Grab a ray of sunshine

The sun is moving into position for the vernal equinox on 23 September in the Southern hemisphere. This is when the night-time and daytime are of approximately equal duration. At Towerwater we do not need astronomers to tell us that there is a shift in celestial bodies.

The garden and all who live in it are showing it in a corresponding shift in energy. From seedlings, to birds, plants and insects. I am sure that if I stand still for long enough, I will see the leaves on the trees unfold. I can see the difference in the development of vegetable seedlings from the morning to the evening, in the course of a single day.

Birds are frantically building nests. The courtship of doves and rock pigeons are audible in the wind-still days. The change came last weekend when the temperatures unseasonably soared to 35˚C. With more sunshine available to everyone, the garden is making the best of it.

On one side, the garden is heavy with the fragrance of citrus blossoms and port wine magnolia flowers. A selection of blossoms in the orchard on the other side, provides for another enchanting fragrant experience. The orchard is a feast of white to pink blossoms, each as unique as the fruit they are going to become in summer.

Some trees are already covered in tiny fruit while others are only starting to blossom. Opening a bedroom’s curtains in the morning is like lifting a stage curtain on the first act of the day. Blossom adorned trees are the main actors and the birds and bees make up the supporting cast in this happy drama. One can only marvel at the private performance nature stages each passing day.

Watching nature happen as if on cue, is to realise that there is something consistent and reliable in the world. This is particularly so as long as one supports the natural order of the universe and does not disrupt the fine balance that exists in an organic garden.

Gardening is an immensely fulfilling exercise. Watching the birds, insects and plants embracing the extra sunshine, makes me eager to get out into the fresh air and grab a few rays of sunshine myself.