Plants In Bloom

Had a lovely surprise waiting for me at our lil greenhouse today!

Although there is snow still on the ground, Spring is definitely in the air!

Looking forward to seeing more colorful blossoms!

One of the flowers most associated with March is the narcissus (Wild daffodil). Named after the boy in Greek mythology, who was changed into a flower. Narcissus is also known as Lent Lily because it blooms in early spring and the blooms usually dropping before Easter. It is the main daffodil species of Britain.

In England the daffodil inspired amongst others William Wordsworth to write his famous poem “Daffodils.”

Daffodils

I wander’d  lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch’d in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

By William Wordsworth (1770-1850).

The last day of February celebrated with snow!

“But each Spring… a gardening instinct,

sure as the sap rising in the trees, stirs within us.

We look about and decide to tame another little bit of ground.”

~ Lewis Gantt (N.D.) excerpt from The Curious Gardener’s Almanac

As most are preparing for the next winter storm on Wednesday, I am grateful for the 1st delivery of plant plugs received today. Spring is just a mere 22 days away and our lil’ greenhouse here on campus is welcoming it’s 1st plants. Looking forward to sharing, not only, pictures of the Plants in Bloom here on campus, but also quotes and other inspirations.

Sincerely,

Sherri

"Balance"

On the south side of Ellen Reed are two European Larches (Larix decidua) that are a brilliant yellow prior to dropping their needles. These are deciduous conifers that drop their needles each fall, and each spring they come out a wonderful bright green. They are very fast growing, planted in 1978, they have a spread of over fifty feet.  We wish everyone a safe & happy holiday season with their families & friends. Look for more Plants in Bloom coming Spring of ’13!

On the north side of Memorial Hall are four Bradford Pears {Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’}, only the south easternmost tree has changed colors, these ornamental Pears often color up so late that our cold weather will burn the foliage before they have a chance to turn.

Just behind the President’s residence is an Eastern Wahoo {Euonymus atropurpureus}, an obscure variety rarely seen in gardens. The fruit is a small 4 lobed pink capsule that splits open to reveal a crimson berry. This two colored fruit creates a very colorful display. This small multi stemmed tree is prevalent in Langdon Park.

The ‘Brilliant’ Red Chokeberries {Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’} in front of D&M are at their best right now with gorgeous red foliage. This is a very versatile shrub that is very attractive from early spring flowers to late fall foliage and red fruit.

On the south side of the HUB is a Weeping European Beech {Fagus sylvatica pendula} that has developed a very unique shape. There is a Burning Bush {Euonymous alatus compacta} in all its fall glory to its right.

In front of the north side of the D & M Building on Main Street are several Common Witch Hazels {Hammamelis virginiana} that are our last shrub to bloom each fall. The small yellow flowers are easier to see once the leaves drop. This is a very common plant in the understory of our local forests.