I don't know if I'm just borrowing trouble, but this really great weather makes me a little nervous. Some things will probably start to grow if it lasts much longer, and then get knocked back hard if (when?) it gets cold again. After all, 'normal' weather really means 'average' weather, with a spell of too-warm and a spell of too-cold to balance it out. Haven't been able to get out as much as I would like, but have been cutting frozen stuff back and planting a few things with a good mulch. I've been told some things shouldn't be cut back until it's time for them to grow again--pruning seems to stimulate growth in some things, which we wouldn't want 'til it's safe, and some things have hollow stems and I've read they can funnel the rain into the crown of the plant. Anybody hear that? I'm a little skeptical of that one, but it does seem possible. Enjoy the weather!

This is good time to trim deciduous trees, shrubs, etc. or those with a pronounced dormancy. Pruning tropicals will encourage new growth in most and this growth will be most damaged by a dramatic plunge in temperatures. I have my doubts about the hollow stem theory, although I always see posts that state things like that about cassia alata (candleabra tree).

I have been waiting for a freeze to help me trim some tropicals, looks like I will have to wait a little longer.

Out today and noticed that my hydrangeas are starting to leaf out! Definitely NOT the weather I would like to see during this time of year. Many plants suffer greatly from insufficient dormancy during warm winters. If it keeps up like this, I suspect this will be the case come spring.

Local weatherman this evening predicts freezing weather for next week-end. I think he's the one called this 'bungee-cord weather'. Not that I want cold, but I'd settle for cool. Enough rain to keep things hydrated, enough sun to keep us happy (not SADD!) but not warm enough to stimulate growth. Too much to ask?