Giant White Trillium is a flower from my youth. Childhood memories dictated that they hold a prominent place in our shade gardens. Like many native wildflowers, considerable time is necessary for them to adjust to new surroundings. This is an impressive old clump that is under attack from Trout Lilies. This picture was taken after the area was cleared. Chopped leaves now cover ground that was gently cleared of invaders. More lilies will be weeded out.
When we first explored our newly purchased land twenty-five years ago, few flowering Trout Lilies were seen since stony ground limited their growth. When moved to our shade garden that was built with deep stone free soil, they grew like weeds. Their removal was necessary to protect the Trillium.
These removed weeds show just how serious their invasion will become. Each white thick new root will grow a more deeply placed corm. One single leaved nonflowering plant sports three such roots. This single plant will become at least four by next year. The only option was to make some clear ground between the two types of plants.
This piece of our new shade garden lies between our neighbors lawn and a stone lined path. Placed in this ground that is not connected to the main part of the garden, ferns and Trout Lilies can compete for the open ground. Each is expected to hold their own with this placement. The lilies are approaching the end of their season with flowers just as the ferns are beginning to send up new growth. Since both are stunning woodland plants, more of each will be transplanted here as new woodland soil is mixed. Many other duties are calling for our attention now but for some reason this new garden has taken on an undeniable urgency.
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