Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) For this week’s Wednesday post, we are switching gears from #CompatibleCompanions to #GreenThumbs. I couldn't be more thrilled to share a brief story of two 'plant hunters' that worked hard early spring. Their efforts reaped in rewards that my lens captured this week: Trout Lily, Barrenwort and 'The Bride'! Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) spread out at the base of the woodlands. Trout Lilly, Erythronium americanum, is a precious woodland ephemeral that is found in hardwood forests composed of rich decaying matter. At London Town, the Trout Lily is doing well in a ravine with canopy layers of Tulips trees, Willow Oaks and Magnolias. The leaf litter is rich, but the overgrown stilt grass and other invasives were making it impossible for the Lilies to emerge and complete its life cycle before the canopies fill up. Thanks to volunteers Beverly Rogers and Shirley Hatch's tireless efforts to clean out a ravine filled with invasives, the Trout Lily made it out beautifully this year, as did the Barrenworts. Shirley and Bev have been stewards of the woodlands for over 20 years. The reference of 'plant hunters' suits them aptly, because they knew exactly where in the woodland gardens, the population of the Trout Lily and Barrenworts existed and then worked hard to go on their treasure hunt to restore their habitat. Barrenwort 'Epimedium sps. (White and yellow flowers) Barrenworts (Epimediums sps.) have high botanical as well as medicinal value. They have two sets of four distinct sepals and four petals. Their leaves are arrowhead shaped and have a stunning bronze color in the fall. Epimediums are to treasure in a woodland! Barrenwort, Epimedium sps. (White flowers) I saved you the best story for the last: a hunt for 'The Bride'. Shirley insisted that there once existed a pretty white flower bush in the ravine, that seemed completely lost now. Exochorda x macrantha is a neat deciduous shrub, grows well in part shade and fills up profusely with dainty white flowers in early spring. With her tireless efforts, Shirley finally found 'The Bride' and now the wait for the blooms began (it was hard to ID the deciduous plant). Shirley was successful, I was able to capture 'The Bride' in bloom this week! 'The Bride', Exochorda x macrantha Thanks to our dedicated plant hunters, the habitats of 'The bride', Barrenworts and the Trout Lily are now invasive free. This is stewardship and #GreenThumbs to its best! I must mention that through their plant hunting process, their shared love of stewardship to the woodland gardens and their GreenCompanionship was a pleasure to observe. Thank you Bev and Shirley, now I know where 'The Bride' resides in the woodlands. Upper canopy layer of the Trout Lily, Barrenwort and 'The Bride'. Yellow flowers are of, Magnolia 'Elizabeth'. #troutlily #barrenwort #thebride #epimedium #erythroniumamericanum

Ending up in a lot of Zoom meetings and want to replace your background? Or just want to beautify your computer's wallpaper? Now you can with these new virtual backgrounds and wallpaper from Historic London Town and Gardens. Each image is preset to 1920x1080 pixels, so ready for most computer wallpaper or for Zoom. To use the backgrounds on Zoom: Download the full-resolution image you want to use by clicking the link under the photo. While in a Zoom meeting, click the up arrow next to “Stop Video” and select “Choose Virtual Background.” You will see a selection of default options. Next to the “Choose Virtual Background” heading, you’ll see a “+”. Click it to upload your selection. Your new background is ready to go. For personalizing your computer's wallpaper, please refer to your operating system's recommendations. (Microsoft Teams is planning to allow customizing your background later this month!) DOWNLOAD HERE (from Google Drive) DOWNLOAD HERE (from Google Drive) DOWNLOAD HERE (from Google Drive) DOWNLOAD HERE (from Google Drive) Enjoyed Today's Post? Consider making a tax-deductible donation of any amount to support London Town during this difficult time. Thank you! #zoom #wallpaper #virtual #custom

