Courtesy of Andreea Petcu:
Spring is a season that has inspired many composers. My favourite is Chopin’s nostalgic longing for the green fields, gentle hills and the meandering brook of Zelazowa Wola, the place of his childhood in his Fantaisie-Impromptu, op 66. Exiled, he was never to return to Poland but his vivid portrayal of the landscape he loved will live forever when played by those virtuoso pianists who have understanding of his genius.
“Fantaisie Impromptu” by Frédéric Chopin, performed by Nikita Magaloff (courtesy of claramxx):
All seasons have their own colours, and Spring’s colour is vivid green. It has to be said that the beginning of spring is marked by most unpredictable weather. One moment it is bright and sunny, the next a cold rain mixes with sleet, and a few minutes later a sharp, easterly wind blows the clouds and rain away to allow the sun to shine again. At this time of the year winds are the driving force of the weather. When there is no wind but clouds hang at ground level, they create fog. The water condensation that had accumulated in the air during the day turns after the cold night into morning dew.
By the end of April gardens and orchards respond to the warmer sun and are full of fruit trees looking resplendent in white, cream or pink blossoms. Other trees are waking up dressed in new green jackets. Their leaves are not just for decoration but as a means of respiration, transpiration and obtaining their nourishment. This is a busy time for bees and other insects as they must also pollinate all the flowers in fields and woods. The distinctive fresh smell of the rich earth is a sign that winter is over. Scores of birds fly in a jet-black pattern, sharp against the iridescent-blue sky. Swallows are back. A nightingale hangs above the fields and woodlands singing his joyous song of spring. The first butterflies dance upon the golden air reflecting in their delicate wings the radiant light of the sun. Ponds are shimmering with life, and first posies of buttercups are emerging from the tangle of dark-green leaves. Fields, now silvery, sway in rippling circles, rocked gently by the breeze spreading across the young wheat, as if it were the disturbed surface of a waterpool. The dawn chorus announces the start of each day. Gardens, bright with tulips in every colour and shape, strive, and fail, to be more interesting than the masses of daffodils that edge the woodlands in vivid yellow.
Spring equinox, when the earth’s axis is in line with the sun, marks the changes in the season and is on the 21st of March. The days become warmer and this brings greater activity among ants, bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and a variety of beetles. Dormice, hedgehogs and other hibernating animals are already fully awake and busy looking for a mate. Gardeners’ best friends, frogs, lay jellylike spawn that contains thousands of eggs in garden ponds. More birds return and nest-building and egg-laying are now well in progress. Gardens and allotments are full of sowing and planting fervour. The air is light and fresh and that makes everyone feel young and strong, no matter what their age. This is a golden time of the year that awakes, invigorates and brims with hope of good things happening soon. This is the magic of Spring.
The inspiration for this poem came from a walk Wordsworth took with his sister Dorothy around Glencoyne Bay, Ullswater, in the Lake District, England.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
“Spring” from “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi (courtesy of ViBach9):
naturetails 
Joyous ode to Spring Joanna. One can feel the shifting wind and strengthening light on cheeks, forehead, arms and ankles. Delightful.
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Beautiful! 🌺
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Lovely music, lovely poem, lovely images and your own celebration of this wonderful season. Spring days such as we have been fortunate to enjoy of late are restorative and do a lot to banish one’s troubles. As always, Joanna, you uplift my spirits. Thank you!
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Thank you so much, Pat, for your lovely comments! I am glad that you liked it, as it is my favorite time of year!
Thank you again, Pat, your words are much appreciated!
Joanna
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My pleasure to read it and listen to the music.
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Thank you so much for your kind comments! All greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments, and uplifting my spirits! Your kindness is greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Pat!
Joanna x
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Hello there. I really enjoyed your article. And I enjoyed the Vivaldi piece, which I hadn’t heard in a long while.
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The very best time of the year!
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The spring that means ‘to jump’ and the spring that is ‘an upwelling of water from the ground’ is the same word that we’ve given to the season when plants spring from the ground.
