Resolutions simplified

New Year's, New Year's. Tired of making resolutions that don't stick? To save you time and trouble, I've compiled an easy list of resolutions for 2013. Enjoy!

1. Get outside.
2. Hug a tree (or two, or three).
3. Never waste a drop of sunlight.
4. Appreciate the clouds: there are pictures in them.
5. Stars, what stars? Sky-gaze at night.
6. When rain and sun collide, look up.
7. Dress for the weather—it opens doors.
8. If your children (or someone else's) act like little animals, remember that they are.
9. Take a walk. Small steps are better than no steps.
10. Live for today, plant seeds for tomorrow. Literally.

Wishing you and yours the best for 2013—

Jenny Houghton

Youth Program Coordinator

Make plans now for masses of grasses

Building upon a recent blog edited by Carole Brown (www.nativeplantwildlifegarden.com) and my growing appreciation for the grasses in the garden I inherited this summer when I moved to a house in town, here is my lucky 13 list of the use and value of native grasses:

Grasses are:

1. Drought tolerant
2. Wet tolerant
3. Hardy
4. Long-lived
5. Visually interesting
6. Fast growing
7. Great in every type of garden
8. Deer resistant
9. Part of almost every plant community and ecosystem
10. Stunning in containers
11. Low maintenance (prune or burn once a year)
12. A quick screen
13. Valuable wildlife habitat

Even a novice gardener should find these facts persuasive. Plant grasses and count your good luck. It is time to make a wish list for Adkins Arboretum's Native Plant Nursery spring opening weekend. Mark your calendar for April 12-14, 2013.

Ellie Altman

Executive Director

Winter is for the birds

Today is the first day of winter, and between the gray sky and the chill in the air, it looks like it could snow. The songbirds are very active outside my window at the feeder eating their favorite black oil sunflower seed. In the garden, Ilex verticillata (winterberry) is a high energy berry that the birds eat as an emergency winter food. 

Ornamental grasses provide cover or shelter in winter for wildlife as well as a food source with seeds and insect larvae. Cut perennial grasses back at the end of the winter season. If you have some extra leaf litter in your garden, just blow it under your shrubs and the ground feeding songbirds will visit your yard to scratch around for insect larvae hiding underneath. Your garden should have these essential elements to attract birds: cover, food, water, and a place to raise their young.

Winter is a fun time to start feeding the birds and developing your eye for bird identification. For more information, check Cornell's Backyard Feeder Count or a Christmas Bird Count happening in your area.

by Robyn Affron

Visitor Services Coordinator

Certified Professional Horticulturist

Transition

Fall

changes

every thing

at the Arboretum

From underneath your feet

to what is deep in your heart.

Serenity and precious peacefulness

While the clear, clean air refreshes me

Invigorating the soul and releasing the doldrums.

Fall prepares me, and moves me toward wintertime.

by Diana Beall
Administrative Assistant

December night in the woods

Tiny candles guided us into the dark Arboretum woods. Fog hovered among the trees, and our flashlights revealed the bones of maples, pines, and poplars. As we gathered on the bridge to sing the first carol, we hard the gurgle of the stream moving beneath us. The moment settled in, and I knew it was time to start. I quickly found the tune in my mind, and then my voice uncertainly sang the first notes.

"Here we go a wassailing among the leaves so green..."

The others followed, eagerly and timidly, but the song was suddenly over.

Howard said, "second verse, same as the first?"

Gladly, we sang it again, and our voices carried into the windless forest. We turned onto Blockston Branch, drawn in by a winding path of candlelight. The air was chilly as we walked along the soft ground. I jealously watched the children run ahead to spy on the hidden creatures of the night.

As we approached the third bridge, our feet were chilly, but our hearts became tender as we sang "Silent Night" and remembered the meaning of Christmas.

A bonfire glowed through the trees and beckoned us to the top of the hill. The smell of warm cider and burning wood made everyone smile with delight, but when I saw the marshmallows on sticks, I knew I was in heaven! We sat on the well-worn stump seats around the fire and sipped the delicious cider.

Suddenly, we heard a clamor--screaming and screeching above us. We froze and looked at each other. Owls! Two, maybe three or more, were having a lively exchange.

"Perhaps they're demanding a marshmallow!" Mary said, and everyone laughed.

Another woman remarked as she held her marshmallow over the flame. "Whatever they said, it was very special."

The owls bantered a bit longer, and we sang "Let it Snow" and "The Christmas Song," replacing "chestnuts" with "marshmallows." Reluctantly, we left the warm fire and followed the path to the pine forest, where we stopped to sing "Oh, Christmas Tree."

I got the feeling that no one wanted to go back, but we were happy and left hte woods singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

by Meg Gallagher

Advancement Assistant

The Bat Before Christmas

’Twas three weeks before Christmas, and at the Arboretum
The staff was assembled for a December meeting.
Greenery was hung ’neath the windows with care,
in a gallery spruced up with seasonal flair.

