Five Times Five for Spring

Tra la, it’s May, the lusty month of May . . . ! It’s lovely spring, the time for lovely spring things. If you like seasonal recommendations, then look no further – here we go! 💐

Five Activities for Spring

Bird watching — Spring is the season of birds, and there are so many you can see these days! You might want to look out for them. In fact, if you are unsure about which kind of bird you see, a book or even an app might be of help. Some nature conservation societies are happy to hear about the birds you’ve counted in your garden or your street! 🐦

Embroidery — Be it hoop embroidery or decorating fashions, satin or cross stitch, embroidery is simply a lovely activity, and decidedly spring like. It’s calming and refreshing, and you can dream about your own role in a period drama or a historical romance novel. . . and keep the results! 🧵

Writing down quotes — Consider starting a little journal for quotes and passages you read in books, or hear in films and series. Poems, too, and little sketches can find places there. 🖊️

Flower sketching — Rather than picking flowers, why don’t you draw the ones you see in nature? Be it with a pencil, watercolours, or anything else you like! You might like to use your quote journal for that purpose. 🌷

Baking tarts — Spring is the time for small, light treats. There’s nothing you cannot do with shortcrust pastry, be it jam tarts, Bakewell tarts, or miniature fruit pies. It’s easy, quick, and delicious! 🥧

Five Books for Spring

Linnets and Valerians by Elizabeth Goudge — A magical adventure in the countryside, featuring gardens, bees, jam making and tapestries.

The Nature of Spring by Jim Cumley — Part of a series of beautiful nature writing on all the season.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame — There’s nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as messing about in boats.

Gerard Manley Hopkins: The Major Poems — The height of poetry, especially for springtime.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett — A classic tale of the creation and recreation of spring.

Five Films For Spring

Sense and Sensibility — The perfect 1995 of Jane Austen’s beloved novel.

The Importance of Being Earnest — The hilarious 2002 adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s play.

Mary Poppins — A universal childhood favourite.

Bringing Up Baby — The quintessential screwball comedy.

Sleeping Beauty — The enchanting Disney movie.

Five Series for Spring

All Creatures Great and Small — The perfect BBC series, and the only adaptation that matters.

The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends — The animated series, sweetly evoking Potter’s illustrations.

Pride and Prejudice — The well-beloved 1995 serial.

Moonacre — The forgotten adaptation of Elizabeth Goudge’s novel, which you can watch here.

Anne of Green Gables — The sweet 1985 mini series, and its 1987 sequel.

Five Albums for Spring

A New Journey — The best album by Celtic Woman, refreshing and enchanting.

The Sprig of Thyme — A lovely selection of English folk songs by the Cambridge Singers.

Vivaldi: Mandolin and Lute Concertos — Cheerful and calming, the sweetest classical music.

Disney Goes Classial — A new take on our favourite tunes!

Invocation — By Anúna, a quiet and calming experience.