Exploring Phenology through Observation, Experimentation and a Common Garden

When our snowpack finally melts away, plant species will awaken to color our landscape. Some species will risk the possibility of a spring frost and race to develop leaves and flowers, absorbing the sunlight and soil nutrients before the competition increases. Other species will delay the development of leaves until the days grow longer and spring temperatures become milder. Variations in timing allow opportunistic plant species to capitalize on available resources. Understanding the phenology of plant species can provide insight to the winners and losers in varying climate conditions. Read more.