The staff members were solemn, seated in chairs
As budget discussions danced in the air.
With Ellie in charge and Kate beside,
We knew we were in for a lengthy ride.

When what to our wondering eyes did appear,
but a tiny grey critter in a window quite near.
A Christmas mouse, nestled among holly leaves?
Not a mouse but a bat, fallen from the eaves!

His eyes—how they twinkled! His fur—how it glistened!
His wings were like velvet, his ears seemed to listen!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And his beady black nose twitched to and fro.

Ginna jumped to her feet and exclaimed with vigor,

“Let’s exit the room before it comes hither!”

Robyn spoke of mosquitoes, and I of rabies

while secretly scanning the ledge for bat babies.

Then Kelli, that intern so lively and quick,
leapt to the rescue with nary a glitch.

Grabbing a dustpan and bowl lying near,
She soon showed us we had nothing to fear.

"Now swift flying mammal, now noble insectivore!

Now social cave dweller of Halloween lore!

On, master of hunting and echolocation

It’s time to curtail your Visitor’s Center vacation!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So out of the basket the bat finally flew,
From the entranceway bridge to a sky of clear blue.

And then, in a twinkling, we returned to our meeting
breathing sighs of relief with hearts still beating.

But we heard him exclaim ’ere he flew off to roam

“Merry Christmas from all that call Adkins their home.”

by Jenny Houghton
Youth Program Coordinator

Luminaria Linguistics

Filling 400 white paper bags with sand and candles for the Arboretum's upcoming 'Tis the Season celebration is mind-numbing work, even with help from staff and volunteers. Fortunately, such repetitive tasks give one time to ponder the deeper questions of life, such as who first dreamed up the crazy idea of lighting candles in paper bags.

According to that font of knowledge known as Wikipedia, the term luminaria originally referred to a small bonfire used in New Mexico during Las Posadas, the nine-day celebration that culminates on Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena. A new luminaria was lit each night of Las Posadas, so that by the ninth night, nine small fires led to the home. Luminarias were built of pinon branches "laid to form a box so that the fire will cast the most light and heat with the least flame." To many in New Mexico, the smell of pinon is forever associated with Christmas.

Nowadays, farolitos have to some extent replaced the traditional pinon fires. Farolitos, translated as "little lantern," are the paper lanterns often confused with luminarias. Santa Fe and Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico, are known for their impressive farolito displays. For impressive farolitos closer to home, visit Adkins Arboretum's 'Tis the Season celebration on December 8 for an evening of music, stargazing, and candlelit caroling.

by Jenny Houghton
Youth Program Coordinator

Fall, glorious fall! A report from the October 20 Soup 'n Walk

Today's Soup 'n Walk was held on a glorious fall day. The leaves were just starting to change, and enough had fallen on the trails that we could swish through the leaves. The meadow was still showing some color, a few goldenrods, Maryland asters, and dogbane were still in bloom, and there were many beautiful seedheads. On entering the forest, we were struck by the beautiful red and orange foliage. There were many bright red berries on the dogwood, and the poison ivy was in full color! It was good to see water in the creek again, and we noted that the ferns were not as lush as in past years due to the drought. There were beautiful yellow tulip tree leaves on the trails, which led to a discussion of remembering to look up into the tall trees to see their color. We were able to find several hearts-a-bursting still with their seedheads, and we discussed the green stems that stay evergreen, along with the greenbriar. Julianna noted some rattlesnake orchid leaves just as a small snake slithered by! Fun! The moss was lovely in the sunlight, and we noted the small round spores on them that looked like mushrooms. It was a good day to see beauty all around us.

By Mary Jo Kubeluis
Arboretum Docent Naturalist

We really did luck out on the weather today. Yesterday was very rainy, but today the sun was shining and the temperature was in the 60s. It was perfect weather for a fall walk in the woods. Mary Jo K did the color walk, and Bill T. did his mushroom walk. We had 29 paying guests who divided into two groups.

The fall color really popped out during the past week with the change in hours of daylight. The sassafras, tupelo, and dogwood were sporting different shades of red at the edge of the woods. The tulip trees and hickories were a brilliant gold color. Sweet gum trees ranged from yellow to red to purple. We were treated to our fall fern, the cutleaf grape fern, on the Blockston Branch Trail. Since it had rained the day before, plenty of mushrooms were also spotted along the trail.

Everyone enjoyed the carrot and ginger soup (some with dried mushrooms from Bill), the salad with red peppers, barley oat bread with orange ricotta or apple butter, and lastly, a luscious apple pie with crumb crust and red apple cranberry sauce. Many said they planned to try the delicious and nutritious recipes that they took home. Mickey decorated with colorful bouquets. Other helpers were Zaida W., Pat B., Pat R., Shirley B., Kelli M., and Diana at the desk. Many busy hands helped set the tables and clean up afterward. Thank you to everyone for making this a successful Soup 'n Walk.

