Indianapolis Museum of Art Blog

It’s that time of the year when garden writers (those of us living in areas with real winters especially) inevitably mention the first flowering plants of the year. I don’t want to be one of those writers. But I am. I can’t help it. When you see those first buds swelling, then showing color, then actually in full bloom… ooooowee, it thrills you so. Even the first tiny Crocus pushing itself up through the mulch is most welcome. A few warm days and this little feller will be in bloom.

Crocus pushing itself up through the mulch

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I said I would do a blog on colorful twigs since I ran out of space and time when I tried to cover both berries and twigs the first time. The next couple of months these plants will be their best. The cold weather has really brought out the color in their stems. Admittedly I wasn’t too thrilled about tromping through a foot of snow to get the images, but just like when I used to have to go out and feed the cows in winter, once outside I rather enjoyed the time. I do miss the cows at times, especially later in spring when it would have been prime calving time. I just loved the birthing season. By the way, that birthing scene in City Slickers? TOTALLY fake. Just so you know. Anyway, now is the time when we need a little color in the garden. I mean the Sutphin Fountain is perfectly lovely this time of year.

Sutphin Fountain

But I need some color! These deciduous shrubs with yellow, orange, green, or red stems provide it like nothing else in the middle of a Midwest winter and are a hardy easy to grow group of plants. The colors really pop against snow or evergreens but are excellent in any situation. Don’t be afraid to cut a few to bring indoors too.

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Two days in a row above 40! I can hardly believe it. Of course it will drop to the teens tonight with a high of barely 20 over the week-end. But that doesn’t change the facts. Two days in a row with temperatures above 40! With sunshine! Almost makes a person want to do the Happy Dance.

Rather instead, we got out in the Ravine Garden to do some pruning on everything from junipers to shrub roses to crabapples. It was still a bit on the cold side when kneeling in snow. And we had to be careful about walking up and down the steps as they are still snow and ice covered. All in all though, it was nice to be able to get outside and do some gardening. Not that I have all my “inside” work finished. Read the rest of this entry »

Well, here we go plunging head first into a new year. What horticulture delights are in store for the future? Will we have last Spring’s incredibly long show? No way to know. Will we have a late freeze that beats the crap out of tender new plant growth (and leathery old horticulturists)? No way to know that either. A year ago at this time we were having temperatures in the 60’s, fabulous for us humans that tire of winter after a spell but not good for plants at all. So I think while we plant people (professional and amateur) are forever optimistic – we put a little seed in the ground and actually believe it can become an 80 foot tall tree – we also make sure to appreciate what is in front of us right now.

Because we know, do we ever know, that a squirrel or a freeze or a lightening strike can take it away in a blink of the eye. For instance, on true wintery days like today we are very appreciative of plants with colorful twigs and berries.

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From all of us here at IMA blog head quarters, we wish you a safe and happy new year!

As a gift of sorts and to make our vows public, we’d also like to treat you to some of our resolutions. Enjoy!

Daniel resolves…To be nice. Eat Twizzlers. Play soccer. Be brilliant. To follow some advice from Ghandi: Be the change that you want to see in the world. And in the words of LL Cool J: Don’t call it a comeback, I been here for years.

Charlie resolves…For this techie to learn the difference between modern and postmodern art.

Anne resolves…To bring more film artists to the IMA and to The Toby…Wim Wenders, anyone?

Gary resolves…To get the gambling monkey off my back.  I give it 20-1 odds.

Matt resolves…To ween myself off of fast food, join a gym, and to always remember to check things in Internet Explorer before sending out a link!

Amber resolves…To live in the now! No more worrying about the future and what it holds – just live day by day and enjoy it. Also, I need to drink less soda and take my vitamins. Baby steps…

Irvin resolves (with obligatory preface)…I’m a bad, bad horticulturist so first of all – take better care of the plants I’m overwintering. Sow more seed (but no wild oats). Photograph the gardens as they develop this year.

Phil resolves… To impress Anne Laker then together continue taking over greening the world.

And if you too want to make your resolution public, leave a comment!

Until the ‘09, peace.