Garden Tip 141:

We have all seen those unseasonal happenings in the fall and winter garden. Azaleas and rhododendrons flowering in November, dandelions in December, daffodil foliage peeking out in January. None of these are cause for alarm.

Many types of flowering shrubs will send out a few flowers in the fall because fall weather so closely replicates that of spring. Other plants flower at unusual times because they are affected by the microclimate that surrounds them.

Wikipedia describes microclimate best as a “local set of atmospheric conditions that differ from those in the surrounding areas.” Microclimates can be very small. Stones, stone walls, plantings, buildings, water and change in elevation can all create a microclimate.

The important thing to remember is that we need not worry about plants affected by microclimates or those that are doing their thing out of season. Mother Nature is well in charge. We sometimes give ourselves too much credit for what we think we should or could control.  Sometimes we just need to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.