Canadians celebrate the colours of springtime

A well-worn theme in Canadian prose and verse extols the dramatic colours of autumn. This is not surprising, for we all carry in our mind's eye a favorite fall scene.
Overall, seasonal changes in the Canadian climate go a long way toward explaining our national pre-occupation with the weather. How often have you heard the observation that the "winter of '07 - '08 was the worst, the longest or the snowiest since the year xxxx?" Just fill in the blank with almost any previous year in the 20th century . . .!
In some fortunate parts of Canada spring has already revealed itself. Victoria, B.C., has an annual flower count at the end of February. For one week, local gardeners record all the blossoms they can find while the rest of the country is still dreaming of the "spring to come."
In the Maritimes, the actual arrival of the season may differ from year to year; however, we can be assured that the seasonal signs are already on the way. The pussywillows made their appearance in March while a few brave crocuses and other flowering bulbs are beginning to display their blooms amid the snow.
It has to be to be admitted that the marshlands do not appear at their best this early in the year. Any vantage point overlooking the area reveals acre upon acre of dull grey vegetation interspersed with creeks and streams. If the tide is low, an expanse of mud (in various shades of brown) is revealed. Here and there dirt-covered ice cakes may still be seen.
Following the arrival of spring rains, the season's first major colour alteration takes place. The many and varied shades of green will slowly become evident. Leaves of the hardwood trees transform the forested areas and almost overnight the dull winter tints are no more.
Other changes follow quickly. Leading the way are spring plants such as the mayflower and the purple violet. Because of their early blooming, both are appropriate heralds of spring.
Appearing in late April or early May, the mayflower is the common name for a creeping evergreen plant belonging to the heath family. It is also known as the trailing arbutus. The mayflower's claim to fame is traceable to the distinctive fragrance of its white or rose coloured blossoms. In 1901 the government of Nova Scotia designated the mayflower as its floral emblem.
The purple violet, more common than the mayflower, became the floral emblem of New Brunswick in 1936. (There is also a second variety to be found in the region, the white violet.) It's appropriate that the mayflower and the purple violet, both attractive and distinctive flowers, have "official status" in the two neighbouring Maritime provinces.
Spring is announced by a number of other flowering plants, such as the vibrant blue flag, along with the occasional wild orchid. In wooded areas starflowers and occasionally trilliums may be found. The explosion of colour provided by the wild cherry and similar shrubs is an added bonus. When interspersed with evergreens they add a particular touch of beauty to the spring palette. In some regions of the Maritimes the wild cherry is referred to as the "shad bush," signaling as it does, the beginning of the shad fishery.
The month of May on the Tantramar is always associated with the annual closing exercises at Mount Allison University. The date for convocation this year is May 15. Hopefully by then, the striking yellow forsythia bushes, which adorn the campus and town, will be at their best. Depending on the year, their place will soon be overtaken by the purple and white lilacs that mark lawns and gardens throughout the Tantramar region.
Another striking aspect of spring is the return, or re-emergence, of wildlife species. In particular, the songbirds are among the important signs of the season. Joining them is the "spring chorus" coming from the unmistakable sound of croaking frogs.
It is not surprising that spring has inspired festivals focussing on the colours of this season. Possibly the best known nationally is the Canadian Tulip Festival held in Ottawa. The first festival took place in 1953 and it quickly became an important symbol of international friendship and the beauty of spring.
Strangely enough, the event is embedded in the dark history of the Second World War. During the last three years of the war, the Dutch royal family lived in Ottawa. One member, Princess Margret, was born at the Ottawa Civic Hospital in 1945. On their return to the Netherlands, Princess Juliana presented the city of Ottawa with 100,000 tulip bulbs. These helped to inspire the festival - which will be held this year from May 2-19.
Within the city the Tulip Route follows the historic Rideau Canal to the Parliament buildings and Major's Hill Park and then across the Ottawa River to the Outaouais. All events are free, at what has been described as the "Festival Without Fences."
Two locations merit particular attention. The first is Parliament Hill, where the "Dutch Gift of Tulips" were first planted. Canada's architecturally significant Parliament buildings and the Peace Tower form an impressive backdrop for a creative display of tulips and other flowering bulbs. Another major showcase is to be found at Commissioner's Park on the shores of Dow's Lake in Ottawa. Here, some 300,000 tulips of every colour and hue form a breathtaking display.
Closer to home the annual Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival will take place May 28-June 2. Dating from 1933, the original objectives of the festival still stand: "To make the Valley's apple industry better known throughout North America and Europe; to publicize the scenic beauty of the area; and to provide an opportunity to foster and develop local talent through participation in festival events."
Each year hundreds of people from the Maritimes and beyond travel to participate in this festival, which takes place throughout the entire Annapolis Valley.
Overseas, one of the most dramatic sites displaying the colours of springtime is to be found southwest of Amsterdam in Holland. A visit to the internationally famous Keukenhof Gardens is an experience never to be forgotten. I well remember driving there on a warm sunny day. The car windows were down and a kilometre or so before we reached our destination the fragrance of the hyacinths was unmistakable!
Athough the gardens are large, the walks are easy to navigate, and are wheelchair accessible. At one end of the gardens is a large windmill that is useful as a landmark. In addition to the outdoor gardens, there are numerous greenhouses and exhibits. As the Keukenhof Gardens cover some 70 acres, it's impossible to appreciate the full extent during one visit. The solution is to seek out a small area for detailed exploration. Tulips are not the only spring flower blooming here. Daffodils, hyacinths, and narcissi are also well represented. Even a "humbug flower-hater" could not help being impressed by the Keukenhof!
Colour is the very essence of springtime, so take the opportunity this year to admire the flowering plants, bulbs, shrubs and orchards. If nothing else, spend some time in the backyard and savour this special season. It only comes once a year!
Ideas for or comments about Tantramar Flashbacks, may be addressed to Bill Hamilton in care of the Sackville Tribune Post, 80 Main Street, Sackville, NB, E4L 4A7, or via e-mail at tribune@nbnet,nb.ca. A selection of previous Flashbacks may be found in recent on line issues of this newspaper and at www.billhamiltonflashback.ca