Post 5: Design Reflections

Initial data collection reflections

My project is about whether or not the amount of direct sunlight on the Crossberry bush (Grewia occidentalis) affects the number of flowers that bloom. My sample replicates were taken on the bushes that receive the least amount of direct sunlight.

Overall, the experience was enlightening with regard to the amount of time needed to measure and place the quadrat. The biggest difficulty was the size and height of the bushes (about 5′ high and 10′ deep). I needed a step ladder in order to place the quadrat and I struggled with counting flowers and buds when the replicate was near the center of the bushes. I used a digital SLR camera to record several pictures of each quadrat in case I needed to refer back to it and re-check my numbers. However, the pictures often have stems obscuring buds and the shadows and highlights made it difficult to see anything beyond the top layer of leaves.

A surprising observation in the data was the amount of small flower buds I observed, but how few actual flowers were open. Given that these replicates were taken in the section in the shade where there weren’t expected to be a lot of flowers, it was strange to see up to 50 buds in a quadrat but only 0-1 flowers that had bloomed.

The next time I collect data, it should be easier. The landscapers went through the following week and clipped all the shrubbery down to <3ft. Unfortunately, it took all the flowers off the top, but it will make placing the quadrats easier since the bushes aren’t so tall with branches sticking out everywhere. Pictures should also be more useful since all the branches have been cut back to the same height and won’t be casting so many shadows or obscuring other features as much. I think the cutting back of the bushes is also good because it resets everything to be growing from the same time point. After 3 weeks post-cut, the leaves have filled in and buds are starting to come back. I hope that in the next 2 weeks I should be able to do some more replicates and count more flowers.