Our small backyard represents a true micro-climate. It is particularly evident, not necessarily throughout the winter months, but as spring begins to make itself felt, then on into summer and autumn. The temperature in the backyard is always much more intense on the warm side than it is elsewhere.

And prevailing winds seem somehow modified, adding to the presence of a kind of muted, specially reserved climate of sheer weather-pleasure.

Yet, even so I am invariably amazed and gratified in March to discover that as the snow's presence begins to wane, and small bits of the gardens are revealed, and then so are some surprises. I seem always to be taken by surprise by the resilience of the plants in our gardens. Recovering so speedily from the frigid grip of winter. Often even before the ground itself begins to thaw.

It is still cold, much more so than we might normally expect with only one-third of March left on the calendar. Night-time temperatures dip still to minus-16, and the highs of the day can go no more than minus-6 celsius, but yesterday, while outside briefly in the backyard with one of our little dogs, I could hardly believe my eyes. Primroses, green and fresh and ready to bloom, where the snow had melted from the heat of the sun despite the frigid temperatures, on a small portion of the garden closest to the deck.

And not far from the primroses, heuchera perky and green. Close beside them the unmistakable thrust of thick green shoots of the first of the hostas to come up in this spring of 2011. Makes me want to hug myself with exhilarating joy.