Photographic evidence of how "off" the weather is, this Spring

[Siwsan]

The first photo was taken on April 17, 2017. The second was taken today. Same tree - almost same position.

[sarge43]

1. Same here in central NH

The hardwoods are just beginning to bud.

[cyclonefence]

2. I'm not sure there is anything wrong here

Flowering trees generally burst into bloom first, then after the flowers fade and fall, the leaves begin to grow and unfold. If you look at the second picture, you can see the little leaf buds. In the first picture, the flowers are completely open and close to the time they would normally fall.

I agree that the weather is screwed up, but I don't think these photos should give us any cause for alarm.

Of course, I am not a botanist and may be totally mistaken.

[Siwsan]

3. I am well acquainted with the budding and blooming sequence of trees.

I never mentioned this being a cause for "alarm" and don't have to be a botanist to simply point out that this is the latest bloom I can ever remember. Not everything has to be a debate.

[cyclonefence]

6. I'm sorry you felt I was trying to debate

If I came off as aggressive, I do apologize.

[Siwsan]

7. Yea, I'm a little cranky - I'm getting over Shingles

So perhaps I'm a far too over-reactive.

[cyclonefence]

8. Oh gosh

Shingles--you get to be as cranky as you want! I hope your recovery continues apace.

[Siwsan]

9. Thanks!

From what others who have had this have told me, this was a pretty mild case. Some blistering, a rash from sternum to spine and occasional zinging nerve pain and aches but nothing I can't handle.

I take Turmeric every night, and I think the anti-inflammatory properties may have mitigated some of the nastiness. I've also been soaking in Epsom Salts baths on a regular basis and using ice packs and Aloe Vera gel. Still, it's been an uncomfortable 2 1/2 weeks. Hopefully I'm on the tail end of this experience.

[MineralMan]

4. Yeah, stuff is late here in Minnesota, too.

Trees adapt to weather every year, it seems. They seem to know when it's blooming and leafing out time.

Our huge silver maple is behind a bit. It's done flowering, and leaf buds are just now beginning to show some green. It's maybe two weeks behind the typical year, I think.

[Siwsan]

5. I just saw my first butterfly of 2018 and the bees are very busy.

We were in the 70's, yesterday and in the mid 80's, today. By tomorrow my garden will finally be in full color.

It's amazing how much difference a few warm days and nights can make.