Phenology Garden
The Armagh Phenology Garden is located on the hillside to the north of the Observatory, close to Robinson Drive.
Everything in nature is the result of phenology. All organisms, including human beings, rely on and act according to the predictable nature of seasonal changes.
The activities of birds and insects let us know that spring has arrived. Birds inherently know that it is time to build a nest. The early spring bulbs know that it is time to emerge.
AOP’s new phenology garden is designed to let us follow the seasonal cycle of selected plants, a part of a European-wide network which contains identical plants. Situated near to the Weather Station we are now adding plants to the enclosure and beginning to record the dates of their phenological stages.
We have the following plants in our phenology garden:
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Phases |
|---|---|---|
| Forsythia suspensa x 2 | Golden Bells | UL BF FF CL FL |
| Salix phylicifolia | Diamondleaf Willow | |
| Salix smithiana | Silky-leaved Osier or Smith Willow | UL BF FF CL FL |
| Salix viminalis | Basket Willow | UL BF FF CL FL |
| Sambucus nigra | Elderberry | UL BF FF RF CL FL |
| Syringa x chinensis | Chinese Lilac | UL BF FF CL FL |
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| Forsythia Suspensa | Salix phylicfolia |
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| Salix Smithiana | Salix Viminalis |
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| Sambucus Nigra | Syringa x Chinensis |
What is Phenology?
Phenology is the study of the seasonal timing of life cycle events in relation to environmental factors. Many phenological spring phases in mid- and high latitudes, such as the dates of first flowering and beginning of leafing, are driven by temperature. Therefore phenological observations are one of the most sensitive indicators of climate impacts on vegetation in these latitudes. They can help for a better understanding of interactions between atmosphere and biosphere.
International Phenological Gardens in Europe
The International Phenological Gardens (IPG) are a network in Europe for the observation of plants. In all gardens genetically identical trees and shrubs are planted in order to make large-scale comparisons among the timing of different developmental stages of plants (phenological phases).
European Phenology Gardens map
Phenology Phases
The following phases (and their abbreviations) are recognised during the yearly phenology cycle (though not all phases are seen in every plant):
- Spring shoot (MS for May Shoot)
- Leaf unfolding (UL)
- St John’s sprout (JS)
- Beginning of flowering (BF)
- General flowering (FF)
- First ripe fruits (RF)
- Autumn colouring (CL)
- Leaf fall (FL)
