Sprinter and Sprummer: Australia's changing Seasons

by Timothy J. Entwisle

Challenges the traditional four seasons Encourages us to think about how we view changes in our natural world. Since 1788, Australia has carried the yoke of four European seasons that make no sense in most parts of the country. They may be liked for historical or cultural reasons, or because they are the same throughout the world, but they tell us nothing of the natural environment. It's time to reject those seasons and to adopt a system that brings us more in tune with our plants and animals a system that helps us to notice and respond to climate change. Using examples from his 25 years working in botanic gardens, author Timothy Entwisle illustrates how our natural world really responds to seasonal changes in temperature, rainfall and daylight, and why it would be better to divide up the year based on what Australian plants do rather than ancient rites of the Northern Hemisphere. "Sprinter and Sprummer" opens with the origins and theory of the traditional seasonal system and goes on to review the Aboriginal seasonal classifications used across Australia. Entwisle then proposes a new five-season approach, explaining the characteristics of each season, along with the biological changes that define them. The book uses seasons to describe the fascinating triggers in the life of a plant, using charismatic flora such as carnivorous plants, the Wollemi Pine and orchids, as well as often overlooked organisms such as fungi. The final chapter considers climate change and how the seasons are shifting whether we like it or not"

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Timothy John Entwisle (1960-), is a botanist, much of whose research work is in phycology (algae). He was awarded a Ph.D. from La Trobe University in 1986 for work on the taxonomy of Vaucheria.

Reviews

[Ellen]

This was an entertaining read. It is very much a personal story of look at seasons. There is research and reference to work others have done about what seasons cover, and how it is hard to get a good fit for seasons. There is good coverage of some of the Indigenous seasons in different parts of Australia. The main focus for the author is south eastern Australia and England as that is where he has worked. There are references to other places as well.

It has some laugh out loud moments (awkward on public transport).

The big picture from this is to look at what is happening around you.

It is an enjoyable, fast read.

[Karl]

Very well researched look at the concept of seasons.
Historical, cultural, regional views of seasonality mainly in plants but with conversational asides regarding animal life, solar cycles and I loved that it was not Northern Hemisphere centric!

[Verity]

Bit of a hobby horse publication?? Didn't hold my interest.