Unexpected warm weather brings flowers into bloom

But while the bright colours of the first signs of spring are a welcome sight for most, people are being warned they may miss the spectacular shows of snowdrops put on by gardens across the country.

Daffodils, geraniums, hellebores, crocus and little pinks have also been seen well ahead of their normal arrival. East Lambrook Manor Gardens, in South Petherton, Somerset, re-opens on February 1 to show off its collection of over 80 varieties of snowdrops and d although its owners admit the best time for the snowdrops changes slightly from year to year Mike Werkmeister said this year was causing them some concern.

“Usually we worry that they wouldn’t be out in time for people to visit, this year it is completely the opposite,” he said. “That’s nature for you, you can’t predict it, but it is just so peculiar this year, going from last year which was probably the coldest winter here to the warmest.

“There are things coming out in the garden here that shouldn’t be out for another two or three months.”

Head gardener Mark Stainer, 50, has worked at East Lambrook Manor Gardens for 37 years and said he has never known such a warm winter.