By Roger Childs

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. –Luke 12.27

Springtime — a Season to Cherish

Six years ago we were in Christchurch catching up with family and friends. It was great time to go, because in a city that has been through so much in recent decades springtime is probably more vivid and vibrant than in any other place in the country.

 Hagley Park is the show piece at this time of the year, as there are thousands of daffodils, snowdrops and bluebells flowering along the many grassy verges especially by the Avon River. Then there are the cherry tree blossoms, notably on either side of Harper Avenue which runs through North Hagley Park on the edge of Merivale.

Trees that never disappoint

From our kitchen window we look out at trees of many colours. However, at this time of the year the deciduous species are the most fascinating. We eagerly await the blossoming of two prominent cherry trees close by.

Soon there will be more leaves or flowers, or both. Spring is a wonderful season for change in nature as there is new growth, especially if there is a plenty of rain as well as warmth. There is plenty of growth of vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs and flowers but also grass and weeds!

It can galvanise us into the well-named “spring clean” and it is a good time for clearing out rubbish and junk, weeding gardens and planting flowers. trees and vegetables.

The budding and flowering of the trees is a magical experience and always occurs in sequence. Waikanaens who regularly drive along Te Moana Road will know that the roadside trees blossom in a particular order which never changes. It’s certainly good to have some predictability and continuity in changing and uncertain times.

Kowhai flowers and tui

From our conservatory we can view a kowhai tree which is about six metres wide. In spring kowhai trees and the parson birds are synonymous and enjoy a symbiotic relationship. A couple of days ago we sat and watched up to twelve tui tearing into the flowers for the nectar they produce.

 It’s a fabulous sight especially seeing the birds turn upside down to extract the golden juice. They are not particularly friendly and squabbles frequently break out making it difficult to do accurate counts of these amazing birds.

Seasons courtesy of the sun and the tilted Earth