Early spring is Feb, late spring is May, I think, but these terms are guidelines only and vary with location when it comes to seed sowing and planting out.

I don't think it's quite as easy as that really, as it depends so much on the weather and whether you're in a Northern or Southern location. Last year February could have been described as early spring, but this year we're in April and it still doesn't feel like spring and we can't get spring jobs done in the garden. Same for late spring, it varies from year to year. Could you be a bit more specific about why you need these definitions?

Hi it is for planting and pruning , i'm a bit unsure as when to do things! i have a cornus and apparently you cut it back in early spring ...could i do this now?
Thanks for the replies too ,it really helps.
I live in Lancaster if that helps!!.

Cornus can be pruned now - I think after tonight we are frost free for a week or so looking at the forecast. I normally prune Cornus when the leaves come off in winter to make cuttings and I can see where it needs it. I suppose pruning now you can see whitened areas where it has died back.

I haven't seen any whitened areas on it! do i cut it all back or is it a matter of cutting to shape?

What sort of cornus it it - is it one that you grow for coloured stems in the winter? If so, cut it back hard as soon as you see the new growth starting

Andrewr Thanks, yes it has reddish stems -do i cut it all back? how high?

When you see it starting to shoot, cut it right back to the lowest shoot. It looks drastic, but it will make six feet or more new growth by autumn

Many thanks Andrewr

primary school taught my daughters that March April May is spring, June, July, August is summer, September,October, November is autumn and December January and February is winter.
But as already stated the weather doesnt observe the rules.

I have a nature book from my childhood that also agrees with this. I think it might have been the ladybird nature series from the early 60's.

I'd concur with Seaburngirl - February is still winter, though occasionally, one could be forgiven for thinking its the middle of summer... Spring starts in the west, moves across the south, and then up the country, so the North will be a good two weeks behind the south when it comes to spring. Technically that is, what we all know is the weather, whilst once being reasonably predictable, is now anybody's guess....

We live in the westcountry and today is springlike so if it continues I guess it will occur in the north in about two weeks. But I have a feeling that the westcountry is changing and seems more in tune with Lancashire where I come from.

Many thanks its been springlike here today as well , I managed to get a bit done at last .
Thanks to everyone for replying .