Page 36 - Discover Winter 2021
P. 36
Weeder’s Digest CONTINUED
W eeder ’ s Digest CONTINUED
pollinating other flowers. This fertilizes dominate; hopefully they will entice the
the plants, allowing them to go to seed, senses as we seek shelter and warmth.
which propagates the species. It’s a simple
As spring unfolds, if you had planted
process, borne of divine providence.
Hyacinth bulbs in the fall, the pay off
Without these unsuspecting insects, which
will be undeniable. They will perfume
do yeoman’s work, we would be bereft of
the air, and provide pollinators with a
the splendid bounty of flowers and fruits
long awaited meal. As we dig deeper into
which we sometimes take for granted.
spring, you’ll reap the rewards of lilac,
While our sense of smell is not as which can be cloyingly sweet, so keep them
acute as that of animals or insects, and not at a distance so as not to overwhelm. Also
all flowers attract our consider Korean Spice
interest due to fragrance, Viburnum, a true treat
thankfully they also to the senses; you can
garner our affection take cuttings from all
thanks to their visual of these and bring them
bounty of colors and into the home to open.
complexity of form. To
Once summer
take advantage of their
unfolds, Gardenia,
alluring gifts, we have
though a finicky plant,
a number of varieties
is well deserving of a
that we can install in
prominent presence
our yards that are truly
in your landscape.
head turners, providing
You’ll appreciate their
enjoyment from late
stunning white flowers
winter through summer.
and unmistakable
As winter begins to fragrance. Other
ease its grip, and long before forsythia options include Honeysuckle Vine, Clethra,
preludes spring, early blooming plants like and evergreen Magnolias; each in their
Sarcococa, though not visually striking, own right deserves consideration as an
have multiple tiny white flowers that emit addition to your yard. I might also mention
a wondrous scent. Daphne also provides that all of the above are deer resistant
stunning flowers, another early sign of plants. So take advantage of this great
the coming spring. Try planting these variety of options as you’re planning your
near entry ways, as winter chill will still next planting.
34 Discover Smith Mountain Lake WINTER 2020
