As I walked that dreary path to work my skin prickled with heat, I had to tear my jacket off and then my scarf and gloves. But no, I had mistaken the glass for half empty, the sweet perfume of jasmine suddenly
tickled the edges of my consciousness
and then gathered me up and carried me merrily all the way to the corner.
Spring was suddenly close, she was waiting!
Where there has been european settlement seasons are detached from place. 4 seasons that tick over like clockwork at the end of 3 months means nothing to the almond which
wakes from its slumber
when it senses the end of deep winter. Its hopeful blossoms the first of the dormant orchard.
Where Melbourne is today the Aboriginal inhabitants had their own seasons based not only on weather, but lifecycle patterns of birds, animal and plants, when the first chill hinted they should move north to shelter, or first blossom meant winding there way southward to the ocean. Here they had six seasons, but ask a different tribe separated by mountains or rivers and they might have different ones.
I noticed the first buds on the almond at the end of July. I dont know about you but think I think I like the idea of embracing Pre-Spring, and shaking off the shackles of Winter a bit earlier than other Melbournians.
Will you do the same?
I’d love to know if you have different seasons where you are. When do the the leaves turn auburn and crisp, the first snow flakes fall and does the summer heat send those nasty snails into cool, damp crevices?