In the Southern Hemisphere, where the June solstice is known as the shortest day of the year, it marks the first day of astronomical winter, but the middle of winter in meteorological terms.
Backfill refers to products or materials used to fill excavations. The most common form is composed of a mixture of gypsum and calcium bentonite. Apart from filling holes, one of the primary purposes is to mantle sacrificial anodes under the ground.
It is also common to backfill the area immediately around the foundation of a building, such as a home. Using the compacted earth and stone that was excavated in order to create a smooth site for the construction of the building, the backfilling is piled against the finished foundation.