Flowering Trees

Between the feet of snow this winter and some nice soaking rains at the beginning of spring, one would think we wouldn’t be so dry, but here we are. My planted-from-seed a few years ago asparagus is up. It is remarkably dry to the point of being inedible. One would think I would have noticed it sooner and set up a sprinkler. I’ve been too busy watering all the baby plants and emerging seedlings.

Speaking of seedlings, mice in the green house have scratched up and eaten zinnia seeds. That is a first. I’ve set traps and coaxed the fat and lazy rescue cat to spend her days in there. I’ve been complaining for weeks about the critters who are putting an end to my good humor.

Last week I mentioned that the potatoes were starting to come up. Then, suddenly, they disappeared. Naturally, I blamed deer. Later, I discovered them all frozen from the frost at last week’s end.

The nights have been chilly, and when it is predicted to be in the upper 30s my property often will get below 32 degrees. Part of me is relieved to have a few more weeks before outdoor planting begins in earnest.

It’s worth a drive by on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road. The flowering trees at Mahoney’s are down right spectacular. I noticed the Star Magnolia at the North Tisbury Olsen property is already losing its petals. It was beautiful while it lasted. Its cousin, the Soulangeana pink magnolia, is now taking center stage.

I’ve also noticed the Skunk cabbage looking its best along the tiny streams up-Island. Wouldn’t it be fun on a property instead of the favorite deer food hostas.

I’m fond of the ground cover Lysimachia (a.k.a. creeping Jenny). I like to use it on the edges of window boxes and ornamental pots. It can take a lot of shade. Last year when I took apart some of the aforementioned containers, I tossed it along a pathway. Here it is back again looking great after a hard winter. Think twice before doing the same with variegated vinca. It has now taken over an entire area. Granted the blue flowers are very pretty, but everything else in the bed is covered with it.

This article appears in May 1, 2026.