Climbing and rambling roses are a beautiful addition to any garden, adding height and depth to your outdoor space. However, these types of roses require proper training and tying to ensure that they grow in the desired direction, produce the most blooms and don’t become tangled or unruly. Here’s a guide on how to tie climbing and rambling roses to get the best results.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Twine or soft plant ties
Pruning shears
Garden glove
Support wire and tools to secure to a structure
Photo by Marie Woodward
1- Prepare you Roses
Prune your climbing and rambling roses to remove any dead or diseased wood and to encourage healthy growth. Cut back any wild or overly long shoots to create a manageable framework for tying.
2- Attach Straining Wires
If you’re training your roses against a wall or fence, attach horizontal strain wires to the structure, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart vertically and 5 feet apart horizontally. If you have a vinyl fence you can use vinyl safe hooks and secure the wire with a turnbuckle vertically, spacing them about two feet apart to avoid drilling holes in the vinyl material. (Vinyl fences are hollow and won’t readily hold a screw or nail).
Photo by Marie Woodward
3- Tie the Canes
Using twine or soft plant ties, attach the rose canes to the support structure at regular intervals, starting about 1.5 feet from the ground. Tie them securely but not too tightly. You want to allow room for the canes to grow and expand.
Photo by Marie Woodward
4- Train the Roses
As the roses grow, continue to tie the new shoots to the support structure, guiding them in the desired direction. For climbing roses, encourage lateral growth by tying the shoots horizontally or at a 45- degree angle. For rambling roses, allow the shoots to grow more freely, creating a looser, more natural look.
Photo by Marie Woodward
5- Maintain Your Roses
Regularly check your roses and adjust the ties as needed, ensuring that they remain secure but not too tight. Prune any wild or unruly shoots and remove any dead or diseased wood to keep your roses healthy and under control.
By following these steps and regularly maintaining your climbing and rambling roses, you’ll create a stunning vertical display that adds beauty and depth to your garden.
By Marie Woodward, UConn Home & Garden Education Center
Native Eastern redbud Cercis canadensis flowers before leaves appear in early spring
Daffodils, That come before the swallow dares, and take The winds of March with beauty.” — William Shakespeare
Native red maple Acer rubrum
In late March there are signs that spring is here. Snow is usually gone, and although no leaves have appeared on our deciduous trees and shrubs, there may be flowers that will provide early bees with their first meal of the year. Red maples bloom early and provide food for many pollinators like flies, bees and beetles that are just emerging in the spring. While some native plants flowering coincides with native bee activity, there are also non- native plants that can be of great value to early pollinators.
Skunk cabbages produce heat and appear through the snow in February
Skunk cabbages are our first native bloomers. They can arise in wetlands when snow still covers the ground. Honeybees, native bees, some moths and flies visit these putrid flowers as early as late February and then into March.
Honeybee on skunk cabbage flower
One of the first harbingers of spring is the appearance of native Colletes inaequalis ground-nesting bees which can be seen visiting the first flowers of spring. Look for them on native and non- native ornamental willow flowers in late March, and soon after that on native bloodroot.
Native bloodroot
Non-native Japanese andromeda shrubs, Pieris japonica, can bloom as early as late February and can be an important food source for bees that appear before native willows bloom. There are many varieties, some tall and others more compact and they may have white, red or bicolored, drooping, urnlike flowers. They do best in sunny locations with afternoon shade.
Red flower variety of Japanese andromeda
Native bloodroot can form small colonies on sunny woodland edges, and their bright white flowers are often the highlight of the still monochromatic landscape. Flowers open on sunny days and close by night.
Common bluets, commonly called Quaker ladies Houstonia caerulea, are small, blue native wildflowers with four petals and a distinctive yellow center. Many bee species, butterflies and syrphid and other flies visit these low- growing plants for nectar and pollen. They can appear as early as late March, depending upon the temperatures. Flowering can last into early July.
Native bluets
Native red or purple trillium Trillium erectum appears a little after bloodroot, and supports certain moths, bees and flies. Look for it in dry woodland areas with highly acidic soils where there is some sun, especially where there are mountain laurels. It often is found where there are ramps and bloodroot.
Native purple trillium
Trailing arbutus and round- lobed hepatica are native wildflowers of open woodlands. They are uncommon, or perhaps seem so because they are found in very small areas with specific soil and other site conditions. Pollinators are flies and specialist native bees.
Trailing arbutus
Native twinleaf Jeffersonia diphylla produces its bloodroot-like white flowers as early as March and as late as June. A single flower arises on a leafless stalk above the peculiar joined leaves that resemble wings. These flowers attract bees, especially specialized foragers.
