However, there are four different starting dates for spring, and you can choose which one you prefer, as none of them is a perfect guide," says the weather organization. 

Based on my scientific thinking, I like to look for more 'natural' evidence such as animal life cycles, pollen, flowers, buds, and grass growth.

Spring flowers burst into bloom when a warm southern wind blows after the cold winter is gone. Outwardly, it seems spring plays a crucial role in blossoming, although it is Winter that does the job. Did you know that? 

Trees that make flowers bloom in spring must endure severe cold throughout winter. This is called vernalization. It refers to the phenomenon that winter plants bloom after being exposed to a certain low temperature that stimulates their growing points. 

When spring arrives, the temperature rises, the air becomes more humid than in winter, and the plant detects that the hours of light are increasing... it's time to wake up.

 After all, it is not too much to say that the gorgeous flowers of springtime are bloomed by the cold weather of the winter.

The result? New leaves sprout on trees and flowers bloom, leaving a romantic atmosphere in the air and beautiful scenery in gardens, fields and parks. 

So, yes, spring has officially arrived!

Around The Waikato, we can see how bare branches, and before foliation, some species of the most popular Magnolia are a wonderful attraction and food source for bees in early spring.

Magnolia is a beautiful flowering plant that was named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol.  There are around 210 species of magnolia that differ in size, shape, colour of the flowers and type of habitat.

They can be evergreen or deciduous (by the way, this week tall evergreen magnolias arrived in a 25-litre pot. Fairy Blush, Fairy cream and Fairy white.)

Magnolia Fairy Blush

Magnolia Fairy Cream

Magnolia Fairy White

Lloyd, Tony and the Wairere team.