With a few really nice and warm days, everything just about explodes into growth. Unfortunately that also applies to weeds :). In this area apricots always bloom, but unless there is no more frost, we will not see any fruit. Some of the plums are not far behind, and peaches will follow soon. … [Read more...] about Apricots and magnolias
We have two resident squirrels in the largest tulip tree in our arboretum. Pam Mayer was worried about them during the cold spell, so we consulted Pam Turner who had some pet squirrels when she was a kid. We feed them deer corn and they, along with the birds, appreciate the supplement. … [Read more...] about Tulip Tree Residents
We have quite a few holly trees and shrubs in the Ozarks Arboretum - some are evergreen and keep their leaves over winter and some are deciduous. The deciduous holly, Ilex decidua, loses its leaves to show off its lovely red berries. The berries ripen in September and persist until mid-March when new growth begins. Birds, deer and opossums are attracted to the fruit. … [Read more...] about Holly for the holidays
Although most of the conifers, or cone bearing trees, are green all year round, there are some deciduous ones that put on a lovely fall show before they lose their needles before winter. Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostoboides), Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum), and Larch (Larix decidua) are three beautiful examples. … [Read more...] about Even conifers have a fall fashion show!
Yesterday Tucker, our Ozarks Rain Gardens project manager, visited the station for a final inspection. It was raining, but then what better weather to evaluate in. Tucker was pleased with the completed project and gave us the thumbs up! … [Read more...] about Tucker Fredrickson visit