Worth a read...http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30754443

Didn't find that but found a survey on new years day found 368 british flower species actually in flower, this is the fourth year they haven't bern frozen off....

I found the link its amazing Karen

That's the one Pam! :)

It is surprising, Karen. I noticed today that I have an Alpine Strawberry fruiting and flowering. It is generally mild here, but that is surprising. Our tree man, who was here last week cutting back the contorted willow, said that it is amazing how many plants are still in active growth locally. In the park, there are a substantial number of roses flowering.

It is interesting. So many of our summer-flowering plants are actually from other parts of the world, so they behave quite differently with only a slight change of climate. It will be sad to see them succumb if we get a late spell of real winter weather - and it's hard to believe that won't happen.

Very interesting article Karen. I managed to overwinter some plants last winter, under the patio table. Usually they would have all been checked back or killed off by the frost.

Trust you had a good holiday.

It's an interesting article, thanks Karen, it took the week of snow and ice which started on Boxing Day to stop my autumn flowers, in years gone by they used to die off around hubby's birthday Nov 5th and I then went around lifting and generally tidying up for winter, the last couple of years I've left them in the ground because its been too late in the season and I haven't wanted to disturb the spring bulbs and suchlike, sort of combining autumn and spring and missing out on winter, so noticable and thats just my own garden....

So true, Lincslass. I leave summer baskets because they are still green and decorative. I'm often caught out then, but in the last few summers I have been tucking annuals into baskets which already contain petunias or begonias which have over wintered.

Yes thats now my way as well Melchi, I have never been able to throw living plants away just to make way for new ones, it brings up some strange but interesting combinations at times....

Couldn't agree more!

Oh good Karen!......nice it know I arrived there by accident☺

with temperatures starting at freezing then rising to 10c overnight its really odd weather, happening again next week it seems

Hope you had a lovely holiday Karen, very interesting article, all my bedding Geranium survived last year in the garden, and I have Tulips showing green tips in pots already. I do worry that if we do get a cold snap all my hard work in the autumn will go to waste.

I must say I'm not totally surprised with the fact that some flowers are blooming so early, it's the sheer numbers which are mind boggling. I do worry how the seasons are changing like Lincslass it the usual jobs I do in late autumn are all higgle-depiggle I've no doubt nature will adapt as she always seems to do, but what will we be left with?

The birds struggle I think, if they nest earlier as they seem to unless the insects and plants time it earlier too then their natural food supply won't be there....
warm windy and very wet here this afternoon

Well, I'm home. I haven't looked at the garden properly yet, but I can see a few white buds on snowdrops, which is very early for here.

Welcome home Karen. I noticed a few leaf buds opening on the honeysuckle arch, when I was having a look round the garden this afternoon, everything does seem very early. I think we're in for a cold snap, for a couple of days though.

My garden is definitely asleep. The bulbs are an inch or two above the soil but nothing more......although my Penstemon still has its last flower head. I have to say I am happy about this as we are expecting snow tomorrow. I don't want my plants to be hit by snow and frost. Let winter be winter please. I want all the diseases and pests killed off. It was a very worrying article Karen. Welcome home.

Thank you Alan and Linda. After a terrible journey home I am glad to be back and very tired. :)

I guess the high winds didn't help Karen ?

Spot on Alan.

Welcome home Karen, hope you had a wonderful time. :)

Welcome home Karen , fortunately bad journeys are soon (and best) forgotten .
Back to reviewing , and planning for this year's gardening splendours now !

So right Driad...on both counts!