Watch the video to learn about a mysterious inscription found in a desk in the c.1760 William Brown House (National Historic Landmark). We'll be honest; as you can see, we struggled getting a good image of the inscription. It is very faint. You can download a copy here. Think you figured it out? Let us know! Email us at londontown@historiclondontown.org with your thoughts. Interested in getting more history (or gardens) related updates like this? Sign up for our free updates with curated content here. Enjoyed today's post? Consider making a tax-deductible donation of any amount to support London Town during this difficult time. Thank you! #desk #inscription

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Bleeding hearts' flower Forest beds that are moist, damp and cool, by now are filled with dangling hearts, in the Pacific Northwest and many similar planting zones (7-9). Ephemerals like 'Bleeding hearts' Lamprocapnos spectabilis (previously known as Digitalis) is a fragile looking ephemeral that enjoys wet ravines and stream banks. One sight of the ephemeral 'Bleeding hearts' flowers is sure to create a longing desire to wait a whole year to see them emerge again. Within days after the ground temperatures warm up, the first leaves emerge and soon enough, the inflorescence stalks fill up with protruding dangling hearts. Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' (White) Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Bleeding hearts' young leaves Bleeding hearts have been gardeners favorite since the Victorian era. Pink and white flowers are the most common, but recent breeding techniques have led to a 'Gold' variety white lime green leaves. (More information here). Root division in spring is easy, but needs outmost care. Seeds sown fresh and fall divisions also work well of propagation. Sanguinaria canadensis 'Blood Root' flower Another ephemeral that has been of desire to gardeners over centuries, is 'Blood root' Sanguinaria canadensis. Interestingly enough, for this ephemeral the Latin name, 'Sanguis' means 'blood'. Both 'Bleeding hearts' and 'Blood root' belong to the same family Papaveraceae (also includes: Corydalis and Poppies). 'Blood roots' have roots that actually have a bright red acrid juice, hence the common name. It is a stemless plant, that emerges form the ground with a single flower stalk of a dainty white flower and a tiny leaf next to its base. The flowers are very short lived, aptly suiting its ephemeral habit. Sanguinaria canadensis 'Blood Root' flower (young linear Daffodil leaves in the backdrop) Woodlands are filled with awe and desire of ephemerals. In the right moist and damp habitats, ephemerals can flourish for years to come. London Town’s ground canopies are slowly filling up with flowers that have been gardeners desire for ages, Sanguinaria and Lamprocapnos are two of my favorite. What are your favorite woodland ephemerals of desire? #ephemerals #bleedinghearts #bloodroot

Village Ale House; Engraver, Joseph Grozer; After work by Henry Bunbury; Publisher, William Dickinson; 7 April 1787 Image source For the next few weeks, we’ll be doing a tavern-related post on Thursdays. Taverns were critical to the society, economy, and government throughout the British colonies. These short posts will touch on these different aspects of taverns and tavern culture. Our first post is a quote from a 1708 letter that shows how important taverns were to the English. “Upon all the new settlements the Spaniards make, the first thing they do is build a church, the first thing the Dutch do upon a new colony is to build them a fort, but the first thing ye English do, be it in the most remote part of ye world, or amongst the most barbarous Indians, is to set up a tavern or drinking house.” Attributed to Captain Thomas Walduck in a letter to John Searle, his nephew in London, 1708. #tavern #1708 #british #english

