Early spring

Saucer Magnolia

We are in full Spring mode here. Daffodils and hyacinths are blooming, the magnolias are covered with flowers. One day the weather is a balmy 68F/20C and then nighttime temperatures drop to 29F/-1C. All the saucer magnolia buds and partially opened  blooms are now browning at the tips. This premature warmth has "tricked" the plants into blooming early while the erratic weather is capable of damaging this new early growth.

Last night there was a huge thunderstorm with hail here, and tornadoes in Wentzville about 20 miles away. This is the second significant thunderstorm/hail/tornado warning we've had this year. A bit early for extreme weather, but as we have all noticed the weather patterns are changing. Spring is definitely 3 weeks early.

Star Magnolia

I was listening to NPR and mention was made of this website: https://www.iseechange.org/ which is an online community climate and weather journal for non-scientist citizen observers. The site submissions accrue to document local observer narratives regarding environmental changes across the U.S. I joined to submit some of my observations. There are very interesting comments regarding the changes people are noticing, early blooms as well as an early onset of flea and tick bites. Do visit and join this site to add to the data base.




Tomorrow will be 75F/23.8C! I am enjoying the sunny warmth though, and the delightful fragrance of my yard full of blooms.