Month: April 2013

The Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) have made their way onto the stage. In our garden they are beginning to bloom, on this day, Tuesday, April 9th 2013. That is indeed our new garden fence in the backround. And behind that is the 1956 Chevrolet stepside.

The original color of the truck was blue, the original paint is still on the engine and on the underside of the hood. That color would most likely compliment this bluebell the same way this bright noontime spring sky compliments it. At least the truck echoes the leaves of this supremely elegant spring wildflower.

On this day, the transition of focus from the Bloodroot to Bluebells has begun.  The exceptionally hot weather featuring temperatures in the Upper 80s in Philadelphia has caused a lot of bloodroot petals to wither and many to fall off. There are many more bloodroot plants on the way up, so there will be much more blooming- this was the first wave of blooms. This highly varied plant has adapted to the ups and downs of spring and has various populations blooming at different times.

The shape of the petals of this one specimen is especially notable with a pleasing drooping display.  The black and red oak leaves around it hint at the kind of environment the bloodroot likes-dappled shade with rich, moist, but well-drained soils.