By Julianna Pax
Arboretum Docent Naturalist

Remarks for a remarkable event

On Saturday, September 29, 2012, more than 200 Arboretum supporters gathered in the Arboretum's South Meadow under a tent to enjoy themselves and help raise money to support the Arboretum's operating budget. To welcome these close friends and supporters, I thanked key supporters and immediately turned to briefly remind them why we had gathered on a stunning Indian summer evening. 

Ellie Altman
Executive Director

Thank you, thank you. Good evening.

To all of our guests, your presence is a confirmation that the good work of Adkins Arboretum is valued and appreciated. So thank you for spending this evening with us. We take it personally. You have full lives and many places to be, so we are honored that you have chosen to be here.

So what is the cause that brings us together tonight?

There are five:

1.      To keep the Arboretum’s doors open every day,

2.      Accessible to everyone,

3.      To enjoy the beauty, the wonder, and the magic of the natural world,

4.      To find at the Arboretum a respite,

5.      To find the resources to become better stewards of our land.

Thank you for your interest in this cause and for being here tonight to help underwrite the costs of the Arboretum’s gardening, nature, and art programs for all ages.

Celebrating today

Celebration: recognition that something is special.  So I am choosing to celebrate today by taking a walk in the woods at Adkins.

Just as when returning home from the Western Shore, as I reach the midpoint of the Bay Bridge, I find that I can take a deep breath and loosen my white knuckle grip on the steering wheel. I get a similar feeling at Adkins. Like I’m finally home….and I like it.

As I take off on my walk, I go from feeling the warm sun on my back to admiring the ferns growing in the deep shade, in just a few feet. It’s so peaceful here with only the birds’ songs to remind me that I really am not totally alone.

On to Paw Paw Playground, where I sit for awhile. For some reason I find myself thinking about the people who lived here a hundred years ago. How did they make their living? Were they happy? Were they concerned about being happy, or did making a living consume all their time? Did they have time to celebrate just because it was a beautiful day?

Small red berries on the path give away the location of a sweetbay magnolia. The berries and cones of a magnolia are so distinctive. I love to see them in bloom. There’s something about their leathery leaves and smooth creamy white blossoms.

What is it about lichen and moss that attracts my attention? Is it the color? That elusive blue-green found on lichens or the bright green on the moss? Or is it the textures? Or is it that the appearance of lichens tell us the air quality is good at the Arboretum? I’m going to think more about that.

Now taking the North Tuckahoe Trail. I think there’s a tree down across the trail. What better way to get up close and inspect a tree top without risking life and limb? Sadly, it looks like I have waited too long and the tree(s) has been removed.

A squirrel runs across the path ahead of me. Boy, can they make a racket. It sounds more like a couple of deer running in the woods then a squirrel. Next time I am going to bring my binoculars. There are so many birds calling and I don’t recognize many of them. What a great place for bird watching.

Taking Nancy’s Meadow Cut takes me from deep woods right out into meadow in just a few steps. This is where the shining sumac tree is just starting to take on fall color. All too soon, I find myself back at the Visitor’s Center. Taking the time to enjoy the day is always a good idea. For now it’s off to work for me. But I know the paths at Adkins will beckon me back soon.

by Diana Beall

Assistant Receptionist

Touring the backyard hobby farm

September's Backyard Garden Farm tour was a great way to celebrate the first day of fall. Over 20 of us started the day with coffee, juice, and delicious cinnamon rolls from the local farmer's market. I began the tour showing how periwinkle volunteered to grow in my yard and tried to take over. I also showed how my neighbor’s Japanese maple has a 6’ volunteer in my yard and how I continually pull out other volunteers. We toured the yard with mostly natives of river birch, dogwood, red bud, sweetbay magnolia, arrow wood, winterberry, blueberries, beautyberry, native ferns, Joe Pye, coneflower, phlox, NY Ironweed, and turtlehead.

Our mature willow oaks stole the garden show, and the group admired that our neighborhood had been developed around the native trees, which is why we love living here. We discussed the importance of native plants, not just because they are easy to care for or are drought tolerant but because they are important to our native wildlife populations to sustain the circle of life.

Then we watched little Madison (Michelle’s niece) feed bread to the hens as they walked about. They looked funny because they are starting to molt due to the shortening of daylight hours. I showed the group the size difference in a mature hen egg and a young hen egg. Hard to believe they are from the same breed, but age makes the difference in size.

We enjoyed finding a small corn snake in the hydrangea bush and a large black snake slithering by the goats' area. He has been a regular, trying to snag a few of the small eggs from the young hens. In my potted plants that included some parsley, we found black swallowtail larvae feasting and growing. David, a volunteer here at Adkins, asked if he could open my hive and gave everyone an up-close view. The group was glad we were not too quick to collect honey this year since the hive is only a year old. I shared how the bees line up on the bird bath for a drink of water and how interesting it is to watch.

