By DREW GARDNER
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - As the sun rose over Knoxville Thursday morning, it gave hope that the temperatures maybe be rising with it, but by the start of the morning commute temperatures were still 20 degrees below normal.
Commuters were forced to give the hats and gloves at least one more run before packing them away for the season.
It's not just commuters who are eager to ditch the gloves and scarves, but businesses like Stanley's Greenhouse are starting to feel the itch too.
"A lot of people are getting spring fever right now," said co-owner Monte Stanley.
Inside the greenhouse spring is in full bloom, but take those colorful flowers outside those walls and they don't stand a chance.
Stanley's family has owned the business since 1955 and he says when it comes to March, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. He says with last year being a win that makes this year's cold temperatures easier to take.
"Last March it was unusually warm and we had a lot more activity," said Stanley. "This year with lows in the 20s at night people are little more apprehensive."
Stanley says there are things you can do while waiting for the temperatures to climb like preparing your soil and planting other plants that can withstand the cold nights.
"It's a great time to start planting trees and shrubs and we do have a lot of color right now so you can come on out and get some ideas and maybe bring a few plants indoors till its warmer," said Stanley.
Ultimately the biggest thing is patience and it's something he's exercising as he waits for his favorite part of spring.
"Lower utility bills," Stanley joked.
Unfortunately, as the forecast stands now, that may still be a few weeks off.
By the start of the morning commute Thursday morning, temperatures were still 20 degrees below normal.
"A lot of people are getting spring fever right now," said co-owner Monte Stanley., shown here helping a customer.
