Outdoors

In Bloom: Turtlehead

By Suzanne Wodek

Chelone lyonii, commonly called turtlehead, is a native wildflower in the Plantaginaceae family. Chelone means “tortoise,” in reference to its hooded flowers that are shaped like turtle heads emerging from the shell, and lyonii honors John Lyon (1765-1814), an American botanist who was an early explorer of the southern Appalachians.

Pink Turtlehead. Anne Holmes, artist

The large, pink flower clusters bloom atop a 2- to 4-foot stem with dark green, lanced leaves. Turtlehead has a tidy clumping form and does best in part shade with protection from hot afternoon sun. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter. This plant does well along streams, near ponds and in wet woodland settings, and also makes a great addition to cottage gardens, perennial borders and rain gardens. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to its flowers and, best of all, it is deer-resistant!

Upcoming Events

Fall Plant Sale
Saturday, September 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville (BGA) and numerous local plant vendors will offer a wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers for fall planting. BGA members will receive a 10 percent discount on BGA-grown plants that we sell at the gazebo. As always, this event will take place rain or shine. The Botanical Gardens receives no city, state or federal funds. Instead, we receive our funding exclusively through memberships, donations, gift shop sales and the fall and spring plant sales. Free admission and parking on-site or nearby.

Fall Bird Walk with Dr. Andrew Laughlin
Sunday, September 18, 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Meet at the Visitor Center for this outdoor class.
Join us for an easy, early-morning bird walk in the Gardens led by Dr. Andrew Laughlin, long-time birder and UNCA assistant professor and researcher. As we look for, listen to and enjoy the birds, we’ll learn to recognize their songs and calls. Field guides are helpful but not required. Bring binoculars if you wish, and dress for rain or shine.
Must pre-register. Limited to 12 participants. $20 for non-members and $15 for members.

The Botanical Gardens at Asheville, located at 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd. is a nonprofit organization housing a collection of plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated and membership is encouraged. Membership benefits include: a discount of 10 percent on purchases in the gift shop, an extensive collection of gardening and nature books in the Cole Library that members can check out (reference collection, not included), our quarterly New Leaf newsletter and programs at a reduced rate. The BGA Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more at AshevilleBotanicalGardens.org, or call 828.252.5190.

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