Spring breaks

Yes, spring is here. Saw the first "real" daffodil today (as opposed to other composite narcissi - Sol d'Or, Earlicheer, jonquils). It's very cold and we here in Christchurch haven't seen the sun for days. Yesterday I put on my thickest thermals and finished pruning my Red Delicious apple. The magnolia buds are getting fatter and fatter and are so furry - it was worth buying the plant for the furry buds alone. Camellia "Barbara Clark" is out, such a bright pink, sort of a triple Barbie pink. Lots of violets, a few jonquils and snowdrops. And those big overstuffed hybrid primulas - they do look a bit much, but any colour is welcome at the moment. Hope we have some sun soon.