Well, in a way I'm sad about this because I know that a lot of it is due to climate change. But I'm also selfish and will absolutely enjoy seeing early blooms in England when I'm there in March and April. I am so happy that I will be able to see rhododendrons and azaleas and magnolia trees in full bloom!
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/02/gardens-england-wales-blooming-four-weeks-early-national-trust
It has been a very mild winter. Average temperature here in Bristol was 7.7C (45F) but we had 47cm (18.5 inches) of rain in 3 months and I can tell you it’s still hammering down right now.
In my part of the world,Buxton a known cold spot (once had a country cricket game snowed off in June !)
Had its " warmest" Feb in twenty years
5.9c average temp.
3.0c is the normal average
25 hours of sunshine in the month
23 inch of snow/ rain Dec-Feb
Up in Cumbria we actually had snow down to sea level on Friday. Just our second snowfall all winter.
But, since then, for what feels like the first time since last October, we've actually managed to string 3 fine days together.
Even in my little local Community Garden our flower beds are blooming well. If the fine weather continues I am expecting a carpet of the late daffodils out just in time for Mothering Sunday next weekend (the early ones have been out for about 3 weeks now). And even this far north we've got wonderful blossom.
Our flower beds are already full of spring colour.
But we are struggling to do any planting or the first grass cut of the year because the ground is so utterly water logged.
That's okay—I don't mind rain! I still can't wait. Only two weeks to go!
I don't usually go to England in March but I am heading there this Wednesday! It will be lovely to see the Daffodils in bloom. Just hoping for some dry spells in the Cambridge area.
It does come earlier every year. Was just in London Feb. 17-25. Daffodils in full bloom. When we left our home in Arlington VA, crocuses were in bloom and daffodils just coming out. Now daffodils at their peak here. I think we're about a week or 10 days behind London. And lots of loud parakeets in the London parks, another thing we didn't used to see.
Mardee, lucky you!
I think I remember you saying you're going to visit Richmond Park, which should be full of rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom. There will be tons of flowers, too.
Should be lovely!
Right now (5 March) Camellias, Magnolias and daffodils are in flower. Crocus flowering is coming to an end.