Signs of Spring

Yes, I know spring officially began last week during the equinox when the amount of daylight matched the amount of night, but here in Colorado Springs, we are just starting to see signs of the change of season.

I’m used to things beginning to green in December and starting to search for wildflowers in February when I lived in Los Angeles. Where I am now, we could still receive snow as late as Mother’s Day! Luckily, we have had some beautiful warm weather and spring is starting to show itself.

When I start to see fresh green growing things begin to pop out of the ground, I am reminded of one of my favorite books as a child, The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett. As spring arrives and things start to grow, the character of Dickon describes the earth as “wick,” or alive as it wakes up after winter. You don’t need a windswept moor to experience this either. There are signs in your own neighborhood.

As lawns and meadows start to turn green, keep your eye out for the bright green shoots. Look at the end of seemingly dead trees for buds emerging. The animals will clue you in, too! Birds will be more active as more food becomes available. You will start seeing insects as the first flowers bloom. Those proactive gardeners among you will also see the fruits of your bulb planting in the autumn as they emerge from the ground.
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Enjoy the warmer weather, longer days and keep your eye out for all things “wick!”

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