- It was a very warm December in Washington.
- The winter is mild in many places now.
- Many garden plants are already showing small buds.
- Early buds appear in February in local gardens.
- Plants can sense seasonal change and react quickly.
- A professor studies the genes that tell plants.
- He explains how plants time their flowering process.
- Scientists ask if milder winters change timing now.
- The report notes interest but gives no details.
- More research is needed to know effects clearly.
Difficult words
- mild — not very cold weather in winter
- bud — small new growth on a plantbuds
- seasonal — related to a time of year
- gene — part of a living thing that controls traitsgenes
- flower — make the plant's blossom appearflowering
- research — careful study to learn new information
- effect — change that happens because of somethingeffects
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Is winter mild where you live?
- Do you have plants or a garden at home?
- Have you seen buds on plants this year?
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