The forward planning challenge

This time last year we were preparing for a big family gathering to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday. We were willing the rhododendrons to bloom as they were just about only colour in the garden, thanks to the deer. In the end, it was at least two weeks after the party that they flowered. These have been out for a couple of weeks already - making them about a month ahead of last year. Planning for a blossom-filled July next year is a tad tricky.