From the Gardens department –

Becca Christ recommends The Living Forest by Joan Maloof and photography by Robert Llewellyn. Becca says, “This book engages the reader with photography concerning all aspects of a forest from the detailed lichen to the various mammals and amphibians that make up the ecosystem. While visually stunning, the writing reminds the reader that trees are one part of a greater functioning ecosystem that supports countless individuals. I appreciate this book for the immersion into details of a forest and enjoying its beauty.”

Caitlin Ndoye recommends Wise Trees by Diane Cook and Len Jenshel. Caitlin says, “I will always be fascinated by the stories plants tell.  Whether it’s their specific pollinator relationships, their native habitats, distances traveled, or the lives they have led.  It helps me remember and appreciate them in ways I may not otherwise.  This book nourishes that curiosity. It is a stunning compilation of large, detailed photographs featuring around 50 different trees from all over the world, and their accompanying stories. The featured trees were selected for their great cultural and spiritual significance, which the photos so beautifully illustrate.  It serves as an enlightening reminder of the sacredness certain trees hold and their ancient and storied lives.”

As for myself, I recommend The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. If you’ve ever wondered how trees interact with one another and their environment, this book is for you. Wohlleben opened my eyes to just how responsive trees are to the numerous factors that impact their lives. Their relationships to each other (both positive and negative) are simply amazing. From friendships to animosities, trees live vibrant and dynamic lives that I had barely understood before reading this book. If you have felt the power of the spirit of a tree when visiting it, I know you will love this book as much as I do.

From the Grounds department –

Erin Magee recommends Dwarf Conifers: A Complete Guide by H.J. Welch. Erin chose this book as she was inspired by the quantity of the conifers in our collection. She says, “I wanted to learn more about species and varieties.” An excellent choice for this purpose! From my own previous life working in plant nurseries, I know just how interested home owners are in conifers that will not overwhelm their landscape. This thoughtful selection will guide the reader to the right conifer for their home garden.

Dan Daley is highlighting a wonderful choice for children with The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. This classic tale tells of the relationship between a boy and tree as the boy grows up. It is a powerful illustration of all we take from nature without thought of giving back. Trees offer us joy, food, shelter and we take, take, take until there is nothing left. A beautiful reminder for children and adults to value and honor nature. May it inspire deep respect for trees in all of our hearts.

Dennis Taylor selected The Language of Trees: A Rewilding of Literature and Landscape by Katie Holten. He appreciates that this is not a tree book written by an arborist. In fact, it is a collection of stories about trees. If you enjoy reading literature, this is the tree book for you.

Dan Christina, Director of Horticulture, selected Feed Us with Trees by Elspeth Hay. Dan writes, “I was gifted this book for Christmas as having been a fan of Elspeth’s articles in the Provincetown Banner, and I was quickly absorbed by the thoughts, tone and message she wove throughout the book.  Winding through food security, land ownership, natural ecosystems, and the variety of uneaten food in the natural landscape, she makes a case for everyone to have some interest in the edible elements of trees and convinces (me at least) that it could be easy!”

What are you reading as this winter season comes to a close? I hope we’ve inspired you to check on some of the books on this list. Share your favorite tree related books in the comments below!

Take, for instance, the crabapple in the Herb Garden – Malus ‘Cinderella’. In November, the small orange crabapples stand out on a cloudy day. They are a bright beacon standing in contrast with tones of silver, brown and grey around them. The gently lifting branches are just a touch spooky with subtle twists in the form as they stretch skyward.

The hawthorne (Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’) in the Enclosed Garden is also dressed in its winter fruit. Stunning red berries will be sure to attract birds in late winter looking for sustaining food. If you are looking for a medium sized tree that will be beautiful with white blooms in spring and gorgeous fruit in fall/winter for the birds, hawthorn is an excellent choice. (As its name suggests, this tree bears significant thorns, but you should emerge unscathed as long as you are not looking to climb its branches.)

Some of my favorite trees on the property are the Katsuras (Cercidiphyllum japonicum). In spring, their foliage emerges like soft pink hearts on the branches. In early fall, the sugars in the leaves of the female trees practically caramelize causing the air around the Katsuras to smell of cotton candy. In late fall and winter, the shape and form of the trees takes center stage. Even in detail, these trees are stunning. Looking closely at the branches, you can see the V-shaped forms of the seed structures that line the top of each limb. They look like hundreds of tiny winged creatures ready for take off.

The final tree I’ll mention on this extremely short list is the Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). Pictured above, it is still holding onto its fall colors. The foliage drops later and later each year as our temperatures stay warm well into November. I love seeing the gorgeous golden leaf color in fall which is followed by the revelation of the incredible form of the tree itself. Like the leaves, the branches form in a whorled pattern, which becomes more evident once the leaves drop for the season. Take a look next time you are by the East Lawn, the form of this spectacular tree will reveal itself to you. As grand as it ever has been.

May you take some time to notice the natural world around you in November and throughout the entire quiet season of winter. There is much beauty to be seen. If you are willing to see it, you will find it.

And so it goes with gardening, you blink and it’s September.  Spring and summer are like a frenetic blur of planting, weeding and watering.  And now, finally, a brief moment to take it all in before the tasks of fall begin. 

