Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Posted by Lyn Rasmussen Sep 24, 2009

I'm not sure if I'd like to live anywhere without clearly defined seasons. After the dismal winter months it's so uplifting when those first spring flowers reveal themselves - crocuses, freesias, daffodils, bluebells, clouds of forget-me-nots and luscious tulips. New Zealand is always green, even during the winter, but there's something especially verdant about the fresh greens of September and October.

Then come the long summer days (hopefully without too much rain!): roses in bloom, impatiens, petunias, nasturtiums, the full burst of hot floral colours in hanging baskets, fennel along the roadsides, gorse in the hills, the smell of fresh herbs and steak smoking on someone's barbeque.

If we're lucky we get an Indian summer through March; by May the willows are golden on the riverbanks, pumpkins and corn are harvested, jams and jellies stored in the pantry, frosty mornings nip at summer's heels. For me, autumn is as gorgeous as spring.

Winter brings the first fire of the season, the smell of woodsmoke, porridge for breakfast, curtains pulled against the dark night sky, pea-and-ham soup and casseroles for dinner. Electric blankets, thick socks, warm fleeces and gloves for the morning walk.

I love the changing seasons!