【英语时差8,16】秋天开花的紫菀

A farmer in eastern North America may still refer to our native fall blooming asters as weeds. However, the plant explorers who came to this country about two centuries ago, recognized their horticultural value and took them to England where these American Asters were renamed after St. Michael. St. Michael’s Mass is celebrated² in September when many of these beauties bloom - so they became known as Michaelmas Daisies and were greatly prized by the Europeans.

 

    While they started out, without honor in their own country, these roadside weeds eventually came back home after being hybridized to produce an array of wonderful colors. For example, one species, the New England Aster¹, once had only deep purple flowers, but now has blue, pink, reddish and white forms. These are forgiving plants and they are now favorites in our autumn gardens. Most grow tall, so benefit from pinching back in spring and early summer to make them more compact.

 

    They are easily divided in the growing season. They prefer well-drained soil and full to part sun. The clusters of small daisy flowers are colorful and charmingly informal, both in the garden and in the vase. This perennial³ extends the sequence of bloom and should be included in every well-dressed garden.

1 aster   

n.紫菀属植物

参考例句：

• This white aster is magnificent.这棵白色的紫苑是壮丽的。
• Every aster in my hand goes home loaded with a thought.我手中捧着朵朵翠菊，随我归乡带着一片情思。

2 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

3 perennial   

adj.终年的；长久的

参考例句：

• I wonder at her perennial youthfulness.我对她青春常驻感到惊讶。
• There's a perennial shortage of teachers with science qualifications.有理科教学资格的老师一直都很短缺。