We discussed the small area it takes to raise dwarf goats and how much fun they give. Madison shared a treat of graham crackers with the goats, and I discussed their care, food needs, and how someday I hope to get milk and make goat cheese. Everyone went home with a fresh half dozen free range eggs, and they were inspired to start a new sustainable landscape practice. I have already received a phone call from one young lady from Washington College who attended and got a goat and asked where I got my small hay rack!  

by Robyn Affron
Visitor Services Coordinator and Certified Professional Horticulturist

Photos by Robyn Affron and Michelle Smith, Arboretum Bookkeeper

Bees, biomimcry, and butterflies

You know that buzz - that buzz when you walk into a room and the party is in full swing? I heard that buzz recently while stepping onto the bridge over the Arboretum wetland. It made me stop and look for the party. The groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia) was in full bloom, hosting the most diverse party of pollinators I've seen in awhile. Many species of butterflies, moths, flies, bees, and wasps, visiting each flower, all very busy collecting nectar and pollen. So busy they didn't even notice the humans walking by!

This busy lady has been visiting long enough to pack her pollen baskets full of tasty, nutritious groundsel pollen. I can hear you - bees carrying baskets full of pollen - this lady is a big fanciful, I think. Well, if you can see the bright orange-yellow circle in the center of the picture, that is actually a pollen basket, a structure bees have on their legs made specifically to hold the collected pollen for the flight back to the hive.

This is an interesting visitor because at first glance you might say it was a bee of some sort when, in fact, it is a fly masquerading as a bee! The telltale in this case is the presence of only one set of wings, which is a characteristic of flies. Bees and most other insects have two sets of wings. Demonstrating an excellent use of biomimicry strategy, these flies gain protection from predators by using a disguise of an insect known to have formidable defenses without having to go to the physical cost of maintaining the venom and stingers of their models, the bees.

For a nice discussion of bees, bee mimics, and how to identify them, you can visit
http://beespotter.mste.illinois.edu/topics/mimics/

I included this last picture because who doesn't like a butterfly picture?

Listen for the party buzz the next time you come to the Adkins Arboretum and see if you can spot a bee mimic while you are here.

Post and photos by Arboretum docent Michelle Dolan Lawrence

A Storm of Acorns

Arboretum staff enjoyed a meeting under the trees this week, narrowly avoiding death by falling acorns. Some of the Arboretum's oaks are enjoying a bumper crop of acorns this year, in stark contrast to last year's nearly non-existent yield.

While acorn production does alternate annually, late spring frost, insect damage, lack of nutrients, and drought conditions can also affect acorn production. Oaks generally begin producing acorns by twenty years of age, but some trees don't produce acorns until fifty years. Just as the canopy of a tree grows over time, so does its production of acorns. By one hundred years of age, acorn production averages out at around 2,200 acorns per tree.

Acorns provide vital nutrients for a variety of birds and mammals, including jays, pigeons, ducks, squirrels, mice, and deer. A correlation between high acorn yields and a rise in Lyme disease has been traced to the acorn-fueled population boom of white-footed mice (pictured), the key host for ticks that carry the disease.

To experience the Arboretum's bumper crop of acorns, acorn enthusiasts have but to exit the Visitor's Center back doors and cross over to the picnic table, which is surrounded by a blanket of the nuts. For those inclined to linger, hard hats are advised.

by Jenny Houghton

Youth Program Coordinator

       

Wonder and wonderment

Taking a walk on a nearly rainy day

Feeling the breeze in the meadow and the humidity in the woods

Sharing knowledge and insights

Learning every step of the way

So much diversity, such an interesting collection of plants

But so much more than plants

One could walk and talk and dream the day away

And wonder

Wonder at how this world is put together

Seeing a spider's egg open and spill out hundreds of baby spiders

Did the mother send a message to the babies to scatter in an effort to try and save them from us?

Or was it pure coincidence that we were there at the exact right moment to see such an amazing sight?

We may never know.

Such is the wonder and wonderment found at Adkins Arboretum this week.

by Diana Beall

Assistant Receptionist

Photo by Bookkeeper Michelle Smith

Complexity

In the current issue of the Annapolis Horticulture Society's (annapolishorticulture.org) newsletter, guru horticulturist and gardening columnist Dr. Francis Gouin's epistle on soils, the second part in a series, continues. He reports this irony regarding the consequence of cleaner air causing a greater need for (chemical?) soil amendments.

