Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, and American Robins have been the primary voices that I've heard this week (they've had to push themselves into my consciousness as I've been enveloped in writing and layout on our spring newsletter -- uh, work stuff). Hhrmph! Hopefully, I'll have more time next week during spring break to listen more carefully.I did see one of our (that is, the SC Botanical...
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
The bloodroot in the oak hickory forest along the Heusel Nature trail (in the botanical garden where I work) is in full flower now. It's right on time - I usually see Sanguinaria in flower from early to late March, depending on the year. It's definitely spring here in the Piedmont of South...
Sunday, 10 March 2013
Old gardeners' tales
Old gardeners' tales are rampant, even these days. Companion planting advice as shown in this graphic is freely passed along as gospel of the garden. But most of the companion planting pairings (compatible or incompatible) have not been verified with scientific methods. Nevertheless, books have...
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Natural landscaping, natural diversity, and wild plants
I love visiting natural places full of plant treasures - they're increasingly rare, but the protected ones are totally special.On the way to a Natural Landscaping symposium sponsored by the Wild Ones chapter in Chattanooga, Tennessee (a delightful event), we (that is, my sometime gardening companion...
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Creativity and gardening
Gardening is a creative activity, in my experience.I've loved putting plants together in containers in agreeable ways, mixing up vegetables and herbs in attractive combinations, and helping my gardening companion recreate natural plant combinations while restoring landscapes, etc.Finalizing a weekend program (on Gardening and Creativity) for the John C. Campbell Folk School (for next April, 2014)...
Monday, 4 March 2013
Is native gardening a fairy tale?
Grassleaf Barbara’s Buttons (Marshallia graminifolia) are beautiful Florida natives suitable for any fairy tale garden… Once upon a time, a gardener decided that she wanted more butterflies and more birds in her yard. She read books and oodles of online material and then she attended classes, conferences,...
Saturday, 2 March 2013
The first rain lily of spring
Three days before this lovely rain lily (Zephyranthes atamasca) emerged, we received 1.8" of rain. Hence the common name... These lovely native plants are in the amaryllis family and mostly grow in damp ditches. We often see them along roadsides because that's where people and damp ditches most frequently...