tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62335502761037363032024-02-19T01:42:10.478-04:00Woodlands and MeadowsWoodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-85759669589741182502016-01-09T21:10:00.000-04:002016-01-09T21:10:03.459-04:00Ginger Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I love ginger, spices in general, cooking, so why wouldn't I like to grow my own. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYX97mXRJvuq35RdjCW6DrF5iVk9c4NSRNUuQ1d-idq_jJ_SmviU3M3GZQOC17ndcA9X5sBrJClWtXCsC_R8_3I7M3HgQpTS7WvFUDalvWyjPpcaSorEG_5dV0I3GIAJWOqq01gyLNtMR/s1600/via+jan+2016+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYX97mXRJvuq35RdjCW6DrF5iVk9c4NSRNUuQ1d-idq_jJ_SmviU3M3GZQOC17ndcA9X5sBrJClWtXCsC_R8_3I7M3HgQpTS7WvFUDalvWyjPpcaSorEG_5dV0I3GIAJWOqq01gyLNtMR/s320/via+jan+2016+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For years, I have been wanting to grow my own ginger. I do grow Canadian Ginger (Asarum canadense) which is a native perennial. Many people ask if it is ginger (the spice). No, nothing like it, completely different species. In fact, even though the Native Americans used it medicinally, it is also reported to be a carcinogen. I'm not trying it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLr1e0jlE0bCfD0QkaJN4Q54DgHtILh49SFZtCQ54UuBc1_NJcmQithEWe0QIp2hFCcmXB-QR4buzWZe1DhtO-qduydPtNsdsRQV9I2dAB6dKa70gTmCPplhMMEW5k7uh_2pjesNDmApi/s1600/12u+A.+canadense.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLr1e0jlE0bCfD0QkaJN4Q54DgHtILh49SFZtCQ54UuBc1_NJcmQithEWe0QIp2hFCcmXB-QR4buzWZe1DhtO-qduydPtNsdsRQV9I2dAB6dKa70gTmCPplhMMEW5k7uh_2pjesNDmApi/s320/12u+A.+canadense.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ginger (Zingiber officiale) is surprisingly easy to grow and you do not need to spend much to get some. Hence my tale.... update to a post on my Facebook page.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6MHW5ZX4HQKipk4k5P4KlzP-OPKTbsVAF2ohyphenhyphenVAk2s_HJu7y4Lp9WHRbbX2btcpYtBWDupTf0y4MQuLdPER2WmQt1RZjYha8eszE_EMCtEDLDR6OGHXfgmfgWgaJggXCG3WYFa6PCY2D/s1600/wreaths+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6MHW5ZX4HQKipk4k5P4KlzP-OPKTbsVAF2ohyphenhyphenVAk2s_HJu7y4Lp9WHRbbX2btcpYtBWDupTf0y4MQuLdPER2WmQt1RZjYha8eszE_EMCtEDLDR6OGHXfgmfgWgaJggXCG3WYFa6PCY2D/s320/wreaths+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In October or 2015, I purchased a piece of ginger at the Seaport Farmer's Market in Halifax complete with a nice sprout. I had been looking for a piece of ginger like this for some time. The young man selling the ginger pointed out that I could plant it. Yes, that was exactly what I plan to do. Cost: approximately $2.50. Max.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ii71HHr-S4abs1_jfv1J5wJvH9jjAk6MdsP113F8HEPAUWpHC6D5_tnKN6LybXIByLT1BeBOJjOsMi5Ri_yCH_9UshCxQ6o2Ubk8weRKx1o1oW_S65dsF-2CGExyZ1k_DwWa2jh8e6X7/s1600/wreaths+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ii71HHr-S4abs1_jfv1J5wJvH9jjAk6MdsP113F8HEPAUWpHC6D5_tnKN6LybXIByLT1BeBOJjOsMi5Ri_yCH_9UshCxQ6o2Ubk8weRKx1o1oW_S65dsF-2CGExyZ1k_DwWa2jh8e6X7/s320/wreaths+002.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
