Fantastic May Day

The long ago lesson encountered while reading Johnny Tremain focused on working on the Sabbath was not totally ignored today.  It is possible to view being among plants while maintaining a respectful attitude as an acceptable use of Sunday.  Rain was forecast but the morning was beautiful so we took advantage of what was offered.  Bagged tree leaves hold a central part in our attempts to grow native plants.  Our supply of reground leaves was nearly exhausted so opening somewhat intact aged bags of leaves was necessary.  Two piles like the one shown were created this morning intending to use this fine natural mulch to cover recently weeded ground or newly planted areas.  Native ferns are planned for this ground on the western edge of our land.  Since it is nearly impossible to dig planting holes in the tangled fabric of soil surrounded by trees, we will introduce our custom mix of forest soil deep enough to cover the root mass of new plants.  Then a top dressing of ground leaves will finish the job.

We are trying to find a combination of native or woodland plants that can grow next to each other without one destroying the other.  Wild Geraniums seemed like a positive choice.  Their flat deeply incised leaves and bright flowers were both attractive but the root mass was huge so now the task of removing them without harming the nearby desired plants is underway.  The pictured ground was intended to grow Wood Anemones.  Carefully removing many geraniums revealed this leaf that is likely a from seed Bloodroot.  Bloodroot seeds are encased in a coating, elaiosome, that lures ants into carrying off the seeds but discarding them when the coating is eaten.  This plant is close enough to the ground where we have tried for years to grow Bloodroot so it may well turn out to be a naturally planted specimen.  That is the type of action that we would hope to see more of in what is intended to be a natural garden. 

Sharp eyes may see tiny green new leaf growth that may prove to be first year plants from seed.  The larger leaf is part of a new Bloodroot planted last year.  Deer have a steady record of destroying these plants so they are now covered with a wire cage.  That is far from the natural look desired but we must find a way to keep these prized plants alive.

Our weeding out interlopers brought into sharp focus this beautiful purchased violet.  Unfortunately its name was lost but the new growth visible under the leaf to the left of the blossom would indicate that this treasure is here to stay if help is provided.  It seems that our resident herd of deer highly prize eating violets.  Violets are super tough and usually survive the attack but nearby plants are either trampled or eaten so once again wire cages are in widespread use both to discourage the deer and protect nearby plants.  This morning was by far the best time spent near our plants this year.  We are merely days away from Trillium blossoms above recently weeded and mulched fake woodland soil.  Pictures are guaranteed to follow.  We simply love time spent near our plants when the rewards for our efforts are so close at hand.