Azalea Festival weeks away, but the main attraction is in full bloom

WILMINGTON -- Some people say it's officially springtime when azaleas bloom. "I'm Just as guilty as anyone, anytime I see the azaleas begin to open, I get excited because I know fun things are about to happen."

Airlie Garden Director Jim McDaniel says that normally azaleas bloom in early April but this year is different. Experts say that because our weather has been so warm, the azaleas are blooming earlier.

McDaniel says, "The azaleas, once they reach a certain time they decide to open they don't look at certain dates on the calender, they don't know we have this wonderful festival coming. They just know for them it's time to open and flower."

McDaniel reassures that there are a wide range of azalea blooms; so the early bloomers may not stick around, but the late bloomers will still get their chance in the spotlight.