The Healing Connection Weblog

Snow vs. The Coming Spring

February 26, 2007 on 2:25 am | In Nature, Seasons |

 

After a few days of March like weather and an almost total melt off of the snow accumulated through February, winter returned with snow, wind, and colder tempratures. With the ground being as warm as it was and the forecasts of above freezing temp after today, I doubt this snow will last long. Which brings me back to a topic I can’t get off my mind, Early Signs Of Spring.

A annual event of nature is about to happen, as it does every year around this time, and it will likely be missed by most people. One of the first flowering plants to bloom in the Omaha area is the widespread Silver Maple tree. You may not have noticed this tree even bears flowers. Silver Maple flowers don’t have petals like those of say an apple tree. They are tiny wind pollinated flowers that don’t demand your attention. For more information on Silver Maples including pictures of the male and female flower go here.

All winter long the the flowers buds (see below) have been visable, ready to burst forth with growth when the time is right. That time can be as early as the end of February but is more likely within the first 10-14 days of March. The timing is based to some degree on moisture and temprature but more than anything the level of sunlight is the trigger. This blooming of flowers will take place whether it’s warm or there is snow on the ground just as it does every year. One reason this natural event is missed is because we aren’t looking for it and we tend not to look up this time of year, at least not with scrutiny. The next time you are out look for trees with fairly large, round clusters of buds and keep an eye on them during the early part of March.

Why is this important? Because when we notice the change going on around us it helps us to focus on the changes taking place in our bodys, our moods, and our spirit. We are a part of nature. The more we realize this the easier it is to make the huge transitions that season change represents.

We could have snow through much, or all, of March. But that does not mean Spring will not happen all around us. Cast your attention to all around you and realize your place in all this.