Went further into the Market and found fully sprouted ginger. Paid $5-6 for this piece, it was 1/2 the size of the first piece I bought. And it was selling fast, they had a whole table of it. At that price, they were making good money. I figured one or the other would give me a pot of ginger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QgaY7t6WfXrjHd3dSx-j8sINHxTxlX5fnq2qryrrFxNxipzg87AY_UqEpEgIAvfCtAv4ZBqQ7Ton6mH3sD1YEVexujRYcUdOoHCENsX2aeIr8DcOzjY0rBKk_YThVA8dADmRzRQbeaM_/s1600/via+jan+2016+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QgaY7t6WfXrjHd3dSx-j8sINHxTxlX5fnq2qryrrFxNxipzg87AY_UqEpEgIAvfCtAv4ZBqQ7Ton6mH3sD1YEVexujRYcUdOoHCENsX2aeIr8DcOzjY0rBKk_YThVA8dADmRzRQbeaM_/s320/via+jan+2016+003.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I planted the fully sprouted piece, over the next two weeks, the nice green shoots gradually died back and as of today (January 2016) I have not seen anymore green shoots. It is just sitting in the pot on the window sill, getting a bit of water from time to time to keep it moist but not wet. I'm not holding my breath it will grow, but I do have hope. Eternal optimist. Perhaps I should have cooked with this one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgzROjckMQ-neUyOWjelqcpugOwi_7w-3kbTGuOQikEObwQ14zj-Q8YnVegXq1qger1twWYa7QTdhNmCu43h8kLcV8DBFm_7EE9YxB7mzb98yblHqcgJk8MRJEL_BkrDcX4hnMshdaoPs/s1600/via+jan+2016+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgzROjckMQ-neUyOWjelqcpugOwi_7w-3kbTGuOQikEObwQ14zj-Q8YnVegXq1qger1twWYa7QTdhNmCu43h8kLcV8DBFm_7EE9YxB7mzb98yblHqcgJk8MRJEL_BkrDcX4hnMshdaoPs/s320/via+jan+2016+006.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, my cheap, regular old ginger, and I did not even plant all of it, sprouted and grew wonderfully, it is currently sitting near the window in the winter sun. I will re-pot it the spring when I have more heat on in the greenhouse and see how it goes. If you just google growing ginger as a houseplant, you can get more specific instructions. I don't know about growing it outside in the ground. I would assume if you did plant some in the ground, it would need to be dug in the fall and treated as a tender bulb (rhizome).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But it would be fun to try. Seen a picture of a turmeric plant somewhere on Facebook last year, I think. Want to try that too. Anyone have a piece?? </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-42501662642137607592015-03-07T07:22:00.002-04:002015-03-07T07:22:54.723-04:00Extreme CompostingAny one who knows me or has heard me give talks on gardening, knows I'm passionate about compost (wrote 2 blogs on the subject in 2011).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUXrEG0UOE34ATys2jtvYWOTGQgjyb4yJF2aDTjGJ2qQ2urUzVWMHFvd_xysFWlEvz9pzDQE1atiASexmz6t5Asl0J1Ex_Osqob6Q0fJfXXdBGVPoBoXocslx-Hj7xW0WUWPK7vVq5RAl/s1600/april+2014+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUXrEG0UOE34ATys2jtvYWOTGQgjyb4yJF2aDTjGJ2qQ2urUzVWMHFvd_xysFWlEvz9pzDQE1atiASexmz6t5Asl0J1Ex_Osqob6Q0fJfXXdBGVPoBoXocslx-Hj7xW0WUWPK7vVq5RAl/s1600/april+2014+025.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