Twinleaf
Currants, especially the extremely fragrant clove currant, plus josta berry, a cross between currant and gooseberry, are favorites of bumblebees and other native bees. The clove currant fragrance must be what the island of Zanzibar smalls like as travellers approach it by boat.
Clove currant flowers
Dwarf ginseng Panax trifolius L. is a native woodland wildflower that is only 4-8 inches tall. The airy cluster of small flowers appear in early to late spring and since plants grow in the duff of woodlands, the flower heads, although very small, can help find these little plants.
Dwarf ginseng
Among the non-native flowering shrubs that support native pollinators is the Rhododendron mucronulatum ‘Cornell Pink’. This plant blooms in early April before the leaves appear. Many native bees including Osmia spp., Colletes inaequalis and Bombus spp. and wasps visit the flowers. Cornus mas, or Cornelian cherry, is a non-native shrub or small tree whose flowers line the branches before the leaves appear.
“Cornell Pink’ Rhododendron muconulatum Non-native Cornus mas
Ornamental plants like violas and pansies also attract spring pollinators, and dandelions have a great pollen source for spring and summer bees alike.
Tiny bee covered with dandelion pollen
Native Amelanchier, also called shadbush and serviceberry blooms in April and attracts many bees and other pollinators. Its delicate racems of white flowers can be profuse and stand out as leaves are not fully expanded. Many specialized bees are supported by this small tree or multithemed shrub.
Amelanchier spp.
Star magnolias, Magnolia stellata, bloom in April before leaves are out. These trees support many pollinator species and butterflies like spring azures and tiger swallowtails that are out in early spring.
Star magnolia
There are many other plants for pollinators in early spring- daffodils, crocus, currants to name a few. As I hike around at this time of year, I take note of which flowers the most pollinators are attracted to, and I may decide to add some of these to my own gardens. I also stop to enjoy all the new colors and textures coming into the landscape. I appreciate Algernon Charles Swinburne’s comment-
With winter approaching and illness season in full swing here in New England, folks will likely be drinking plenty of tea to stay warm and energized. After water, tea is the most widely-consumed beverage in the world. From the Tang dynasty to the Boston Tea party, tea has a rich and storied history (perhaps the subject for a blog post at a later date), but it is ubiquitously enjoyed by young and old around the world. Enjoying tea is a social act. A more contemporary take on the phrase, “spill the beans”, when someone says “spill the tea” or “what’s the tea”, they typically are hoping to hear some interesting tidbits, juicy gossip or secrets that the listener may be privy to. While this phrase may have originated from a quote by The Lady Chablis in John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, its use is becoming increasingly globalized, much like tea itself, through appearances in reality television and social media.
With the globalization of trade goods, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries, we can easily find all varieties of teas at our local grocery store, international food market, or online catalog. With family roots in Cork County, Ireland, I’ve enjoyed strong black tea most days since I was young, but it wasn’t until I was in my late teens and worked at a tea store that I was able to learn more about the different types of tea.
Tea is a drink prepared with the processed leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis (USDA hardiness zones 7-9). An evergreen bush or small tree native to Southeast Asia, Camellia sinensis is now grown around the world in subtropical and tropical acidic soils. Tea grown at higher altitudes takes longer to develop but provides a more nuanced flavor and is generally considered higher quality (and consequently fetches a higher price). There are countless cultivars of the tea plant available as characteristics have been selected by humans for centuries. Tea produces caffeine as a secondary metabolite that acts as a natural insecticide and repellant for plant-feeding insects.
Depending on how the leaves are processed, different types of tea are produced. White, green, yellow, black, oolong and pu-erh teas are forms of true tea (i.e. derived from Camellia sinensis). Many people refer to steeped rooibos, yerba mate, cinnamon, chamomile, lemongrass, lavender, orange peel, spearmint and other blends of fruit and herbs as “herbal tea”, but it is important to note that these do not come from the tea plant.
Silver needle white tea. Uptontea.com
White tea is minimally processed, often produced by picking young shoot tips then allowing them to whither and dry in the sun. White tea is named such for the white pubescence on these young, minimally-processed leaves and not for the color of the resulting steeped drink, which is often a pale yellow-green. White teas are mild in flavor, sometimes sweet, with a less “grassy” taste compared to green teas. White teas tend to be more expensive compared to other types due to the quality standards imposed. If you’re looking to try a white tea, I highly recommend splurging on a loose-leaf tea for the true experience. Steep at a temperature below boiling (180 degrees F) for 1 to 2 minutes. A higher temperature or longer steep will cause the delicate flavors to be masked by an astringent, bitter taste due to the release of too many tannins. White teas are rarely steeped more than once, but I’ve done so with success in the past. Silver Needle is an excellent architype of a white tea, but may be expensive or hard to find at your local store.
