The Woodland Garden Today – May 25, 2021

The woodland garden occupies about 15 percent of our lot. We wanted pathways and views that echoed the woodlands of New England with which we were familiar. This part of the garden grew haphazardly as we found plants to add. At some point in the past several years, it began to coalesce as a landscape. Only the tiny areas that we are still developing look garden-like. Nature has assumed control.

The majority looks like a woodland border area shaded, dappled sunlight, and a bright sunny area fringe. May is an interesting time in the Woodland garden with lots of plants in bloom.


We’ve placed a glider where we can look at the pond and our woodland garden. Our little garden provides a transition zone for the woods that lie in the back of our lot.

Spice Bush in Bloom

This is no joke. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) are what’s in bloom on April first in the woods around my house. There is not a lot to go wild over. The leaves and stems of this native plant are fragrant when crushed, but an award winning flower its not.

If you are patient, later in the season you may see this guy chomping on the leaves; the caterpillar phase of the Spicebush Swallow tailed butterfly.

When I say, you have to be a bit nuts to love spring in New England; this is why.

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