This time of year the gardens are looking full and exuberant, an impressive culmination of so much work. As well, our potted collection has also grown, its edges having crept ever so slightly outward from week to week as we add and edit, giving the impression that if you sit for long enough the display might envelop you. 

Perhaps a reflection of many hours spent watering, but I imagine the plants lamenting their brief time outside coming to a close. Although, like any truly restorative vacation they are looking all the better for it. New growth, rinsed clean leaves, and birds and insects having kept pests at bay.  

Accompanying our greenhouse plants are a rotating variety of annuals and summer blooming bulbs. Pineapple Lilies, Calla Lilies, Spider Lilies, Gladiolus, Gloriosa Lilies and Oxalis are just a fraction of the many different bulbs available to either pot up or plant in your garden starting in spring. Hailing from the Southern Hemisphere, these bulbs require warmer temperatures and longer days than the spring bulbs that we are accustomed to growing in this part of the world. 

Here at Blithewold, in late winter we take a brief moment to pour over summer bulb catalogues. We pick new varieties to try and order more of our reliable favorites, in part to account for any loss with overwintering. Generally, we pot many of these new bulbs in late spring alongside any stored bulbs that we determine are alive and well.  At this point in the season many of the bulbs will be showing small signs of growth, which is their cue to tell you to begin watering. 

At the end of summer or early fall many of our potted bulbs come inside and sit under our propagation bench where they are happily neglected. When the bulb’s growth has fully died back we tip the pot on its side where it stays, receiving no water and allowing it to go fully dormant.  If all goes well, there is enough stored moisture and nutrients to survive this period, and put on a show the following year.  

Here are some of our favorites.

Like a beautiful stranger at a party you ask yourself, who is that? Scadoxus multiflorus of course! With its large perfectly round, red lollipop flower heads, it demands attention like the candy colored queen that she is. 

Name: Scadoxus multiflorus

Common Name: Blood Lily

Family: Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis Family)

Etymology: Genus name comes from the Greek words skiadion meaning parasol or umbel and doxa meaning glory; specific epithet means many-flowered. 

Native Habitat: Tropical, Sub-Saharan Africa growing in a wide range of habitats such as forests, woodlands and grasslands.

Habit: Bulbous perennial up to 1 ft., stalks bearing clusters of red flowers emerging first, followed by strappy wide foliage. 

Culture: Grows best in part-sun in a well-draining soil mix, giving it moderate moisture when in growth. 

Seen here scrambling over this obliging Cordyline is the gloriously dramatic Gloriosa Lily that we love to grow, year after year.  Descending like delicately painted spaceships, these striking flowers put on a lengthy show on this twining, climbing, scrambling beauty.

Name: Gloriosa superba ‘Rothschildiana’

Common Name: Gloriosa Lily

Family: Colchicaceae (Crocus Family)

Etymology: Gloriosa comes from Latin, gloriosus meaning glorious, superba meaning superb. ‘Rothschildiana’ was named after British banker, politician and zoologist Lionel Walter Rothschild, who first introduced the flower to Europe from Africa.  

Native Habitat: Southern Africa, growing in a wide variety of habitats, from coastal dunes to woodlands and grasslands.

Habit: A climbing, scrambling plant of up to 6ft tall, using the tendrils formed at its leaf tips to climb and using other plants to help support it.

Culture: Grow in sun/part sun in soil with plenty of organic matter for better flowering. Water well when in growth, and when foliage begins to yellow, gradually stop watering. Note that all parts of this plant are poisonous. 

Like a bright white beacon, the star shaped flowers of the lovely Rain Lily (Zephranthes candida) stand out amongst the vibrant late-summer colors. 

Name: Zephranthes candida

Common Name: Rain Lily

Family: Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis Family)

Etymology: Zephranthes derived from Greek zephyros “the west wind” and anthos meaning flower; candida meaning white.

Native Habitat: Argentina and Uruguay in rivers and marshes, where it blooms after rainfall. 

Habit: Pure white flowers bloom atop 1ft tall slender stalks accompanied by grasslike foliage.

Culture: Bulbs can be planted in soil rich with organic matter and when in growth can be kept moist. 

There is more to Oxalis than a few species considered weedy, or those commonly sold as annuals or houseplants. In fact, there are five hundred and eighty three currently accepted species, coming in an incredible array of unexpected shapes and sizes. While not all are commercially available, there are still many interesting varieties that can make lovely, relatively low maintenance potted companions.

Name: Oxalis lasiandra

Common Name: Palm Tree Oxalis

Family: Oxalidaceae

Etymology: Oxalis derived from Greek, meaning sour or acidic.

Native Habitat: Oaxaca, Mexico, where it grows in mountainous forests.

Habit: Bulbous perennial up to 8” tall with palm like foliage and clusters of small pink flowers born on the end of long slender stalks. 

Culture: Grow in sun/part-sun in a soil with some added organic matter and grit for good drainage. When in growth they should be watered regularly, gradually stopping when foliage begins to yellow.

All this talk of summer bulbs and I would be remiss if I did not mention the beautiful Lycoris or Surprise Lilies that have naturalized across the property – a few of which are still blooming along the front drive, giving you yet another reason to come and visit.