Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 GARDENS | FROM PAGE 14 times from the dock in the park. Both the arrival of the fi sh in the rivers from the Atlantic, where they spent the winter, and the bloom of the fl owers signifi ed the real arrival of spring. This spring shrub is found at wood edges in Breakheart Reservation and Lynn Woods, with grayish foliage just emerging behind the fl owers. It usually prefers moist sites and is likely to be located near the edges of the ponds. It has also become a popular landscape plant. The berries are edible, and the fall foliage turns bright reddish, orange and yellow. The other flowering plant named for a fish is trout lily, which is also known as dogtooth violet (Erythronium spp.). The fi sh part of the name came from the pattern on the speckled foliage, which resembles the mottled skin of a trout. It is in the lily family (Liliaceae) and is not related to violets. “Dogtooth” probably refers to the unopened fl ower, which looks like a long, narrow canine tooth. While there are several species found on both sides of the Atlantic, our local species is American trout lily (Erythronium americanum). This one has a yellow blossom, and it is abundant in open woods, but you could possibly fi nd it under a tree in an undisturbed area of your yard as well as wilder places. It also goes by a few other animal-inspired names, such as fawn lily and adder’s-tongue. Like the tulips and daff odils still blooming in our gardens this week, trout lily grows from a bulb which helps it survive challenging sites. Trout lily often forms large colonies. Not all the fl owers blooming now have showy, colorful petals – if they are pollinated by wind, the bright colors and nectar which lure pollinating insects are not necessary. We also see the gracefully dangling catkins of such trees as willows and birches at this time of year. Most birch catkins are observable through the winter as small, brownish structures attached to the twigs, just a little larger than the leaf buds, but now in full bloom they have extended to several inches long and wave with a breeze to better distribute pollen to other birches nearby. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and off ered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking. WASTE REMOVAL & BUILDING MAINTENANCE • Landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulching • Yard Waste & Rubbish Removal • Interior & Exterior Demolition (Old Decks, Fences, Pools, Sheds, etc.) • Appliance and Metal Pick-up • Construction and Estate Cleanouts • Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $169 • Carpentry LICENSED & INSURED Call for FREE ESTIMATES! Office: (781) 233-2244 Mold & Waterproofing EXPERTS • Sump Pumps • Walls & Floor Cracks • ALL WORK GUARANTEED - Licensed Contractor - JPG CONSTRUCTION Cell phone 781-632-7503 508-292-9134 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! Frank Berardino MA License 31811 • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount
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