What has got me on to this post is the mention of the build up of compost in bags on the back deck of homes, because no one can get to their compost bins or piles or the use of snowshoes to get to the compost pile on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSAGC/">NSAGC Facebook</a> page. This is the first year, I have ever had to resort to snowshoes to dump the compost.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXryNlGpYXp-cuj3FqFyHcHHMqZ9NVqBH8-BEh8Uflf1Wppwgh9yz_3Jwx9Qi8oOCwNhaVByqz0r2zEUe9rpVei6l-hAy5w_wsF-iYMhoUSkMDFCEG4h5Zvdb0Yj2_oGNF5NBo7fBv79u3/s1600/february+2015+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXryNlGpYXp-cuj3FqFyHcHHMqZ9NVqBH8-BEh8Uflf1Wppwgh9yz_3Jwx9Qi8oOCwNhaVByqz0r2zEUe9rpVei6l-hAy5w_wsF-iYMhoUSkMDFCEG4h5Zvdb0Yj2_oGNF5NBo7fBv79u3/s1600/february+2015+003.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And thank goodness for snowshoes, I did not feel like hip wading through 4-5' of snow. We just purchased 2 pair this year, I did not know how much fun they are. I had an old type made of wood, but found them too big and clunky. These are perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DNnvU9_G8cDQBEynDsViTVFH4KVMom_KvwaVbvrx1PVFpk0Se7PqbWSJnTak5K22gfaUCrSLsZIoikZl-dHNbGjRnpcNc1FpfDudZEuTlTBREwtg8f1theS1x-E71IphviTPtHbyqoel/s1600/february+2015+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DNnvU9_G8cDQBEynDsViTVFH4KVMom_KvwaVbvrx1PVFpk0Se7PqbWSJnTak5K22gfaUCrSLsZIoikZl-dHNbGjRnpcNc1FpfDudZEuTlTBREwtg8f1theS1x-E71IphviTPtHbyqoel/s1600/february+2015+004.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course the compost piles up under the counter, mostly coffee and vegetable peelings, but it has to go. I don't use my Municipality's green cart. What I can put in my own compost I can; scraps (bones, bits of meat) - the dog gets, old bread - the crows. I don't waste food, I try to find a use for it before it goes bad (freeze it for later) or just don't buy what you don't need.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTySJUGJySRDOWR5W6B1ktY1xqEkKGjMrp2IgLCE3F2nImfhRZvfPjJzVwxtJoqfPjeoZlkCZ2Yp6ljOJZHBG5FxTzik_ceTbXrHOmg_-TW40yHjUgWZXgTaQOwtVgiwZjevuPE0g3VdV/s1600/february+2015+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTySJUGJySRDOWR5W6B1ktY1xqEkKGjMrp2IgLCE3F2nImfhRZvfPjJzVwxtJoqfPjeoZlkCZ2Yp6ljOJZHBG5FxTzik_ceTbXrHOmg_-TW40yHjUgWZXgTaQOwtVgiwZjevuPE0g3VdV/s1600/february+2015+015.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a long trek to the compost down below the vegetable garden, beside the wood shed. Doesn't seem that far when there is no snow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyDwS42-7iSW97YbV18GELQRoK0_6Y_jicIEYsnhQssWKWlgatpyvh6IQvfZXYYCcF-EIaQbQNqv6ATf8sbSNyYhVPhV0MD-dbC_CuBsLOESpyPlkkFTZUxLbF5L4O93phDJ-yrCW3zeO/s1600/february+2015+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyDwS42-7iSW97YbV18GELQRoK0_6Y_jicIEYsnhQssWKWlgatpyvh6IQvfZXYYCcF-EIaQbQNqv6ATf8sbSNyYhVPhV0MD-dbC_CuBsLOESpyPlkkFTZUxLbF5L4O93phDJ-yrCW3zeO/s1600/february+2015+005.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
