Flowers in Devon and Cornwall are showing signs of spring despite recent ice and snow with three per cent more blooms in the region now than at the same time last year.
The figure comes from the National Trust's annual Valentine's Flower Count, which is now in its 14th year.
In total, 2,352 plants were blooming across the charity's gardens - an increase of 65 on last year's figure of 2,287.
For the fourth year running, Saltram near Plymouth, had the highest number of flowers recorded with 210 in bloom.
Trelissick in Cornwall saw 91% more flowers than the previous year.
Karl Emeleus, head gardener at Killerton in Exeter, said: "Given the unpredictable weather in recent years it isn't always easy to predict when spring will arrive.
"At Killerton we have much in flower already, including huge swathes of crocus on sunny days, but probably no more or less than usual.
"The garden at Killerton always has much to offer and space to relax and unwind in and is easy to come by.
"My favourite area is the upper garden where I can wander through the collection of mature trees and shrubs or sit and enjoy one of the far reaching views."
A survey of National Trust members on social media found the daffodil is the most loved spring flower.
Of those who took part in the survey, 72% have snowdrops and 66% have daffodils already blooming in their gardens.
Ian Wright, the charity's garden's adviser in the south west, said: "As a cure for those winter blues I'd like to prescribe to everyone a visit to a garden.
"Personally I find there is no better uplift for my spirits than visiting one of the many gardens our teams care for."
The earliest spring recorded in the annual flower count was in 2008, where 3,335 plants in bloom were counted.
Gardeners at 29 National Trust properties across the south west take part in the count, which first started in Devon and Cornwall in 2006.
Mr Wright added: "Comparing the number of plants across our gardens on a set day every year gives us a real insight into how our gardens respond to weather patterns, and is a useful 'barometer' for the season ahead."