One way to approach this subject is to cover why the winter landscape is already snowless at this time of year. Here in central Canada, we are experiencing the same thing, and it’s cause for concern. Back in my university days, I did a cross country ski workout daily for about 3.5 months of the year. Now, we are getting only about 10 days in the winter where snow is on the ground.
I realize that you were probably asking from a more artistic angle. Nature is getting ready to burst out, the grass is already green, and we are eagerly awaiting the appearance of fresh green foliage.
Also, this. Only 80,000 left in California, but 500,000 in Britain. Interesting history. Fashion for growing them from seed in mid-1800s so they’re smaller at the moment but should grow to the same size as those in the US eventually.
@TonyBarrett@elGordo I have no problem with criticism. I did not initially think of climate change in this context but it absolutely needs to be mentioned.
I think the white winter wonderland is more a product of the tourism industry than anything else.
Especially in Austria.
Sure, the climate change is real and saving a ton of heating material per season isn’t that bad - both for the bank account and in reducing CO2 emissions.
I remember an old “global warming” documentary. The interviewer asked an old Eskimo what he thought about global warming. He replied, “I like it.” The interviewer, acting shocked, asked him why. “Because it’s warmer.”
In southern Germany we had some serious snowfall in the beginning of December last year. We had just moved here from northern Germany, were snow and hills were non-existant, so the kids excitedly asked for a sled for Christmas. Santa Claus obliged.
Alas, not a single snowflake has since graced our new home. Be that from climate change or otherwise, it did bum us out.
There is a certain Icelandic, barren charm to a snowless winter landscape. I especially like how it’s much easier to photograph birds without the foliage getting in the way. But by now, I’ve had my share of browns and dirty green. It’s time for spring.
You might possibly find some inspiration from a poem by the Norwegian Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, an important European writer in the latter part of the 19th century, (Nobel literary prize in 1903), about April – as April then was climatically much as March is now. My quick and dirty translation with total disregard for the original rhyme and rhythm, (you might find some better translation to German from old):
"I chose April 1)
In that the old falls,
in that the new finds foot;
it causes some hubbub,–
though peace is not the best,
but that there is something one will. 2&3)
I chose April,
because it storms, brooms,
because it smiles, melts,
because it owns abilities,
because it powers wrecks,-- * in that the summer is born!"
This was some irony as the story is that 12 authors where each challenged to write a poem about one month each, and when Bjørnstjerne came to the table, there was only April left.
These latter two lines has become a saying in Norwegian language.
Personally I’m fairly reserved towards this saying, as I during a lifetime have become quite skeptical towards those who will too much in disregard of peace …
*Edit: More correctly understandable, I think: “because it wrecks powers”