Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a widely adopted practice of setting the clock forward by one hour during the warmer months to extend the evening daylight, thus conserving energy and allowing people to make the most of the longer daylight hours.
This change typically occurs in the early hours of a Sunday, minimizing disruption to weekday schedules.
The concept was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 and has since been implemented in over 70 countries worldwide, though not without controversy and debate regarding its actual benefits and the inconvenience of adjusting biannual schedules.
The transition out of Daylight Saving Time marks a return to Standard Time, usually occurring in the autumn. This “falling back” grants an extra hour of sleep on the night of the change, a small concession for the shorter daylight hours to come.
The shift can impact health, business operations, and international coordination. As the days grow shorter in the lead-up to the winter solstice, evening activities are curtailed by the early onset of night, and the morning hours become brighter.
While the practice’s efficacy is periodically called into question, it remains a ritual in many parts of the world, a marker of the seasons changing, and a reminder of the ancient human practice of aligning our lives with the rhythms of the sun.
About The Author
John Bagnasco has been in the gardening industry for over 50 years, starting with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University and following a stint at Frank’s Nursery and Crafts in Detroit.
After publishing his first book “Plants for the Home Vol. I” in 1976, he moved to California to become regional manager and buyer for the Nurseryland division of Sunbelt Nursery Group.
He then became the head buyer for Armstrong Garden Centers based in Glendora, California. John had a part-time affiliation with Creative Promotions for ten years before joining them full-time in October 2000 as a senior editor and radio personality for Garden Compass.
John has also taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University.
He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses,” which also features Bryan Main and Bruce and Sharon Asakawa.
His most recent book is “Planting Designs for Cacti and Succulents”.
Currently, John is a co-host on “Garden America,” an interactive live gardening show that additionally provides podcasts of the broadcasts accessible on all major platforms.
You can contact John here.