Does anything more perfectly represent Springtime than the scent and beauty of lilacs ? Tulips and daffodils are lovely and a hyacinth has a distinctive scent all its own but nothing compares to a shrub laden with lilacs in bloom. The lacey blossoms would be welcome even without the scent  but the aroma which this lovely flower sends forth can make even the dreariest of days so much brighter. An old fashioned blossom but one which  makes even those among us who have no particular love of a garden a teeny bit happier to be alive.

From childhood onward I have always found lilacs to be the most beautiful sign that  Spring has arrived. This sturdy shrub which has been with us for as long as memory allows is living proof each year that if the root system is strong nothing can hinder the beauty only waiting to burst into bloom as the warm sun and gentle rains nurture and  encourage the springtime extravaganza. Nature really does mirror life so often.

   Certainly, lilacs are not alone as harbingers of  promise as spring arrives. The cheery sound of the robins returning from warmer climates adds to the overall ambience which we all feel as these warmer days are once again here. One would really have to be numbed by life not to feel stirrings of optimism and relief knowing the cold blustery days of winter are once again succumbing to spring's lure. Perhaps nature plans it that way. How better to appreciate the glory of springtime than to have only just coped with the seemingly endless harsh days of winter.

We, who live where the seasons change  with such distinction, surely appreciate spring more than those who live in a temperate climate where dramatic seasonal changes do not occur. Only after months of shovelling snow, slipping on icy sidewalks, and facing the hazards of navigating treacherous roads can one really know how welcome spring can be.

 That isn't to say that winter doesn't have its good points as well of course. Nothing is more beautiful than the landscape after a fresh snowfall with the branches of trees and shrubs laden with  the evidence of the white fluffy snowflakes and the peaceful feeling one experiences when one is warm and cosy with the glow from the fireplace warming one's back as you gaze out at the pristine quiet night shimmering in the moonlight. Only the thought that once more  that beautiful blanket of nature will need clearing once daylight arrives dims the appreciation one feels at such a moment.

 But springtime is in a class by itself. No time of year brings such a sense of renewal and the promise of a fresh new start. Even spring cleaning is a joy. Cleaning away the dust and grime of winter as window panes glisten in the sunlight and soft billowy white curtains gently blow in the springtime breeze  as once more the windows are opened wide to welcome the warmth of the sun brings a feeling of well being which makes all the arduous work worthwhile. Odd ? Perhaps I am.  I admit I enjoy housework but never so much as when spring arrives. And underlying every thought as I work is the knowledge that  soon I will once more be in my much loved gardens indulging my passion for getting my hands dirty in the warm earth as I prepare the beds to properly display their treasures only now peeking out from their winter retreats. The knowledge that the rewards which accompany the efforts expended in tending a garden will manifest themselves for many months to come makes this one of the most pleasurable times of the year. Even aching muscles and joints do not detract from the enjoyment.

 The scent of lilacs, the beauty of the early springtime blossoms, the cheery sound of bird song and chatter all seem to say ' it's a new day ... Come outside and join us in the sunlight! ' Far be it from me to refuse the invitation. My site may  indeed suffer in days to come, ( although I have been attempting in recent days to prepare as many new pages as possible)  as my time is spent outdoors  luxuriating in nature's bounty, but food for the soul is always required by all of us. Even more than vitamins or tonics or other man made prescriptions. Nature is wiser by far and truly a gift from above. One must never refuse a gift so freely given. One only needs to appreciate it and give thanks that lilac time is here once again.