewards us richly?" The head-toaster popped the question to me. My heart sunk.

I closed my eyes, and thought of Spring. Walking down a path, over the bridge, brook bubbling underneath my feet, soft wind in the aire, sun soft, warm on my face, and I stopped. Sniffed.

Spring has a distinctive scent. Sweet, soft, mellow, sharp. There is no other season in this hemisphere where an identity of the season comes upon us as this most richly rewarded gift.

In your own garden, work with what you already have. Take the time to get to know your earth, where it is damp naturally, where the sun rises and sets, how it moves across your garden and offers its warmth. Where are the shaded areas? Stand in your garden and observe from every angle.

Begin. Plant. Compost. Catch rain water. Work with your plot. You will be so richly rewarded in every sense.

Spring! Ahhhhh, has arrived.