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Who couldn’t possibly be captivated by Springtime after reading this Joanna? The title of your post says it all, and the way you described nature coming back to life would surely lift anyone’s spirits – they certainly did mine. It obviously had the same effect on musicians like Chopin and poets like Wordsworth.
I love your blogs about nature because it’s obvious they come straight from the heart – and they always find their way into mine.
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Beautiful! 💚 Joyful! 🌿 Springful!🌳 Thank you, Joanna!
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Such a beautiful and wondrous share Joanna. Thanks
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Thank you, Malc, for uplifting my spirits with your wonderful comments!
You have a talent for saying the right things that make me happy, thank you!
I have people coming to help getting things tidy for the surveyor, and I have to dash, but your kind words will stay with me!
Joanna x
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Thank you, Steve, for your erudite addition to my post! Much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Sadje, for your wonderful comment! Much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Filipa, for such a lovely comments! Much appreciated!
Joanna
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As always I loved your wonderful article, a sort of hymn to spring.
Great images, observations, poetry, videos and music
Thank you. as always, for sharing it
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Thank you, dear Luisa, for your wonderful comments! Your praise touches my heart! Thank you!
Joanna x
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You are always very kind, dearest Joanna.
thank you both for this and for your precious friendship
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Likewise!!
Joanna x
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My pleasure, always
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Thank you!
Joanna
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🙏❤️🙏
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💕
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Happy Arbor Day
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Excellent ‘pictorial ode’ to spring, Joanna!
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Hope all went well x
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Thank you, Malc, we are still working!
Joanna
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Thank you again!
Joanna x
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Thank you, Joanna, for dedicating this post to Spring, a beloved season, even though it’s fading in India. Spring is the time when nature comes alive with trees, plants, bees, butterflies, and all creatures embracing its bounty. It’s a season of vibrant energy that injects joy and vitality into every living being on the planet.
I noticed your repeated mention of daffodils in the post. Once, during my morning stroll, I stumbled upon a housing society named “Daffodils.” Intrigued, I inquired about the daffodils, only to be informed by the watchman that there were none. Disappointed, I suggested to him that they should consider planting some to live up to the society’s name.
Your photos are fantastic as always, and the two videos you shared are truly mind-boggling. I appreciate the inclusion of William Wordsworth’s poem, as he was a true admirer of nature. Thank you, Joanna, once again, for yet another captivating post.
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I have a new laptop and it doesn’t work the way I understand! Just wrote you a reply to your wonderful comments but I cannot post it!
Please, let me know if you have received this note!
Joanna
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Congratulations for buying a new laptop! I have received your note. Thank you and most welcome!
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A beautiful tribute to spring, Joanna! 🌷🩷
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Hello Joanna. I also wanted to mention that I’m always impressed by how well-researched your articles are.
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Hello Joanna,
Wishing you a joyous Spring! As I wandered through your enchanting words, I found myself amidst sweeping landscapes, where vibrant flowers danced in a symphony of color and poetry. Each petal seemed to sing a verse, accompanied by the gentle melody of nature’s orchestra. And oh, the skies! A canvas of ever-changing hues, painting a picture of serenity and boundless possibility. Your words adorned the season with a touch of magic, a celebration of the beauty that Spring unfurls before us.
In Europe, especially in Poland, Spring paints a masterpiece with its vibrant tulips, each hue and form competing for attention in lush gardens. Yet, amidst this colorful symphony, there’s an intangible allure that transcends mere aesthetics. The air carries a lightness that breathes youth and vigor into everyone, regardless of age. It’s a golden time, where hope blooms alongside the flowers, promising the dawn of something wonderful just around the corner. This is the enchantment of Spring in Europe, where every petal whispers tales of renewal and endless possibilities.
