Finally Underway

When the Trilliums fully open their blossoms, the wild flower season is well on its way.  These transplants have been growing here for a decade or more.  Single plants have expanded now sending up several flowering stalks.  Bare ground does not predominate but plants considered to be weeds are evident.  They were cleared out earlier but as always they must return.  They will be removed again after the Trilliums have completed their growing season's work.

This shade garden within sight of the road is a more recent project.  Most of the moved plants are still alive but few have advanced beyond a single shoot.  Just to the right of the flat stone at the bottom of the picture perhaps one dozen Jack In The Pulpits are pushing up new growth.  We were concerned that our crowd of deer had ended these plants with repeated deep hoof stabbings.  If nothing else, the scattered wire cages have made it difficult for the deer to walk here.  The Woodland Phlox in the upper right corner is densely covered with white blossoms.  A favorite snack of the deer required the placement of a circular wire cage.  A curved swath of recently planted Trilliums fills the center of the photo.

Our point and shoot camera does not accurately capture the color of this Jacob's Ladder flowers.  In the upper left corner find the Twin Leaf plants now encased in a wire cage.  It took far longer then it should have for us to focus in on predation as the cause of this plant's repeated disappearances.  Slowly we catch on.  The wire certainly detracts from the natural look that we strive to create but at least the plants remain alive now.

To most people this might not look like much but we finally have two Painted Trilliums that appear determined to open flowers this year.  The purpose of flowers is to produce seed intended to establish the next generation of plants.  We are wildly pleased with the prospects of open flowers and intend to remain above this land long enough to at least see an increase in the number of these plants growing here.

This Woodland Phlox was seen in the background of an earlier photo but we feel that it deserves no less than a picture of mostly it.  This is a hardy plant despite of its attraction of the deer but we expect to see numerous plants scattered about garden.

This is not the first picture of our Bloodroot.  No flowers were produced this year but there is a fairly large number of new plants growing from old seed.  If the weather cooperates, we should see perhaps three blossoms here next year accompanied by several small second year plants promising future flowers.

This planting of Cardinal Flower has been left largely alone.  Some Chrysanthemum stems were scattered about following snow melt but otherwise these plants have been on their own.  The remaining Wild Geraniums need to be removed.  Their above ground growth appears small and attractive but the underground root mass is huge.

 

 This is the northern tip of Moss Island.  The white flowered Shooting Stars have settled in nicely but the moss clumps barely cling to life.  These plants simply need more moisture and denser shade.  A heavy rain will turn them green but only for a short period of time.  Still, their determination to remain alive is at least inspiring.

Our digital camera is outdated and showing signs of rigor mortis.  It worked today but I don't know about tomorrow.  Eight pictures is perhaps excessive for a post but who knows when its replacement will actually arrive?

After The Rain

Many of our plants have struggled to stay alive during this hot drought.  Despite the distance from running water, we have hauled water down the hill to the shade garden.  Our efforts preserved life but nothing brings plants alive like an all day gentle rainfall.  These   Rattlesnake Plantains have increased in number from last year's single purchased plant but have remained tiny.  Their response to the natural moisture was an obvious increase in the size of the leaves.  No flowers were seen last year.  Perhaps this year will be different.  This orchid does not naturally occur south of Canada in the eastern part of North America.  Its unique leaves are a visual treat and are reason enough to keep give this plant a growing area.

Fragrant Lady's-tresses grow naturally two climate zones warmer than here.  Out of place, it remained hidden in the soil for our harsh early frosts and freezes.  We were both surprised and pleased when three stalks finally appeared.  Last year the flowering spires wrapped themselves around each other creating a visual treat.  The USPS Wild Orchid stamps feature this plant.  None of the selected plants were identified by name but this one appears in the top row adjacent to the header.

Jacob's Ladder is commonly seen in established older gardens.  The lack of moisture had this specimen looking dreadful.  It is amazing how quickly recovery followed a generous rainfall.

These Cardinal Flower plants were bent over and withered prior to our water rescue.  Their short term recovery was made more permanent by the daylong rain.  The general lack of adequate moisture has limited growth to about one half of a normal year's presentation but the red blossoms are as vivid as ever..

