April Column in Velvet Magazine

Apparently in the 14th century this wonderful season that we are now in was called ‘springing time’ in reference to plants ‘springing’ from the ground. In the 15th century this was shortened to ‘spring-time’ and then shortened further in the 16thcentury to simply one word ‘spring’. Whether you consider the first day of spring being at the start of March or if you prefer to observe the equinox, you can’t help but feel a spring in your step. Even after relatively mild winters, which we have experienced here in the UK, it can still be rather draining on all of us. That period between Christmas and spring is such a lull to slog through. Luckily winter wasn’t as wet as it has been over the last few years but nevertheless, knowing that ‘spring-time’ is here can’t help but give us all a more positive outlook. Personally I love autumn, enjoy early winter, hate the summer heat but absolutely adore spring! It is a time of celebration. A time to open windows and let fresh air burst into the house, breathing it in as it fills the room like water from a dam. A time of treating the senses, that first smell of freshly cut grass, the sight of a Magnolia tree in full bloom and the sound of bird song are just a few examples of spring coming to life.

A particular spring highlight for me is the sight of tulips flowering. The trials and tribulations that a tulip bulb has to go throw to get to the point of flowering each spring should be a metaphor for so many of us. It’s easy to forget about the mini miracles that are happening under the ground while we try our best to hibernate over winter. Most of us moan about the cold winter dark days but the tulip needs the cold and dark to wake up and start the rapid growth spurt until it bursts into colour. The cold temperatures spark the process of vernalization (the cooling of a seed during germination which accelerates flowering). Like a caterpillars metamorphosis to turn into a butterfly, the bulb then uses all of the energy stored over the year to turn into the most spectacular flower, which lasts for such a brief period. Ultimately, like the tulip, we need the cold and dark days of winter; it’s part of life’s process. Like the tulip needs the cold, we sometimes need the dark in order to wake up. This spring don’t just wake up with a mundane groan, embrace the season like the tulip and celebrate in style.

© Velvet Magazine