Springtime is in full bloom all over the county, but green thumbs beware –  Jack Frost could still lurk in the shadows.

Wednesday, May 03, 2000

Springtime is in full bloom all over the county, but green thumbs beware –  Jack Frost could still lurk in the shadows.

Stranger things have happened than a blizzard in May, although the National Weather Service in Charleston doesn’t expect any freezing activity,  much less a snowshower.

Forecasters are calling for mild temperatures,  although they could be a bit colder than most planters and gardeners would like, meteorologisists said.

And, the local National Weather Service forecast is starting to look a lot like spring has sprung overnight, with mostly sunny skies predicted for Thursday. High temperatures will be in the low 80s, followed by low nighttime temperatures not dropping below 50 throughout the weekend.

Although showers and thunderstorms are predicted with the weekend’s 70- and 80-degree temperatures, no forecasters are seeing hints of Jack Frost.

And, even if Mr. Frost does make one last appearance, there are some plants hardy enough to weather the storm, said Judy Roberts, co-owner of Roberts Greenhouse in South Point.

"At this time of year, it’s probably fine to plant just about anything," Mrs. Roberts said. "Hopefully, we won’t see any more frost this year, but, if we do, most of the hardier plants can survive if they are covered."

More delicate plants, however, are unable to withstand colder temperatures, especially if those temperatures dip below freezing, Mrs. Roberts warns.

"Plants with watery stems, like impatients or begonias, cannot handle any frost even if they are covered," she said. "Their stems are so watery, there will generally be too much damage for them to recover."

Other plants are fine in the area’s mild temperatures, Mrs. Roberts said.

"Tomato plants have watery stems, but if they are covered and heated, they can outlast a frost or two," she said. "But, the flowers,  there’s just not a lot you can do for them once there is frost or when temperatures get below freezing. Even if they are covered and heated, it won’t help. There isn’t much you can do for them."

Spring, summer, winter or fall won’t make much of a difference for dogwood trees and the like. For flowering trees, anytime is a good time to plant, said co-owner Dave Roberts.

"As long as they are in a container and don’t have to go directly into the ground, any time is a good time to plant trees," he said.