Plant of the Week
Unfortunately, many of our spring favorites hail from overseas—tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, etcetera. Camassia, flowering in late April, is native to the Pacific Northwest! Winter hardy in zones 4 through 8, it blooms in both shade and sun, grows in wet soil, and is fairly deer-resistant. Purple star-shaped flowers bloom from top to bottom along the stalk, which reaches 1 ½ feet tall.
Guests
Rod and Maggie Walker, founders of the Blue Ridge Partnership for Regional Invasive Species (PRISM, for short), join me on the show. PRISM is a volunteer-driven non-profit dedicated to reducing the negative impact of nonnative invasive plants in the Blue Ridge area. This organization works with the state and individual landowners, providing education and funding to protect the ecological health of our region. Rod and Maggie identify their two main targets as vines—canopy killers that cause long-term damage, and new invaders—those who have yet to become established and can still be eradicated. Invasive plants are notoriously strong and resilient, but the Walkers are here to reassure us: this is not a hopeless battle.
Playlist
It’s time to sow those seeds. Remember to keep an eye out for cooler temperatures.
Prune your early flowering shrubs, like azaleas and quince.
Check on your peony stakes.
‘Tis the season for poison ivy. If you spot any babies growing in your garden, pull them out. Use a pair of gloves or a doggy doo-doo bag to protect yourself from the oils. As long as you wash your hands immediately after handling, you can even dispose of them using your bare hands.
Listen
“You’re gonna need an ocean of calamine lotion”—“Poison Ivy” by The Coasters.