Comments on: Phenology is cool

By: Carol, May Dreams Gardens

Carol, May Dreams Gardens — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:29:44 +0000

I don’t consciously follow phenology, but sometimes I just “know” when it is the right time to do something in the garden. Maybe after all these years, I am subconsciously keeping track of all the signs of nature? It’s a fascinating subject!

Carol, It fascinates me too and I think you must know without knowing you know – you know? -kris

By: Mr. McGregor's Daughter

Mr. McGregor's Daughter — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:57:55 +0000

I thought this was going to be about bumps on the head – no wait, that’s phrenology. :^) I heard the rule as “When the Burr Oak leaves are the size of a mouse’s ear, it’s time to plant the corn.” (That’s from the Native Americans.) I’m supposed to do something when the Forsythia starts to bloom, but I’ve forgotten what it is.

Mr. McG’s D, You’re right about the Burr Oaks, mouse ears and corn – I always want to make these things relevant to ME though and since I don’t plant corn… I think the Forsythia rule is about pruning roses though we always do ours way before. (I don’t think that particular rule is Native American in origin) -kris

By: ferne

ferne — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:53:11 +0000

I have tried to keep all this information straight, but I get too confused and found that following my own instincts works best for me. I don’t know where these instincts come from…maybe from watching my Grandmother who was a farmer in Iowa her whole life. I am seldom wrong and when I am I can always replant!

Hi Ferne! Sounds like you have the touch … and a good gardeners attitude. It’s interesting to think that the things you picked up from your Iowan grandmother translate to your CA garden – then again, a love of gardening is never zone specific. -kris

By: Yolanda Elizabet

Yolanda Elizabet — Wed, 07 May 2008 07:23:57 +0000

That whole phenology thingy is way too complicated for me Kris. I just watch Gardener’s World on the BBC and they tell me when it’s time to do what in the garden. Works a treat and I don’t have to do a lot of thinking either which is a bonus as it saves me from a headache or 2.

Yolanda, that does sound much easier! – Though I bet you could wean yourself from the show if you wanted. You pay attention to the world around (I know you do) and probably have a much better sense of the timing of things than you think. -kris

By: Pam/Digging

Pam/Digging — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:58:04 +0000

I don’t know if I follow nature’s rules, but I love the idea of it, if there’s also a scientific basis. My main rule is based on the calendar: cut back the garden on Valentine’s Day in preparation for spring growth. And I try never to plant anything after May 1, but I often break that rule.

Pam, Holidays (even hallmark ones) are easy reminders. Our planting deadline is July 4th – though we also break that rule pretty often! -kris