But I'm ready.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmDt8vMx8a6z-082g21neGAjkAip1AYSWgmuH7a8kB5JcE2Xhyw7PfeZMwwVzrzbNAgZgop7Y7YYgFycfDPagbXwJNx9pFg7Dw5WJNGwXMNLLjZ2XIcPDe6RsqDif_UElQb-C9ZgPtYOv/s1600/february+2015+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmDt8vMx8a6z-082g21neGAjkAip1AYSWgmuH7a8kB5JcE2Xhyw7PfeZMwwVzrzbNAgZgop7Y7YYgFycfDPagbXwJNx9pFg7Dw5WJNGwXMNLLjZ2XIcPDe6RsqDif_UElQb-C9ZgPtYOv/s1600/february+2015+008.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And the snow is relatively firm after all this cold weather, but I know if it wasn't for the snow shoes, I would have a much more difficult time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-D6IWP0frejAJ-fP1H0Vqm9HfU-dseKsijag0bnMwjMizAhajUNlYci1y7NDS5hwxOTzeySs07zSTl1wn-xnhwq7u6QonPFE5zYxP3M7tq1SixqV3agnfX7An_L6-l2gK9zAuJcFFJO7/s1600/february+2015+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-D6IWP0frejAJ-fP1H0Vqm9HfU-dseKsijag0bnMwjMizAhajUNlYci1y7NDS5hwxOTzeySs07zSTl1wn-xnhwq7u6QonPFE5zYxP3M7tq1SixqV3agnfX7An_L6-l2gK9zAuJcFFJO7/s1600/february+2015+010.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The bin on the left is finished compost for this coming year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPCXXJxtvXROFABdw0xefCGwvackuP2xZzBzHtIXVzygURQDKfGrVWdy9iyUaJBdVHAcRZ5_PBck-0_iwz6j_DKdPfH2qCZG0CC3VEohWALw4xHL7i7j0vPsRtjcCLupBleJTBVZmVgbv/s1600/february+2015+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPCXXJxtvXROFABdw0xefCGwvackuP2xZzBzHtIXVzygURQDKfGrVWdy9iyUaJBdVHAcRZ5_PBck-0_iwz6j_DKdPfH2qCZG0CC3VEohWALw4xHL7i7j0vPsRtjcCLupBleJTBVZmVgbv/s1600/february+2015+012.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
All the bins are 5' in height. There is plenty of snow around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLl4Er8IGgfi2pW-v5BDyJhoHPtU-oYKtXHVM_eJe1kLo6-RheOmMhfaWaE9YcXHrFe-HlAmp8TbmYA6DB-NWi1S_pI-kMrHNHSdMHx3Ai_DRyK8g1MSacHz32MF-hLXL9cWnElaRV-FC/s1600/february+2015+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLl4Er8IGgfi2pW-v5BDyJhoHPtU-oYKtXHVM_eJe1kLo6-RheOmMhfaWaE9YcXHrFe-HlAmp8TbmYA6DB-NWi1S_pI-kMrHNHSdMHx3Ai_DRyK8g1MSacHz32MF-hLXL9cWnElaRV-FC/s1600/february+2015+016.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well that job's done. There have been several treks to the piles but it is all worth it. This compost goes in my vegetable garden because I know what I put in it.<br />
<br />
As I write, it is snowing again. Will it ever stop??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-74310077822739093912015-02-26T19:29:00.000-04:002015-02-26T19:29:39.993-04:00Family Gardening<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi, it has been awhile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I obsess way too much about what to write and finding the perfect pictures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know, write what you know.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIg0k4E7CYlTtoP1M7VZMUlQ_pY8mCnJbSCyzoS9bJs_6S7V18pUbTWrEQixdiOvzHKrFmaZtMuaQCO2oxwPCek3g9J1t2m2mIg6kLtBWDyORuwdrUAHA-dORAqmcH73RVygcmEtAR5ekY/s1600/11001803_10153169588138140_6250998608780966088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIg0k4E7CYlTtoP1M7VZMUlQ_pY8mCnJbSCyzoS9bJs_6S7V18pUbTWrEQixdiOvzHKrFmaZtMuaQCO2oxwPCek3g9J1t2m2mIg6kLtBWDyORuwdrUAHA-dORAqmcH73RVygcmEtAR5ekY/s1600/11001803_10153169588138140_6250998608780966088_n.