Landscape Watch March 17th 2014

 

 

 

We have had a few sneak previews of Spring weather over the last couple of weeks, but Winter seems to refuse to give up. Even though we seem to be stuck in this up and down trend we have picked up some growing degree days in the Greater Cincinnati area. As of this writing on March 14, 2014 we have accumulated 37 degree days so far. I guess an explanation of growing degree days would help, this is the definition given by OSU OARDC and Extension.

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 actual temperature experienced by an organism is influenced by several factors.  These factors affect growth and development.  For instance, depending on the weather, an organism’s temperature may be a few degrees more or less than that recorded. An organism may spend its time in the shade or under direct sunlight. The fertility and nutrient content of the soil directly affect the growth rate of insects and plants.  The presence of weeds and precipitation may indirectly influence development. Due to these factors and some other scientific considerations, a base temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit is considered acceptable for all plants and insects.

Here is what to expect in the upcoming several weeks from 37 to 100 growing degree days as we accumulate them.

 Species                                           Event             GDD

Corneliancherry Dogwood         first bloom         40

Silver Maple                                  full bloom          42

Red Maple                                      first bloom        44

Speckled Alder                              first bloom        52

Northern Lights Forsythia       first bloom           58

Red Maple                                      full bloom          75

Star Magnolia                                first bloom         83

White Pine Weevil                  adult emergence     84

Border Forsythia                          first bloom         86

Eastern Tent Caterpillar              egg hatch          92

Manchu Cherry                            first bloom         93

Northern Lights Forsythia         full bloom          94

Speckled Alder                              full bloom         97

Corneliancherry Dogwood         full bloom         98

 

I’m hoping to have to post an update real soon as the degree days add up.

~ Michael

 

 

 

 

 

Early Spring Flower Sighting

I wanted to share this sighting, it’s the first of the late Winter/early Spring wild flowers I have seen this season. For anyone who isn’t familiar with this flower, this is called a ‘Snowdrop’ or Galanthus nivalis L., which is the Latin. This flower is normally found in a deciduous or coniferous woodland, in meadows, pastures and along streams or rivers. This one I found at the base of a tree on a lightly wooded homesite in Hyde Park, Ohio. What a great find!

~Michael