Since returning to the UK I often think that we have lost winter. The weather seems to drift into a damp, cool state from October to March without getting very cold. Frosts are much rarer than 20 years ago and snow in S England is almost unknown.
As a result spring seems to come earlier. Chives have been growing again for the last month, welsh onions and wild garlic are above ground already. It seems unnatural for mid February.
Anyway with one clump of chives over 12 cm high, I managed to have my first harvest this afternoon. Made chive oil to go with our bifteki tonight.
Well done on your luck though 
Frosts rare? You ought to be in Skegness at the moment. We have had a frost every night for the last week and it looks as though we will get several more yet.
Keep thinking of getting stuff into my allotment but know that the frost will get it if I do. So rotivating and tidying up is all that I can achieve at the mo.
Irish