The early days of March haven't bought any signs of spring to us here in Stockholm even though it is definitely on the way in more temperate climates such as Southern England and the Pacific Northwest.
Spring flowers beautify the more temperate regions already.
The flower beds and containers are bare, no buds are swelling on the shrubs or trees, no spring bulbs peek out in search of warmth. The Swedes seem to make up for this late start by having lots of forced bulbs for sale in the florists, markets and shops. Also starting to show up now, a uniquely Swedish custom, are the Lenten or Easter twigs. These are birch twigs adorned with little bundles of dyed feathers in all colours. These Easter twigs are a custom borrowed from further south, emulating the multicoloured 'palms' with which Palm Sunday has long been celebrated in Central Europe.