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.
Denne historien er fra March - April 2023-utgaven av Horticulture.
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Denne historien er fra March - April 2023-utgaven av Horticulture.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following
NEW PLANTS
Multiseason Marvels
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
How three great minds think alike
Take It Indoors
Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir
ROOTED IN PLACE
LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.
LOW-WATER WONDERS
EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN
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.
