Mild Winter Brings Early Blooms to Merrick

The sun has been shining, the temperatures have been reminiscent of May and the flowers are blooming – three weeks ahead of schedule.

"The flowers are going to do what they are going to do, so enjoy them," said Tim Feldis, owner of Feldis Florist on Sunrise Highway.

Kelly Smith, of Merrick Flower Shoppe and Fruiterers on Merrick Avenue, echoed his sentiments.

"There really is nothing you can do. It's just what is going to happen when the weather is like this," she said.

Feldis explained that this weather is an anomaly and that if we get a freeze, it may kill new growth. "We've been known to get freezes at night until the first week of May. There are some really cool nights," said Feldis. However, he said, most plants will be able to bounce back.

Although the weather may tempt you to go out and plant some more, Feldis said that you have to be careful and to use this time mostly for prep and not to put new flowers in.

"Pansies can go in right now because they like the cold. You can also plant cold vegetables like lettuce and cabbage, but you need to hold off on planting impatients and things like tomatoes," he said.

Although you may be sad if your flowers die early this year, Smith noted that there is always the possibility for more flowers to grace your garden.

"Plant annuals and just plant more. Start planting annuals in the middle of May," she explained, so that the possiblity of a frost killing your new plants is slim to none.

Feldis added, "Be patient. Use this time to prepare the beds, rake and clean up and to put down your manure and fertilizer."