Spring in Korea is a colorful experience

Spring in Korea is a colorful experience

To the editor:
    Spring is a powerful part of nature. Here in the Sun Chang Valley its power has been on full display. First we were presented with the early cherry tree blossoms. Cherries are a part of the heritage of Korea. They are the first harbinger of spring and they let you know their power to bring joy and happiness by blooming overnight. One day it is dreary, little green, only a hint of fuzz on the hillside and then one morning the sun comes over the hills and you have these gorgeous blossom laden trees. As you look over the horizon you see hidden pockets of white. 

    Joining in this bloom launch are the daffodils and magnolias. Lending the tenors a voice, the mugwort with its soft blue flowers lays down a carpet welcoming the magenta phlox. Early morning fog cloaks modest nature behind a veil of grey. Then the sun shines and all is revealed.
    Planting has started for the rice fields. Unlike the planting methods for potatoes where you need some dry periods, the rice needs water — lots of water. Fields are flooded. In part this helps to keep the insect population down to a manageable level. It also softens the ground to lay in the rice seedlings and get them off to a good start. As the water runs off it goes back into a channel ready for the next field. Throughout the hillsides there are these channels carrying water to field after field. You might call them natures tears of joy. Gone is winter.
    Within days, the hillsides are coated in that light green. The sun is now up before seven, its golden rays trumpeting this new world. The planting cycle continues and the day is at peace while it welcomes the new growth. Maples, cedars, chestnuts, cherry trees, and magnolias all raise a voice to this new beginning. In time the cherry trees are covered by bees, the brilliant yellow and black providing a base counterpoint to the glorious white. Soon, those flower petals coat the ground and it becomes spring snow. Fleeting and then fleeing before the soft winds the snow goes and the new grass comes forth. Green sentinels to stand guard and honor nature herself.