Sprung

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it is just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so" - Mark Twain.

It is a glorious time of the year, there's something in the air that's for sure, a change is a coming! Like a bear shaking off hibernation - plants are starting to wake up all across the country, spring is in the air! Many cultures celebrate the return of spring and why wouldn't you, it signals a return to warmer weather and an increase in general well-being.

In Japan, the annual blossoming of cherry trees has become a significant national event attracting thousands of local and international visitors. The Cherry blossoms, or Sakura, symbolises the transience of life which is a major theme in the Buddhist religion.

Attending the Cherry Blossom Festival on the 28th of August at Auburn Botanic Gardens it was crazy seeing people lose their sh*t for these spectacular blooms - I can only imagine the chaos they create in Japan.

Blossoms, like Prunus X blireana, are sure sign Spring is in the air.

For a green thumb it is a pretty exciting time and in years where the winters have been mild like this year, you get that feeling a little earlier - it's the horticultural equivalent of being a kid at Christmas time.

"Spring is nature's way of saying "Lets Party!" - Robin Williams

In a previous blog I mentioned how cool it is how it is to look to plants to show us what time of year it is but it's also pretty interesting to think of how the natural world around us can also inspire our mood and well-being.

Is there anything more delicious than sitting outside letting the sun kiss your skin? Especially after the bitterness of a long, cool winter. There is something about the change of seasons, more so when we leave winter and head into spring. It is a sense of rebirth that gives us hope, renews our urge to get outside and enjoy the sights and smells of our surroundings again.

Personally, seeing the Hardenbergia violacea in flower always says spring isn't too far away.

We can look at the surge in plant growth the same way we look at our own shift in vitality. The swelling flower & leaf buds mimic our own surge in energy levels and excitement, soon we can put away the winter clothes and shop for more appropriate summer attire.

Magnolia denudata flower just about to open, older trees can be laden with dozens of flowers.

The bursting leaf buds mirror our own urge to jump out of bed in the morning, greet the day and catch some sunlight - Ok maybe that's a bit far-fetched, who really wants to get out of bed any earlier? But now there is more opportunity to seize the day with the increasing amount of daylight hours.

Fraxinus raywoodii flower buds ready to burst.

New spring growth results in contrasting foliage colours, this also signals it's time for us to get outside and work on getting some colour into our pale, wintered skin. But remember kids - don't forget to Slip, Slop, Slap!

The vibrant red new growth of Metrosideros Fiji Fire™  contrasts the green older foliage.

The flourish of new growth also signals the increase in work in the garden coming up, I don't know about you but my pruning hand gets a bit itchy at this time of year, but remember don't get too ahead of yourself, there will be a lot of spring flowers to come, don't want to delay them too much.

The "Red Tip" form of Acmena smithii minor showing why it's a popular hedging specimen.

The soft new growth of Rhaphiolepis 'Oriental Pearl' is a stark contrast to its leathery older leaves.

As I sit here writing down notes for this blog, enjoying the sun on my face, looking up at an almost entirely blue sky, I am reminded of the great joy and hope the upcoming spring has to offer. It's Mother Nature’s way of a fresh start, wiping the slate clean.

Sitting here listening to many number of people also enjoying the sun, the smells of the first BBQ's firing up again and the increased laughter and squeals of children at play -  these are the sights, sounds and smells of change in the air, you should definitely get out and get a dose of them!