Hunan yellow imperial tea. Uptontea.com
I’ve only tried yellow tea a few times. These rare teas are usually Chinese in origin and have refined, sweet, mellow tastes – more robust than white teas but less “grassy” than green teas. They’re pretty expensive and I’m not familiar enough with any to recommend one, but if you manage to come across this elusive tea, steep gently, like white tea, and enjoy in the company of someone special to you.
Genmaicha. Note the addition of toasted, partially-popped rice. Uptontea.com
Green tea is slightly more processed than white tea. After picking, the leaf shoots are steamed, pan-fired, or sun-dried, (depending on the type of green tea desired), then rolled (usually by hand), but not allowed to oxidize or ferment. Green teas have matured, “true tea” flavors and are quite popular. In Japan, a finely ground powder of green tea leaves called matcha is consumed suspended in water or milk, and is widely used to flavor candies, mochi, ice cream, and other foods. Steep green teas at a temperature below boiling (180-190 degrees F) for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the specific type of tea. A higher temperature or longer steep will cause the delicate flavors to be masked by an astringent, bitter taste due to the release of too many tannins. Green teas often re-steep fairly well, so try to get a second cup or pot out of your steeped green tea leaves. There are many, many types of green tea, but one of my favorites that I recommend you try is Gen-mai cha – an affordable green tea mixed with roasted, popped rice (yes, rice can be popped like corn!).
Tie-Guan-Yin roasted oolong tea. Uptontea.com
Called “blue tea” in French (thé bleu), oolong tea is more processed still. After picking, leaves are withered under the sun then allowed to oxidize partially before being rolled/twisted and fully drying. Oolong teas have a more robust flavor than white or green teas and often have complex, “toasty” notes depending on the final drying or firing process after partial oxidation. Oolong teas vary widely in flavor and processing and consequently vary widely in steep temperature and time (usually between 180-200 degrees F, but could be anywhere from a 1 to 5 minute steep). Oolong teas usually re-steep very well! Definitely try to get more than one pot out of these. Because oolong teas can vary so widely, some folks like to collect and compare these teas.
Lapsang Souchong imperial black tea. Uptontea.com
In addition to being enjoyed throughout Asia, black tea has historically been very popular in the Indian subcontinent, the UK, Ireland, and the US. Black tea, sometimes called red tea, often has a much stronger flavor compared to most other types of teas. Their popularity is due, in part, to their longer shelf life and ability to retain flavor longer than other types of tea. Black teas are picked, withered, rolled strongly by hand or machine, sorted, allowed to fully oxidize, then dried. Pu-erh teas, are made similarly, but are then allowed to ferment for various amounts of time and are usually labeled with the year of production and sold in pressed disks. They often have a very strong flavor and may be more of an acquired taste for some.
Black teas are usually named based on the production region (e.g., Ceylon, Darjeeling, etc.), or blended with other flavorings such as bergamot oil (i.e., Earl Grey tea) or spices (i.e., chai teas). Unflavored black teas re-steep better than flavored black teas, though it can vary pretty widely. If the black tea has been stored for longer, it may not re-steep as well, but this can depend on the quality and origin of the tea (and whether it was used loose-leaf or bagged). Black teas are usually fine to steep just under boiling (200-212 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes), but a shorter steep and lower temperature will result in a less astringent brew. The addition of milk and sugar is often popular with black teas to counteract this astringency associated with the release of tannins. For folks with sensitive stomachs, these tannins can be irritating so a shorter steep, the addition of milk, or a switch to a lighter type of tea is recommended.
So there’s the tea! Though Connecticut is a bit cold for growing tea outdoors, if you have questions about growing your own plant indoors or any of the herbs and spices grown here and used for brewing a warm drink this winter, reach out to us by emailing ladybug@uconn.edu.
Galls formed on a red maple leaf by the maple eyespot gall midge
“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” Aristotle
Galls that occur on plants may be caused by insects or mites, nematodes, bacteria, fungi, or viruses. I think the more interesting ones are those formed by insects and mites. Plants that have rapid growth in spring are especially vulnerable to gall-forming insects, but often galls go unnoticed until later in the season. The chewing of the insects produces salivary secretions that cause an increase in growth hormone production in the plant tissue. This causes an increase in either cell size or cell number and results in abnormal plant tissue growth called a gall.
Galls likely from Eriophyid mites on poison ivy
Inside developing galls, the immature mite or insect feeds where it has protection from most predators. In the case of stem galls produced on goldenrods, the fly larvae inside may be eaten by woodpeckers who are savvy to the protein morsel that lies within. Leaf galls are normally not a health issue for the plant as enough unaffected tissue can still effectively photosynthesize.