Maidenhair Spleenwort is in its first year here.  As a new transplant, these have received more regular visits from the watering can.  Their natural growth habit places them in cracks and crevices of stone outcroppings.  We built a version of a stone ledge that seems to suit the plants just fine.  They are without question a tiny treasure.

This purchased fern was not an informed choice.  Its small size and rugged looking leaves made it a natural in front of our transplanted stump.  Yes, we do plant both stones and stumps.  How could a native woodland garden be complete without them?

Transplant Day Plus One

This is the condition of two of the Maidenhair Spleenworts transplanted here yesterday.  So far everything looks good.  We must remember to carry water here every time two days without rain happens.  An unknown is if the added limestone was sufficient to promote growth.  Yesterday's pictures showed me perched on both knees.  Today must be a day of rest to allow my hips to recover.

These Jack In The Pulpits are a welcome sight.  Last year our resident deer herd held a dance party here.  All of these plants were broken off and trampled before seed could be matured.  My concern was that the sharp hooves might have damaged the corms.  This new growth is well timed as it protected the new plant growth from frost damage.  This entire area has been filled with wire cages in an attempt to keep the deer out.

Bitterroot is native to western North America as the location of the mountain range bearing the same name might suggest..  We have purchased new plants every year since none have every wintered over here.  A listed plant requirement is growing in stony soil.  We kept the stones small so that transplants could be placed by pushing stone against the root without damage.  For reasons that remain unknown, this plant survived.  We must reread plant requirements in an attempt to keep this one here.

Lewisia redivika is the Latin name recognizing yet another plant discovered by Lewis and Clark.  Native Americans collected and dried the roots which were eaten despite a likely harsh flavor.

Jacob's Ladder is a plant native to eastern North America that is highly prized by Becky.  It has grown to an impressive size in our shade garden near the house.  It is one of the early flowering plants that keeps its leaves all summer.  We must look for a plant or two to place in the garden near the road.  Here is another plant that does not photograph accurately using our point and shoot camera.  The flowers are colored a bright pure dark blue that the picture only suggests.

These Trilliums have been growing near the house for years.  It is written that seven years are required for these plants to bloom from seed.  Transplants require almost that many years of growth in their new home.  We continue to buy new plants each year since one simply must have a broad sweep of these plants.  With age more flowering stems appear and they are welcome.  We have yet to see a new plant from seed in our fake shade gardens.  For some reason this plant is absent from our woods.

Underway

The appearance of a wild bee on a crocus flower speaks more about the arrival of Spring than any number on a calendar.  The protective cage is required to block our herd of deer from eating these beautiful blossoms.  Recently thirteen deer were seen taking their evening meal near these plants.

Purple Bee Balm was planted behind the bench  in our new shade garden last year.  That location gets generous amounts of sunshine each morning.  We selected that spot near the bench since Bee Balm flowers attract Hummingbird Moths.  Human presence does not bother these hovering insects so when the flowers appear we will be able to sit on our bench while surrounded by feeding moths.

This plant native to a far away continent was also intentionally planted here last year.  Using a more natural approach we simply scattered mature seed heads on the surface of the ground.  That method was clearly successful but flowers may be one year away.  Native plants hold most of the ground here but these very early bright yellow flowers simply could not be denied.

Early Meadow Rue occurs naturally across the valley.  Plants come in either male or female form.  Becky knows the difference and that impressed the operator of a nearby native plant business.  We purchased both genders but have yet to see the second plant.  Our experience with these plants is limited to May visits so we have no way of knowing if the cluster of new growth will open as flowers or leaves.  Leaves might be what appears here next.

Jacob's Ladder is an impressive plant.  This one may be large enough to divide now but we will most likely buy another plant or two.  Strong winds filled with large raindrops sent us up the hill before all of the desired pictures were taken.  Rain now will only improve the size of the new growth.  We will return when pictures are possible without getting the camera wet.  It just feels like our gardening habits will take us outside.  Becky pointed out small Catnip plants that are sized for successful transplantation.  That may well be the first work done outside tomorrow weather permitting.

Finally A Day Fit For Garden Time

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.