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This weekend, myself and fellow gardener Lana Blos (under the direction of Susan Corning) is giving a talk at Seedy Saturday at the Truro Farmer's Market on Family Gardening. How to encourage families to garden together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There has been a great serge in interest in urban/suburban vegetable gardening. It is actually quite easy to tuck a few veg plants here and there among the planters on the deck or the flowers in the garden even if space is limited. Many vegetables are easily suited for container such as tomatoes, peppers, greens and herbs and may companies are producing seed specifically for containers and planters. I know two people whom grew squash in a large container with a trellis and had very good results.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When gardening with your children, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1iUGpT6QhyIfJYHHdh58NAEqcSyi4KRl1FCg70bhxsa_XkJJx6dDwTFEGtGJhzgCtd5mFwzTQ9mLQMICwZcwfcUnmONDu5fH2eUTfU-vJrz9tX6sEVsKM-3Ptf9meOtKosRmP8VCZh5v/s1600/106_0678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1iUGpT6QhyIfJYHHdh58NAEqcSyi4KRl1FCg70bhxsa_XkJJx6dDwTFEGtGJhzgCtd5mFwzTQ9mLQMICwZcwfcUnmONDu5fH2eUTfU-vJrz9tX6sEVsKM-3Ptf9meOtKosRmP8VCZh5v/s1600/106_0678.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They learn how to design, planning, planting, maintaining, harvesting and sharing skills.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They learn about science, become environmentally aware,
u<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">nderstanding the interactions of nature and how it works,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how insects pollinate, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">how a seed grows, u</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">nderstanding that sun and rain makes things grow and there needs to be
balance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">The idea that you put a tiny seed in the ground and in
a few months you have carrots, tomatoes, flowers.</span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">They have exposure to
healthy food, actually knowing what a vegetable looks like and how it grows and just doesn't everything taste better when you grow it yourself. Children are more likely to eat them it they grow it themselves.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">We are learning more all the time about how important fruits and vegetables really are to our diet. There have been many studies indicating this. There are also studies suggesting that gardening when young increases the exposure to pathogens that help build up our immune systems to help us fight off chronic diseases and mental problems when we are older.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">There can not possibly be any disadvantages. Can there?</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Maybe one.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuc12QW77PR-pSKiC0bjowuKS1PB5xfg5LyZMLCn0R9uhcQj2m1IbD6IKmAXoh0-UGI97U0IqpKtcl2rQpQY8E8jNLiLfsKUWw64EXM3hVBSL8padA03w0Wd-TnaefC7LC1rgWg7J4CNJ/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuc12QW77PR-pSKiC0bjowuKS1PB5xfg5LyZMLCn0R9uhcQj2m1IbD6IKmAXoh0-UGI97U0IqpKtcl2rQpQY8E8jNLiLfsKUWw64EXM3hVBSL8padA03w0Wd-TnaefC7LC1rgWg7J4CNJ/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">They are going to get dirty.</span><br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-language: FR-CA; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span></span></span><br />
