A Flowering Aberration Or Normalcy?

I take pictures of my own and neighboring flora to document changes in growth and timing of flowering, fruiting and color changes–called phenology.

This year, the pink Magnolia soulangia began to open March 12, according to the dates on my photos as seen on the featured photo. Last year, they were opening a month later, at maximum size by April 19.

The crocus have been out ahead by two weeks.

My neighbor’s bright blue Chionodoxa are now blooming; last year it was April 7.

Last year, we had quite a cold snap which may have delayed flowering then. But, would it totally account for the month’s difference in the Magnolia? I’m not sure.

Have you noticed any differences this year in comparison to others?

Last year, a month later…