What I love most about Spring in the Countryside

[The stunning gardens at 385081 20 SIDEROAD, AMARANTH, ON]

There is something so encouraging about the first signs of spring, especially after a particularly long and trying winter like we have just had. The gradual shrinking of the massive snowbanks, the longer daylight hours, the birdsongs that become more active by the day are all signs that we are headed in the right direction. Here are a few of my favourite parts about springtime in the country.

Longer Daylight Hours

The longer days are a total game-changer for country life! Morning coffee outside is back on the agenda - you can actually sit there watching the fog burn off the fields as the sun rises. And those evenings? They just keep going now, so there's plenty of time for wandering around the garden, going for walks or just enjoying some fresh air after work. After being stuck in the dark for what seems like an eternity, having the extra daylight fills me with optimism and excitement for the spring and summer months ahead.

Spring Blooms

The first blooms in spring hit different after a long, cold winter. The smell in the air starts to change and we see the first signs of life in the form of buds pushing their way through the snow and grass, slowly bringing colour back into the landscape after months of being surrounded by a sea of white.

Hacking Season Returns

As an equestrian blessed with a saintly horse, I am usually the first one out hacking in the spring. I don’t even mind the muddy mess I return with – a trade-off for some fresh air and a relaxing ride. There are still some great dirt roads in King, Caledon, Mono and Mulmur that allow for road hacking in the spring which is a great way to stop the endless circles of the indoor arena.

Longer Dog Walks

After a winter of trying to time dog walks to coincide with the warmest part of the day while still being far enough away from dawn and dusk to avoid the unsavory critters, it is pure relief to have more hours in the day to walk without the worry of freezing feet. It is a time to get out in nature and day by day see the signs that spring is indeed on the horizon, and we can start to enjoy the outdoors again (sorry for those of you who enjoy outdoor winter activities!).