<br />Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-16737021410590087712014-04-06T21:53:00.003-03:002014-04-06T21:53:27.082-03:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am sick and tired of winter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes Winter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How can you say it is spring, when I still have a foot of snow in some places in the yard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OoyvyxXuUPxRLecbBq1QsXl9gKvodcOtnG3dpUPlk9Fzv7YMYzanMAT34lCSSVSl5XRAXEtXci9EZtRuZ7Tl0RDNjbnwG-wuc_-Ue9pgw0R6CzeM23Z4tO5t801GmC5UxoGHI-ozCNEQ/s1600/april+2014+001+(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OoyvyxXuUPxRLecbBq1QsXl9gKvodcOtnG3dpUPlk9Fzv7YMYzanMAT34lCSSVSl5XRAXEtXci9EZtRuZ7Tl0RDNjbnwG-wuc_-Ue9pgw0R6CzeM23Z4tO5t801GmC5UxoGHI-ozCNEQ/s1600/april+2014+001+(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know tomorrow is supposed to go to 10 C. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We will see. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLpUVG6y-2xmKwnkzUkWTVGAxAoiZuacnaC8l3RDDnXVdOEDun5a4HMOr6M6cT2Ni2dnasTegf1-nv1mMT3GBQCI7ndjSrh2Vhvn7Q0kqZq8fQ-yYL8Agsw5DJO1R9YCGbXbC5DcuyQ8c/s1600/april+2014+002+(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLpUVG6y-2xmKwnkzUkWTVGAxAoiZuacnaC8l3RDDnXVdOEDun5a4HMOr6M6cT2Ni2dnasTegf1-nv1mMT3GBQCI7ndjSrh2Vhvn7Q0kqZq8fQ-yYL8Agsw5DJO1R9YCGbXbC5DcuyQ8c/s1600/april+2014+002+(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes I am being very cynically, but gardening sales season is coming up way to fast, and what will I have to offer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOJIv9UohS5gvQAqw7mWXCdIzgteo_jhzFd0YZ5qoJg4iyDRfVwRkrOmO98BXieeZcGer6czyvXzYK-HNSp7MeaRRehOAfjCuK-ZO-zO_braMXPmeu8jT4GqzLhlS2wKFQyZu9AHlpu-m/s1600/20140404_183248+(800x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOJIv9UohS5gvQAqw7mWXCdIzgteo_jhzFd0YZ5qoJg4iyDRfVwRkrOmO98BXieeZcGer6czyvXzYK-HNSp7MeaRRehOAfjCuK-ZO-zO_braMXPmeu8jT4GqzLhlS2wKFQyZu9AHlpu-m/s1600/20140404_183248+(800x600).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the latest I have ever removed the coverings from the over wintering plants. two nights ago we removed the brush but the plastic was still frozen down</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZ6v6Pnaom8EZHQRjSDDBQH0YJXo04di0lzIEUBSzOQ5cdmkn-fBjnqTQidz31lyxI74UlZyV9a7f_18AzgSTBHtw1MIhRQkECi7Sy9lEbbgWi8pYn0oBbMVqJ9iRk_v0CoDfDXh9Z4eK/s1600/april+2014+009+(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZ6v6Pnaom8EZHQRjSDDBQH0YJXo04di0lzIEUBSzOQ5cdmkn-fBjnqTQidz31lyxI74UlZyV9a7f_18AzgSTBHtw1MIhRQkECi7Sy9lEbbgWi8pYn0oBbMVqJ9iRk_v0CoDfDXh9Z4eK/s1600/april+2014+009+(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even this morning the plastic was cemented to the ground. And to top that off, a squirrel made her home in under. We will be picking out spruce seedlings all summer.