The 2nd annual Gardenstew perennial flower baseline study

Hi, Welcome to the 2014 edition of the Gardenstew perennial flower baseline database study.

While returning members will be familiar with the study, a small recap is in order if you are a new participant or just curious.

The database was started last year as a way to document flowering dates of established perennials in members gardens.
Baselines are established when two or more members enter the same flower. The information is maintained in a database as a reference source anyone can view. Several of the references are provided below.

This year members that participated in last years study can compare the bloom dates this year with those they entered last year. Many factors contribute to the date a flower will bloom and as many older gardeners have seen, hardiness zones are shifting. Bloom dates are typically earlier. As the climate shifts, gardeners may be able to grow perennials that previously would have died. The downside of climatic shifts are that some flowers no longer tolerate the heat of summer.

Participation is easy, many participants also post pictures, here are some guidelines:

1. flowers should be established perennials, i.e. this should not be the flower's first year blooming.

2. The flower should be an identified species and variety or cultivar otherwise it gets an asterisk* next to it.

3. The zone should be stated, State or county or Country would be nice. Assistance is available if you are unsure about your zone.

4. Yes, even entries from the other side of the Equator!


As always questions, comments and suggestions are welcome and encouraged.

References:

2013 Entries from members(lots of pictures) can be found here: http://www.gardenstew.com/about28586.html

The 2013 spreadsheet data and baseline info is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... ring#gid=0

The 2013 compiled data results are here: http://www.gardenstew.com/viewtopic.php ... highlight=

You can follow the progress for this season on the 2014 spreadsheet here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... ring#gid=3

For more information about phenology and related studies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenology


Data provided by members serves the gardening community in several ways.

• It provides each participating member a record of when their perennial flowers bloomed.

• Other members can follow flowering times in their area.

• Shifts in climate can be identified on a more granular scale.

• Data can be used as a guide for planning gardens.

• The seasonal progression from warm to temperate zones can be followed.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you for your participation.

Jerry

 

I guess I'll start off the year with a Daffodil. I don't know the variety... they have been growing around here for years and years.
Bloomed Jan. 27 2014
Zone 8 Southeast Texas



( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

 

A bit about Phenology

Climate and how it affects our surroundings has been noted by observers as far back as human memory. It would appear to be in our very nature to record what happens around us. Often we look for these events without really thinking about the larger picture. The first Robin on the lawn, the trees leafing in the spring, the first rose of summer. Our playful musings of local woodchucks bespeaks of the coming of spring and our emergence from the doldrums of winter. While the swallows returning to Capistrano is a more scientific observation. The word phenology comes from the Greek words “phaino” (to show or appear) and “logos” (to study). The Chinese were probably the first to record events in writing about 1000BCE. History is dotted with recordings done by individuals and groups that mark cyclical occurrences and in our own small way we too have embarked on a similar journey.

Jerry

 

Jerry... Here's a couple more.



Primrose Jasmine ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

Bloomed 02-19-14
Zone 8 Texas






Georgia Blue Speedwell ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

Bloomed 02-15-14

 

wow... you're Irises are way ahead of mine. Can't wait to see them show up.

 

For members whose established perennials are about to bloom you are invited to participate in the 2nd annual Gardenstew perennial study. As you have already found this thread and entering your flower is easy. Tell us your flower and the date it flowered all we need to know is your zone, if you don't know we can help with that.

For members who participated last year, 2013 flower data is stored here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... ring#gid=0


Your participation will be greatly appreciated,

Thank you,

Jerry

 

Galanthus nivalis (common snowdrop) 4/5/14, zone 6a.

 

Daffodil, unknown (from a variety bag), April 6-


( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden )

Hyacinths, unknown variety - April 4

Hyacinths ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden )

Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)- April 9

Star Magnolia ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden )

 

Yellow daffodils 4/14/14

zone 5

 

From 4-15-14.... Daylily Double Down.
Last year it bloomed on 4-4.



Daylily Double Down ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

 

please help identify these flower came with house and this year bloomed 4/2/14 ( photo / image / picture from Green Fingers's Garden )






Tulips bloomed on April 11 zone 6b ( photo / image / picture from Green Fingers's Garden )

 

The purple flowers are Crocus vernus.

Jerry