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Warm winter and early buds in Washington — Level A1 — a close up of a plant covered in frost

Warm winter and early buds in WashingtonCEFR A1

24 Feb 2026

LevelA1A2B1B2

Adapted from U. Washington, Futurity • CC BY 4.0

Photo by Peter Robbins, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
80 words
  • 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 plant
    buds
  • seasonal — related to a time of year
  • gene — part of a living thing that controls traits
    genes
  • flower — make the plant's blossom appear
    flowering
  • research — careful study to learn new information
  • effect — change that happens because of something
    effects

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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