grasses

2011 Highlights: Life in the greenhouse

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Each winter we head into the greenhouse to plant the seeds we’ve collected and stratified in the refrigerator.  Without fail as the plants begin to sprout the energy and excitement grows as well.  Every day it seems we’re giddy while discussing the progress of a particular plant or pointing out a new sprout.  This year was a particularly successful year in the greenhouse, thanks in part to the newly installed watering system.  Enjoy these photos of the seeds sprouting and turning the greenhouse into a lush indoor prairie!  I only wish I could invite you all into the greenhouse to experience it in person!

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Native Plant Sale- Saturday May 7th

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For all of you wondering what we’re planning with our greenhouse full of magnificent native plants- you’re in luck!!  We’ll be holding our annual Native Plant Sale on Saturday May 7th from 10 am until 1 pm.  The sale will take place on the Ohio State Marion campus on the first floor of Morrill Hall. 

If you’d like to see descriptions of the plants we’ll be featuring at the sale click here: Plant Sale 2011

How do you measure up?

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 A 10 foot tall section of white PVC has been installed near the entrance to the prairie.  The PVC has foot and ½ foot markings so you can see just how tall the plants are growing.  I know it can be hard to estimate how tall the plants are so I think this extra large measuring stick will be helpful.

 

PVC stick

Explore the tunnel of grass!

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Something amazing happens on the trails at the prairie during this time of year.  The grasses have finally emerged and are reaching towards the sky as they continue to grow taller.  The breeze and their height have begun to put a soft bend in the grass stems and they gently lean off to one side or another.  The beautiful formation that has made its appearance is the Tunnel of Grass.  Yes, I’ve named the fleeting structure created by the presence of tall grasses near the trails edge.  There is something about being enveloped by the grasses as they sway in the breeze that makes me so happy.  I strongly encourage you to come and experience the feeling for yourself. 

For those of you who can’t make it out to the prairie, here are two videos of the walk I took Friday morning.  It was fairly windy and the grasses just danced as the breeze moved through them.  Stunning.

Part 1:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79nQb45glEA]

Part 2:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e96X3lrRmrU]

Another nice group of flowers started blooming. Enjoy some pictures!

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What a nice time to visit.  There are so many different flowers in bloom right now.  Although the grasses haven’t reached their peak yet, the flowers really are putting on a show!