Letter: Seems we’re treated to fresh blooms every day now

Posted 4/17/19

So you have made the hummingbird syrup/nectar (1 cup sugar to 4 cups water boiled)? And filled the feeder to greet the weary travelers? Good for you!

I love this time of year as almost every …

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Letter: Seems we’re treated to fresh blooms every day now

Posted

So you have made the hummingbird syrup/nectar (1 cup sugar to 4 cups water boiled)? And filled the feeder to greet the weary travelers? Good for you!

I love this time of year as almost every morning something new has started to bloom. Outside my south facing window I have a star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) whose double row of white petals give it a frilly look. It’s the first to bloom of the four types of magnolias I’ve seen here.

Next comes the yellow Magnolia acuminate closely followed by the pink tulip like Magnolia soulangeana. There are a few of the large leafed Magnolia grandiflora that we think of as southern. I have not seen them bloom and they have a bit of a hard time in our northern winters.

The very last to bloom, our only native and I bet you’ve never seen one , is Magnolia virginiana. This blooms in July or August and the air smells like Ponds cold cream. It does really well if it can have damp feet.

If you are making your plans for May, please note that Sakonnet Garden is open this year the two days before Memorial Day, May 25 and 26 from 9-6. They suggest you come late in the day as it is less crowded. However do not overlook Memorial Day as the Blossom and Sweets sale of local plants and home-made cookies and muffins takes place next to Wilburs. Sales open at 7:30 a.m. and the local plants, known to be hardy, just fly out.

My next letter will tell you of our success with an alternative to the dreaded Round Up.

Sidney Tynan

Little Compton

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