NATIONAL Trust gardens across much of the South West are conducting their 11th annual Valentine's flower count with help from gardeners and volunteers.
The count, taking place this week, helps to provide an annual snapshot of the heralding of spring.
The different species and varieties in bloom in each of its gardens are counted and recorded.
Ian Wright, National Trust South West Gardens advisor said: ‘Our annual flower count is a simple and fun way of recording how our garden plants react and adapt to changes in weather patterns, a kind ‘floral barometer’, it’s not a scientific exercise but it is a simple indicator of the weather we have experienced and the season ahead. This fun and slightly competitive count is something you can try in your own garden."
For the third year running, the Trust will be conducting a survey with supporters via social media to find out which is the most popular spring flowers, alongside asking what’s currently blooming in their garden at the moment. All this information will helps give an accurate prediction of spring.
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