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOsysO8YJzIWLKAdDIyvgLmU-bNrYOQfOtjS63h6C_vdsyH4tfYX8Lifw-Nf3N2VvI6igsQ7S4OnQGvBZvb8tA5GQ2CeVUBp6cOBERv5Oo0Sdh9g86JqVYeNsT3nGkGELHuIix9GSuVGE/s1600/20140404_184522+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOsysO8YJzIWLKAdDIyvgLmU-bNrYOQfOtjS63h6C_vdsyH4tfYX8Lifw-Nf3N2VvI6igsQ7S4OnQGvBZvb8tA5GQ2CeVUBp6cOBERv5Oo0Sdh9g86JqVYeNsT3nGkGELHuIix9GSuVGE/s1600/20140404_184522+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Andrew was determined to get every piece of brush on the buggy. Didn't happen.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1UV2prroQCupCA3b3R9B72IFTlVtVPvrx3DFcctE9lOXevjf9PcVKyD7JQU3xeqW0-WAZ99p8aXIcHlonAD92ABSXoob0xU-CGRhZOvIVYoAM19Gl1cgsZdM5779jqBinjV5lmnVs0CJ/s1600/april+2014+007+(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1UV2prroQCupCA3b3R9B72IFTlVtVPvrx3DFcctE9lOXevjf9PcVKyD7JQU3xeqW0-WAZ99p8aXIcHlonAD92ABSXoob0xU-CGRhZOvIVYoAM19Gl1cgsZdM5779jqBinjV5lmnVs0CJ/s1600/april+2014+007+(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At least there are signs of spring, Hellebore in bud but not bloom, maybe in a few weeks??</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut4vom9SoKjuFRmbRYidOPFpJIqPZf1xr93glVNnmQHATN4cBNswsZufjD3OiDH1qFuJ0etTp-rhaaG6FX73hvsc1fYV0KIwDA1Im-WZiHks41F7gMxYkn0giHDscbD6RjLkci6194mRV/s1600/april+2014+003+(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut4vom9SoKjuFRmbRYidOPFpJIqPZf1xr93glVNnmQHATN4cBNswsZufjD3OiDH1qFuJ0etTp-rhaaG6FX73hvsc1fYV0KIwDA1Im-WZiHks41F7gMxYkn0giHDscbD6RjLkci6194mRV/s1600/april+2014+003+(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nepeta, Catmint, leafed out under last years stems.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQFxdJZgkh9-ZOlE-9mcwzqCfIffr1GaDYPzD-6c_ogKdMBdOAapHmPAVdfVTJZeTsbRnKZUHtREn1zJpyPj6yM4Bl_4l_MoTZisufzQ8oCKopnOBSHfvFFIM35QEOvdb7QhPIeZYr-bS/s1600/april+2014+004+(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQFxdJZgkh9-ZOlE-9mcwzqCfIffr1GaDYPzD-6c_ogKdMBdOAapHmPAVdfVTJZeTsbRnKZUHtREn1zJpyPj6yM4Bl_4l_MoTZisufzQ8oCKopnOBSHfvFFIM35QEOvdb7QhPIeZYr-bS/s1600/april+2014+004+(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sedum, Red Carpet, survived quite nicely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkY4bcRUCMq9tEexgD79ygJ61SBsamLR1NF2PIiFYQ3GFT2HadZwEs5kdwz-WrpB-Gng1w1nQltIY53gBmL-ukm3iL7CDtRdCQUL-wO9wYUIhk3KFj4AfyrZ-y0ZExx7f-0_-Oot8tubR/s1600/april+2014+005+(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkY4bcRUCMq9tEexgD79ygJ61SBsamLR1NF2PIiFYQ3GFT2HadZwEs5kdwz-WrpB-Gng1w1nQltIY53gBmL-ukm3iL7CDtRdCQUL-wO9wYUIhk3KFj4AfyrZ-y0ZExx7f-0_-Oot8tubR/s1600/april+2014+005+(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Monarda, Beebalm, smells so good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R7A9GI2Ha4PyesoqY-knCuOIufes-DaUp1jL7UDzcDMMJtx-d5YDpUwj1xjbr71_eO3gv4pi7Q3mKaJQEnREv3Gi5N9rtCPITjyvLeFtiaGdUMI65_89d2V5eyOE1iC6sS_FSQ1lhNR4/s1600/april+2014+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R7A9GI2Ha4PyesoqY-knCuOIufes-DaUp1jL7UDzcDMMJtx-d5YDpUwj1xjbr71_eO3gv4pi7Q3mKaJQEnREv3Gi5N9rtCPITjyvLeFtiaGdUMI65_89d2V5eyOE1iC6sS_FSQ1lhNR4/s1600/april+2014+012.