WOODLAND WIZARDRY
Horticulture|March - April 2023
SPRING EPHEMERALS MAKE FLORAL MAGIC BEFORE THEIR DISAPPEARING ACT
MATTHEW OLSON
WOODLAND WIZARDRY

In one of my earliest memories, we’re driving to my family’s cabin and I can see vast swaths of trillium in bloom along the highway. The effect was stunning, with the flowering plants creating the appearance of a white carpet on the forest floor.

Trilliums are members of a plant category known as spring ephemerals, which consists of many genera and species. Ephemerals are subtle and surely seasonal, but they have a unique charm we can put to work in our gardens.

The word ephemeral means “lasting for a short time.” Spring ephemerals emerge in spring before the trees begin to leaf out. These perennial plants thrive in rich, undisturbed woodlands, primarily in deciduous forests. Spurred by the warming soil, their early appearance allows them to flower and photosynthesize before the tree canopy fills in to block the sunlight. In early summer, these plants go dormant and disappear until the next spring, with energy stored in their underground structures.

GARDEN CHARMS

Ephemerals are beautiful in the woods, but they look magical in the garden, too. Their flowers are often unique and recognizable, from the showy three-petaled blooms of trillium to the aptly named Jack-in-the-pulpit. Although they’re visible for only a short time, ephemerals make a strong impression when thoughtfully sited.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March - April 2023 من Horticulture.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March - April 2023 من Horticulture.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من HORTICULTURE مشاهدة الكل
GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
Horticulture

GAGA FOR GALANTHUS

As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following

time-read
6 mins  |
September - October 2024
NEW PLANTS
Horticulture

NEW PLANTS

Multiseason Marvels

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Horticulture

BLUEBERRIES & CO.

Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden

time-read
5 mins  |
September - October 2024
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
Horticulture

AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT

How three great minds think alike

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
Take It Indoors
Horticulture

Take It Indoors

Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
ROOTED IN PLACE
Horticulture

ROOTED IN PLACE

LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Horticulture

AT HOME WITH PLANTS

Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden

time-read
6 mins  |
September - October 2024
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Horticulture

THE GARDEN GOES DARK

Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.

time-read
7 mins  |
September - October 2024
LOW-WATER WONDERS
Horticulture

LOW-WATER WONDERS

EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2024
Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right
Horticulture

Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right

The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right. Once a crop like spring turnips or snap peas has finished, I tidy up the bed, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost and replant. Depending on the new crop, I may be sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024