Unseasonably Warm Temperatures Affecting Businesses, Gardens Last Edited: Friday, 05 Jan 2007, 8:33 PM ESTCreated: Friday, 05 Jan 2007, 4:35 PM EST
Peach buds on tree in January, Rock Springs, Pennsylvania, photo (AP)
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By BRENT CAMPBELL
FOX8 News
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) -- It's the first week of January, yet the Piedmont feels more like spring than winter. The warm temperatures have been bad news for businesses that depend on the cold and on gardens throughout the Triad.
Many shops said Friday that rentals and sales are down well below normal because of the warm weather.
At First Flakes Ski Shop in Winston-Salem, owner Steve Hurley said business has been slow, with ski rentals down as much as 40 percent. Ordinarily, he said, "the phone would be ringing off the hook every two or three minutes. So far today, we have only had one customer. By now, we would have normally had 10 to 15."
Hurley also said winter apparel sales are down, commenting that no one wants to buy a jacket when it's 70 degrees outside. Still, he's sure that winter and colder temperatures will arrive soon enough. "It'll come," he said. "Mother Nature balances out in the long run."
But store owners aren't the only ones affected by the unseasonably warm temperatures. Trees, shrubs and flowers throughout the area are beginning to bloom.
Agronomist Jim Jackson said that day after day of warm weather has triggered many plants to come out early. And, with the potential of cold weather still to come, the early buds could result in a lackluster spring.
For those worried about their plants, Jackson recommends not pruning anything that appears to be ahead of schedule. He said it's best to add mulch to flower beds for better insulation.
For gardeners, Jackson has some words of wisdom: "I would recommend we ride it out at this time."
Good advice for gardeners ... and store owners.