looking for spring.......

As we approach the end of winter, we look to the earth to give us signs that a rebirth is imminent. It is only a matter of time and patience before the first trees and bulbs sprout, and we are able to leave our homes without the customary heavy coats. We are in ourselves, are our own groundhogs who peek out the front doors of our homes to see if the temperatures are not too frigid, while not really caring if we see our shadows or not.

This winter proved to be a mix bag of temperatures for the South. We experienced many more days that were fair than those that were cold; so much so, that the trees were tricked by the mildness and began to bud early. Bulbs that layed in wait, peeked through their winter beds and decided that the time was right to come out altogether. There were no hard freezes, no snow to speak of, and most days didn't feel like winter. Oh sure, we had a few days that some flurries made their presence known, but it never lasted more than a few minutes, and it never gathered on the ground before the sun came out and melted the remnants away.

Our groundhog, General Lee, came out on February 2nd, and it was declared that winter was over as he never saw his shadow. Seeing that it was an overcast day, I'm not the least bit surprised.... but then I never really bought into that theory anyway. I look to the ground, but not for shadows. When I see the carpet of violets that invade my yard, or the crab grass stalks that shoot for the sun, I know we are well on our way to breaking the cycle of cold.

I can't rely on the daffodils that come up, as they are early risers anyway.... the show-offs of my gardens. Wanting as much attention as they can get, they raise out of their long slumber and stretch their green leaves skyward in late January. I'm always tempted to pick them, as their fragrance is uberpresent in any room you put them in. However, they do not last long in a vase, and they look so much nicer in the yard, giving the brown of winter the splash of color it so desperately needs. Along with the pansies and kale that love the cold weather, you'd almost never believe that it is winter if you were looking at a picture..... that is until spring comes along.
These brave winter plantings give way to the impatiens, dianthus and mums that seem to come up on their own.

All that said though, we do have to wait for that last hard freeze to come along. It is very important to the South to have one, as it helps to kill the nests of mosquitoes (our state bird) that have been hibernating as well. Without one, the summer is intolerable, and any unprotected skin receives bumps and welts that itch more with every scratching. Wearing bug repellent along with skin protection becomes the new perfume of the late spring/ early summer season... for without it, you run the risk of contracting encephalitis or lyme disease.

Spring also brings on the tornado season, which leads into hurricane season. Although we do not necessarily have to worry about hurricanes, the last two years have proven to be cautious for us on the ones that come up through the Gulf. We may not experience them on their full force, but we do receive the rains, high winds, and evacuees clearing to safer grounds. Our gas prices sky-rocket, shelves in stores are emptied in preparation, and nervous store owners gouge the prices out of us. We saw this firsthand during Katrina when gas prices topped over $4.00 in some places.

So with all the things that happen down here in Spring, why would a New England girl want to move into such an area? Well..... because the winters are mild, and I don't ever have to shovel.
Summer is a given that it's ok to move a little slower, as it's just too hot to move fast; and Autumn is golden. Spring, on the other hand.... well.... it's the lacing of color that spreads across the landscape. You don't even have to look for it.... it's in front of you, even if it's only for a short time. It's a rejuvenation of life in the grandest of splendors, and the earth smells good if you can make it past the green/ yellow pollen that blankets everything in sight. The only time you actually have to look for Spring in the South is at the end of winter, for when it's here in full force.... there's no denying it's personality.