'Dream in Flowers'

January has been a surprising month; its usual dreary everlasting days have been replaced by warming sunshine and gentle breezes that wrap comfortably around my shoulders. I’ve spent a lot of time outside just walking, photographing and collecting fallen treasures. My latest finds have been beautifully delicate snowdrops, rose buds and hellebores. There is a lovely sense of spring already in the air, and the bulbs are nearly ready to greet us with their floral party dresses.

After a long dark winter, and past two years full of uncertainty and fear, there is a note of optimism, and a tangible sense of hope lingers in the sunbeams and fleeting shadows.

I have also been enjoying observing the little creatures who inhabit my local parklands, especially the delightfully cheeky squirrels who playfully bounce from tree to tree and scurry within the flower beds foraging for their winter stash. Robin’s are a common sight too, and serenade me with their uplifting song as I stroll to the woodlands. I can’t help but feel instantly soothed by the sounds and sights of nature.

It’s been wonderful to start the new year with some flower pressing. The hectic, heady days of summer flower picking and pressing have felt so distant, and I have to admit I missed them terribly during the winter months. It is blissful to be in the company of flowers once again, and it will only get better from here on in. -Gillian x