How to celebrate the start of spring

With the start of spring on March 20, students like Leilani Leigh Davila, freshman medical diagnostic sonography major, are looking forward to the change that comes with the season.

“What I like about spring is the freedom that we get and the nice weather,” said Davila.

For students like Davila, there are many simple and convenient ways to celebrate the start of spring.

Spring cleaning

As Peter Walsh, Australian-American professional organizer, writer and media personality once said, “Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded list of chores. It can be a rewarding experience that helps provide some structure and organization in your life.”

Spring cleaning can be a new beginning and make for an organized headspace. Cleaning out a closet, a kitchen or making the bed are ways to celebrate the start of spring at NSU. Instead of throwing out old clothing, consider giving it to a Goodwill donation center nearby.

Spending time outside

This spring, Davila looks forward to spending time out-side in the flowers, sunlight and green grass.

“I love the gardens. I think they are calming and sincere and put me at ease. It is lovely,” said Davila.

Flamingo Gardens is a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary located 15 minutes from NSU’s main campus.

It is open everyday from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with the last entry at 4:00 p.m. It offers an array of unique trees, a collection of orchids, a butterfly and hummingbird garden, a fragrance garden, a rainforest, a wetland area and many other attractions.

Flamingo Gardens also features the oldest residence in Broward County, the Wray Home Museum. Built in 1933, the Wray Home Museum is open to visitors. Tickets can be booked online. Bring your camera to capture the plants and wildlife.

Spring recipes

Trying spring cooking recipes is another way to celebrate. Bon Appétit, a website and recipe blog, holds 53 spring-themed recipes, ranging from savory dishes like pappardelle with chicken ragù, fennel and peas to sweet dishes such as lacy cornmeal pancakes with strawberry compote.

All of these recipes are made from healthy ingredients that can be found in local grocery stores or farmers markets, like Brothers Farmers Market of Davie.

Use the fresh honey, lemons, soursops, watermelons, carrots, cucumbers, squashes, herbs and locally sourced dairy products to try a new spring recipe.

Strawberry picking

Strawberry picking is a very popular spring activity throughout Florida. Strawberry season in Florida typically starts in December and lasts through March, so now is the time to go pick some sweet and juicy strawberries. This tasty activity is taking place near NSU’s campus at Family Farms in Davie, an 18-20 minute drive from campus.

Family Farms is now offering strawberry picking for $6.99 per pound. If you have leftover strawberries that you do not want to waste, just turn them into jam or compote.

“I love strawberries and the taste of them is so sweet,’’ said Davila.

Family Farms also has hay rides, a petting farm, bonfires on Friday and Saturday nights, and vendors who sell handmade jewelry, fresh produce, flowers and apparel.