Birthday
HydrangeasBy the end of winter it can feel as if sunshine and warmth will never come back. But spring arrives every year — and brings far more than above-zero temperatures. Here are 10 reasons to love spring, from long light evenings to the first tulips, plus a spring bloom calendar so you don't miss a season.
When does spring begin?
By the calendar, spring starts on 1 March — meteorological spring, handy for statistics. Astronomical spring begins at the vernal equinox, around 20 March, when day and night are roughly equal. Phenologists, meanwhile, count spring by nature: the first flowers, swelling buds, returning starlings. All three springs arrive at different times — one more reason to celebrate the season three times over.
10 reasons to love spring
1. The days get longer
In Kyiv the shortest day in December has about 8 hours of daylight; by the spring equinox it's around 12, and by late May almost 16. In March daylight grows by 3–4 minutes every day, and after-work walks become possible again.
2. Colour returns
After a grey-and-white winter, the eye catches every hue: a green haze on the trees, yellow coltsfoot, fluffy willow catkins. In spring nature changes almost daily.
3. The first flowers
Snowdrops, scillas, crocuses, daffodils, tulips, lilac — spring offers the longest "queue" of blooms; see the calendar below. If you want spring early, bring it home with a bouquet of tulips or a potted hyacinth — ideas in potted plants for 8 March.
4. Spring celebrations
International Women's Day on 8 March, Easter, Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May — spring is full of reasons to gather with family and give flowers. Each is its own little ritual.
5. Lighter clothes
Heavy down coats go into the wardrobe, making way for trench coats, trainers and bright scarves. And sometimes you find a forgotten banknote in last year's spring jacket — a little bonus from the season.
6. Scents
Spring smells of wet earth after rain, fresh grass, blossoming bird cherry and lilac. Hyacinths, daffodils and lily of the valley are especially fragrant — one bouquet can scent a whole room. See our list of the most fragrant flowers.
7. More movement
When it's light and warm outside, you naturally walk more, cycle and stroll in the park. Spring is a good time to start a new habit.
8. Spring cleaning and renewal
In spring you want to throw open the windows, sort out wardrobes, repot houseplants and put fresh flowers on the table. It's the best season for fresh starts, at home and in your plans.
9. Walks and meeting friends
Picnics, first trips to the countryside, coffee on terraces — spring makes meeting outdoors comfortable again. Trips to blooming fields and orchards are a special treat; see flower fields of the world.
10. Anticipating summer
Spring is a season of looking forward: holidays, long evenings, strawberries and peonies are all ahead. Sometimes the anticipation is as sweet as the event.
Spring bloom calendar
- March. Snowdrops, scillas, hellebores and crocuses wake first. Florists sell mimosa, plus greenhouse tulips and hyacinths.
- April. Daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, primroses and anemones. Early tulips, magnolias and ornamental cherries open in the second half of the month.
- May. The big flower month: tulips, lilac, lily of the valley, horse chestnuts, apple blossom and, at the end, the first peonies.
Exact timing depends on region and weather: spring reaches southern Ukraine 1–2 weeks earlier than the north. Learn more in types of flowers.
Welcoming spring with flowers
- A just-because spring bouquet. Tulips, daffodils, ranunculus or mimosa lift your mood and your loved ones'.
- Potted bulbs. A hyacinth or crocuses on the windowsill last longer than a bouquet and can be planted out later.
- Peony season. Late May brings the short but spectacular peony season — don't miss it.
- A single flower with a note. Sometimes one flower is enough to say "spring is here".
Spring in Ukrainian traditions
In Ukrainian culture people have long "called in" spring with vesnianky songs, round dances and lark-shaped biscuits. On Palm (Willow) Sunday willow branches are blessed, and at Easter homes are decorated with the first flowers and greenery. Read about the plants that became symbols of Ukrainian spring in Ukrainian plant symbols.
FAQ
When does spring start?
Meteorological spring on 1 March; astronomical spring at the vernal equinox, around 20 March.
Which flowers bloom first in spring?
Snowdrops, scillas, hellebores and crocuses — often before the snow has gone.
When does lilac bloom in Ukraine?
Usually in the first half of May, depending on region and weather.
Which flowers make good spring gifts?
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, ranunculus and mimosa, and peonies and lilac later in spring.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
