Spring Awakening – by Linda Petite

The spring equinox brings a sense of change in the air. The sun warms, the days lengthen, and the air smells like freshly turned soil – dormant plants come back to life! Assuming your ground is workable, it is the time to transplant and plant new shrubs, trees, and perennials.
In Japan, Cherry Blossoms are called Sakura, a special flower for people and the country. Cherry blossoms are a symbolic flavour of spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life. When the trees are in bloom, large groups of people view the flowers and enjoy festivals with food, drink, and music. The blossoms’ lifespans are short though – after the blossoms peak, they start to fall, and we may be lucky to witness this rain of pink as they flutter to the ground. When the Japanese people view the blossoms and marvel at their beauty, they aren’t just thinking about the flowers themselves, but about how precious and precarious life is.
Growing up on the east coast, Pussywillows were always the first sign of spring awakening. What plant symbolizes spring to you?