May showers...what do they bring?
Flowers of course!
Hello friends and fans, and all of you that fall in between and so wonderfully open this newsletter. Thank you for that!
This is a reminder that the arboretum opened this past Saturday for the season. It’s still messy, and a work in progress, and we hope that will make you all feel better about your own gardens.
Save the Dates & More
May 31st - Magnolia workshop with Wendy Hollender & Draw Botanical. This special class will spend all day at the arboretum drawing and learning from Wendy an acclaimed botanical artist. You can visit here for more details.
June 1st - Tree ID class with Levi O’Brien - Levi is back, and he will explore the different characteristics of native and naturalized trees to help you build confidence in your own tree identification practices.
June 1st - Woodlore and Cultural History Class - Led by Levi O'Brien - Join Levi in exploring the vast history of tree use and cultural importance. Learn how trees have shaped the history of humanity.
& More
Rhododendron update - Many of us are still talking about this past winter’s weather, and although we were delighted about the “permafrost” of sorts that the plants experienced, there were also destructive wind events and icestorms that made for several weeks of icy on plants
We’ve also seen a lot of damage on Scotch Broom (Cytisus spp.) and Redbuds. What plants got hit the most in your garden?
We will begin inventorying the plants for next month’s sale. Members to the arboretum can ask for a link to preorder first. Ordering and payment will happen online. Your plants can then be picked up on June 15th. We will also be selling plants not on the plant list that day, so come check it out!
If you are a paying Substack supporter, I will also send you an early bird ordering link—just request it!
If you live anywhere in the countryside, ‘tis the season of migration. One of the most horrible things to see on the road now is a flattened turtle. Disaster is bound to happen, cars are fast, turtles are slow (relatively), but if we can, during this period, be a bit more mindful right now as we drive at the speed limit (or maybe even slightly under), that the pinecone down the road may actually turn out to be a baby snapping turtle!
Speaking about migration, I just love my Merlin App! This past week has been an amazing time to hear/see what’s happening near me.
So the exciting news I mentioned in an earlier newsletter that I would share at a later date is:
Scott & I are writing another book with Chelsea Green Publishers! More to follow in the near future. Whohooooo. Didn’t know I co-wrote a book???
In the meanwhile I’ve also been posting a (more or less) daily note on Substack that goes over my day. Part diary, part work log, and part the practice of literary arts I encourage you to check it out. Here’s one from August..
Don’t you love when you meet gardeners who are even geekier then yourself??
Here’s a plant nerd lovers tree:
Snakebark Maple:
Acer capillipes known as Snakebark maple is native to mountainous areas of Japan. It is a deciduous tree with absolutely beautiful bark, with diamond shaped lenticles, breaking through the interesting patterning. Slow-growing, it may eventually grow to 40’, but in a cultivated setting will probably grow to 25’.
Thanks for reading along!
See you in the gardens,
Allyson
Hi. Is it possible to get a link to the pre order sale as a substack member? Thanks!
Hi Allyson, I just learned about your garden and subscribed to this Substack list. Would it be possible to get the preorder sale link? Thank you and I can't wait to visit!