Monday, April 8, 2013

Artz April Showers


 April showers bring May flowers. The first time I heard it was when I was very young and my mother would say it every April without fail as though it were a talisman or charm. Where does this saying come from? I went in search of its origin and it led me to the art of husbandry.
Thomas Tusser in 1557 compiled a collection of sayings he titled A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry included in the book is this poem…

Sweet April showers
Do spring May flowers

A lesson in patience?  To endure the unpleasant (rain on a weekend) can bring about something pleasant. The art of optimism?


The Science…
Rain – Provides necessary moisture for newly budding and growing plants. The rain pushes nutrients deeper into the soil where they are absorbed by the roots of plants.

Temperature – Warmer temperatures bring rain not snow; a signal to the plants to start growing and blossoming.

Wildlife – Warmer temperatures and rain signal to the wildlife it is time to come out and the composting and pollination rituals begin.

This week the Artz Council celebrates April Showers.

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