The talented and delightfully mad Robin Williams was once quoted as saying that spring is nature's way of saying "Let's Party".

I truly concur with the great man. It's the beautiful time of awakening from the winter doldrums, of coming into the light.

I'm a bit late in formally welcoming spring, it's been with us now for more than a month, but I've certainly been revelling in all the associated positives that the season brings.

For a start, there is a palpable feeling of brightness to life. Dour winter has officially gone and there is a lightness and a balminess to the air touching your skin, a promise of warmth to come.

There is a sweet smell of new growth, of freshness in the earth.

Everywhere there are signs of Spring. Birds are nesting, trees dormant for the winter are sprouting tender green foliage, lambs and calves trot behind their mummas on now greener hillsides, and local plant nurseries are just keeping up with the demand for potted colour and the seasonal revival of the garden.

Spring has traditionally been a time of renewal, of a fresh take on things, even if it is only a splash of paint here, a recovering of cushions there, a few new shrubs placed decoratively in your garden.

Spring is the time of plans and projects, according to Leo Tolstoy in his novel Anna Karenina.

This could also be a slogan for a prominent Australian hardware chain. It seems spring encourages us to look at our surroundings in a critical light, and we are collectively driven to make alterations for a new, refreshed look.

It's the season of the local garden festivals, to showcase beautiful spaces and to show us mere mortals how it should be done.

The pleasure and mindfulness of strolling in gorgeous, lovingly cared-for gardens is a tonic, best imbibed in spring.

And then there are the food and wine festivals. The cultural festivals. And the music festivals. Kiama has them all. Let's party indeed!

Spring is also grand final time in Australia, in many sporting codes.

We have already witnessed in the last weeks the sheer spectacle of the AFL, NRL and NRLW premiership deciders, as well as rugby union’s Bledisloe Cup magic.

Across our vast and amazing country there will indeed have been many a Tuesday hangover, after the Mad Mondays of celebration for not only our national, but our local and regional teams.

And then, in November, there is the bling, the frisson, the fashion, the glamour of the race that stops the nation.

That madness that happens every year in spring, originating in Melbourne but permeating far and wide.

Whether you are for or against the concept of horse racing, the Spring Racing Carnival is presented as bubbly and giddily frenetic as the sparkling wine consumed by many on the day.

Another fine example of spring’s "Let's Party" attitude.

For there are parties everywhere.

And at many, no one is watching the race. It's all about coming together to celebrate with friends, to enjoy fine food or nibbles, to look at each other's fashion statement, and to enjoy one day of spring, to my mind the best season of the year.