Warm 75+ degree day-Spring growth update #4 1st Daffodil of the season, Forsythia, Crocus, Early shrub/tree leaf out

Green grass below Woman of Achievement Bridge April 9th


Today was another beautiful but windy 70+ degree day. We had wall to wall sunshine with highs in the mid 70s. Warm strong southwest winds up to 30-40MPH aided in blowing in the warm temperatures. The official high at Des Moines was 76.F with a highest wind gust of 35MPH

Des Moines International Airport 76.F
Fairmount Park-My Station 75.F
 Norwalk 75.F
 Perry 75.F
 Altoona 74.F
 Clive 74.F
Ames 74.F
Ankeny 73.F
 Indianola 73.F
Boone 73.F
 Pella 73.F
Newton 72.F
 Knoxville 72.F
Marshalltown 71.F

Crocus Downtown Des Moines April 8th 2014

Horticulturally speaking there is a lot to talk about. Due to the increasing sun angle and warm temperatures we had for the last week, we have really made progress in the spring-green up. Early and mid spring flowers and shrubs are blooming across area cities and rural areas and it is becoming beautiful, but the major thing people have noticed is grass green up, the grass has really greened up in the past week and it may be soon time to start mowing. This week in flowers, the 1st Daffodils and Hyacinths have bloomed, Crocus are blooming as well as Siberian Squill. In trees and shrubs, Forsythia is blooming, Lilacs and Willow species are leafing out and earlier trees like Crab Apple trees are budding. Magolia's are also showing signs of breaking dormancy. Pictured above are Crocus blooming along Grand Avenue in Downtown Des Moines.

Daffodils opened April 7th 2014

Daffodils along foundations near buildings and peoples houses are blooming this week. This is the 1st daffodil of the season. These officially opened April 7th. Both standard daffodils and miniature daffodils are blooming.

Forsythia April 9th 2014

Forsythia began opening 1 day ago and is now in full bloom.

Weeping Willow leaves April 8th 2014

Weeping Willows are the 1st tree to leaf out in the spring. This tree is located along the Des Moines River.

Young Lilac leaves April 9th 2014

Todays 70+ degree day really helped to speed up the green up process, but what we really need to perk things up is rain, and we have a good chance of that this weekend. There are still multiple plants/flowers ahead to show signs of breaking dormancy and many more beautiful flowers to show.

Later on I will discuss problems gardeners might be coming across right now in their gardens/lawns.