The mild weather is bringing Norfolk gardens to life much earlier than usual.

The fact that 2011 saw the UK experience the second warmest year on record means many plants are making a much earlier appearance than usual.

Mary Hopkins, retired from Wroxham, was highly surprised to find a three foot tall narcissus in her garden as early as 29th November, now reaching almost 16 inches. Her rose is now also flowering for the second time.

Following the recent winds, she said: 'I'm surprised they survived the strong winds because they will have suffered because of their position close to the river.'

The majority of narcussus' come into bloom from late February ownwards, but Guy Barter, the chief horticultural advisor at the Royal Horticultural Society said: 'Because the weather is remarkably mild, many are plants are flowering early.'

Cathy Oliver-Bacon, a horticultural team member at Sprowsten Garden Centre, said: 'Oh my goodness it's quite remarkable and unusual for a plant like narcissus to be out that early, they've clearly been woken up by increased temperatures'