Forget-Me-Nots En Masse

– Posted in: Plant info, What's up/blooming
13 comments

steep roadside bank covered in forget-me-nots

The forget-me-nots go past that telephone pole in the back

On my way to Hitch Lyman’s Trumansburg, NY garden today I passed by this amazing bank of forget-me-nots on the other side of the road. Although my camera battery had died shortly after I got to Lyman’s garden, it had recovered sufficiently to take this shot by the time I was returning home.

I just wonder how this was done. Did they spray the denuded bank with seed? Did they hand-plant hundreds of seedlings? Is this its first year, or is it a recurring event? If so, how is it maintained? Yes, there are a bunch of dandelions in there, but without regular string trimming, first brambles, and then shrub and tree seedlings will show up and take over. Something like this takes a lot of work, and I tip my hat to the gardener.

About the Author

Kathy Purdy is a colchicum evangelist, converting unsuspecting gardeners into colchicophiles. She gardens in rural upstate NY, which used to be USDA Hardiness Zone 4 but is now Zone 5. Kathy’s been writing since 4th grade, gardening since high school, and blogging since 2002. Find her on Instagram as kopurdy.

Now, the digging and dividing of perennials, the general autumn cleanup and the planting of spring bulbs are all an act of faith. One carries on before the altar of delayed gratification, until the ground freezes and you can’t do any more other than refill the bird feeder and gaze through the window, waiting for the snow. . . . Meanwhile, it helps to think of yourself as a pear tree or a tulip. You will blossom spectacularly in the spring, but only after the required period of chilling.

~Adrian Higgins in The Washington Post, November 6, 2013

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how to garden better July 23, 2010, 1:05 pm

That’s a lot of work to plant it one by one… I think it’s perhaps someone throwing seed bombs there and it grew by itself maybe.

Window On The Prairie May 10, 2010, 12:11 pm

My guess would be they spread a bunch of seed there. Just beautiful.

Sylvana May 9, 2010, 9:17 pm

That is amazing! I try to grow them, but haven’t had any luck yet. This year I got a deal on a couple of plants and will try again. They are one of my favorites. I certainly won’t get an effect like this, but maybe some day I will have a healthy stand of them.
.-= Sylvana´s last blog ..Morel Hunting =-.

Lona May 9, 2010, 1:30 pm

Isn’t that just lovely. I would love a large patch of blue like that. It does look like they would have to have broad casted the seeds onto denuded soil. It sure is pretty no matter how they accomplished it.
.-= Lona´s last blog ..Bilbo Tours the Parks =-.

Lynn May 9, 2010, 11:37 am

I love that spot! Have wanted to stop and photograph it often but you got there first 🙂 Craig, it’s right across from Crispell’s. The display has been going at least since I got here in 2007. They mow regularly.
.-= Lynn´s last blog ..a day like today =-.

Kathy Purdy May 9, 2010, 11:45 am

Lynn, don’t let that stop you from taking your own photos. There’s a spacious shoulder there or I would never have attempted it myself. But I know you have better equipment and more skill. What do they mow it with? It is a steep slope. And who do you think is caring for it?

Sheryl at Providence Acres Farm May 9, 2010, 8:22 am

Its absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! I love forget-me-nots and have lots (but not that many!) It is one of the few truely blue flowers in the garden.

That is really gorgeous! Kudos off to the gardener!
.-= Sheryl at Providence Acres Farm´s last blog ..Snow In May! =-.

Craig @ Ellis Hollow May 9, 2010, 7:28 am

Whereabouts? I’ve driven 79 a lot and don’t recognize this spot.
.-= Craig @ Ellis Hollow´s last blog ..Weekend pix =-.

Kathy Purdy May 9, 2010, 10:36 am

It is on the corner of Brooktondale Rd and 79, between Bethel Grove and Besemer. If you take Ellis Hollow Rd. to Cornell you would never pass it. I had come through downtown Ithaca from Trumansburg.

Stone Art Blog May 9, 2010, 5:39 am

Wow amazing, I love forget-me-nots, have never seen them grow so densely here in Ireland.
.-= Stone Art Blog´s last blog ..Blackthorn, Shillelaghs and the tree of the fairies, the Hawthorn =-.

Tatyana May 8, 2010, 10:41 pm

Amazing! Now, I am wondering why don’t they grow like that in my garden? I think they like freedom!
.-= Tatyana´s last blog ..Tree Peony Blooming =-.

Kathy Purdy May 9, 2010, 10:38 am

Moisture and part shade are both key. I think if they have consistent moisture they can even take full sun in northern climes.

Teresa May 8, 2010, 9:49 pm

Sooo pretty Kathy! They are such pretty flowers and that is an amazing display. I am glad to have seen it. Thanks.
.-= Teresa´s last blog ..My lilacs have gone to the dogs. =-.