April 15, 2024
Today I’m in the process of moving some of my seedlings outdoors to “harden off”, a process to gradually accommodate them to the outdoor life without damaging them. Several years ago, I decided to place a tray of seedlings in a sunny position on the south side of my home. Well, they were roasted in the sun because they hadn’t been properly conditioned for such a change from indoors. I learned my lesson then, and now gradually introduce them to more rigorous conditions such as wind and hot sun.
Lupine seedlings about two months after being started indoors. These were moved outside on 4/15/2024 to gradually get used to the outdoor environment. They are currently placed in partial shade of a small tree to get morning sun and shade in the afternoon. After a couple days, they will be moved into more sun and less shade before planting in their destined location. I will plant them based on their requirements which is plenty of sun, a dry to medium soil and added sand to ensure adequate drainage I hope to attract the Karner Blue Butterfly with this Sundial Lupine or Lupinus perennis subsp.perennis. The more popular Lupinus polyphullus or Western Lupine is poisonous to the Karner Blue, therefore the Sundial Lupine will help this endangered species of Butterfly.
This plant, a perennial form of alyssum is happily blooming by mid April in my garden. It is an easy plant to start from seed. This is the third year, and it should be divided as there are many plants shoulder to shoulder. It is reliably winter hardy in mid-Illinois, and it was not covered with any protection except for snow which was sporadic. Tulips are blooming, some daffodils are still blooming and my crabapple tree is covered with white blossoms. It seems Spring has finally sprung at last.