Cold Weather Puts Spring Flowers On Hold

Thu, 18 Feb 2010

Freezing weather conditions in January have delayed the arrival of spring flowers by up to one month, according to the National Trust .

In its annual flower count, the organisation found that fewer flowers bloomed in January compared to the same month last year due to the heavy snow and rain which affected most of the UK.

The National Trust recorded 1,115 varieties of plants in flower in 12 trust sites across Devon and Cornwall - a third of the record-high 3,335 that were counted in 2008.

It said it was the second year in a row that flowers and plants have been held back by up to four weeks by the cold weather, whereas in previous years warmer and wetter winters caused spring blooms to arrive earlier than usual, especially in the south west.

As a result of the delay, the Trust added that gardeners can now expect a "spectacular spring" with all flower species set to bloom at once.

National Trust gardeners and volunteers in Devon and Cornwall have counted flowers each February since 2006 to help provide a snapshot of the impact that climate change is having on plants in its gardens.

Mike Calnan, the organisation's head of gardens and parks, said: " Garden plants are the perfect weather barometers."

"By comparing the number of plants in flower across various gardens on a set day each year and tracking those changes over time, we will be able to demonstrate how our gardens respond to weather patterns and ultimately climate change."
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