Spring in North Canterbury

Dogwood

In Pink

Dogwood

In White

"Spring is sooner recognised by plants than men."

Chinese proverb

"Of course everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colours, there would be an unbelievable shrieking in the heart of the night."

Rainer Maria Rilke

City Scene - 23

Blossom-covered pathways in Spring

University of Canterbury, Christchurch

2008, Ajr

Spring Green

When it's autumn, I say autumn is my favourite time of year, but then comes spring and I have to revise my preferences because there is something so fresh and crisp and full of promise about spring. Fat buds bursting into life on trees, new grass galloping to lush, verdant heights, blossoms.........all well-worn cliches but all speaking of a potential that I can't get enough of.

I took these shots recently on a drive out to Taitapu, just outside Christchurch. Always a sucker for trees in any shape or form, I find a recurring and resounding inspiration in orchards and vineyards. There's something about those soldier-like rows of trees that stirs me in ways I can't explain. So an orchard in the full blush of spring was always going to be a target for my camera. A place of beauty in a time of beauty.

Floral Contortions

Spring is in the Air

A Moment

Of Floral Madness

Ajr Oct. 2010

And so to Spring......

Burst of White

Amid

Winter Grey

Spring 2010, Ajr

Spring

A Bud

A Leaf

A Promise Spring 2010. Ajr

Summer Green

Christchurch Botanic Gardens. October 2009.

If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times - Christchurch Botanic Gardens and greater Hagley Park are one of the best things about this city. No matter what the time of year, they are a photographer's paradise. I love following the seasons in the gardens and when spring arrives - and it finally seems to have - everything turns the most incredibly vibrant shade of bright lime green. This laneway bordered by gigantic elms is one of my favourite spots in the gardens; the Archery Lawn, where the girls are picnicking is another.

Considering Spring

Sept. 2008. Ajr

Like most people in Christchurch, I'm wondering what happened to spring. After a short, brilliant burst of early spring weather, we seem to have plunged right back into winter. It's now October 26th and it's freezing cold here. Which is why I have been sitting here fiddling about with my spring blossom photographs taken last year - just to remind myself that it does happen.

The First Day of Spring

I do believe today is official the first day of spring

Always a visual overdose in Christchurch.

Here? Some scenes from Hagley Park

That wonderful 185-hectare green oasis in the heart of the city

It's Spring..........

Home Garden, Ilam. Oct 2008. Ajr

.....and gardens everywhere are spilling over with colour.

I snapped this lush garden in Ilam, where rhododendrons and azaleas were billowing over the edge of the stream.

Honey Seeker

Hybrid Clematis. Oct. 2008. Ajr

One Busy Bee

Gathering Nectar

on Spring Clematis

Students in Spring

Canterbury University. Sept.2008. Ajr

In fairness to Canterbury University (after my earlier post this morning - see below), here's a much prettier campus scene.

Spring Mania

Christchurch Blossom. Sept.2008. Ajr

We may have to put up with some harsh winters here in Christchurch but when it comes to spring there is no better place to be. I snapped this little study in blossom and magnolia varieties when I was out walking in my neighbourhood last night. It was around 5pm and every garden seemed to be draped in pink and white.

Fresh Green

Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. Sept.2008. Ajr

Freshly Minted

Spring Leaves

Spring Has Sprung

Hagley Park, Christchurch. Top. Local Florist. Sept.2008. Ajr

Hagley Park was awash with visitors on the weekend.

As temperatures soared to around 20-degrees every man and his dog was out walking among, admiring and photographing the daffodils, which have just begun spreading a blush of yellow through the park. I meanwhile have been grinding my teeth in frustration as I endured the last two days with no Internet service. Some of you may have noticed the lack of regular postings - I hope you weren't tempted to think I had become moderate!

If You Go Down To The Park Today.....

Hagley Park. August 2008. Ajr I might have been the first person in Hagley Park this morning. I'm not sure if that is something to boast about or not. But I did enjoy the total silence And the first signs of spring.

Spring Fever

Correct me if I'm wrong

but

Hasn't winter only just started?

And yet the roadside stalls are already

selling spring flowers!