OPINION
Spring is here!

I am glad that Spring is here. The trees are blooming, the grass is greening, and the birds are singing. Spring, as we know, is one of the four seasons of temperate zones. It is the transition from winter into summer. Spring normally includes the months of March, April, and May in the Northern Hemisphere and September, October, and November in the Southern Hemisphere. Technically, Spring begins on the Vernal Equinox (March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and September 22 or 23 in the Southern) and lasts till Summer Solstice (June 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and December 21st or December 22nd in the Southern) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_(season))

Archibald MacLeish said “Spring has many American faces. There are cities where it will come and go in a day and counties where it hangs around and never quite gets there. Summer is drawn blinds in Louisiana, long winds in Wyoming, shade of elms and maples in New England.” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/archibaldm117487.html)

We live in a time when many people consider April “the cruelest month of the year.” It has been the month of many shootings and devastating terrorist acts around the country-Waco, Columbine, Oklahoma City, and now Virginia Tech. It can also be one of the most severe months of weather-tornadoes, snow blizzards, and flooding.

Bur it is the time for renewal-time when we can renew ourselves with purpose whether that is renewing ourselves spiritually, physically or mentally. Many of us start thinking about working in our lawns, and planting flower and vegetable gardens. One way that we can assist in renewing ourselves is by Xeriscaping. Xeriscape is a landscape that is water wise - using water conservatively in the landscape without wasting. This is one way that homeowners can lessen the impact on the local environment. (http://www.csu.org/environment/xeriscape/about/)

Here are seven steps to starting your Xeriscape.

1. Plan and design
2. Evaluate soil and improve if necessary
3. Create practical turf areas
4. Use appropriate plants
5. Water efficiently
6. Use organic mulch
7. Maintain your Xeriscape appropriately

Let’s not only remember those families who have suffered terribly throughout the years, but also, remember that Spring is a time when we can become renewed.

Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net.

CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET

BONNIE'S ARCHIVES
4-11-07 | 4-18-07