Azalea Glade Rhododendrons are healthiest when the acid levels in the soil are optimum (pH 4.5-6.0). They also have an affinity for shade and precipitation. But why do they have an affinity for acid and moist shade? Let's have a look in depth. "Rodon" means Rose and "dendron" means Tree, referring to rose tree. If you have seen Rhododendrons on high elevations, you might know what I am referring too. My first memory of Rhododendrons is seeing them growing in the wild in a tree form on high elevations in northern India as well as in tree forms on slopes at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (MCBG). (check out: https://www.gardenbythesea.org/…/photo-galle…/rhododendrons/). Dexter rhododendrons in woodland gardens Rhododendrons originated on high elevations. Slopes, elevations and rocky sites couldn't be more prefect for drainage and for all of the Ericaceae family. "Their native habitat indicates that Rhododendron generally inhabit mountains. The climatic and soil conditions or mountains areas appear most congenial to their growth and can be characterized by cooler temperatures and more precipitation. These same climatic conditions readily evolve acidic soils and a buildup of organic matter on top of the soil. Furthermore mountain soils are formed by erosion of bed rock, resulting in a coarser, well drained soil" (reference book: Reiley H. E. (1992), Success with Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Timber Press Inc.) In terms of companion plants, for upper canopy: any trees that can provide filtered light and those with deep root systems, that won't compete with the shallow rooted Rhododendrons like Hollies, Dogwood, Firs and Pines will add texture and filtered light. At London Town, the lower canopy layers features many ground covers that need the same habit: Solomon' seal, Lily of the Valley, Snowdrops and Ferns. Azalea with sport (genetic mutation) resulting in multiple colors Companions when not compatible, but competitive are grown together, stress is apparent. But companions don't always refer to plants, think about soil, think also wildlife. All of that makes a cohesive habitat. Speaking of wildlife, Butterflies are probably one of the most compatible wildlife for Rhododendrons (we will explore this soon). Also, all of the above applies to Azaleas as well, since 'all Azaleas are Rhododendrons, but not all Rhododendrons are Azaleas'. Butterfly as companion #rhododendrons #azaleas

Magnolia stellata Magnolia blossoms have now completely filled up the upper canopy layers at London Town. The age of the Magnolia trees in the ground is apparent because there isn't one location in the gardens, where you can glimpse at the sky without seeing the Magnolia blossoms. The landscape design that original horticulturist Tony Dove established back in the 1970's featured over 50 Magnolias and many more were added over the time. London Town is home to the large leaf M. hypoleuca, the stunning M. wieseneri, M. stellata, M. 'Galaxy' and many other hybrids. Magnolia stellata (left), Magnolia verbana (middle), and Magnolia wieseneri (right) Magnolias are simply magnificent! They date back to over 120 million years ago and are one of the most primitive of all flowering plants. In my early Botany lab days, Magnoliaceae was the primary focus of study, because all of its plant parts are large enough and simple to study the basic morphology of Angiosperms-flowering parts. Lucky for me, I got to study the most fragrant M. champaca (5 times more fragrant than Gardenias). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia_champaca Currently, we have over 75 Magnolias in the gardens that have new accession numbers, tags and correctly identified plant names. Thanks to the hardworking Horticulture staff Grace Washbourne and Master Gardener Cora Wade and many other volunteers, we were able to complete the identification process of Magnolias in the gardens, starting last fall to this spring. Now waiting for last few Magnolia blooms, M. 'Elizabeth' and 'Sunburst;' they are a soft yellow! Jack in the Pulpit, Arisaema Also, sharing with you today, the first Arisaema (Jack in the pulpit) peeking out in the dell, and of course, I couldn't help but add Cherry blossoms. Although, as pretty as the Cherry blossoms are this year, the Magnolia canopies are surely stealing the show. They seem to have loved the gradual spring that allowed each bloom to gently open up. Nothing is better than Magnolia canopies in spring! Cherry Blossoms (Magnolia Galaxy on the left) and Cherry Blossoms close-up #magnolia #cherryblossom #jackinthepulpit