The conundrum:

Sulfur has become deficient in some soils and that can be diagnosed from the S3 test. Because sulfur is no longer a contaminant in fertilizers, our air is becoming cleaner and sulfur deficiency symptoms are becoming more common. In the good old days, sulfur dioxide was a major air pollutant which helped in maintaining adequate levels of sulfur in our soils. Our fertilizers have become more concentrated and less contaminated with sulfate compounds such as super-phosphate, ammonium sulfate and potassium sulfate. These sources have been replaced with ammonium phosphate, potassium nitrate, and others. With increased emphasis on cleaner air, we have less sulfur-polluted rains and atmospheric sulfur-laden dust falling on our land. It will eventually become necessary to blend sulfur in the fertilizer bag or we will have to apply it separately (from UNDERSTANDING SOIL TEST REPORTS - PART II, by Francis R. Gouin, Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, AHS Newsletter, September 2012, #138).

I must admit it reminds me of the political debates ongoing in the Presidential contest where parties try to distinguish themselves by not agreeing on anything and seeing all candidates and their supporters as wearing either black or white hats. Is carbon dioxide a pollutant or a life-supporting chemical? Your answer may be determined by your political persuasion.

In the plant world, there is care not to be politically incorrect and refer to a native plant that is a garden thug as "invasive." To be respectful, one refers to it as "opportunistic."

Ultimately, in our maturity we must accept that life is wondrously complex and often ironic. It gives  me a Cheshire Cat grin to watch the angst among those who see no option but to choose sides and cut off their noses to spite their faces.

by Ellie Altman

Executive Director

Treasure in the Garden

Viburnum dentatum

My family and I recently moved to the former home of a gardener who had little time to weed during the last hectic months prior to his own move. Consequently, most afternoons will find me on my hands and knees ripping up wild grapevine, porcelain berry, English ivy, and a host of other invasive plants to reveal the treasure beneath. So far, I've uncovered three buried rose bushes, one hydrangea, an azalea, and two lilacs.

My children have found their share of buried treasure, too, including a boot-shaped cement planter, a cement robin that now graces my son's desk, and a wobbly wire angel bearing a strange resemblance to Minnie Mouse. They have also added a pile of stones taken from beneath the drain spout to their "crystal" collection. I'm hoping this won't affect drainage.

Among all of these discoveries is a row of viburnum marching across the front of the house. As an Arboretum educator, what better plant could I have chosen for my front yard than this lovely native? My viburnum shrubs will bear creamy white flowers in the spring, which will later form drupes, or berries containing a single seed. In some species of viburnum, the berries are edible. Others are mildly toxic to humans. Viburnum is a host plant for many butterfly species; since we've moved into our home, we've enjoyed watching a variety of butterflies from the front porch.

Adkins Arboretum is selling two species of viburnum at the annual Fall Plant Sale, to be held the weekend of September 14-16. Consider planting Viburnum nudum 'Winterthur' or Viburnum dentatum in your own front yard. The butterflies will be sure to thank you.

For more information about the plant sale and other Arboretum programs, visit www.adkinsarboretum.org.

by Jenny Houghton

Youth Program Coordinator

Instant gratification

I promise you instant gratification today. Here are two easy steps to make your day.

Step One:

A recent "Garden Rant" blog features landscape architect Thomas Rainer, who will present at Adkins Arboretum's 2012 Annual Tent Symposium on Sunday, September 30.

Click here to discover how much talent Thomas has to share.

Step Two:

Click here to register for what promises to be a day of inspiration.

Ellie Altman

Executive Director

A rainy Arboretum day

Last week, Executive Director Ellie Altman pondered a rainy day at the Arboretum.

Driving in a torrent of rain to work this morning, I asked myself what there is to do at Adkins Arboretum on a rainy day. First, volunteer Sheila Dyer will greet you at the Visitor's Center entrance and make your day when she welcomes you and makes you feel like you have made her day. As the deluge persists, you can shop for a one-of-a-kind nature-inspired gift for a special person at Sweet Bay Gifts, the Arboretum's gift shop. And if the rains continue, you can view artist Julia Sutliff's new exhibit of beautiful ethereal landscapes.

Then I thought about plans to expand the Visitor's Center and build a large open pavilion with exposed timbers, and contemplated setting an appropriate ticket price for watching and listening to the rain under the pavilion's roof. How much would that be worth? Priceless?

As I write these thoughts, the rain has stopped, and it is an ideal day for a walk in the woods to hunt for paw paw fruit and early signs of fall.

The proposed Arboretum Visitor's Center

Friday, August 10, 2012

Thoughts on a Saturday walk

Arboretum Docent Al Moored led the First Saturday Guided Walk on August 4. These are his reflections.

Would you believe that there were five adults and two children at the First Saturday walk in August? What a treat!

Dad knew all the bugs in the world, and his son was close on his heels. Backpack and stroller formed the younger part of our walk, and five adults rounded out the group. What a blast!

If you have not noticed the paw paws at the first bridge, please do. There are plenty at the first bridge, "way down yonder in the paw paw patch." Pickin' up paw paws...they are not ready yet, but there are a lot of them.

