![]() They may emerge from a small slit to form thin ribbonlike strands. Perhaps, as the moisture in the plant freezes, the ice crystals push out through the stem. One theory is that frost flowers develop when air temperatures are freezing but the ground temperature is warm enough for the plant’s root system to be active and the air temperature is cold enough to freeze the upward flowing plant juices. Scientists are unsure why only a few plants in nature produce crystal ice patterns into ribbons or clusters that resemble flowers, and why only certain types of plants are affected. Not able to explain, he concluded that “It is for botanists to decide.” However, he could only hypothesize about the cause of these formations. Herschel’s letter is one of the earliest recorded observations of the phenomenon of “frost flowers” (sometimes called ice flowers or ice ribbons). In a letter printed in Philosophical Magazine he describes going for an early morning walk several winters before noticing “a remarkable deposition of ice around the decaying stems of vegetables.” A few days later, he found a similar strange ice formation, this one seeming to emanate in a kind of riband-or frill-shaped wavy excrescence.” Only a few species of plants are capable of producing these ice creations, more generically referred to as “frost flowers.” Frost flowers at Raincatcher’s GardenĪs early as 1833 John Herschel, son of the famed astronomer William Herschel, who discovered the planet Uranus in the 18 th century, made an interesting observation. ![]() The plant was named Frostweed because of this unique characteristic of producing intricate ice formations from its stems. It blooms in late summer and continues blooming until frost. Our plant has easily reached the six-foot mark. Frostweed, Verbesina virginica is a Texas native biennial that ranges in height from 3 to 6 feet. As we carefully touched the somewhat intriguing white substance, it was evident that the plant stems were covered in frost.Īfter doing a little online research, I discovered the reason for the plants name. Most years, after those beautiful fall blooms have faded and the plant turns brown, we would already have cut it down to ground level. Had he forgotten to turn off the sprinkler system or was our plant in distress? He was concerned about the unusual ice formations surrounding the stems of our Frostweed plant. Just before the extreme winter temperatures fell upon us last week, my husband called me quickly to our backyard. Let’s try to be more aware, to spend as much time in the garden as we can and try to be responsible with resources. Speak up at the shop and ask nicely for what you want and explain why. Obviously no toxic chemicals and remember peat is completely non sustainable. ![]() Think carefully, as well, before buying products. Never do that! The Raincatcher’s plant sale, full of repurposed pots and pass-along plants is a great sale to support! Don’t forget to put May 4th on your calendar. No doubt you have seen pots filled with very dead plants by the curb waiting for the landfill. Naturally we all want to buy just something to support local plant sales Do be sure you have a place for the plant. You might even consider a sedum that creeps over the sides. ![]() Evelyn Womble sharing Hardy Amaryllis– a happy memory for alot of us!Ĭontainers look trendy with small divisions of grasses paired with ground covers. You not only have a new plant but a happy memory. Instructions are just a ‘click away.’ You can often share with a friend, and in return they share back. Cuttings don’t always work but amazingly they often do. First think if you can divide current plants and use what you already have. Yet another old saying comes to mind “ Reduce Reuse Recycle.’ So lets plan to enjoy the garden more by being in it and carefully observing. ![]() The Raincatcher’s Garden, a garden worth observing! The best plans and actions will just follow when we carefully observe. It is so easy to forget this in the need to make the next moment better. Yes, for sure we have to plant and weed and clean but also just enjoy what is. Amazing! Appreciate what is happening now. Look for insects and other creatures that have a home because of your garden. Remember the old saying: “ The best fertilizer for the garden is found in the footsteps of the gardener.” When you are in the garden really be there. Plan to make your garden time a part of as many days as possible. First It all starts with being there-in the garden. ![]()
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