Magnolia Gardens are sensorial rewards. Touch, smell, feel, sight and sound can get anyone engaged. But while you can’t access your favorite sanctuaries, maybe reading about the flora and fauna that make them so rewarding, could still keep you engaged. In our little effort to bring you even more closer and connected to London Town's gardens, during these times, I am adding a new Botany section on Wednesday mornings. Stay engaged! Companions of the flora: Companions are at times necessary for survival for some flowers or they can be a nuisance when they help just a little bit too much. Example 1: Let's look at Magnolias for example: Magnolias have been around for 90+ million years. They evolved before the bees did. One of the best pollinator companion for Magnolias is its beloved clumsy beetle. Magnolias Beetles evolved far before the Magnolias did. The Magnolia flowers are large, making them easily accessible for the beetles. What's in the Magnolias for the Beetles? Pollen! They visit the flower for eating the pollen, as there is no nectar. But sometimes they end up helping just a little too much when they eat up the petals as food along with the pollen. Ever noticed how thick the petals of Magnolias are? Well, it is an evolutionary trait probably evolved to make the petals not be so chewable for their otherwise compatible companions. Camellia with ants Example 2: Ants on Camellias are a common sight. But ants are not really harmful. In fact, I would call them a compatible companion, because ants indicate that there might be aphids around, wherein the Camellia should be treated to get rid of the aphids. The ants like the sweet nectar that aphids leave. Camellia Compatibility for a plant is key when it comes to fauna. Harmful vs survival essential bugs are key for gardeners to know in order to protect and be proactive before the damage happens. Wouldn't you agree though that the most compatible companions for plants are compassionate humans? Without compassion and care of plants, many species today would be headed towards extinction. Cultivation of ornamental plants over generations has saved hundreds of species. some species get overlooked, for they might not have the most attractive flowers like the Magnolias and Camellias. It's for those species that we have to be more aware and compassionate. Corydalis flavula Corydalis flavula (yellow) is a good example of a species that is easily overlooked, and it is considered threatened in some states. It's for the yellow flowers of Corydalis that aren't as large as the Magnolias that compassionate companions are needed. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, its not." - Dr. Seuss #magnolia #camellia #corydalisflavula #ants #beetles

Camellia 'Firefall' Tree canopies, ground covers, vistas, shrubs, planters, are all filing up with color and splendor at London Town, as an early Spring arrived yesterday. London Town's gardens are a true sanctuary in any season. Spring especially is breathtaking as the Magnolias, Camellias and many ground covers fill up the vistas again with color. The best of the spring Camellias 'Firefall' (pictured above in bright red) is a sight to behold as are the bright ruffled large pink petals of Magnolia var. 'Eric Saville'. The star-shaped purple periwinkle is coloring the ground covers bright purple. But wait, maybe the purple Anemone in the planters is even brighter? Magnolia sprengeri 'Eric Savill' Periwinkle​ Anemone Truly speaking, flowers don't need any bright colors to fill up spring with splendor. Especially when you have dainty ornate white Pieris japonica flowers and soft white Magnolia stellata buds and flowers filling up the mid and upper canopy layers with beauty. Pieris Japonica​ Magnolia stellata As exquisite as some of the collections in the gardens are, in spring, it really doesn't take much to make the gardens feel serene. Even with the simplest of daffodils, naturalized over years on rolling hills, can take your breath away, as can only a couple of Daffodils while soaking in the sun in a ravine. Daffodils Although we are currently closed to the public, I promise to bring you a piece of this beautiful sanctuary through many visual images. Sharing today, loads of serene spring splendor of a beautiful sanctuary, London Town. Young Magnolia bud with a new leaf (most Magnolias don't send out leaves, till the plant is done flowering) Weeping Cherry Cherry tree in Ornamental gardens Spring walk Magnolias Magnolia flower with a sepal still attached on the top! #magnolia #camellia #periwinkle #pierisjaponica #cherry #daffodil #anemone

