Do April showers bring about May flowers?

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - April officially ends this week as we start the month of May, and many are already enjoying some of those beautiful blooming flowers.

For Joe Ellis of the Sunshine Grow Shop, every day is great if you spend it outdoors. Ellis said, “You know it is beautiful today here in Kentucky, and we have some of the most beautiful springs on the planet.”

And with our Kentucky Spring in full swing – many are headed out the door to pick up some plants for their home.

Ellis continued saying, " Right now we are experiencing kind of a warm spell, we kind of use Derby day as the kick-off to the gardening season. It’s definitely time to start thinking about planting if you aren’t planting already.”

With Fayette County already getting around 4 and 3 quarters inches of rain this month so far – according to data from the Kentucky Mesonet this has been the wettest April since 2015. So when asked if the phrase – April Showers bring May Flowers – Ellis said it was a no-brainer.

“Do you think that holds true here in Kentucky?”

Ellis laughed saying, “I do I sure do! Look at the dandelions blooming in your front yard – they certainly are an indication that spring showers bring May flowers”

But Ellis says his love of gardening doesn’t just stem from the spring blooms – He credits his shop staying open for the past 40 years to the family and fellowship folks find through things like spring planting

“We have always made it a family thing. I have my grandson today helping me water – he’s only 9 weeks old but he’s learning! He’s learning!”

So whether you pick petunias or tulips – spending time planting your spring flowers is something all Kentuckians can enjoy together. Ellis shared, “Gardeners make better people – that’s what I have learned in 40 years”

Joe also shared that if you are planning on planting early-season vegetables like cabbage and broccoli – the sooner you plant, the better so that they don’t taste bitter when you harvest them later in the year.