Willow pinecone galls are produced a midge, Rabdophaga strobiloides
Black cherry spindle galls are the most common of the galls caused by Eriophyid spp. of mite. As the name suggests, they are found only on native black cherry, Prunus serotina, and especially on young saplings. Small finger-like galls are formed on new leaves in early spring on the upper sides of leaves. They are green at first, and then turn a bright red, and often occur in large numbers that are tightly packed. Leaves produced later in the spring and throughout the rest of the growing season will not be affected, as there is only one generation of this mite per year.
Spindle or finger galls on black cherry
Another unusual gall caused by an Eriophyid spp. of mite is the birch Erineum or velvet gall. This gall looks like pink fairy dust was sprinkled on the tops of the leaves and which then got very hard. These galls can also be found on maple, linden and certain viburnums.
Velvet birch gall
Grape tube gallmaker galls occur on wild and cultivated grapes. The Cedidomynia viticola midge lays eggs on the grape leaf, and the leaf then responds by producing pointed tube galls. This gall maker is not of economic importance.
Grape tubemaker galls on wild grape
Cockscomb galls on elm are caused by an aphid, Colopha ulmicola. Aphid nymphsemerge in spring from eggs laid on elm twigs and begin feeding on newly emerged leaves, producing a gall that grows around the nymph. Green at first, the gall turns red later in the summer. Winged adults emerge from the leaf galls and fly to nearby grasses where they produce offspring that feed on grass roots. As these nymphs become winged adults in the fall, they fly to elms and lay eggs, and the cycle begins anew.
This elm cockscomb gall will turn red by summer’s end
Aspen petiole galls are formed by the Contarinia petioli midge and are found on cottonwoods and aspens. Each gall contains a single larva, which exits the gall in the autumn to pupate on the ground. This gall is formed at the leaf petiole and does not affect the leaf functions.
This red aspen petiole gall is hard to miss
Oaks seem to have the greatest variety of galls, especially those caused by gall-forming wasps. There are wooly galls, nipple galls, jumping galls and oak apple galls to name a few. The banded bullet gall wasp Dryocosmus imbricariae produces rather attractive twig galls.
Banded bullet wasp galls
The wool sower gall is caused by the tiny Callirhytis seminator wasp, and appears only on oaks, especially white oaks. The wooly galls resemble a toasted marshmallow as it turns from white to brown over time. Inside the gall are small, hairy seed-like structures, each containing a single, developing wasp larva. These structures get darker during the year and by late summer the entire gall is brown.
The wool sower galls later in the summer
Acorn pip galls, caused by the diminutive wasp Callirhytis quercusoperator, are located between the cap and the acorn. When the white gall pushes out, after the acorn has fallen prematurely, there is a tiny triangular hole left. These galls are generally found on red oaks. Ants sometimes chew the pip galls out of the acorn.
Two acorn pip galls pushing out
Colorful maple eyespot galls are caused by a midge, hickories are hosts for a large variety of gall forming insects, and willows have an interesting cone gall that occurs on new branch tips. There are also galls that form on herbaceous plants- the most identifiable ones being those on goldenrod stems caused by a stem gall fly. Downy woodpeckers go after the larva inside the gall.
Left- goldenrod rosette gall right- goldenrod stem gall
The next time you come across some interesting galls, see if you can break one open and find out if an insect is inside. The mystery will be solved, if so. It could be a nymph, a pupa or, rarely, an adult getting ready to chew its way out. Oak apple galls are the most interesting, especially if you find a female wasp that has just emerged from its pupal case.
Oak apple gall Female oak apple gall wasp emerged minutes before from the apple gallGalls on hickory leaf caused by a Caryomyia species midge
This year, 2023, has been one for the record books. We have had smoky hazes from Canadian wildfires, rain events we could have used last year, and several microbursts just this week in late July in Connecticut. Plants have bloomed way early, achieved higher than normal heights in gardens and lots of butterflies have been noticeably absent, or have been very few until recently. That said, there are treasures to be found in our tiny dot on the globe.
White pines lost their tops in a recent microburst in Manchester
I was made aware by a fellow nature enthusiast that there was a spectacular native plant that I have never seen before blooming now in her neck of the woods. I checked it out, and I was not disappointed by her generous clue as to where to find these gems. The plant is the fringed yellow orchis, Platanthera ciliaris, also known as the orange-fringed bog- orchid. It is listed as extremely rare in Connecticut on the GoBotany website. Found in grassy bogs, this plant features racemes of yellow to orange flowers that have a showy fringed lip and a very long, slender spur. They are pollinated by butterflies, especially swallowtails.
