Part 1)
On Thursday June 20th I sat in a chair in my front yard located on college street and observed my surrounding area. My observation began at 3:30pm, over the course of this time the weather went from near 90s and sunny to thunderstorms and insane showers.
Part 2)
My front yard is located about two blocks down from the University of Vermont Waterman Green. It is a large yard looking out towards College st, but surrounded by a wide array of vegetation. Sitting in my front yard I heard countless species of birds. Many of the birds I was unable to see, but could hear very well. I could hear and see birds as well as a skunk rummage through a bush right next to me (which was very startling when a skunk came running by). many birds would land in my front yard and dig through the grass for small insects to eat. as I walked around my front yard I could see many flowers close to blossoming. the smell was hot and wet from the approaching thunderstorm. As the rain began to fall the smells changed to a more fresh and earthy scent. The sounds changed as well the occasional sounds of thunder crashing, or the squawking of birds trying to escape the crashing rain. At this point I ran to escape the rain as well .
Part 3) Picture from the chair I was sitting in
Part 4) Questions About Bush in my Yard (pictured above).
What type of dogwood bush is growing in my front yard?How old is the dogwood bush?How tall is the dogwood bush?What is the diameter of the main stems at the base?What color are the flowers on the dogwood bush?When does the dogwood bush typically bloom?How long do the flowers on the dogwood bush stay in bloom?What color are the leaves on the dogwood bush in the summer?Do the leaves change color in the fall, and if so, what colors do they turn?Does the dogwood bush produce berries, and if so, what color are they?Are the berries on the dogwood bush edible for humans or animals?What type of soil is the dogwood bush planted in?How much sunlight does the dogwood bush receive daily?How often is the dogwood bush watered?Has the dogwood bush ever been pruned, and if so, how often?What other plants or trees are near the dogwood bush?Has the dogwood bush ever experienced any diseases or pest infestations?Do birds or other wildlife frequent the dogwood bush?How does the dogwood bush contribute to the overall landscape of the front yard?Has any mulch or fertilizer been added around the dogwood bush?Has the dogwood bush ever been damaged by storms or heavy snow?Are there any noticeable changes in the dogwood bush’s health or appearance over the years?Are there any ground cover or flowers planted around the base of the dogwood bush?What inspired the choice of a dogwood bush for the front yard?How does the dogwood bush enhance the curb appeal of the home?
Part 5) How long do Flowers on a Dogwood Bush stay in bloom?
Flowers on a dogwood bush typically remain in bloom for about two to four weeks, depending on weather conditions and the specific variety of dogwood. According to USDA Plant Database, dogwood bushes like Cornus sericea (red osier dogwood) or Cornus alba (Tatarian dogwood) often bloom from late spring into early summer, with their showy clusters of flowers attracting pollinators during this period. The duration of blooming can vary slightly based on local climate factors such as temperature and precipitation levels, but generally, these bushes provide a vibrant display for a few weeks each year.
Part 6) Final Thoughts
After this first visit the Dogwood bush is what really caught my attention. The vast variety of wildlife from rodents to birds to insects, that interacted with the bush really sparked my interest. As I revisit this spot I would like to dive deeper into the Dogwood bush and observe and answer more questions about it.