Petals make spring delightful and full of awe! One glance at any peaking flower bud, slowly revealing the petals, is a sure way to know the colors of the rest of the petals. Well, not unless, you have a ‘sport’ tucked inside those neatly wrapped up buds. Camellia japonica 'April Dawn' bud One of my awe inspiring moment in the gardens yesterday was, when I saw a bright red flower on Camellia japonica ‘April dawn’. Hybridized originally for the flowers to have variegated candy striped white and red flowers, almost like peppermint, this plant was showing the opposite! Being a ‘sport’, it showed both stripped flowers and bright red ones. Camellia japonica 'April Dawn'. A beautiful 'sport'! 'Sport' is a mutation, a change from the norm. This ‘April dawn’ is in its first year of growth and it is thriving in the spring walk. Thanks to the Stanley Smith foundation, we have been able to add new 'awe-inspiring' varieties. Camellia japonica 'April Dawn' I also noticed that one of the parents of ‘April dawn’, C. japonica ‘Herme’ is also in bloom. ‘Herme’ has petals full of awe! It has variegated and deeply ruffled artistic petals. Camellia japonica 'Herme' (Parent of C. japonica 'April Dawn') Most Spring Camellias are thriving at London Town right now. Few other flowers that caught my eyes were the yellow Hellebores with the pollens dappled down on one of its sepals. What look like petals are actually sepals, an outer covering for the buds, called calyx. Helleborus hyrbridus 'Yellow lady' Have you noticed how long the Hellebores sepals last? Petals are more fragile and drop soon, but sepals can last for a very long time. That's why it looks like Hellebores flowers last for eternity! Some mauve purple sepals of Hellebores were also painting the Azalea glade full of awe! Helleborus in Azalea glade White is my favorite color in petals. Especially the ‘Empress Camellia’ for it brings out the golden butter yellow stamens perfectly. Buds will be very busy pushing out their awe inspiring petals with the warmer weather. Watch them closely, maybe you will be in awe when you spot a 'sport'! Camellia japonica 'White empress' #sport #awe #Aprildawn #Hellebores #Camelliajaponica #yellowlady

Crocus Finding a blue or purple flower in nature is a treasure for most botanist. For it is claimed that there is no true blue color in nature. Most blues are said to be permutations of purple, violets. But a blue- purple flower garden is blissful, tranquil and unique. Blue gardens are filled with happy blues! Hyacinth Hyacinth There are only about 10% of the approximate 300,000 flowering plants that have blue flowers. Of course with years of hybridizing, there are ample blue colors around. Pansie Some of the happy blues and purples filling up the gardens at London Town currently are the Hyacinths, Crocus and Scilla. Anenomes Awaiting many other blues including the Anenomes, Salvias, Baptisias and Amsonia in early spring. Do you have any happy blues in your garden? #crocus #hyacinth #pansie #anenomes #blue #purple

Tree Peony leaf buds Buds in botanical terms are embryonic tissues that are made up of new and actively growing cells. Simply put, buds are undeveloped plant parts that are in a resting stage when conditions aren't favorable. They are in a dormant stage and are waiting to start developing as soon as conditions being to be suitable for growth. When you see buds next time, you might see them in a different light, they are embryonic tissues in a resting stage, packed with plant hormones. Embryonic stage doesn't only refer to seeds. Herbaceous Peony flower parts Also, all buds you see emerging before spring aren't all flower buds, there are leaf buds that are equally delicate and ready to break from dormancy. Buds are extremely tender and packed with potential. Leaf buds that need most care are the ones of herbaceous perennials that emerge before spring. New young Tulip leaves The buds that are currently exciting the horticulture department at London Town are the Tree Peony leaf buds! London Town has an exquisite collection of woody and herbaceous Peonies. The Tree Peonies have been in the ground for over 40 years! Young herbaceous Peony shoots emerging from the ground As the garden beds are being prepped for spring, we are carefully looking for tender new buds. If you are adding mulch or compost in your yard, watch your step closely, since all the fluctuating warm temperatures seems to have given a good boost to the buds, both leaf and flower. Tree Peony The most visible tree buds right now are the Magnolias, Cherries and Maples. The Maples are ready with their bright red buds and if you look closely, in a few days you will notice a 'breaking leaf bud'. Here is a good link for Maple leaf bud pictures: https://extension.umaine.edu/signs-of-the-seasons/indicator-species/phenophase/ Fern Leaf Peony Unless these buds don't face too drastic of a weather change, these embryonic tissues will be able to utilize their full potential to open their new leaves and flowers and fill spring with vivid colors. Now one can only hope for a gradual spring! Tulips #tulips #buds #peony #treepeony