Native orange fringed orchid- flowers can be yellow or orangeFringed lip of the
Cicada killers are making their presence known. These large wasps with amber colored wings dig nesting chambers deep in the soil, usually sandy or dry soils, and they can make a mess while doing so as sand is piled up in the lawn or garden. Females drag paralyzed cicadas into the chamber, lay an egg on the body and are done with that chamber. While females can sting, they are not aggressive, and they are only active in the digging phase for a couple of weeks.
Cicada killer
On a recent visit to a nature center, I found a fabulous (for a spider) arrow spider Micrathena sagittata. They are small orb weavers, and they resemble a Gibson Flying V electric guitar.
Arrow spider
Nearby was a snowberry clearwing moth, one of two clearwing sphinx moths that hover near flowers like a hummingbird. The caterpillar of the snowberry clearwing uses any honeysuckle as a host plant.
Snowberry clearwing sphinx moth Caterpillar of the snowberry clearwing moth
At the same place were a number of walking sticks, a well-turned-out orange leaf footed bug nymph, and a female aphid giving birth to live young. She can have a family of a hundred in a few days, so that explains why aphids are hard to control.
Female aphid giving birth to live young
In a butterfly- pollinator garden in a nearby town, the Crocosmia is blooming. The flowers of this variety were brilliant red, so they are likely the ‘Lucifer’ variety, around since 1966. Hummingbirds love this flower, as do many people. There was also a native vine called the groundnut, Apis americana, twining across goldenrods and Joe-pye in a field.
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ Groundnut
The Connecticut tobacco crop seems on schedule, some plants flowering now as would be expected. I have no idea if diseases or insects are worse than usual for this historical crop of the Connecticut River Valley. To my eye, as I zip by the tobacco fields in my car, it all looks green and healthy.
Tobacco plants in a field surround a tobacco barn used for drying the crop
With all the heavy rains of late, the field of crops along the Connecticut River were lucky to stay above the floodwaters. The Glastonbury ferry was closed due to strong currents and high water. Some towns had microbursts or tornadoes this week, causing some damage to trees and property. In my town, a rural development area had damage from some wind event that went down a few blocks, clipping off the tops of mature white pines and downing trees.
Flooded corn fields along the Connecticut river in the background
Native wild plants lie Clethra, Joe-pye weed and buttonbush bloomed much earlier this year. I guess the weather has discombobulated a lot of plants. Haze from wildfires lasted a couple of weeks and caused some plants to grow taller than normal as they reached upward for the sun. Fluctuations in temperatures and decreased sunlight has fooled some woody plants into early leaf color change, but they are not dropping these leaves yet.
Native staghorn sumac has fall color in late July Katydid nymph Northern walking stick found in a field
With all the wind and rainstorms, wildfire smoke effects and temperatures that have gone up and down like Duncan yo-yos, I am wondering what normal is and so are my plants. At least the insects are not so confused, and neither are the birds. I guess that is something at least the birds can crow about…
Purple martins, young and old, on the UConn campus outside the W.B. Young Building
“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” ―John Steinbeck
June sees a significant increase in bee activity here in Connecticut. During the past two weeks on my own property the perennial flowers like catmint, yarrow, hyssops, beardtongue (Penstemon spp.) and giant plume flowers are in full bloom. Heuchera and astilbe are or will be blooming. Winterberries, mock orange, shrub dogwoods, and Itea virginica (sweetspire) shrubs are also in full bloom, and the bees are having a field day on all of these. By far, the most pollinator species on my plants are visitng hyssops, catmints, winterberries and Itea and sea holly. Annuals like lantana and salvias help fill the gap between spring blooms and summer bloomers like Echinacea, Coreopsis, and mountain mints.
Bumblebee bee on native mountain laurel
I just planted a newer variety of winterberry called ‘Sunsplash’ near two old ‘Red Sprite’ winterberries, and all are teeming with many species of bees and other pollinators. I like the bright yellow contrast to the green leaves of this new winterberry- makes a sparkly, happy addition to the garden. I have the male counterparts of all my winterberries to ensure pollination and later, the optimum berry crop.
‘Sunsplash’ winterberry
Tucked in between the winterberries are a couple of sea hollies- Eryngium planum. These plants have a very interesting stem, bract, leaf and flower color- a chalky blue- purple that seems to change somewhat during the day depending upon the available sunlight. Flowers resemble thistle or teasel in form and shape. Little green sweat bees found the flowers minutes after the plants went in the ground. Many other bees, large and small, visit the flowers throughout the day.
