Bloom and leaf out has been about a month earlier than usual. We've had a warm, mild winter but I believe the light cycle has been unusually brighter than in the past. Today we observed: All trees have new green leaves. Violets and buttercups are in bloom. apple trees are past peak and starting to set fruit. Dragonflies and butterflies have been spotted. Bees swarmed 4/5/12. Wisteria and dogwood at peak bloom. 1st Iris blossom reported today 4/10/12. Usually the Iris blooms 1st weekend in May. Buds have formed on blackberry bushes. Strawberries are beginning to ripen! We don't pick these until late May!! Praying Mantis were observed coming from ootheca on March 21, 2012