01/24/2025
Maggie's finds herself inundated in an ocean of native seed. These fluffy ones are tall thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana). Many of our native seeds can be stored in a dry, cool environment until they can be planted at the perfect time. Staff were able to plant this species and many others during the beginning of a snow event early this winter.
Why do we wait to plant?
This timing allows the seeds to be more protected from birds that would eat this buffet of scattered seeds. Plus this winter sowing timeline allows for the natural cold and moist conditions that many native species require to break "dormancy" and sprout. Species with built-in dormancy mechanisms prevent seeds from germinating during unfavorable conditions, like during a warm spell in winter.
