Dutchman's Breeches
As I promised myself, I went back to see if the trillium had blossomed near French’s Ledge but this time I brought along GGC wildflower expert Sue Coakley. You may have seen Sue’s wonderful wildflower presentation that she gave to the club in January or maybe you joined her for a wildflower walk in Heath Forest yesterday. I have to say, Sue comes in very handy on a nature hike.
May 2nd this year was indeed the perfect time to hike French’s Ledge in search of wildflowers. We saw more than 100 red trillium and an equal number of trout lilies. Those few hepatica were still there—just a handful compared to their more productive neighbors. We also spotted some yellow wood violets. Though tiny, they are hard to miss with their striking yellow petals.
After showing Sue this new-to-her wildflower area, Sue took me to the Plainfield Sanctuary on River Road. Unlike most sanctuaries with trails and parking, this one is basically on either side of a dirt road. Both sides of the road are too steep for walking. Whereas we had to hike in a mile or so on the French’s Ledge trail, flowers were mere steps away from where we parked. Again we saw oodles of trillium and trout lily and were pleased to find an entire area of Dutchmen’s breeches and saxifrage. Multiple types of ferns were just a few inches tall and pushing out of their wet leaf beds. Sue pointed out some ordinary looking leaves and told me they were red columbine. That would be a treat to see. Guess I'll have to go back again (and again).
I listened to Bud Sechler from the Native Plant Trust presentation at today's Garden Club presentation and was pleasantly surprised to hear him about about the Plainfield Sanctuary that I posted earlier today. I will definitely like to visit some of the other Native Plant Trust protected places that he spoke about, especially Eshqua Bog in Hartland, VT, in June to see the orchids in bloom. If you missed Bud's wonderful talk, you can find the link at "Past Programs."
May 2nd this year was indeed the perfect time to hike French’s Ledge in search of wildflowers. We saw more than 100 red trillium and an equal number of trout lilies. Those few hepatica were still there—just a handful compared to their more productive neighbors. We also spotted some yellow wood violets. Though tiny, they are hard to miss with their striking yellow petals.
After showing Sue this new-to-her wildflower area, Sue took me to the Plainfield Sanctuary on River Road. Unlike most sanctuaries with trails and parking, this one is basically on either side of a dirt road. Both sides of the road are too steep for walking. Whereas we had to hike in a mile or so on the French’s Ledge trail, flowers were mere steps away from where we parked. Again we saw oodles of trillium and trout lily and were pleased to find an entire area of Dutchmen’s breeches and saxifrage. Multiple types of ferns were just a few inches tall and pushing out of their wet leaf beds. Sue pointed out some ordinary looking leaves and told me they were red columbine. That would be a treat to see. Guess I'll have to go back again (and again).
I listened to Bud Sechler from the Native Plant Trust presentation at today's Garden Club presentation and was pleasantly surprised to hear him about about the Plainfield Sanctuary that I posted earlier today. I will definitely like to visit some of the other Native Plant Trust protected places that he spoke about, especially Eshqua Bog in Hartland, VT, in June to see the orchids in bloom. If you missed Bud's wonderful talk, you can find the link at "Past Programs."
Wood Violets
Trillium
Saxifrage
Trout Lily
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