The great debate

[Mikey]

Ok so we have reached the most important debate of the year, I'm sure you will all be on tenterhooks wondering what will happen this year. Will it be wet or will it be dry?

All those North of the Watford gap are eagerly awaiting the news........

Oak fans are heartened by the mild spring and are hoping that ash doesn't have a dirty trick up its sleeve.....

[Thelma Sanders]

It's not a fair race any more.............

Dr Kate Lewthwaite, the Woodland Trust's expert on climate change, said: "With every one degree rise in temperature, oak has a four day advantage over ash. Ash appears to be more responsive to the length of the day in spring, while oak is more responsive to temperature. So with warmer springs, oak is having the advantage."

Oak winning here....

[Mikey]

So which was it Thelma, don't keep us in suspense?

[veggiechicken]

Definitely Oak in the lead here - the Greens are making a strong showing in my garden. Ash is wavering, can't make up its mind what to do .......so I've Voted for Oak - we're in for a splash

[Nicos]

We're surrounded by Chestnut,Hazel ,Apple , Cherry , Maple and Pear trees * makes a mental note to check next time I venture further afield

[Nicos]

Nice thread by the way Mikey

[Guest]

Well my ash isn't doing anything at the moment. I will have to check the oak when I next venture out

[bearded bloke]

I have been & looked & I think the oaks have the advantage at the first hurdle,but ash is trying to sneak an advantage further into the wood where it is damp under foot & a touch on the shady side

[Mikey]

We're surrounded by Chestnut,Hazel ,Apple , Cherry , Maple and Pear trees * makes a mental note to check next time I venture further afield

I'm short of oaks near me but, the common ash are all in flower at the moment, so the jury is still out.

[Scarlet]

Hmm, my ash hasn't got any leaves yet.

[JanieB]

Surrounded by cherry, lime, sycamore, lilac and sumac. Don't know so will just deal with whatever turns up.

[Mikey]

Definitely Oak in the lead here - the Greens are making a strong showing in my garden. Ash is wavering, can't make up its mind what to do .......so I've Voted for Oak - we're in for a splash

News Flash.......

The greens are slow to establish further west, I have a loganberry in flower in the greens-house, but every u-kiper is waiting for the raised beds manifesto to materialise. Tory Amos is hanging around the pond, jeering at the Scottish primulas that are making a strong appearance.

[Alison]

None near me but will look later when I go out. Never heard of that phrase though, was confused by the poll

[Mikey]

None near me but will look later when I go out. Never heard of that phrase though, was confused by the poll

Good old farmers saying, to gauge the long range weather. Ive never minded if it rained today or tomorrow, but if it's gonna rain most of July it would be handy to know!

[PyreneesPlot]

Great thread!
Oak before ash down here in the foothills of the Pyrenees. We both noted that the oak is especially early this year, too.