| " DAFFODILS and azaleas are blooming, cherry trees are poised to blossom and even the lambs think it is spring." "This is Britain in the grip of one of the warmest Januarys since records began – and it is confusing the nation’s flora and fauna." "Traditional spring flowers are appearing two months early as unseasonably mild temperatures disturb their finely-tuned senses." "Hosts of golden daffodils are scattered over parts of Newcastle upon Tyne and County Durham. Their spring-time companions, crocuses and snowdrops, are in full bloom in Devon, which has seen temperatures at nearly three times the long-term average for the time of year." "Kew Gardens in London has seen its Indian plum, or oemleria cerasiformis, producing its distinctive white flowers eight weeks early." "The Royal Horticultural Society confirmed most spring flowers are out from Yorkshire to Devon and Surrey – including rhododendrons, not normally seen until March." "The biggest surprise this year has been a California lilac, or ceanothus, which was in bloom on New Year’s Day at Wisley, in Surrey. The pink and white petals of the hebe shrub are normally seen in late summer, when its flowers attract butterflies – yet there it was, happily blooming eight months early." "Cherry blossom, traditionally a sign that spring is ready to move towards summer, is also beginning to bud." "Even insects and animals are confused. Butterflies and bats have been seen flying around at a time when they should still be hibernating." "Gardeners report that slugs and snails have begun munching through borders months early. Spring lambs appeared on hillsides at New Year. " "And hedgehogs have been producing young early, which could be bad news if a late frost sets in." "A spokeswoman for the Royal Horticultural Society said: “Much of the plant behaviour is consistent with what would be expected in a mild winter, but in this abnormally mild winter earlier flowering is rather more widespread than usual." "“Short term, this is great news for gardeners who can enjoy more interest and colour. Long term, quite what this means for gardening and the climate
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