The Wild Garden

by Lynne Bittner

.....It was too nice of a day to do yard work. The encroaching sumac and brambles would be granted a few more hours while we checked on the progress of the early spring wildflowers that grow in a woodland on a flood plain down along the Battenkill.

.....Our dogs Jack and Beeny were quite delighted by this turn of events in their day, and excitedly bounded ahead of us. Jack immediately jumped in and paddled around. The river is running slower now that the Spring run-off is just about done, so I didn’t need to worry about the strength of the current which he easily managed.

.....At the far western edge of our property there is a woodland comprised mainly of Hornbeam, Oak, Beech, and Aspen trees. Each Spring it is carpeted with wild leeks and various early spring wildflowers. The first time I discovered it, I could barely believe it. A wild garden of Dutchman’s Breeches, Red Trillium, Solomon’s Seal, Trout Lily, Black Cohosh, Bloodroot, Wood Anemones, Sessile Bellwort, Cut Leafed Toothwort lay before me. Fifteen years later I am still as in awe of it as I was then, only now I am accompanied by Richie who has developed a love for this place and who cherishes it as much as I do.

.....Our wild garden didn’t look much different from the last time we were here several days ago. The Wild Leeks had a stronger presence and the Dutchman’s Breeches were just beginning to bloom. I was hoping to see some Anemones, but it was probably too early. As we began our return back to the house, I did find one Bloodroot in bloom. I admired its luminous white petals blooming above the brown leaf litter. Richie came over to photograph it, and I stood to provide shade from the glare of the late afternoon sun,which warmed my back as I stood and listened to the gentle current of the Battenkill flowing by.

photos by R. Bittner

Bloodroot

Dutchman’s Breeches