In the Garden: The emergence and blooming of wildflowers like
this lady slipper vary slightly each spring. Become an Amateur
Phenologist Most gardeners like to observe nature, and it's
especially exciting in spring when we see plants and animals
return after the long winter. Pity the poor soul who doesn't
thrill at the sight of the first crocus, or robin, or bluebird
-- what wonders they are missing! The study of recurring,
seasonal phenomena like these is called phenology, which
translates to "the study of appearances." The return of
migratory birds, the emergence of insects, and the blooming of
wildflowers are all examples of phenological events whose timing
in spring depends on a variety of factors, including weather and
day length. Historically, farmers and gardeners were some of the
keenest observers. Rather than relying on a calendar, they
turned to nature's clues to decide when to plant what. They
knew, for example, that it was time to plant corn when oak
leaves were the size of a squirrel's ear. Why?