Warm November Weather Disrupts Winter Prep at South Boise Garden Center

Unseasonably high temperatures are complicating winter preparations for a garden center in southwest Boise.

Jordan Risch, owner of Jordan's Garden Center and Seasonal Market, reports that the fall season has officially concluded. The team recently finished hosting families for the petting zoo and seasonal garden activities. Despite the end of these events, the unusually warm weather is keeping the workload high as staff adjust to conditions that deviate from the typical November forecast.

Temperatures reached the upper 60s this week, causing some plants to continue active growth and blooming. Risch noted that the center's regular irrigation system is shut off for the season, as are many homeowners' systems. Because the plants are still photosynthesizing, the staff must manage hydration manually. They are running a separate irrigation setup using city water to keep the vegetation hydrated while the standard seasonal infrastructure is offline.

To protect the remaining greenery from the extended warmth, the team has rearranged the inventory. Staff moved many plants closer together to reduce their direct exposure to the sun. They also plan to add mulch to help insulate the roots during this transitional period. Risch said last year's mild winter presented similar challenges, with landscaping work continuing further into the season than expected.

Risch advises homeowners to consider winter watering during these stretches of unexpected warmth. The garden center is now shifting its focus to the holiday season. Approximately 2,500 Christmas trees are expected to arrive in the coming days. Risch hopes temperatures drop before the trees are sold, as warmer conditions can impact how long the cut trees remain fresh.

The current weather pattern has created a distinct operational shift for the business. Instead of moving directly into storage and cleanup, the staff is managing active growth alongside holiday inventory. Risch stated that the warmer weather affects the longevity of the Christmas trees, making the timing of their arrival a factor for this year's sales.