Phenological records of English garden plants in Leeds (Yorkshire) and Richmond (Surrey) from 1946 to 2002. An analysis relating to global warming

Abstract

Graphical analysis of first-flowering dates of selected garden plants 1946–2002 shows an earlier trend, which appears to be linked to temperature and global warming. Some species, however, seem to buck this trend, which may be linked to photoperiodic response. Combined graphs of species selected at intervals throughout the calendar year reveal a rhythm or wave of several years in Leeds 1946–1962 and a less marked rhythm in Richmond 1961–2002.