As I gaze upon the Indian landscape, I can’t help but mourn the fleeting presence of Spring, now swallowed by the relentless advance of summer’s scorching heat. It’s a lament echoed across the nation, a consequence of the shifting tides of global warming. Geographically, India’s diverse terrain, from the towering Himalayas to the vast plains and coastal regions, once offered a tapestry of Spring’s beauty. However, as temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, Spring seems to vanish like a mirage in the desert, leaving behind only a memory of its gentle embrace. The seasonal transition, once marked by blossoming flowers and cool breezes, now yields to the oppressive heat of an early summer, reminding us of the urgent need for environmental stewardship and climate action.
Joanna!
I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be embarking on a journey to Europe during the third week of May, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in the enchanting experiences you’ve portrayed in your blog. From strolling through the quaint streets of European cities adorned with blooming flowers to revelling in the breathtaking landscapes of the countryside, I anticipate a truly magical adventure awaits. With Spring in full swing, I’m eager to witness the beauty of the season and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for inspiring me to embrace the wonder of travel and exploration!
Happy Springtime there.
Regards. Namaste.🙏
Arun
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Thank you, Arun, for such a wonderful comments! You! made my day with your uplifting words!
It is a great news that you are planning to travel in Europe; which countries/cities you intend to see?
Thank you again, Arun, your words and your news are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Neil, for your wonderful comment! You words are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Indira, for your kind comments! All greatly appreciated!!
Joanna
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Thank you, Lauren, for your lovely comments! Greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Spring is such a wonderful season. Watch the flowers bloom, listen to the birds sing: joyful! Thank you, Joanna, for your marvellous tribute to spring. 🤗💌💐🙋♂️
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Thank you, Ashley, for you wonderful comments! You pinpointed beautifully everything that stands for the joy of spring!
Joanna
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Hello Joanna,
Thank you so much for your reply.
Here is my concise travel program for your 17-day Grand Europe tour:
Day 1 (May 21st): Arrival at London Heathrow Airport, UK. Day 2-3: Explore the highlights of the UK during a 2-day tour. Day 4: Depart for Paris, France. Day 5-6: Spend two memorable days exploring the iconic landmarks and vibrant culture of Paris. Day 7: Journey to Belgium. Day 8: Discover the charming canals and rich history of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Day 9: Embark on a tour of Germany, soaking in its cultural and architectural wonders. Day 10: Head to Zurich, Switzerland. Day 11: Ascend to the breathtaking Mount Titlis for panoramic views and exhilarating experiences. Day 12: Visit Vaduz, Liechtenstein, before continuing to Austria. Day 13: Explore the romantic city of Venice, Italy. Day 14: Immerse yourself in the art and culture of Florence. Day 15: Experience the grandeur of Rome with a comprehensive tour of its historic sites. Day 16: Bid farewell to Europe and cherish the memories created during your journey. Day 17 (June 6th): Departure from Europe, returning to India.
I wish if I can meet you.
Regards.
Arun
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Goodness, Arun! Your plan of seeing so many countries, and their most interesting and iconic monuments and places seems beyond the stamina of most people! Obviously, you have the strength of Hercules!
As to our meeting, it will have to wait until I come to India, as I am planning, encouraged by you, Arun! You wrote once that as I love India, I must come and see the places I wrote about, and I agree, and so we will meet then, and I am already looking forward to this wonderful occasion because I would love to meet you! During your time in England/London, I will be out of the country dealing with some inheritance issues.
With kind regards,
Joanna
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Thank you so much Joanna ☺️
We will definitely meet here in India.
Waiting for that day you will be here.
I enjoy your every post.
You love nature.
Nature is the mother of creation.
You have vast knowledge in this field.
You have great knowledge in Geography and history too.
I enjoy your write up and gain knowledge.
Thank you so much for your reply.
Regards.
Arun
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Thank you, Arun, for your kind words! It is a deal, and it will be a memorable occasion! I learn from you too, as Indian sacred works are of great importance and interest to me, and I have a lot to learn, including the language. I am getting slowly acquainted with some words.
Namaste!
Kind regards,
Joanna
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What a lovely post, Joanna. Happy Spring to you! 🙂
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Thank you, Lisa, for your kind comments! Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you Joanna ☺️
Kind regards 🙏
Arun
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