The Blockston Branch looked to be DEAD, but as we moved down it, there was more and more water.  The art in the woods was attention grabbing. Tulip trees and the possibilities for hiding in a tree seemed feasible, eating paw paws, and what about all the nuts that were found along the walk?

At the second bridge there seemed to be a frog convention going on. A little bit of encouragement resulted in a whole lot of croaking and splashing, too much to see all at once, but fun. 

It was nice to point out the devil's broomstick (with blooms), the seeds on the ironwood, and native azalea. 

As we emerged from the woods, we were confronted with the blue-black berries on the tree (with the bug catching device)...we thought that the sassafras tree was the host, but???

Goats are of interest, being in the woods is fun, having a community/family experience is inspiring.

Thanks for the opportunity.

Reflections on Good Work

When I think of Adkins Arboretum, I can't help but think of my children and grandchildren. Like many of us, when I travel back to my childhood neighborhood, I hardly recognize the place. What used to be woods is now condos. What was once meadow is now a shopping mall. What once was a swimming hole is now a marina filled with power boats and a water sheen from leaking oil or gas. I remember the first time I took my kids back to show them the old place. They took a breath and asked, "What's that nasty smell?" It was, of course, just the smell of city air.

It's experiences like this that help me value Adkins Arboretum, where the good work of preserving the native land is going on every day. It is so relaxing and refreshing to take a walk at the Arboretum. This month, there is lots to see, like the paw paw ripening, the summersweet with its fragrant white spikes of flowers, the cranefly orchid along the Upland and Tuckahoe Valley paths, and the trumpet vines that hummingbirds love so much, just to name a few. When I get out in the woods, I love to smell the fragrances, hear the birds calling, and see the dappled light through the trees. It never fails to rejuvenate me, and it fills me with a sense of wonder and appreciation.

Knowing that Adkins Arboretum is fostering conservation and preservation is as worthy a cause as anyone could want. When we consider the strange weather we've had this year, you can't help but wonder what is going on. And while you're wondering, you know that preserving our green spaces and protecting our land is the best thing each of us can do to protect our environment. So come to the Arboretum and get some ideas on how to preserve your green space. Learn about native plants to enhance places big and small. Don't forget to take a walk and let your senses fill you with peace.

by Diana Beall
Assistant Receptionist

Summer Rain

Visitor Services Coordinator Robyn Affron jotted down her thoughts about a welcome rainy day on Saturday, July 21.

A rainy July day at Adkins Arboretum is a refreshing treat from the summer heat. Even the frogs were singing their joy for the misty rain, and the birds were chirping as well. Adkins is a wonderful spot to see indigo buntings, bluebirds, and the hummingbirds busy at the hummingbird feeders.

Visitors enjoyed the day walking the paths with the canopy as their umbrella, and a family rode their bikes around the meadow. Some visitors took advantage of the light to snap some beautiful photographs.

I took advantage of the rainy day as well. Rainy weather is always my favorite time to shop for plants, and since I was at the Native Plant Nursery for a brief work meeting, I just couldn't resist picking up a flat of native perennials to plant in my garden.

by Robyn Affron

Visitor Services Coordinator

Certified Professional Horticulturist

Waterworks

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a...transpiration bag?!

This summer, campers enrolled in the Arboretum's Wilderness Survival Camp learned how to gather clean drinking water by bundling leaves and branches into a clear plastic bag. When the sun warms the leaves inside a transpiration bag, water is released in the form of vapor. The water condenses on the sides of the plastic and then gathers at the lowest point of the bag, which is weighted with a rock. Transpiration bags can collect anywhere from a cup to a pint of potable water each day.

Wilderness Survival campers also learned how to build a fire, create waterproof shelters, forage for wild edibles, and use lashing techniques to construct rafts. This last experience resulted in newfound knowledge: yes, there are leeches in the Tuckahoe.

Despite the leeches, all twelve campers and camp director Jenny Houghton not only survived Wilderness Survival Camp but had a great time doing so.

Breaking ground for the Native Garden Gateway

An exciting transformation is underway at the Arboretum! If you have visited during the past week, you may have noticed a demolition crew reconfiguring the front entrance and removing concrete curbs and paths near the Visitor's Center. Phase 1 construction of the Native Garden Gateway, part of the Arboretum's Campaign to Build a Green Legacy, is taking shape!

This long-anticipated enhancement involves removing the existing concrete curbing, planting a thicket of native sumac and grasses, and installing a new entrance sign to complement the plantings and give visitors a glimpse of the native splendor that awaits them inside.

Work planned for this first phase, which will last through October, will also feature removal of the concrete walks and curbing in the parking lot to reduce the impervious surfaces and encourage infiltration of stormwater. Additional changes will include expanded native gardens, wider garden paths, new bridge decking, and new handicap parking to improve accessibility.

