Dutchman's Breeches

 

 

We had an impressive showing of volunteers this morning despite the snow showers.  We missed some accumulation yesterday but will probably end up with an inch or so throughout the day.  The East coast is sure going to get it bad!  Our mobile retrieval crew of Larry H., Larry O. and Peg L. went out to get more lights and cords and inside, Pat, Del, Dr. Gredler, Larry, Marv and others helped process lights and cords as well.  Del also helped tidy up the Horticulture Center and Dr. Gredler helped prepare handouts for one of my presentations.  It was nice to see Kay this morning as she came in to also help prepare handouts for the looming Garden Expo (www.wigardenexpo.com).  Organized by Wisconsin Public Television, this fun and educational event continues to get better every year and we'll likely see over 20,000 people pass our booth over the three days of the event in February.  Check out the website for information on vendors, educational opportunities, etc.  We are selling advance tickets at RBG if anyone is interested.  Ron Y., Dave, Jim, Vern, Dick H. and Bob K. continued on some carpentry projects and we also saw Dave K., Gary, Kathy P., Dr. Yahr, Rollie, Bev D., Bill O. (#1), Bill O. (#2) and many others today.   Janice continued work on her research as well and I continue to chip away at duties, tasks as well as our spring ordering.

 

This blog is dedicated to the lovely Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) which we should see in about three months or so (hopefully!).  We have this hardy, native perennial scattered throughout our woodland walk garden and I always enjoy seeing the transition from the lacy foliage emerging in early April, to blooms starting in late April and ultimately the mature blooms as seen above.  You can see how these plants get their name and they look best naturalized in a partly shaded woodland situation with rich, moist, humus laden soils.  This graceful, early spring bloomer features the unique blooms on leafless stalks and while the double-spurred flowers are certainly small, they are definitely showy.  Avoid dry soils when planting this perennial and look forward to the exciting spring contribution that this plant provides before going dormant and disappearing by early July.  

 

 early foliage

 early foliage

 early foliage

blooms just emerging (progress seen below...)