In Shenyang, as you may know, Spring does not start in April, and it almost did not make May either. So, when the birds and the bees finally became active, the school staff started to worry about the looks of things. It was not pretty. The grass was yellow or gray, the trees all bare, and bushes looked like, well, bunches of sticks.

The first thing that needed to be done was also the most distressing: the burning of the fields. The strategy of scorched earth applied at a school! As you can see from the pictures, what they do is literally burn the dead grass away. They light certain patches, and the wind carries the fire across the whole area. (no huge flames, don't worry). Fortunately, they have more confidence in the regenerative powers of the trees and bushes. Therefore, these do not require a flame-bath to be restored to their former glory. Spring can do that by itself.

When this is finished, the first spring rains make the area fresher and wash away the dirt and grey-ness from the streets. The trees tentatively stretch out the first buds of flowers and leaves alike, attempting to find the first nourishing rays of sunlight. The now black grass turns from muddy sulkiness to a shy light green, and as the ashes of destruction are washed away, a beautiful green phoenix emerges. This grass, considered a raging weed, is apparently so happy to see the world that it reaches for the skies at speeds that require an intervening lawnmower at least once per week.

In the mean time, the trees and bushes show their beautiful blossoms. Overnight, the trees suddenly turn from a hidden pink to a bright red, and the bushes at their feet from a light brown to an almost blinding yellow.

Now comes the time for man to step in and model nature to his ways. Flowers (in plastic pots) are placed in appropriate areas, mostly to hide sewage covers or emphasize statues and decorative stones, and, after having finished showing their flowery creations, plants are trimmed into the appropriate shapes.

Personally, I can't express how happy I am that nature has finally awoken. I must say that I do miss the actual digging in the dirt, taking out the weeds, planting and watering the seeds, and the waiting for everything to grow. A small price to pay for this experience. I guess I'll just do as the Chinese do and go hang out in a park to compensate and maybe catch some sunshine for myself!!