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For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the spring equinox falls on March 21. Though, often, spring is far from being witnessed. This year a drastic snow storm blanketed the inner parts of the region. Trees were broken and many plants were flattened until the depths of the snow fall melted away. Then many stood bent over from the burden of bearing such a heavy wet load once released. Our majestic pines had huge limbs crack and fall. It was devastating. Warm weather followed. Our planted crocus and daffodils emerged. April had a heated day and plants must have become confused. Though, there was no objection. They budded outward and it now seemed that spring was coming 2 weeks early. Climate change has confused the rhythm but nature persists and seems to normalize the disorder as much as possible. Red Wing blackbirds make their presence in droves in spring. They usually arrive as the Red Maple start to blossom all the end of March and early April.
When does spring feel like it's really here? For me it is when the wilds themselves speak of the coming over and again in all the ways it knows how. The arrival of the summer bird. The early spring emergence of the tiny mustard plant flowers. The blosseming of the violets. Finally, we are assured once and for all when the Dandelions appear in our yards.
Today was the 1st of May. The wind was strong and most of the day it felt chilly even though the sun peeked out from the clouds now and then to warm the wet earth from the chilling rain the night before.
There was something about this day that told me spring is really here. The violets have been blooming along side my Dandelions in the yard. My absent husband has allowed these much cherished spring messengers of spring to last a bit longer from his mower. I know when he returns, mowing will be his first priority. Ahh, so much for marital differences. But, today, I went outside to stoop next to these beautiful violets and beg their forgiveness for picking them.
I hope to make a violet syrup as well as freeze these beautiful blue violets in ice to make floral ice cubes. I was inspired by John Forti who has written The Heirloom Gardener. I hope to make the recipes from the Botanical Mixed Drinks Recipe book from the Herbal Academy of New England. I am grateful for you both for such inspiration and joy. Mindfully, I continued to collect just enough to complete these tasks.
Stooping down and touching. Collecting in the wet grass. That makes us aware of the season and what our relationship is to it. It's about connection. What connects you to the season?
