April brings a new rhythm.
The days grow longer, the light begins to shift, and slowly everything moves from inside to out. It’s a month of gentle transitions — from winter to spring, from rest to movement, from planning to doing.
In this blog, I’m sharing what April feels like to me. 🌿
A gentle return of light
April feels like a gentle exhale.
After months of grey skies and heavy layers, the light slowly returns, softer, warmer, a little more forgiving.
The first terrace day of the year happened almost unexpectedly.
Sitting outside, feeling the sun on your face again, noticing how everything just… slows down for a moment. Around us, trees are blooming, blossoms quietly taking over branches that only weeks ago looked bare.
Sunshine & sneezing
Of course, spring doesn’t come without its quirks.
For many, it also marks the beginning of hay fever season. That familiar mix of sunshine and sneezing. A small ritual that some people swear by is taking a teaspoon of local pollen daily. The idea is simple: by exposing your body to small amounts of local pollen, it may help build resistance over time. You can often find it at your local health store, tucked between jars of honey and herbal blends.
Longer evenings, lighter moods
There’s also a certain energy that comes with this time of year.
That feeling we jokingly call “knaldrang” – the urge to go out, celebrate, stay a little longer, laugh a little louder. Longer evenings make space for spontaneity again.
A shift in layers
Winter layers are slowly being folded away.
Thick sweaters make room for lighter pieces, denim jackets that somehow always feel right this time of year. If you’re looking for one, vintage markets are often the best place to start. Not only do you find unique pieces with character, but you’re also making a more conscious choice. Fast fashion continues to have a heavy impact on our planet, from water usage to the resources needed to produce and compensate for it. Choosing second-hand, even in small ways, is a quiet step towards something better.
When things don’t grow as planned
Not everything grows the way we hope it will.
Last month, I repotted a small cutting from the Mini Greenhouse into a grow pot filled with quick soil mix pellets. Unfortunately, it didn’t make it. Looking back, the soil was likely too dry.
But plants, like most things, ask for patience and a bit of understanding.
Watering isn’t just about how much, but how. Giving your plant small, consistent amounts and making sure the soil can properly absorb the water makes all the difference. And sometimes, starting over is simply part of the process.
A small reset
With the weather improving, a visit to the plant nursery felt like the right kind of reset.
This time, I chose slightly stronger cuttings, ones that already had a bit of resilience built in. They’ve now found their place in new grow pots, and there’s something quietly exciting about watching them settle in.
Growing, in your own way
April is a reminder that growth isn’t always linear.
Some things bloom, others don’t, but there’s always another chance to try again.
And maybe that’s what this month is really about.
Letting go of what didn’t work, stepping outside again, and allowing yourself to enjoy what is.
To longer days ahead
With King’s Day around the corner (Dutch national holiday and, for me, the unofficial start of the outdoor season) there’s something to look forward to. Celebrating with friends, raising a glass, and toasting to longer days ahead. This year, with homemade cocktails, fresh mint and ginger.
Here’s to starting again, softly.
Cheers. 🌿
