To Game of Thrones devotees the ubiquitous phrase - ‘Winter is coming’ carries meaning, but I’m guessing the Chinese had first dibs on the phrase! In Chinese culture, Seasons commence about one and a half months before the comparative seasons in the Western Civil calendar. The 19th Seasonal Node nods to ‘Winter’s Coming’ or the ‘Beginning of Winter’(Lì dōng 立冬) as it’s also known. This solar term is the one of eight key nodal transition points, it denote the midpoints between the equinoxes and solstices. Commencing on 8 Nov 2023, we also prepare to welcome the swine of the Chinese Zodiac - the Yin Water Pig. And the 10th Lunar month begins on 13 Nov. 2023.
Read more17th Solar term : Cold Dew 2023
A week has past since the full Moon Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival) that followed the Equinox. The 17th Solar Term of Cold Dew (Hanlu 寒露) gets under ways on 8 Oct., as does a New zodiacial month - Yang Water Dog month. Followed by the New Chinese lunar month, kick starting the 9th or Chrysanthemum month; as it was known to the Ancients.
Read moreSTYLISH COMPOSTING
Let's face it, composting isn't the most stylish of pursuits - but it sure is rewarding. Minimal effort that yields successful results will make a composting advocate of even the most impatient gardener. In the past I've trench composted but it's a tad labour intensive. Tomorrow, I start my first 'real' attempt at cultivating fecund compost.
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