“Sweet April showers,
Do spring May flowers.”
~ 1557 Thomas Tusser, “A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry, April Husbandry.”

Most of us have heard this familiar rhyme, commonly learned at an early age from parents and teachers. According to philologists, or literary linguists, the saying most likely dates back to the mid 1500s. I think the Crescenta Valley area warrants its own version; these words may be more apropos: “Sweet January and February showers, do spring March and April flowers.” Our local rains typically taper off come March; simultaneously flowers reach full bloom.

Throughout the foothills, from the valley floor to the top of Mt Lukens, a lush and vibrant green blankets the landscape. It’s perhaps comparable to that seen on the rugged, low-lying mountains of Ireland. I’ll have to ask Charly Shelton for his unbiased opinion, as he recently traveled there. Throughout many parts of Southern California – compliments of this year’s above average rainfall – native grasses, plants and wild flowers have grown in abundance displaying intense color. The old saying could do with one more line; it would include the wildlife, following the showers and flowers. I’m not a poet, nor do I want to touch antiquated writings. Mostly, I couldn’t find the right word to follow showers and flowers.

Merriam-Webster’s definition of wildlife: Living things and especially mammals, birds, and fishes that are neither human nor domesticated. Wildlife in La Crescenta presents itself in contrastive ways. Late last night, in our front yard, a pair of amorous (or hungry) coyotes howled. Earlier in the day, in our backyard, I witnessed a Monarch butterfly as it slowly unfurled its wings for the first time. The world silenced as I watched mesmerized. Each fragile and symmetrical wing was designed and colored with perfection. No doubt the Monarch brought forth the idea for stained glass windows. A masterpiece, to rival those at the Louvre, posed for just a moment before taking flight.

In a year’s time the Monarch produces four generations. Each one goes through four stages – the egg, the caterpillar, the chrysalis and, finally, the butterfly. The first three generations live for two to six weeks. The fourth and final generation lives four to six months. During this time they migrate to the south, flying thousands of miles to warmer climates. With a built-in compass, their organized migration is recognized as one of the most amazing events in the animal world.

After planting a milkweed plant – the only food source for the larvae (caterpillars) and Monarch butterflies – I was hooked!

April showers are expected Friday night into Saturday morning. The amount and duration of rainfall is still up in the air. Considered to be an “atmospheric river event,” we may receive over an inch of rain along the foothills. With summer approaching, our chances are diminishing of rain. Dry, warm and breezy define next week’s weather forecast. Perfect milkweed planting conditions!     

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick