Missing Winter??

Posted by Kate Copsey Dec 20, 2006

I noticed on the newscast last week, that areas of the Swiss Alps were covered in spring flowers rather than snow. The unusually warm late fall weather has fooled a lot of eastern American plants too. Today I passed to areas were the pretty pink blossom of cherry trees was clearly seen. Although this phenomenum is strange to see, it should not have a long term, detrimental effect on the tree’s health. It may, however, cause a much depleted show of flowers in the true spring.

The unusual warmth can also cause problems for perennials. Once dormant perennials can start to re-emerge. The tender growth that is produced will not have the tolerance for the extended cold winter weather that is undoubtedly going to arrive before long. The best thing you can do for the perennials is to make sure that they are well mulched so that the warmth does not penetrate to far into the soil. In the true spring, the leaves that are seen now, will be shriveled and can be removed to make way for the onset of proper sustained growth.