The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. The trials resulted in the execution of 20 people, 14 of them women. The witch trials began in Salem Village, now known as Danvers, when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women of witchcraft. The hysteria surrounding the trials quickly spread throughout the area, and many more individuals, primarily women, were arrested and put on trial for allegedly practicing witchcraft. The trials were characterized by a lack of evidence and a reliance on spectral evidence, such as dreams and visions, which were considered unreliable by many at the time. The trials were fueled by widespread fear and superstition, as well as longstanding prejudices against women and marginalized groups.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING THYME PLUG FLATS.
These plants can spruce up challenging spots under trees, accent transitional areas along paths and foundations, and intensify interest in open spaces. Avoid planting or transplanting ground covers in the heat of the summer, and make sure there is adequate moisture where the ground covers are planted.
The trials were fueled by widespread fear and superstition, as well as longstanding prejudices against women and marginalized groups. Many of the accused were social outcasts or people who held unpopular beliefs, making them easy targets for the accusations. The trials came to an end in May 1693 when new Governor William Phips disbanded the special court set up to hear the cases and pardoned those who were still imprisoned.
Use Gorgeous Ground Covers as a Living Mulch
Ground covers make a perfect mulch. These ground huggers hold in moisture, keep weeds at bay, and look good in the process. Many are fine sources of pollen and nectar for pollinator insects.
The months of May, June, and July are a perfect time to work on your ground covers, adding new plants and digging up and dividing established ones. Give your existing ground cover a good once-over, shearing faded blooms once they’ve finished their big show. Don’t hesitate to snip back plants where you need to encourage fullness.
Three of my absolute favorite ground covers are ice plants (Delosperma, spp. and cvs., Zones 6–9), rosy pussytoes (Antennaria rosea, Zones 5–8), and purple spinach bugleweed (Ajuga pyramidalis ‘Metallica Crispa Purpurea’, Zones 4–8).
‘Alan’s Apricot’ ice plant (left) and ‘Firespinner’ ice plant (right). Photo: Mary Ann Newcomer
Ice plants are show-stoppers, hailing from the mountains of Africa. They do exceptionally well in our heat and seem to be unfazed by the smoke of wildfires. They range in color from the palest apricot (‘Alan’s Apricot’) to a riot of color (‘Fire Spinner’) to a very stark white (‘Coconut Crush’). They do exceptionally well in our heat and seem to be unfazed by the smoke of wildfires. Overwatering will kill them sooner rather than later, and they must have exceptional drainage. In fact, you may want to add a handful of sand to the soil. You can also put a small amount of very fine gravel mulch under the leaves when they are planted. They hate clay soils. Some varieties may be hardy to Zone 5; check the label.
Rosy pussytoes (Antennaria rosea). Photo: Mary Ann Newcomer
Soft and furry rosy pussytoes are beloved native plants that play host to the “cats” (caterpillars) of the American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis). Pussytoes send up 4- to 6-inch-tall fuzzy flower stalks, which are tinged pink and resemble cats’ paws.
Purple spinach bugleweed (Ajuga pyramidalis ‘Metallica Crispa Purpurea’). Photo: Mary Ann Newcomer
Purple-leaf spinach bugleweed is a new glossy bugleweed you are going to want in your garden. While some ajugas can be thugs, this one has shown itself to be quite well-behaved. Each plant grows about 1 foot in diameter and needs afternoon shade. These plants can be trained to spread through pinning. Against the shiny black leaves, which resemble spinach and have the texture of patent leather, 4- to 6-inch-tall blue flowers bloom from May until June.
Think about planting a colorful, living garden tapestry using different shades of the ice plants. Change up the texture by weaving in the pale fuzzy pink rosy pussytoes. The purple spinach bugleweed is beautiful as an underplanting for anything lime green or blue.
Avoid planting or transplanting ground covers in the heat of the summer, and make sure there is adequate moisture where the ground covers are planted. Sometimes we forget to check on them until it is too late.
Snow in summer (Cerastium tomentosum). Photo: Mary Ann Newcomer
Here are a few additional ground covers to try:
- Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Zones 2–7)
- Serbian bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana, Zones 2–9)
- Brass buttons (Leptinella squalida, Zones 4–9)
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia, Zones 3–9)
- Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum, Zones 4–9)
- Spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum, Zones 3–8)
- Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3–8)
- Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Zones 5–9)
- Snow in summer (Cerastium tomentosum, Zones 3–7)
- St. John’s wort (Hypericum calycinum, Zones 5–9)
- Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum, Zones 3–9)
- Turkish speedwell (Veronica liwanensis, Zones 3–9)
- Partridge feather (Tanacetum densum ssp. amani, Zones 4–9)
Mary Ann Newcomer is the author of two books: Rocky Mountain Gardener’s Handbook and Vegetable Gardening in the Mountain States.
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Whichever one (or more) of these challenges is the source of your problem spot, chances are the cure is pretty universal: cover it up … quickly, inexpensively and permanently with flowering or lush, green ground cover.
The aftermath of the trials saw a period of reflection and remorse, as the community grappled with the consequences of the mass hysteria and paranoia that had taken hold. The Salem witch trials have since become an infamous part of American history, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process. Numerous books have been written on the subject, seeking to understand and contextualize the events of that dark period in colonial America. These books explore the religious, social, and cultural factors that contributed to the witch trials and shed light on the lives of the accused and the impact of the trials on the community. One notable book on the subject is "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller, a play that uses the Salem witch trials as an allegory for McCarthyism and the Red Scare of the 1950s. "A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials" by Frances Hill is another comprehensive account that delves into the details of the trials and the lives of those involved. Overall, the Salem witch trials were a tragic chapter in American history, highlighting the dangers of hysteria and the importance of safeguarding the principles of justice and due process. The books written on the topic serve as reminders of the lasting impact of this dark period and the need to learn from the mistakes of the past..
Reviews for "Religion and Power: The intersection of faith and authority in the Salem Witch Trials"
1. Mary - 2 stars - I found the book about the Salem witch trials to be incredibly dry and lacking in excitement. The author seemed more interested in providing a historical account rather than bringing the events to life. The characters felt flat and I struggled to connect with any of them. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others looking for a thrilling read about the Salem witch trials.
2. John - 1 star - I was really looking forward to reading a book about the Salem witch trials, but unfortunately, this one fell short. The writing was convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to fully grasp the events that unfolded during that time. Additionally, the author seemed to include unnecessary details that did not contribute to the overall story. I felt disconnected from the characters and their struggles, and ultimately, I put this book down without finishing it.
3. Jennifer - 2 stars - As someone who is fascinated by the Salem witch trials, I was disappointed by this book. The author's writing style was monotonous, failing to captivate my interest. The pacing was slow, and the lack of tension made the story feel stagnant. I was hoping for a more engaging exploration of the history behind the trials, but this book failed to deliver. I would not recommend it to others seeking a gripping tale of the Salem witch trials.
4. David - 2 stars - The book about the Salem witch trials was underwhelming in its execution. Instead of delving into the psychological aspects of the accused and the hysteria that prevailed during that time, the narrative focused too much on the logistics and legal proceedings, which made it feel detached from the emotional weight of the events. The lack of character development hindered my ability to connect with the story, leaving me unsatisfied. I would not recommend this book to those seeking a profound exploration of the Salem witch trials.