Fundraising for the Campaign to Build a Green Legacy is underway with the goal of beginning in 2013 the construction to enlarge the Visitor's Center to accommodate new education programs. The Arboretum is grateful to its many members and friends who have given generously to make these improvements possible. To contribute to or learn more about the Campaign, contact Kate Rattie, Director of Advancement and Planning, at 410.634.2847, ext. 33 or krattie@adkinsarboretum.org.

Searching for the Sounds of Summer Silence

This month's Nature as Muse program had us listening for the silence between the sounds. As we sat on the wetland bridge, immersed in a cacophony of frog calls, birdsong, and fish splashing, there was not much silence to be heard. After the program, I took a solitary walk in the woods; now there was space between the sounds for silence. Even my footfalls were quiet, especially walking on the mulch-covered Blockston Branch path. With the canopy filled in with summer leaves, the sunlight was filtered and soft and maybe tinted a bit green. Can you imagine how my eyes were drawn to a bright yellow spot in the middle of the path?

It turned out to be a tulip tree leaf that had taken on fall color and dropped from its high perch in one of the tallest trees in the forest. Of course I stopped and stared and had a flash of portent–the summer has just begun for us, but fall is just around the corner. Come out for a walk in the woods, and listen for the silence between the sounds of summer.

The Nature as Muse writing group meets the first Wednesday of the month, except for July and August. Each month the group follows a different winding path through the Arboretum to quietly observe nature in detail and gain inspiration for expressing ideas and discovering through writing. No previous writing experience is necessary. The group will meet next on Wednesday, September 5 at 10 a.m.

by Michelle Dolan Lawrence

Arboretum Docent Naturalist

Regarding Rabbits

It isn't by accident that rabbits have long been associated with fertility. I recently learned that, over a single season, a female rabbit can engender up to 800 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. That's a whole lot of Thumpers. This is not a fact I chose to highlight when teaching a recent rabbit-themed preschool program. Instead, I focused on more child-friendly rabbit facts, followed by a rousing whole-class rendition of the Bunny Hop.

Spring is a wonderful time for rabbit watching. Unfortunately, it's also a time when many children (and adults) stumble upon seemingly abandoned baby bunnies and decide to intervene. This is a big mistake! Mother rabbits only need to feed their babies twice a day, for about two minutes per feeding. During the remainder of the day, they're free to frolic through the clover while their babies snuggle in shallow, fur-lined depressions (often in my vegetable garden). When well-intentioned humans attempt to "rescue" bunnies, they're actually depriving them of the maternal feedings that will ensure their survival.

Bunnies (known in more scientific circles as "kits") depend on their mothers for a mere two weeks. My preschoolers and I were thrilled to spot one such recently independent rabbit on a walk to the Arboretum's Funshine Garden. When confronted with a mob of three- to five-year-olds, the rabbit froze long enough for us to appreciate his soft brown fur, velvety ears, and trembling nose. Scared stiff? Probably. Or maybe just posing for a chance at Disney stardom.

by Jenny Houghton
Youth Program Coordinator

Sowing the Seeds of Love

In my former life as a French teacher, I briefly tried to raise my infant daughter bilingually. Although that effort failed, I'm proud to announce that, ten years later, she's proficient in the language of the Arboretum. Just last week, in a spate of sibling jealousy, she declared, "Mom, it's like I'm the native plant, and my little sister is the invasive weed, choking all the goodness from my life." Ouch.

The little sister in question, at not quite three, is learning the language as well. Shortly after being accused of being an invasive weed, she announced, "Lyra, you can still come to my fairy princess birthday party...as the poison ivy fairy. I'll be the rose petal fairy."

Though not native, the peace rose is among my favorite flowers. For obvious reasons, I think I'll plant one this spring.

by Jenny Houghton

Youth Program Coordinator

Learn about gardening for free-range chickens on May 15

Keeping a small backyard garden flock of chickens is fun and rewarding. My flock consists of five Plymouth Barred Rock hens, and I just added four baby chicks that are about a month old. My ladies love to scratch the soil with their feet and hunt for bugs all day long. They enjoy resting under some shrubs and will take a dust bath in the soil and leaf mulch. Their favorite part of the day is when I welcome them out of their coop in the morning with pieces of bread, and they follow me everywhere I go in our fenced backyard.

My hens reward me with eggs almost every day, and I must say there is nothing like eating a fresh egg! They also help aerate my soil and keep my soil rich in organic matter. I love working in my chicken gardens and sharing time with my flock.

Free-Range Chicken Gardens by Jessi Bloom, a new book just released in February, has become one of my favorites, and I'm so excited that the author will be at the Arboretum on Tuesday, May 15 for a book signing and talk. The evening begins at 6:30 and will include wine and cheese. I hope you can join what I know will be an exciting and entertaining evening. Jessi is an arborist and a certified professional horticulturist, as well as a lover of chickens and gardens!

To reserve a seat for this free talk, call 410-634-2847, ext. 0, or visit www.adkinsarboretum.org and click on "Programs and Events."

