In the news: unseasonably warm weather confusing plants, prompting early blooms

This December saw blooming daffodils in the UK, blossoming crab apple trees in Ohio and cherry trees in Philadelphia, and a flowering viburnum in New York. 

The unseasonably warm temperatures heating up the East Coast, Midwest, South and the UK are prompting plants to sprout and bloom months before their usual showy seasons in the spring and summer, and encouraging reptiles, bees and other dormant creatures to emerge way ahead of schedule. This could mean a less dramatic spring and may pose a problem for the agricultural and produce industry, though horticulturists say plants should survive. 

News of the effects and the ramifications of a balmy autumn and winter exploded over the Christmas holiday. Here are just a few of the dozens of articles we found:

From The Guardian: Daffodils bloom across UK during unseasonal December weather

From The Boston Globe: Warm December weather confuses even the flowers

From The New York Times: December heat tricks flowers into putting on spring display

From USA Today: Flowers, trees, bugs confused by freakishly warm December

From Philly.com: Warm weather means springtime in December for flowers and trees

What are you experiencing at your garden center? Leave a comment or email msimakis@gie.net and tell us what's blooming early.