Spring is springing

In my perusals of the various forums today, it appears there is a lot of cabin fever out there. In the great southern tradition of making the low zoners (here in the south we have another term that is more often bandied about, but I'll be polite) feel even worse, I've taken some photos while working out in the garden today of whats "springing" in my neck of the woods.

If you masochistic types want to take a gander - http://davesgarden.com/journal/vbc/Copperbaron/6605/

This message was edited Monday, Feb 18th 5:45 AM

Great pics Copperbarron

Spring is indeed about to be sprung here in southern sunny England. A swift perusal of the estate here saw lots of greenery poking through, even the Philadelphus which is normally late into leaf has a tinsy bit of green. More flowers too, like Primula denticulata and most of the lesser celandines. Even the grass has had its yearly dose of grass rogaine and is stuggling mightily with the bare expanses.

Baa, always good to hear from another southerner. If I remember correctly in one of the earlier threads, didn't folks also make fun of your southern accent as they do of folks down my way?...and do you also have an affectionate term for folks on the opposite side of the British compass?

Being in the south does have it's gardening charms, doesn't it?

Copperbarron

I'm a midlander by rights but I've lived in the south for 20 years, about 2/3s of my life. There is a perceived north/south divide here too but they both agree that they dislike the midlanders LOL. There are names both sides call each other but since this is a family site and the vernacular anglo-saxon is often incredibly ... errmm... fruity, I won't divulge ;)

I once read that many Southern USA accents are directly descended from Southern British accents, there are a number of phrases I recognise from the rural and town communities here with terms used over in your part of the world. Makes me feel more at 'home'.

I love living in the south though, you couldn't prize me out of here with an oyster knife to make me live further north on a permanent basis. Our weather is milder, warm seasons longer and gentle green rolling hills are beautiful enough to break the hardest heart. If I could just have a little less rain, the clay would be fantastic growing medium too ;)

Baa, that's interesting that you can trace some of the accents in our area to your home across the pond. I would love to hear some examples.

Yep, your right, spring is coming on fast. Your pictures prove it for sure. I had a good laugh at your comments..jumping,leaping and zooming. What a way to describe plants ariving for Spring.

Donna

Yes, spring is here...my daffodils bloomed their first flowers today...that's a certain sign.

Copperbarron

It's as much in the sentance construction as anything else, obviously the majority of our words and sayings are very similar or the same due to the fact we all speak English. Where ever the English go the language always goes with them. If I find the book I'll write a longer piece.

I reckon (usually 'I reckons' here)
the use of 'n i,e, you'n and if'n (we say thank'n, how'n and they'n too)
Enthused
Yer
Ain't
Deader (as in deader than a doornail)
Don't instead of doesn't i.e. don't he
I've also heard the word they instead of the being used i.e. they calves, they seeds
(take a gander is SE GB English too!)

Yes..you're right on there Copperbaron,
Cabin fever for sure..I had to go get a fix at the local garden centre yesterday..bought a little statue and a galvanized watering can with brass trim. When I came out..it was blowing snow..and hard to see to make my way home!
I did plant a few seeds today though..just for fun..I know it is too early..but just have to see what comes up.
Enjoyed your pics..thanks for sharing.

Baa, that is very interesting - and all along I thought that "ain't" was a peyuuuhlee suthuhn redneck invenshun (I'm really getting into this pronunciation thing, by the way). Find the book and do a longer post. I've always been fascinated with etymology and I suppose this fits into that category.