Sea holly Yellow bumblebee Bombus perplexus had a preference for sea holly and winterberries
Nepeta spp. catmints bloom for a long period, and can be cut back for rebloom. Although the flowers are small, bees of all kinds visit them, as do skippers and other small butterflies. There are a variety of smaller catmints that can be inserted into the garden that will not crowd out other plants.
Salvias are a great source of nectar for bees and butterflies, and most hang on to flowers until frost. Black and blue, red, and the ‘Rocking’ series are also a huge draw for hummingbirds. A favorite of mine is the salvia ‘Hot Lips’. Flowers are a combination of red, white or half red and half white. Most bloom until frost for added appeal.
A small native shrub, New Jersey tea, attracts pollinators of all types including flower beetles, bees, butterflies and syrphid flies. Flowers are airy clusters of white and are fragrant. The one drawback to this plant is its attraction to deer.
New Jersey Tea Native bee on New Jersey tea
Hyssops of all kinds attract bees and butterflies. The most bees I am seeing is on the Agastache ‘Blue Boa’ (Giant Hyssop). This hyssop blooms earlier than most varieties, and its flower heads are large and puffy. Short-tongued bees enter the flowers, an bumblebees can be spotted with their rear ends and hind feet sticking out of the flowers.
Agastache hyssop “Blue Boa’ Bumblebee entering flower of “Blue Boa’
In the wild or in the landscape, Penstemon, hairy beardtongue, is a plus to any pollinator garden. In the wild, large colonies can form, which is useful in reducing travel efforts of our native bees. In the garden, planting quite of few of these plants in a group is very helpful to bees.
‘Husker Red’ Penstemon
Milkweeds are beginning to bloom now, butterfly weed being among the first to flower. Many pollinators and other interesting insect species have affinities toward milkweeds, making them a great addition to gardens and landscapes.
Megachile bee on Butterfly weed
Heuchera and Astilbe are often overlooked as pollinator plants, and these are especially useful in areas with good afternoon shade. Bees are not averse to being in the shade, and there are many plants that will benefit pollinators. Hostas have flowers for a while, and before and after that, foliage is of interest until cold weather arrives.
White variety of Astilbe
There are many other plants flowering in June that can supply nectar and pollen for our native butterflies and pollinators. If you have room, trees such as Catalpa and lindens are of great value. A note on this year- perhaps because of cool weather(?), the bloom periods of many plants like the Kpusa dogwoods have seemed to go on forever. And little, if any crabgrass has been seen yet, which may be a good thing for some people.
Bombus perplexus on Iteavirginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ Giant fleece flower Persicaria polymorpha gets over 5 feet tall Red Valerian Centranthus ruber with green sweat bee and tiny katydid nymph Tiny bee on Agastache buds Bees and butterflies like annuals like Cosmos Shrub dogwood Annual Salvia ‘Hot Lips’
Check flowers for pollinator activity, and expect that to increase as the weather warms up. It is a satisfying aspect of gardening to know other creatures benefit from your efforts. Bees would send a thank you card, but they are not interested it doing so. Too busy…
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” Laura Ingalls Wilder
This spring has been one for the books, and I do not mean comic books. We had a week of 70 and 80 degree days with one day that was over 94 degrees. Then we went down to the 40’s and perhaps 50’ since then. Crabapples bloomed a little earlier than normal, with rainy or cloudy cold days with less bee activity. It is unclear how pollination was affected by these cold, cloudy days, as many fruit trees also were in bloom. Flowers are fading now and it is still relatively cold. Perhaps the more robust queen bumblebees will have taken up the slack.
Crabapples in full bloom on a cold, foggy day this May Red oak flowers and new leaves
An unusual non-native spring- flowering plant, barrenwort, blooms from spring into summer. This plant can endure dense shade and droughts, and it is sometimes called Bishop’s hat. Large panicles have a profusion of colorful, dangling flowers that are very unusual. They have four sepals with the long, tapering slender, true petals forming a cup with the stamens inside.
Unusual flower of barrenwort
Native wildflowers like trillium and bird’s foot violet should be in bloom now, and lady’s slippers, and columbine will flower shortly. Blue flag irises occur in wetlands, often in colonies. They are easily identified by the distinct blue to blue violet delicate-looking flowers. Their falls have white centers often with fluted yellow fringe.
