According to its spiritual meaning, the month of April is a time of growth and moving forward in new and positive ways. The birth flower for the month is the daisy (one of my favorites) which is associated with purity and innocence. For me, April is a sign of rebirth, as I watch daffodils and crocuses slowly unfurl in my flower garden.
In Michigan, April weather is known for its mood swings. We start to see the warmth of spring, the grass turning greener each passing day and buds bursting out on trees. But unfortunately, an April snow is not uncommon in Michigan. In fact, Detroit’s biggest snowfall (24.6 inches) occurred on April 6, 1886, according to the National Weather Service. Average snowfall for Flint in April is 2.5 inches, the average temperature is 57 degrees and there are usually about 13 days of sunshine.
They say “April showers bring May flowers,” so it’s time to get out the galoshes as the month typically brings a more than average amount of rainfall. Spring is considered to be Michigan’s rainiest season; but that’s a good thing, because it’s the perfect time of year to start preparing for your garden.
April is National Garden Month and MCM’s annual special Home & Garden section (see p. 16) has some inspiration for making your garden and outdoor living space beautiful, including ideas for a backyard water world, starting an herb garden or a vertical garden, and much more. And many local nurseries and greenhouses will open this month, ready to help you with all of your yard and garden needs.
Want to check out the hottest plants for this season? Visit Bordine’s Nursery in Grand Blanc on Sunday, April 11 from 2-3pm as they talk about the newest annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs. For more info and to sign up, visit their facebook page.
Carlson’s Greenhouse, a family-owned Fenton business, gave people a little taste of spring throughout the month of March with free Green Therapy Sessions and an opportunity to check out their selection of perennials and miniature roses that were growing for the spring.
As we are busy planning our gardens and dreaming of what flowers we will plant, April is also the time of year to take actions to protect our environment and our planet. Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 and this year’s theme is “Restore our Earth.” Celebrating its 51st anniversary, it is a day to increase awareness of environmental issues and a popular day for communities to gather for litter clean-up litter, tree-planting or simply reflecting on the beauty of nature.
Another thing to love about April: the birds are back! Some of the species that show up in Michigan in the spring are red-winged blackbirds, robins, sparrows, warblers and hummingbirds.
I know I’m ready to enjoy April’s longer days and warmer temperatures! My birdfeeders are full and I am already deciding what herbs and colorful flowers I will plant this year.
Happy Spring to All!
