We are really starting so see big changes in the yard! Lots of new growth shooting up and colors are bursting out. Following the notes below, there is a section of May photos and then videos.

May Notes

• After the spring open garden in April, we began doing our cut backs. When we do this, we cut stems down to 12-18″ and for the most part leave the cuttings around the plant. This provides habitat and mulch. If there is already too much new growth in a location, we will put the cuttings in a more open space nearby.
• Terri is in the process of moving last year’s (2023-24) winter sowing plants from a nursery bed into the yard. Leaving them in a nursery bed lets then get a bit stronger and reduces the likelihood we will lose track of them in the yard.
• This year’s winter sowing crop is mostly going into the nursery bed. Exceptions are things with tap roots (e.g. wine cup), annuals, and things Terri is trying in patio pots (e.g. indian physic).
• The attention of our weeding is turning to tall and Canada goldenrods, field asters, and some invading grasses. These goldenrods and asters provide ecological functions but are way too rhizomatous for our beds. Although the patch is not large, we have been battling reed canary grass for a while. Its root system is difficult to eliminate mechanically.
• We have notices that our baptisia plants are not as robust this year and we may have lost most of our common boneset plants. We have not figured out the likely causes.

Growing Degree Days

“Growing Degree Days are a measurement of the growth and development of plants and insects during the growing season. Development does not occur at this time unless the temperature is above a minimum threshold value (base temperature). The base temperature varies for different organisms. It is determined through research and experimentation.” (The Ohio State Phenology Calendar glossary page) We did a post on phenology last year. Check out the OSU Phenology Calendar to see what is happening in your area!

Spring Flower Photos

We have had a few waves of different colors. First wild geranium’s various shades of pink and purple

At about the same time, nice sized patches of golden alexander arrived.

We also enjoyed the soothing whites of native sedum, especially those intermingled with moss and flowing over this old railroad tie.

With the whites came the light blues of Arkansas amsonia.

More recently, the vibrant shades of red and orange burst out in red buckeyes, columbine, and coral honeysuckle.

Landscape Videos

On May 18, 2025 when these videos were made, the growing degree days here was 638. For context, the 20 year GDD average for Delaware on this date is 481 and in recent years it has been:

• 2024: 717
• 2023: 540
• 2022: 531
• 2021: 469

Upper Level (5.18.2025)

Swale (5.18.2025)

Southwest Corner (5.18.2025)

Southeast Corner (5.18.2025)

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Video and photos by Randy Litchfield unless otherwise noted
© Randy Litchfield, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)