Blue flag along a pond bank Red trillium flower just before opening Red (purple, wake robin) trillium flower and leaves
Insects in general have not been abundant due to the cold and cloudy weather conditions. Many pollinators have been absent from the abundance of dandelion flowers we have had this year. We finally had a warm, sunny day in early May and bees and other insects came out to celebrate that big event. One of them was the orange- collared scape moth,
Finally a bee!The aptly named Orange-collared Scape Moth Cisseps fulvicollis
Peculiar- looking fruiting bodies are often seen on red cedars and some junipers this time of year. Small, woody galls form on twigs of the host evergreens the previous year. During wet weather, these galls produce orange, gummy horns that make them look like the head of Medusa. Spores will be released from these horns and infect crabapples and apples as they are windblown to their new host plant.
These are the orange, gelatinous fruiting bodies or telial horns of the cedar apple gall on a native cedar The horns have dried up
We experienced a mini-drought this spring that came with forest fire warnings. Hiking along a large pond with a grove of white pines, my sister and I came upon proof that this warning was not for nothing. During the single thunderstorm we had during this time, lightning must have struck two dead pines and their was evidence of a small forest fire that was doused quickly by rain- no needles on the ground were burned.
Migrating and returning birds are slow to arrive or pass through, but this week they are here in abundance. Soon the woods will be full of the songs of veerys, wood thrushes and vireos, among others. A Wilson’s warbler was seen in scrub brush as it was passing through on its way to northern parts.
Wilson’s warbler A pair of hooded merganzers in a woodland pond Somebody cut off the bittersweet that choked this tree- I thank you and the tree thanks you!
Soon trees will be leafed out, birds will have started building nests and raising their young, days and nights will be warmer and gardens will be filling up with flowers. I am hoping we have a less hot and droughty summer than we had last year, but will deal with what we get. I cannot control everything that can go wrong in my gardens and nothing much less in nature. I must strive for the better way and not think so much about the bad, because I tend to get distracted from all the good things going on, too.
‘In acceptance, is peace’- Amy Carmichael.
Do you just really not want to mow? I do not know of any bees that eat dandelion seed heads…
As Shakespeare once wrote, “what’s in a name”? What we call a weed is simply a plant growing where we don’t wish it to grow. In May of 2010, Joan Allen wrote a post for our blog on why dandelions, Taraxacum officinale, do not deserve the bad reputation they receive. Thirteen years later, dandelions deserve another moment in the spotlight!
A plant that some might consider an unwanted weed, others may consider benign or even desirable, depending on the person and context. For example, my mother lives in South Florida and has many saw palmetto, Serenoa repens, growing in her yard. She considers these to be weeds because they make mowing her yard difficult. Others however, especially people not living in her area, appreciate saw palmetto as a “beachy” ornamental, attractive potted plant, or as a plant that produces a useful product (its fruit). Dandelions can have this same quality for those that wish to consider their many unique attributes and uses.
Dandelions are flowering herbaceous perennials, meaning they return each year. They are very hardy, tolerating a wide variety of soil types and partial shade. They produce latex which is particularly noticeable in their stems and taproots. Because their taproots are strong and capable of breaking through compacted soil, they are often some of the first plants to colonize disturbed sites and begin the process of remediating and “rewilding” vacant lots. Note: Those wishing to remove dandelions from their lawns should be sure to remove the taproot with the leaves and flowers or the plant will most likely grow back.
Figure 1: Here’s a fun challenge for anyone (particularly in the Eastern US) looking at photos of lawns/landscapes in the spring: can you find a photo without any dandelions? The photo above was taken by the author as a “before and after” to show mulching around some hostas and daylillies. Can you spot the six dandelions peeking through?
Now found ubiquitously along roadsides and in yards wherever there is sufficient moisture, dandelions were originally introduced to be used as a food crop. Though the entire plant is edible, young leaves and flowers are considered the most palatable to be eaten raw. Similar to collards and other greens, older leaves are best sauteed, steamed, or cooked in some way as they can be quite bitter when eaten raw. Roots can be dried, baked and ground to produce a product that is used as a decaffeinated coffee substitute. The stems, fruits, and their attached pappi (modified calyx for wind dispersal), are edible but not particularly palatable raw or cooked.
Following their rejection and disdain in favor of the Great American Lawn, in recent years, dandelions have been having a renaissance in the culinary world. High in potassium and other nutrients, dandelions have found their way onto the menus of food shares, brunch cafes, and fine dining establishments. Bees and other pollinators have never shied away from the humble flower, which provides nutrient-dense pollen and nectar after a long winter.
Not looking to drop $30 on a plate of “glorified weeds” before knowing if it’s something you’ll like? Feel free to try some plants from your own yard! Only eat plants that have been thoroughly washed and not sprayed with any pesticides. For those looking for a more refined treat, consider using your dandelions to make dandelion wine (see Joan’s 2010 article) or jelly, following a recipe such as the one found here. Bonus points for infusing flavors from other edible flowers in the garden, such as lavender or lilac!
