FAIRFIELD TWP., (WKBN) – A remarkable sight unfolds in the gardens of Fairfield Township as spring flowers burst into bloom well ahead of schedule. Jean Shellenbarger, a seasoned gardener from East Fairfield, observes this unprecedented phenomenon, attributing it to the recent warm and wet weather patterns.
Shellenbarger, with over four decades of gardening experience, expresses her astonishment at witnessing flowers typically reserved for May making their appearance in April. She points to the erratic weather as the primary culprit behind this early bloom.
“This combined bloom, spurred by the uncharacteristic heat and erratic weather, is anything but ordinary,” notes Shellenbarger. “It seems each passing year brings an earlier onset of the bloom.”
Having nurtured her tulips and daffodils for more than 45 years, Shellenbarger sees her efforts as a tribute to her late mother and sister, who instilled in her a love for gardening. However, this season’s premature bloom has presented challenges, with most of her daffodils already fading, accompanied by a surge in weeds. Despite the additional labor of weeding and pruning to maintain her gardens, Shellenbarger finds solace in the therapeutic nature of gardening.
“For me, the act of digging, weeding, and pruning is therapeutic,” she reflects. “It’s a labor of love, despite the challenges.”
Reflecting on the impact of weather fluctuations on agriculture, Shellenbarger ponders the challenges faced by farmers and their crops. Nevertheless, she remains steadfast in her commitment to her garden, determined to nurture its beauty despite the unpredictable conditions.
In the midst of uncertainty, Shellenbarger hopes her flourishing flowers bring tranquility to others, just as they provide her with a sense of peace amidst the chaos of changing seasons.
