by jnoelbell

Just when you thought you couldn't hold out any longer, Spring is finally here.

You know the smell of Spring - it’s the smell of earth warming, trees stretching, the thin hint of fresh greenery sharp in your nose. It’s so recognisable you can almost feel the sea change, pinpoint the exact day the seasons turn. A visceral intuitive knowledge. The days are longer, the scarves are packed away (but not the brollies!) and you find yourself looking for a reason to get out an *breathe*. Here are a few seasonally themed events to get you back in touch with Mother Nature and put the "spring" back in your step.

One of the best ways to get in the Spring spirit, is getting back to London's own green spaces - the jewels of the Royal Parks network. The parks of the city are treasured by urban-dwellers for their calming, oxygenated properties in the middle of a hectic city setting. The Royal Parks Foundation has a comprehensive schedule of Spring events for the whole parks network. Everything from architectural walks to flower arranging is on offer - check out what's happening closest to you and get some grass back under your feet.

Mothering Sunday traditionally helps hail the arrival of Spring. What better place to witness the re-birth of all that's green and growing, while thanking the mother who birthed you, than celebrating in style at Kew Gardens? Enjoy a lovely Sunday carvery dinner at Cambridge Cottage on the grounds, then spend the afternoon enjoying the burgeoning bulbs and budding blooms while strolling through the gardens. Highlights include the Crocus carpet, daffodils on the Broadwalk and wild mountain flowers in the Alpine House.

Spring is all about flowers, flowers, flowers, everywhere you turn. If you can't get enough of flowers, the Royal Horticultural Society's London Flower Shows are for you. Held at the Royal Horticultural Halls, this Spring's shows feature Mediterranean plants, (bringing a "taste of summer holidays to our chilly spring climate"), an orchid show, and tulip and daffodil competitions. Get some inspiration for your own patch of green, whether that's a sumptuous garden or a simple lowly windowbox. Bring Spring home with you, and be renewed.