Have you ever heard of the squirting cucumber? It’s a fascinating plant that is known for its explosive fruit and its resemblance to a “pea shooter”. The squirting cucumber, also known as Ecballium elaterium, is a member of the cucumber family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but it can now be found in many other parts of the world. This plant can grow up to two feet tall and has a distinctive yellow flower. The most interesting feature of the squirting cucumber is its fruit. The fruit of the plant is a small, green ball that is about the size of a walnut. When the fruit is ripe, it becomes highly pressurized, and even the slightest touch can cause it to explode. The force of the explosion can propel the seeds up to 20 feet away from the plant.
But why does the squirting cucumber have this explosive property? It’s actually a survival and reproduction mechanism. When the fruit explodes, it scatters the seeds over a wide area, increasing the chances that they will find a suitable place to grow. This is especially important for a plant that grows in a dry, arid environment like the Mediterranean region. Unfortunately, this has allowed the squirting cucumber to become invasive in some places where it has been introduced.
By spreading its seeds over a wide area, the squirting cucumber increases its chances of survival. The squirting cucumber is not only interesting because of its explosive fruit, but also for its reported medicinal properties. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. The juice of the fruit has been used to treat headaches, earaches, and even as a diuretic. The leaves of the plant have been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
However, it’s important to note that the squirting cucumber can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. The juice of the plant can cause skin irritation and blistering, and ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhea. So while it may be interesting to observe and learn about the squirting cucumber, it’s important to handle the plant with care. The squirting cucumber is just one example of the incredible diversity of plants that can be found in our world, and it reminds us of the importance of preserving and protecting these natural wonders.
Check out the video in the link below to learn more!
I please myself with the graces of the winter scenery, and believe that we are as much touched by it as by the genial influences of summer.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Winter can be a wearisome time for people who really enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors. That said, you never know what you may stumble upon on that may be interesting on any given day as you wander around. During this time of year, some things may actually be more interesting. Trees are interesting in a different way as they are bereft of their leafy canopies which normally hide branches, trunks and growth forms. Bird and wasp nests are visible, and so are growth anomalies caused by outside forces such as entwining bittersweet vines. It is a good time to learn tree identification using features such as leaf bud forms, branching patterns and bark on branches or trunks.
Weeping Higan cherry Prunus subhirtella in fog in January on the UConn campus This trunk had been constricted by bittersweet that has been cut down Gingko leaf buds are stout and upright, alternating on twigs and branches like askew, miniature ladder rungs
Skies get very interesting color-wise at dawn and dusk, or even during the day. Atmospheric temperatures are colder and less polluted than in the summer, and the angle of the sun’s rays are different now and make for brilliant reds and oranges just before dawn and sunset. When gray skies are to the east, just before sunset there can be an ethereal orange glow that lights up the landscape.
Orange glow minutes before sunset January 2023
On Horsebarn Hill on the Storrs UConn campus, there are vast open pastures and fields that are home to northern harriers, bluebirds, kestrels and stopping grounds for migrating horned larks. Recently my colleague and I saw a large flock of these larks as well as a male kestrel. Kestrels are small robin-sized falcon and they are a species of concern in Connecticut due to the loss of their habit, which is large open farmland. Look for these birds perching on telephone wires along roadsides where they have access to prey on acres of open fields.
American kestrel on a treetop on Horsebarn Hill UConnMale horned lark. These birds can appear in winter in open fields and grassy areas where snow has melted and seeds can be found
Barred owls can be active both at night or during the day in the winter. They often rest close to the trunk of trees on lower tree branches where they blend in. They will go after fish if streams remain open in the winter, but their main diet is rodents, small animals and other birds. Often the larger owl species are mobbed by screaming crows, so if you hear that, head for the ruckus. They might be after a great horned or a barred owl.
Barred owl waking up on a late January morning
Mushrooms have mostly come and gone, but the cinnabar polypore will stand out against the rather monochromatic winter scenery. This shelf fungus can be found on fallen dead tree branches. Against the snow, their brilliant deep orange caps and spores are a standout.
Cinnabar polypore pores on the underside of the cap live up to their description
Earlier this month temperatures were higher than normal before dropping well below freezing for a couple of days. Thin ice formed on algae colored water and then partially cracked, which made an interesting, angular, tessellated pattern. That day temperatures went well above the 40’s and by the next day, these patterns were gone. What a difference a day makes!
Green edged crack patterns on thin ice in January 2023
Besides birds, some fungi, morning and evening skies, and maybe a visit to a greenhouse, there can be other means to escape the winter doldrums. Sometimes the best winter color comes from the sun shining through a window in your own home…
Uconnladybug's Blog 