The crocus in bloom in New Jersey: a harbinger of spring. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
LIFE IN NEW JERSEY: Spring is finally here. If you think I’m a bit late in saying that, then you are correct. Spring in New Jersey starts officially on March 21st or 22nd every year. But it sure doesn’t feel like it then. The weather is still cold and there is always the possibility of snow at this time. The only reassuring sign that the seasons are actually changing is the appearance of crocus bulbs. This is a local flower which starts to pop up, despite freezing conditions including snow. This is one tough little plant!
Even though it may appear otherwise, the crocus bulbs’ sprouting is a well-known sign here, that the end of winter is near and spring is on its way.
Plants push up here when spring is approaching in late March regardless of snow and cold conditions. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
Within two weeks of spring’s official start, the outdoors start to change amazingly fast. A number of things happen. The weather gets noticeably warmer and for the first time in a long while, temperatures get above zero degrees Celsius at night . With daylight saving also under way, the daylight seems much longer and the sun has a higher arc in the sky. These changes are very welcome after six months of cold weather and indoor life.
The most striking thing about spring here though is the natural beauty bursting out of gardens and parks, and even onto footpaths. The stark bareness of the long-dormant deciduous trees changes, almost while you are watching it. As their multicoloured leaves start to bud and unfurl, these trees are contrasted with blooms from cherry blossoms, dogwoods, forsythia (yellow bells) and magnolias, that fill the air with scent and flowers. With all these color splashes arriving within a short period, it seems that nearly every suburban street and thoroughfare has a bloom that catches your eye.
Cherry blossoms in bloom at Taylor Park in Millburn New Jersey. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
Cherry blossoms in Branch Brook Park in Newark New Jersey. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
New Jersey holds its own special Cherry Blossom festival during the second week of April, to capitalize on the multitude of these pretty trees around Newark’s Branch Brook Park. There are plenty of other outdoor events throughout spring including New Jersey’s spring festivals at Cape May, Hoboken and Hackettstown.
New Jerseyans definitely know how to make the most of warmer weather. Even the local wildlife comes back into action in a very noticeable way. As mentioned in last week’s post (New Jersey Wildlife: Seven Furry Friends in your backyard), you’ll start seeing animals and birds around your house-yard and in all types of natural areas.
A robin in our New Jersey back yard. Photo copyright ExpatAussieInNJ
Spring daffodils in bloom in Summit New Jersey, April 2013. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
Spring blooms in Montclair New Jersey. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
Bluebells in Montclair New Jersey. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
One little problem that many people suffer during spring in New Jersey is hayfever. With so many blooms happening and floating pollen everywhere, the chances of getting a runny nose and sneezing bouts, is probably a lot higher than many other places. But it’s definitely worth it to see all that New Jersey greenery coming back to life.
Periwinkle flower in bloom in Spring in New Jersey. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
Tulips in spring in New Jersey. Photo © ExpatAussieInNJ
The weather can be quite changeable in spring. It’s almost like Mother Nature has just gotten a new car and is still learning how to drive it. It can be warm one day, with temperatures in the mid to high twenties Celsius (watch out for sunburn), and then on the next day, there can be cold winds and temperatures close to single figures. A bit confusing for the body sometimes but the weather is still mild. And wait for it…… my favourite part: there is low humidity… woohoo!
At this time of year, the locals in New Jersey start to pack away their winter gear, exchanging it for light weather wear. Don’t do it too early, as the cold weather is still here in force for late March and a good part of April. By the end of May though, daytime temperatures start to move towards regular mid-twenties Celsius.
Although it often feels much too short, the spring season here is long enough to experience an entrancing array of color and some very pleasant outdoor weather. Enjoy it while you can because those hotter days won’t be far away when summer starts in earnest.
What New Jersey season is your favourite?
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I have yet to experience all seasons here. Have to say though that I struggled quite a bit with winter. It’s been 8 years nearly that I’ve lived in a country/place this cold! I’m ready for beachweather! Loving all the pop up colors though!
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your comment and apologies for the long delay in answering. The cold weather here is a bit of a shock I think compared to Australia or other hot climates that people may have come from. Perhaps not too much of a shock for Brits though. I actually love the cold weather as I am finding hot weather unbearable as I get older. But even for me, there is an intense cabin fever you get from being indoors so much over the long winter and early spring. Just glad to have those sunny days and beautiful blooms around. Although the hayfever is a bit of an annoyance. The beach weather isn’t too far away. Is there any special beach you would recommend or heard that is good?
NOw, I have to apologize for the delay…:-) Visitors!
Spring Lake came highly recommended. Only thing is, the boardwalk got washed away by Sandy and it’s not looking as if it will be up by Summer. However, the town, quite lovely and peaceful, looked very well intact. Beautiful homes. Very popular with families as it doesn’t attract the young ‘loud’ crowds. 🙂 We ‘ve also been to Cape May. LOVE that town! And the beach. However, in contrary with Oz, where you can have beaches to yourselves practically sometimes, I realize it’s going to be crazy busy and quite a different look over Summer. They say though that during the week should be ok. Next week, Memorial weekend, we will be staying in Ocean Grove a couple of days. Also came recommended. More lively then Spring Lake, they say. I’m very much looking forward to it. I think Spring Lake and Ocean Grove are just a very friendly distance for a quick day trip. Cape May is better overnight. Also, have you been to Lake Greenwood? You can rent a boat, there’s a nice beach and just such a lovely atmosphere. Great hiking too around the area! Great day trip too on a hot day.. Have a great weekend!!
Thanks for those suggestions Sharon:) Well funnily enough, Cape May is where I went on the weekend. We left on Thursday after my daughter finished doing the NJ ASK exams, and took our time on the way down. We stopped in at Seaside Heights to have a look at how repairs are coming along. They have put replaced most of the missing boardwalk but it is not finished yet by a long shot. The amusement parks at Fun Pier and the other end are going to take a lot of work, as they are still in ruins. However many of the boardwalk shops/eateries etc are open so they can start making some income again fortunately.
We found Cape May very pretty and different in many ways from much of the Jersey Shore. It wasn’t all that crowded on the beach but there were still lots of people there. Can’t imagine what the place will be like on Memorial Day or in summer. packed to the rafters I guess! I have heard of Spring Lake before so that will now be on my must visit list, and a much easier drive than CM for the kids. Thanks for the tip on Lake Greenwood.. I haven’t heard of this one at all… will definitely look it up for a summer drive on the weekend. Hope you have a great weekend too at Ocean Grove:)