Plant of the Week: Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum

Bald Cypress, Taxodium distichum, is native to the Southern Coastal Plains in the southeastern United States, growing in the swamps in Worcester and Wicomico Counties on the Eastern Shore.

The unique conifer is deciduous in winter

The northern-most stand of Bald Cypress are on the western shore of Maryland in Calvert County. 100 acres of land known as the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp has been preserved by the state with help from the Nature Conservancy. A boardwalk allows visitors to walk through the swamp safely; as far as I know, we don't have to watch for alligators. Take a look at this link to the Maryland Biodiversity Project for more about Taxodium distichum in Maryland. 

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

I had seen these cypress somewhere before. On a visit to Magnolia Plantation outside of Charleston, SC several years ago, two of us were astounded at the amount of birds, turtles, frogs and other wildlife that called these cypress swamps their home.

Early March in South Carolina

The deciduous conifers send up knobby trunks in large colonies around the trees, both underwater and in wet soil.

Distinctive 'knobby knees' protrude in wet soil in Calvert County, MD

'Knobs' grow in water as well in this South Carolina Swamp

 I was surprised to find that we sell the Bald Cypress in both our nursery and water garden areas. It turns out that they are highly adaptable to wet or dry soils. Large trees in large pots are available for delivery and planting. 

We sell a limited number of the distinctive tree

See smaller pots of trees in our water garden area. 

The narrow bright green leaves turn orange in the fall before falling off. The tree will grow to about 70 feet with spread of 30 feet. The tree features a high canopy, making it nice to walk and stand beneath. Bald Cypress can grow in standing water and tolerate dry soil. It is a very adaptable plants. 

Follow this link for more information on Taxodium distichum from Plant Finder.

To access information on other trees, shrubs, and perennials, go to our website and click on Plant Finder.  

Photos on this blog are from J Gannon and C Engel. 

Seminars and Workshops for Fall

 Our speakers are excited to bring seminars back this fall. Bonsai classes are the first Saturday of each month, others are on Saturdays unless noted. Please see our Instagram and facebook pages for updates or call 410-527-0700. All are free to attend, requiring no pre-registration. 

September 7, 9 am      Bonsai Forest Planting Demonstration All bonsai classes are presented by Martha     Meehan of Meehan's Miniatures. 

Bonsai forest grouping

Saike, forest and slab grouping are the subjects of Martha Meehan's demonstration.  Learn how best to group and style bonsai while finding out which trees are most suitable for this project. 

 September 14, 9 am    Fall Garden and Container Designs Demonstration

Freshen up fall perennial gardens and containers with the addition of autumn blooms and color. We’ll also look at trees and shrubs to add to containers and landscapes now.

 September 28, 9 am    Fall Lawn Clinic

Brian Brannan, Garden Shop Manager

Fall is the BEST time to seed a new lawn or repair an existing one. Our experts will discuss which fertilizers, seed and weed control to use for fantastic results now and next spring.

 October 5, 9 am    Bonsai Show and Tell

 Bonsai from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

It’s your turn to take the stage and show us your own bonsai tree. Everyone is encouraged to share their projects, telling us a bit about them and bask in the glory of your accomplishments. The Plant of the Month will be determined from the Show and Tell today.

 Wednesday, October 2, 10 am    Arrival of the Giant Pumpkin

Seth unloading last year's "Aunt Lisa"

How big will it be this year? Over 1,000 pounds? 2,000 pounds? Be here when the Giant Pumpkin arrives! Guess how many seeds are in this year’s pumpkin and record it in our book. We will count the seeds on October 26 at noon to find the winner and award gift cards.

October 19, 11 am-4 pm      Ask the Expert---Bartlett Tree Experts

John is president of The Maryland Arborist Association

John Davis from Bartlett Tree Experts is here to answer any questions you may have about tree and shrub care, including pruning, insect and disease management and general landscape maintenance. Bring in photos, leaves or branches for a free diagnosis. Bartlett Tree Experts partner with Valley View Farms to provide care and information about trees and shrubs in our community.

 October 26, 12-2 pm    Owl-O-Ween

Kathy (second from left) and others from Phoenix Wildlife Center

Fascinated by owls? Join us for a close look at these magnificent birds and learn more about their habitat from Kathy Woods and volunteers from The Phoenix Wildlife Center. Phoenix Wildlife Center is dedicated to the rehabilitation and return to the wild of owls and other wildlife.

 October 26, 12 noon    Great Pumpkin Seed Contest

Tom, Tim and Nick

Tom Tasselmyer, WBAL's Chief Meteorologist, Laurie and other members of the Tasselmyer family, count the seeds in the giant pumpkin. Guesses have been made through the month. Once counted, we will find the winning guesses and award a $300. Valley View Farms Gift Card for 1st place, $200. for 2nd and $100. for 3rd. Good luck to all!

November 2, 9 am    Winter Bonsai Care

As Old Man Winter approaches, care of both indoor and outdoor bonsai take center stage. Martha will discuss methods used to keep bonsai happy and healthy through the next few months. Our Plants of the Month are Citrus.

 November 2, 11 am    Winterizing the Water Garden

Winter is just around the corner. Tim McQuaid will provide tips to keep the pond healthy, the fish safe and the plants resting until the spring thaw.

 December 7, 9 am     Bonsai--- All about Pines

Martha Meehan will identify various types of pines and discuss their unique characteristics and care. Our Plant of the Month-- you guessed it, Pine.

 December 7, 11 am    Winter Porch Pot Designs

Join us for some ideas on how to create container evergreen designs and displays that will knock your stockings off just in time for holiday decorating outside. Guest speaker Claire Jones provides our inspiration.

Please join us and share ideas that you may have for future seminars and speakers. Thank you.