One of Becky's favorite photo subjects is the grumpy old grouch gently placing a young plant into the ground. In this case a new Dutchman's Breeches appeared near the parent plant in our old shade garden. Our new shade garden is developing under Sumac trees They are short lived and messy but they are what we have to work with. A transplanting hole cannot be dug without damaging tree roots so we need new woodland soil to raise the level of the ground. A fresh supply has been run through the screen and we are ready to move the plant. The gloved hands have just pulled soil carefully around the root ball. Water was then applied to the bare soil. Previously chopped leaves were then worked around the plant intending to create a functionally natural looking planting. More water followed firming up the leaves and increasing the chances of success for this plant in its new home.
The stone bearing the plant's name negatively impacts the sought after natural look but is a tremendous aid when one finds himself unable to remember. The name is placed on both sides of the stone since the exposed label will fade. Correct identification can then be found on the under side of the stone. This plant should flourish in its new home.
Our old Jacob's Ladder plant had pushed itself up out of the ground. We took this opportunity to unearth the entire plant and divide it into two pieces. One piece was properly returned to its former location while the remaining piece was moved into the new shade garden. The root mass was sizable so a considerable amount of new soil was needed for proper planting. The new soil created the appearance of a stone nearly disappearing under centuries of decaying forest litter. That is the look we are trying for.
Some time ago we purchased Wood Anemone planting stock. What arrived was pieces of root that looked like thin sticks. Nothing grew in their first year here but finally they have made an appearance. Chickweed grows freely here and we needed to carefully separate the two plants. The Wood Anemones should flower this year and begin to take hold of this ground.
Last year Becky purchased a Yellow Ladies Slipper at Catskill Native Nursery. There one can walk among the plants and select the plants to be purchased. Naturally the best of the lot was chosen and several flowering stalks presented a stunning scene. This is another transplant that is making its second appearance. We are looking forward to enjoying the coming flowers from our bench located just across the path from this plant.
The entire native plant issue is ever present. The Trout Lily native to New York State has yellow flowers and its leaves are just now pushing out above the forest floor. These West Coast natives flower much earlier and are simply dazzling. Moved to this location last year, we were unsure that any would have survived. There was much action here from chipmunks and red squirrels. We were afraid that the bulbs were being eaten. That is obviously not the case and new plants have appeared. We are well under way for flowers in the woodland garden.
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