Marking the Change of Seasons with Project BudBurst!

Phenology is the study of the appearance and timing of recurring biological phenomena. That’s a lot of words, but it means keeping track of when flowers bloom, birds migrate and the Japanese beetle has finished with your roses. This information is useful for gardeners because it tells us when to plant and when to be on the lookout. For instance, I know it’s safe to plant my peas when the Forsythia blooms and I know the Japanese beetles with begin arriving about the same time my Morning Glories take off.

Phenology has gained importance as we try to climate change. According to the National Phenology Network (NPN), “Climate change has the largest effect on plants because, unlike many animals, they cannot move easily from one area to another. As a result, the growing season could start earlier or continue over a longer period of time.” The NPN invites us to become Citizen Scientests by watching and reporting on certain native trees, shrubs and flowers, from first leaf (bud burst) to seed. They’re tracking plants specific to different areas, like Aspen, boxelder, Colorado blue columbine, common yarrow, Indian pink, Jack in the pulpit, mayapple, scarlet gilia, Pacific dogwood , Ponderosa Pine and purple passion flower. They are also tracking the following 5 plants across multiple regions: Forsythia, Lilac, common dandelion, white clover and field mustard.

This is a great way to become keenly aware of the changing seasons in your garden. Everything you need to know to track and report is on the Project BudBurst! Web site, along with some wonderful teaching guides for anyone who works with children. I’m tracking several plants in my own yard (or I will if spring ever gets here). Even if you don’t want to commit, check out their site for the 2007 results.

• Project BudBurst!
• Pheonogical Tips on When to Plant What

Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2008) licensed to About.com, Inc.