UK - Rhododendrons & Snowdrops Blooming In Plymouth As Lambing Begins in Devon

[hatrack]

EDIT

New born lambs, flowering rhododendrons, and rare peacock butterflies are all putting in an unseasonal appearance on the British landscape today. Spring arrived early at Pat Stephens’ Venn Farm in Ugborough, Devon with new born lambs frolicking in the fields. But the onset of stormy weather saw them safely back in a warm barn last night.

After a lengthy stay indoors for the rest of the winter the youngsters will then be released when spring begins in earnest. The lambs were among 30 born over the festive period. Pat, 60, said: ”We keep Dorset ewes which do lamb earlier than other breeds - but these arrived within days of Christmas. ”Grass levels are diminishing so they need to stay indoors to feed and stay warm. But they are so full of energy they do get a runabout.”

The Darling Buds of December are already in bloom throughout the UK as the mild temperatures nullify the usual effects of the winter months. Rhododendrons and snowdrops are blooming in Plymouth, where temperatures are an above-average 2.6C (36.7F).

Shoppers in Plymouth city centre were shocked to see some purple rhododendron flowers blooming in the main shopping area.

EDIT

http://express.lineone.net/news_detail.html?sku=978

[LiberalEsto]

1. Cherry blossoms blooming in Washington DC

The Post had a small article about it.

[hatrack]

2. Yeah, I think I already posted it on this page

Thanks for reading! :hi:

[LiberalEsto]

3. Here's a link to your post for other readers

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x76857

I read the story in this morning's Washington Post but couldn't locate an online link until I saw yours.

:party: Happy New Year!

[gula]

4. Meanwhile there was a snow storm in the desert of Jordan.

Some tourists got stuck in their van for 24 hours before being rescued.

For pix go half-way down. http://www.spiegel.de/reise/fernweh/0,1518,457060,00.html