As late as Wednesday, snow was falling as I raked out beds. Then, Thursday and Friday the temperatures topped 80°F. It’s going to get colder again, but the daffodils are undeterred. Since the deer don’t eat them, they are the most popular spring bulbs in this area.
There are two reasons deer don’t like daffodils. First, they contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause a burning sensation when ingested. Second, they contain an alkaloid called lycorine, which causes stomach upset in deer, and can be toxic in large quantities. (Source: Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor University of Vermont, https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/bulbquestions.html)
Speaking of calcium oxalate, rhubarb leaves also contain this substance.
The honey bees were busy as, well, you know… .
I once bought a giant bag of Narcissus bulbs for $30, and this pretty variety was included. Only problem with the bargain bags is that the bulbs are like mongrels, so I’m not sure if this one has a name.
The rosettes of Lysimachia lanceolata var. purpurea form over the winter. The stalks will soon shoot up from these basal leaves.
Alchemilla mollis is also busy producing pretty leaves.
Those are my six for this Saturday. See more from gardens around the world at The Propagator.
? -Jo
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