Spring is in the air... and planted firmly in the ground in the form of flowers that are already blossoming and blooming around the island.

The gardens outside Mdina are a case in point: the carpet of colour is buzzing with insect life.

Although some flowers are found throughout the year, they are normally intimately bound to the seasons, and now is clearly the time of growth and renewal in the plant world.

Now is also the time to enjoy the splash of brightness that colours the landscape in addition to the blue skies and warm days before summer arrives and nature shrivels up under a relentless sun and no rainfall.

In Malta, spring comes early, while the countryside in most European countries is still dormant, the island is blessed with several wild flowering plant species some of which are endemic.

A countryside walk is also recommended at this time of the year before the cycle comes to an end – spring is a short season – and you have to wait a while for the spectacle to return.