February is a month of subtle magic. To the casual observer glancing out of a window, the landscape might still appear locked in the grey slumber of winter. The air is often crisp, and the ground can range from frozen solid to remarkably boggy. Yet, for those willing to pull on their boots and step outside, this is a time of thrilling anticipation.
It is the month where the garden truly begins to wake up. The shifts are small at first—a slightly brighter morning, a bud swelling on a branch, or the green shoot of a bulb pushing through the leaf litter. It is a time for observation and appreciation of nature’s resilience. While the explosion of spring colour is still a few weeks away, the February garden offers a unique beauty that is all its own.
Exploring your outdoor space this month is not about grand gestures or heavy labour; it is about noticing the details. It is about spotting the pioneers of the new season and enjoying the fresh air before the busy period of sowing and mowing begins.
The mood of the month: What to expect
February often feels like a bridge between seasons. One day might bring a biting wind and a dusting of snow, reminding us that winter has not quite relinquished its grip. The next might offer blue skies and a sun that feels surprisingly warm on your face.
This variability is the defining characteristic of the month. You can expect the light levels to increase noticeably. By the end of February, the days are significantly longer than they were at the solstice, and this triggers a hormonal response in plants and animals alike.
In the soil, things are stirring. If the weather remains mild, you might notice the first shoots of perennials appearing. Rhubarb crowns may be showing bright pink buds, and the rosette leaves of foxgloves will be greening up. However, patience is key. If the ground is frozen or waterlogged, it is best to stay off the soil to protect its structure. Instead, use this time to inspect your trees and shrubs for damage from winter storms and simply enjoy the fresh, earthy scent of the waking garden.
Early treasures: Plants and flowers in bloom
While it may seem too cold for delicate petals, February is actually a fantastic month for flowers. The plants that bloom now are hardy survivors, evolved to attract the few pollinators brave enough to fly in the cold.
The carpet of white
The undisputed star of the February garden is the Snowdrop (Galanthus). These tiny, nodding white heads are a symbol of hope and purity. They often appear in drifts under trees or along banks, looking their best when naturalised in grass. If you look closely, you will see subtle differences between varieties—some have double skirts, others have distinct green markings on the inner petals.
Joining the snowdrops are the Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis). These cheerful, buttercup-yellow flowers sit atop a ruff of green leaves, often blooming even through a layer of snow. They provide a vital splash of warmth against the dark earth.
Splashes of colour
To banish the greys of winter, look for Crocuses. The early varieties, such as Crocus tommasinianus, emerge in shades of lilac and purple. On a sunny day, their petals open wide to reveal bright orange stamens, acting as beacons for early bumblebees.
Cyclamen coum is another February favourite. Unlike its autumn-flowering cousins, this variety blooms in the depths of winter. Its swept-back petals in shades of pink, magenta, and white hover like tiny butterflies over rounded, silver-patterned leaves.
The structure of shrubs
It isn’t just bulbs that shine this month. Several shrubs provide structure and, crucially, scent.
- Witch Hazel (Hamamelis): These shrubs are spectacular in February. Their spidery flowers cling to bare branches in fiery shades of yellow, orange, and red. They offer a spicy, heady fragrance that can perfume the air on a still day.
- Daphne (Daphne bholua): Known for its incredibly powerful scent, this shrub blooms with clusters of pink and white flowers. Placing one near a path or doorway ensures you catch the aroma every time you pass.
- Hellebores (Helleborus orientalis): Often called the Lenten Rose, Hellebores are remarkably tough. Their nodding, cup-shaped flowers come in moody shades of slate, plum, white, and speckled pink. They are perfect for shady spots and look wonderful floating in a bowl of water indoors.
A stir in the undergrowth: Wildlife to watch for
As the flora wakes up, so does the fauna. February is a noisy month in the garden, largely thanks to the birds.
The dawn chorus returns
Listen out in the mornings. Birds are beginning to establish their territories and attract mates. The Robin is often the first to sing, its melancholy winter tune shifting into a stronger, more territorial song. Great Tits and Blue Tits will be sounding their “teacher-teacher” calls, and you may spot them investigating nest boxes.
Thrushes often sing from high vantage points during February. The Song Thrush repeats its phrases, distinguishing it from the Blackbird, which usually joins the choir a little later in the spring.
Amphibians on the move
If you have a pond, keep a close eye on the water. In milder years, frogs and toads begin their migration back to breeding ponds towards the end of the month. You might hear the low croaking of frogs before you see them. Soon, clumps of frogspawn will appear just below the water’s surface—one of the earliest and most fascinating signs of new life.
Insects emerging
On warmer days, you are likely to see the first Queen Bumblebees. These large bees have emerged from hibernation and are desperately seeking nectar to replenish their energy before finding a site to build a new nest. This is why early flowering plants like crocuses and lungwort are so important; they provide a lifeline for these vital pollinators.
Folklore and wisdom: The February traditions
February has long been observed as a time of cleansing and transition, and garden folklore reflects this. The name itself comes from the Latin februa, meaning “to cleanse.”
“February Fill-Dyke”
There is an old country rhyme that goes:
“February fill the dyke, be it black or be it white.”
This refers to the weather. “Black” refers to rain filling the ditches (dykes), while “white” refers to snow. It acknowledges the month’s reputation for precipitation, which, while dreary for us, is essential for replenishing the water table before the growing season begins.
Candlemas predictions
The 2nd of February is Candlemas (or Groundhog Day in the US). There is plenty of weather-lore associated with this date. An old Scottish rhyme warns:
“If Candlemas Day be dry and fair,
The half o’ winter’s to come and mair.
If Candlemas Day be wet and foul,
The half o’ winter’s gane at Yule.”
Essentially, our ancestors believed that a bright, sunny day in early February foretold a long, cold continuation of winter, whereas a wet, stormy day meant that the worst was over and spring was on its way.
The Snowdrop’s nickname
In folklore, snowdrops were sometimes known as “Fair Maids of February.” While they are generally beloved today, in some Victorian traditions, it was considered bad luck to bring a single snowdrop into the house, as it was thought to resemble a shroud. Thankfully, most gardeners today view them purely as a joyous sign of spring’s return.
Embrace the awakening
February invites us to slow down and look closer. It is a time to appreciate the small victories of nature—the green shoot defying the frost, the first bee on a bloom, the song of a thrush in the grey light.
So, bundle up and take a wander through your local green space or your own garden. Breathe in the cold air and look for the signs. The earth is waking up, and it is a beautiful thing to witness.
Further Reading: RHS Eranthis hyemalis – Winter Aconite, The Corylus – Witch Hazel, How to Protect Your Soil in Winter, A Ruby Gem for Winter: Meeting Cyclamen persicum ‘Verano Red’, Bringing Life to Winter: The Resilience of Eastern Cyclamen
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