By Robyn Affron

Visitor Services Coordinator

Certified Professional Horticulturist

Luna landing

Not only did shoppers fill their red wagons with plants at last weekend's spring Native Plant Nursery opening, but shoppers fill their camera lenses with delights. A mother with her young family in tow caught this luna moth resting on a tree trunk and shared it with the Arboretum staff.

What's the buzz?

This story has two threads: last Tuesday around noontime, the Arboretum's seasonal groundskeeper, Matt Duckworth, and a volunteer were working outside the Visitor’s Center when they heard a tremendous drone and saw a darkening sky. The swarming hive made a “beeline” for the plants laid out for the spring plant sale but only visited for a moment and moved on. Shortly after, Bob Stanley, an Arboretum docent volunteer who happened to be at the Nursery with a biology class from Chesapeake College, spotted the swarm nestled in an American chestnut on the edge of the woods. We can only assume it was the same bunch.

In drove a beekeeper who was called to capture the hive. Alton Hooper has kept his bees on the Arboretum property for almost two years. He started with one box and now has half a dozen. He shares his honey and also his love of bees by setting up an awesome display with a full-view hive during the Arboretum's fall plant sale.

He explained to those watching as he very gingerly sawed the chestnut branch that when the hive creates a new queen, the old queen and her workers move out in search of a new home. He believes that these bees were not from his hive but from the other hive on the property that has bees different from his.

We watched, standing very still, while thousands of bees flew around us. The queen made it into the box when Alton dropped in the hive, but to draw the errant bees to the box, he made a light tapping sound on the side of the box, a sound similar to one that the queen makes. The bees came crawling across the grass, over his hand, and into the entrance of the box like an army.

It was truly an amazing sight. He finished his project and left with the bees...without a single sting.

post and photos by Joanne Healey, Nursery Manager

Soup 'n Walk - March 17, 2012

Photo by Ann Rohlfing

What beautiful sunny mid-70s weather for a Soup ’n Walk on St Patrick’s Day. Some of us went on a two-hour walk and others a later one-hour walk. The longer walk gave us a chance to go along the Tuckahoe Trail to see some of our earliest blooms since this trail has some warmer spots and some different exposures. The sassafras trees as we walked past the meadow showed just a hint of their yellow color, and the shadbush (or serviceberry) along the trail likewise was almost ready to open. The blueberry next to the shadbush did have blooms but they were not full size yet.

The bridge where the spice bushes are blooming (which are lovely) is near the border of the Arboretum. There is a sign that you are now leaving the Arboretum, and we continued on the Tuckahoe Trail. We talked about the spice bush and the sassafras leaves nourishing the spice bush swallowtail caterpillars. Someone mentioned that they had read that spice bush and sassafras leaves were good for tea leaves. This bridge is where early wildflowers start.

Further down the trail, we were treated to just a few spring beauties at first and then to broad sweeps of this delicate bloom. In The Secrets of Wildflowers, Jack Sanders mentions that Indian children would dig up these precious corms and eat them like candy. However, this is not recommended since that is the only source of next year’s blooms. Someone asked to what family this wildflower, Claytonia virginica, belongs. It is in the Portulaca or purslane family. The spring beauty and many skunk cabbage plants share some of this wetland area, although the spring beauty can tolerate drier areas with dead leaves to grow among. 

When we got to the next bridge, we found that a tree had been uprooted and made crossing the bridge a slight challenge. We easily made it across and went on to see where the trail meets a small stream. Along the high bank on the other side are a number of lacy green wood ferns (spinulose?), and close to our side the first little umbrellas of mayapples poking through. Some saw frog eggs in the stream.

On our return trip, we continued to hunt for the elusive bloodroot wildflower. Finally a sharp eye spotted one and, yes, looking carefully around we saw several more. Sanguinaria canadensis is a member of the poppy family (Papaveraceae). This very fragile wildflower comes up folded in a leaf and as it opens is easily damaged and may last only a day, so we were delighted to find this treasure. The roots exude a red liquid that gives it the name and some of its earlier medicinal uses. The seeds are carried off by ants due to their sticky sweet coating and deposited in the anthills and after the ants eat the coating, spreading the bloodroot.

The long walk made us hungry, and we hurried back to the smells of hot carrot and cauliflower soup with herbs served with a pink grapefruit avocado salad, rye bread with strawberry jam, and chocolate walnut cookies for dessert. As part of the nutrition info, we discussed the advantages of eating colorful vegetables and fruits and the many phytochemicals that are included in these delicious foods. I encouraged all to take back the kitchen and teach others to cook and eat good food. Norma Jean and Lynn made the desserts. Mickey, Shirley, Zaida, Mary Jo, and Pat also helped with the setup, walks, serving, and cleanup that help make this program a success. We had over 30 paying guests and some new members. Thanks to all the staff that also helped with this event successful. 

by Julianna Pax
Arboretum docent naturalist