Winter Solstice
It gets cold in June. The days shorten until the Winter Solstice on 21st June, after which they begin to get longer.
Many animals and plants measure the day length and their activity throughout the year is often ruled by specific hours of day or night length.
Immediately after the 21st of June many bird species begin to fight over breeding territories. Listen for the roar of magpie wings as they show off their strength. Witness peewees and noisy miners clutched in fights like Packer and Gyngell.
Some plants, like rhododendrons and cherries count the number of cold days below a certain temperature before they’ll commence spring growth.
Most plants are dormant now and they prefer to be left alone.
Next post we’ll look at the plants that love extra water in winter.
Hooroo! Don.
