When Winter Finally Loses Its Grip: Signs of Spring in Finland
After many months of winter in Finland it can be hard to say when winter finally gives way to spring. As the weather gets warmer snow flurries are still common and the world is left brown and gray. It can seem as if no vegetation is willing to venture out from winter hibernation. But then, all of a sudden there are signs that winter has truly gone. One day a few weeks ago I took a long ride on my bike through the Finnish countryside and realized that winter had finally lost its grip. Animals were migrating and some plants were finally braving the unreliable weather. Here are some signs of spring in this far northern land.
Migrating swans are always a sign that spring is just around the corner.
Blue sinivuokko flowers begin to show up in early April and can carpet the forest floor in some areas.
The rare cold flower (kylmänkukka), which is a protected plant species.
Melting lakes.
Leskenlehti flowers start growing (similar to the dandelion).
The näsiä is beautiful, but poisonous.
