Everyone knows spring, summer, autumn and winter, but there are many more seasons!
According to the theory of phenology (the theory of phenomena), each of the four seasons can be subdivided into a total of ten phenological seasons:
- Early Spring, First Spring and Full Spring
- Early Summer, Mid Summer and Late Summer
- Early Autumn, Full Autumn and Late Autumn
- winter
Each of these seasons lasts for a different length of time and can fluctuate by a few weeks depending on the climate. They also vary from region to region and year to year.
So-called indicator plants mark the respective beginning of a phenological season by their flowering, fruit ripening, leaf coloration or leaf shedding.
At the same time, you can also find certain wild plants in nature.
Example: When the elder blossoms (as an indicator of early summer) you will also find chamomile and yarrow in the meadows.
These phenomena are also collected in a database and are used for research, eg on climate change.
Likewise in the animal world there are rhythmic phenomena corresponding to the seasons.
Now, at the end of February, we are in early spring:
Usually beginning around February 20th, this phase lasts 36 days and can be recognized by the hazelnut (Corylus avellana) beginning to bloom.
The cornel ( Cornus mas ) and the snowdrop ( Galanthus nivalis ) are also blooming and the first bees and brimstone butterflies are flying.
So now it's time to go outside and observe again. Have fun!