Sunday, March 20, 2016

The Vernal Equinox, and the Verdant Season

mixed bouquet of spring snippings from the yard

About 9:30 PDT yesterday evening the sun crossed the celestial equator from the southern hemisphere into the northern hemisphere. For us in the northern hemisphere that makes this the first day of spring.

It is the Vernal Equinox: vernal =pertaining to spring, equinox = equal, or equal amounts of daylight all over the globe.  For those living in the southern hemisphere, it is the Autumnal Equinox. 

The clouds moved in to cover the sun early this morning.

 So how has your first day of spring been going? Our spring began with the return of rain. After a week of mostly sunshine and dry days, we are worn out from using every dry hour to work outside, here at home, in the Whidbey garden, and in Jill's yard. The rain is giving us a reason to take it easy today.

Today's rain, however, is not that hard, cold winter rain. Today it is a soft rain, a persistent spring shower, rain that will keep everything fresh in this verdant season, when our world goes green again. 


I took my camera with me when I walked out to the street to pick up the newspaper this morning. Greening and blooming keep on happening. 
 Oregon grape has prickly leaves but a lovely fragrance

 The full moon maple, and all maples, are beginning to bloom




 The moisture streaked window blurs the bloom on the geranium cutting in the greenhouse. That's where you will find Tom this afternoon - rain-free gardening. 

It's hard to believe that the daffodils will soon be done already. But as you saw above, the tulips are not far behind. 

What will be left for May flowers?

Happy Spring, everyone!

20 comments:

  1. It was nice to have those days of sunshine, wasn't it? Now we have all week to catch up on indoor chores and let our backs recuperate. Then hopefully we'll get more sunny days.

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  2. Just gorgeous! We too had rain most of the day, but I put some sugar snap pea starts into pots for future enjoyment. I bought a new garden trowel as I broke my old one yesterday. :-)

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  3. I got some gardening done this past week too, and have the sore muscles to prove it now. I don't mind being sore, though, it was wonderful to be out there again after a long hiatus. I'm glad to see a soft rain back too, because it will be good for the carrot, spinach, radish and mustard green seeds that I sowed in the raised beds. Your garden looks beautiful, and your Easter-themed bouquet is lovely.

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  4. Happy Spring to you too, after such a mild Winter here in the UK Spring bulbs were emerging in January so its anyone's guess what will emerge next. You certainly have a wonderful garden.

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  5. You have lots of bight blooms to go along with dismal weather. I will try and remember what vernal means after this.

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  6. Looks like the quintessential spring! Beautiful.

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  7. I especially like those blue flowers, Linda.

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  8. Spring is a wonderful season full of hope and great expectations. Rain has moved back in for us as well. Nevertheless I plan to hit the garden center for a few bright colored posies to give some color to my patio of green plants.

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  9. Beautiful blooms, you will have tulips blooming for Easter:)

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  10. The flowers are lovely, and I love seeing the bunnies.

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  11. That was the downside of Spring in Florida - there wasn't much difference from Winter to Spring to Summer to Fall. I love sunshine, but there is really nothing like the reawakening of Spring! Nice pictures!

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  12. You have such lovely color all ready. How your yard must brighten your spirits each day. It boosted mine a bit clear over here.

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  13. I have recently discovered your blog via Granny Marigold's. Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your gardening posts. All is looking very beautiful and well-tended in your spring garden.

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  14. Ah I love Spring!!! The colors are gorgeous. Glad the cuttings are doing well.
    MB

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  15. seems like the seasons are rushing ahead...nice to see green again. your area is lush! thx for sharing...

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  16. Your Easter table is so pretty. I love bunnies in a flower garden too.

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  17. Happy spring to you too. We are two days behind you with blustery winds now and cold dank clouds.

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  18. I'm glad it's spring but this winter sure zoomed by quickly! Now spring seems like it's in a hurry as well. Beautiful spring table!

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  19. I really miss seeing daffodils in springtime. Sigh...
    Have a wonderful Easter, Linda and Tom!

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