April showers making it difficult for spring flowers

CARVER, Mass. — April has been record-breaking in the rain department with 21 of the 30 days having some form of rain – and it's taking a toll.

Around the state, plants are getting plenty of water and the temperatures have been fairly average. The problem is there's not enough sun.

"The challenge is always the same: weather," said Mike Paduch of the Crystal Lake Garden Shop in Carver. "Weather in New England is always a challenge."

In the flower and plant growing business, this April is causing plenty of challenges.

"Nothing is better for a plant than straight up sunlight," Paduch said. "Not only does it keep it growing, it keeps it dry, so we have less disease. It helps us with bugs."

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There have been 21 days of rain this month, meaning this April has the most rainy days in any month in Boston dating back to the 1800s. In the nursery business, owners like Paduch have figured out how to deal with cold temperatures or not enough rain.  But the sun is a different animal.

"The sun is impossible," said Paduch. "We hire the brightest people possible, but we have been unable to replicate the sun."

The other key is consecutive days of sunlight, something April has not had much of. And that will impact garden centers like Paduch's with big dates like Mother's Day coming up.

Cox Media Group