A New Beginning
By Marvin N. Miller, AIB President
We often recognize spring as offering the opportunity for a new beginning. The season appears on the calendar in the Northern Hemisphere with a start of March 20, the day that the sun crosses the equator on its northward march. Day and night are about equal that day. Spring is also when the swallows return to San Juan Capistrano, California, though this actually happens the day before on March 19, St. Joseph’s Day.
Spring also often denotes renewal. Many religions use this season to announce a new beginning. Symbolism includes eggs, chicks (are they spring chickens?), lambs, green grass, and flowers. In many cultures, spring is considered the “head of the year,” and for some it is “the beginning of time” – perhaps, because many young animals are born in the spring. Spring is when fall-planted bulbs bloom, as they reach their crescendo after a long winter’s nap. And spring is when redbuds, cherries, apples, and pears shout out their presence with blooms first, followed by new, lush, green leaves.
Spring is also a time when many businesses offer their new products – their “spring lines” – though sometimes their spring lines are actually working a year ahead. We see this in automobiles, furniture, fabrics, and clothing. We also see this in horticulture. Time is required for advanced planning, as it may take a full year to generate adequate production volumes and for marketing efforts to culminate with orders for products to appear at retail.
Arbor Day occurs in the spring of the year as well. Take time to plant that new tree! It may look small now, but in 20 or 30 years its bounty of shade, blossoms and/or fruit will reward you and/or the generation that follows with the knowledge that your foresight has paid off.
Spring can also be a good time to assess where you are in life. Any signs of spring fever? Perhaps, it’s time for the annual check-up with the doctor. If statistics are accurate, there’s a good chance the doctor will tell you, “You need more exercise!” That’s a great excuse to get out and about to breathe in that fresh spring air.
Are the home and garden in good shape, or is a little spring cleaning needed? Maybe the car needs a spring tune-up. Many things may need to be assessed to be sure your house and belongings are in good order.
Spring is also a great time to stop and smell the roses. In my part of the country, they may not bloom until June. When it happens, there will often be a line of folks waiting to catch a whiff.
For America in Bloom cities, spring is also a time for preparation. Cities are finalizing their project plans in anticipation of the visit of the judges in the months to come. Work parties are cleaning up winter’s debris – planting flowers, pruning and raking. Teamwork brings out the best in people. And whether it is realized at the time or not until sometime later, spring is also when the seeds of pride are planted for later harvest.
Spring is a glorious time indeed. There is often a spring in our steps, and an attitude to behold. I love spring!
Spring also often denotes renewal. Many religions use this season to announce a new beginning. Symbolism includes eggs, chicks (are they spring chickens?), lambs, green grass, and flowers. In many cultures, spring is considered the “head of the year,” and for some it is “the beginning of time” – perhaps, because many young animals are born in the spring. Spring is when fall-planted bulbs bloom, as they reach their crescendo after a long winter’s nap. And spring is when redbuds, cherries, apples, and pears shout out their presence with blooms first, followed by new, lush, green leaves.
Spring is also a time when many businesses offer their new products – their “spring lines” – though sometimes their spring lines are actually working a year ahead. We see this in automobiles, furniture, fabrics, and clothing. We also see this in horticulture. Time is required for advanced planning, as it may take a full year to generate adequate production volumes and for marketing efforts to culminate with orders for products to appear at retail.
Arbor Day occurs in the spring of the year as well. Take time to plant that new tree! It may look small now, but in 20 or 30 years its bounty of shade, blossoms and/or fruit will reward you and/or the generation that follows with the knowledge that your foresight has paid off.
Spring can also be a good time to assess where you are in life. Any signs of spring fever? Perhaps, it’s time for the annual check-up with the doctor. If statistics are accurate, there’s a good chance the doctor will tell you, “You need more exercise!” That’s a great excuse to get out and about to breathe in that fresh spring air.
Are the home and garden in good shape, or is a little spring cleaning needed? Maybe the car needs a spring tune-up. Many things may need to be assessed to be sure your house and belongings are in good order.
Spring is also a great time to stop and smell the roses. In my part of the country, they may not bloom until June. When it happens, there will often be a line of folks waiting to catch a whiff.
For America in Bloom cities, spring is also a time for preparation. Cities are finalizing their project plans in anticipation of the visit of the judges in the months to come. Work parties are cleaning up winter’s debris – planting flowers, pruning and raking. Teamwork brings out the best in people. And whether it is realized at the time or not until sometime later, spring is also when the seeds of pride are planted for later harvest.
Spring is a glorious time indeed. There is often a spring in our steps, and an attitude to behold. I love spring!
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