Spring has arrived. Cherry trees are blooming. Some have already begun to lose their petals this week. Buds on a pear tree at the station have sprouted, the apple tree is still in bud swell. Grass is a lush green, it has filled in and is growing. Numerous shrubs are showing new growth and blossums. Birds have returned but insects not so much. Soil temperature is 12°C. Skiing is still possible on the local mountains at 1000m+ elevation. The run time on the heating system at the station has been reduced to 12hrs this week. Temperatures continue to rise. Average daily mean last week was low 3.6°C, high 9.4°C. This week low is 7.1°C, high 13.4°C. Rainfall is 31% above normal this month. Conditions are lush with the ground generally draining well and vegetation using the ground water effectively. The total estimated evapotranspiration for March (26mm) accounts for 44% of this year’s total so far.