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Sempervivums, Hens and Chicks, as well as others, came out of the unheated greenhouse last week and onto the trailer so I could push (with help) them in and out of the garage. The had advanced enough that below freezing temperatures would harm them at this point but I wanted them to slow down a bit.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcDFn3O0LYX1r3Oyg_puCNSqokXjIEQSrahFpJBet5QmW6Dra70B1dSpk3MIiwPpAAkqB5p_VA1NfV1DL65IrX0ow3WyucE2h7rHPcU9aaZiDFn5O2n4KojzLmEgRFCBTaqbUabYTu6cd/s1600/april+2014+011+(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcDFn3O0LYX1r3Oyg_puCNSqokXjIEQSrahFpJBet5QmW6Dra70B1dSpk3MIiwPpAAkqB5p_VA1NfV1DL65IrX0ow3WyucE2h7rHPcU9aaZiDFn5O2n4KojzLmEgRFCBTaqbUabYTu6cd/s1600/april+2014+011+(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Erythronium, Dog Tooth Violet, Pagoda, is a cultivated version of our native Trout Lily. They came up quickly in the greenhouse and are almost in bloom. The cooler outside temperatures are helping to slow them down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfsiPvSCtVsbGZEt_6xbh-LUousMOQzWbXabpMWGszcl7EHQtdRHB4dloeK-8osUuPrqs_HFMaQHI9c1BHmmUihMCE7CI0SqH62QP5g1sq0Y1rxF9UKULEaMCeXitrZAhHZ1TA63Xgx5U/s1600/april+2014+014+(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfsiPvSCtVsbGZEt_6xbh-LUousMOQzWbXabpMWGszcl7EHQtdRHB4dloeK-8osUuPrqs_HFMaQHI9c1BHmmUihMCE7CI0SqH62QP5g1sq0Y1rxF9UKULEaMCeXitrZAhHZ1TA63Xgx5U/s1600/april+2014+014+(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The nicest place to be these days? The Greenhouse</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiO4YOKRAH8oo9Yj7lmRaNN3herGtbngzcZYxzVE2F9k8eRVrQWxP1g-M3YgZW4ZIjYPHN02xjKBYTYiRyEP-W_NHcDQS6w7KQRQJKMUJ5v8aIfHPnSBLCHV9TChziFSEVsTGvX6Ke08c/s1600/april+2014+013+(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiO4YOKRAH8oo9Yj7lmRaNN3herGtbngzcZYxzVE2F9k8eRVrQWxP1g-M3YgZW4ZIjYPHN02xjKBYTYiRyEP-W_NHcDQS6w7KQRQJKMUJ5v8aIfHPnSBLCHV9TChziFSEVsTGvX6Ke08c/s1600/april+2014+013+(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everything is moving along nicely, the tomatoes and peppers have just started to germinate. It seems too early by the weather, yet I feel it is too late by the calender.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6G7WP-IXLc0X3jv4KQx5FhK_oDe9klhj3-EnqUdxsr085Y9DpVeTaraexFY5c5YP15kcNgG5tvMPJypo3Dmnwh9_WQK0CL2lzU51XsWqYDbzWInCspXefBxHsGHY4W5lDnlOPOk3W1wfk/s1600/May+2012+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6G7WP-IXLc0X3jv4KQx5FhK_oDe9klhj3-EnqUdxsr085Y9DpVeTaraexFY5c5YP15kcNgG5tvMPJypo3Dmnwh9_WQK0CL2lzU51XsWqYDbzWInCspXefBxHsGHY4W5lDnlOPOk3W1wfk/s1600/May+2012+006.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can hope.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And maybe try not to be too cynical.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-25112439793637730412013-06-27T20:33:00.000-03:002013-06-27T20:33:22.438-03:00Hosta Daze<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGAywjUgpR8Eyb4CHS6Ql6Q_W1oM6Fp0aphlxQtdNcxKRiHY9_YUA5WHGLhDczap7mMXAuj84M9emU4fc22-8BkhrpqU3_VYEqBffVxC_e2KqZZRKnEkqQj-aRpZ-1OKegzGRTPduoS0c/s1600/june+2013+010+(2)+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGAywjUgpR8Eyb4CHS6Ql6Q_W1oM6Fp0aphlxQtdNcxKRiHY9_YUA5WHGLhDczap7mMXAuj84M9emU4fc22-8BkhrpqU3_VYEqBffVxC_e2KqZZRKnEkqQj-aRpZ-1OKegzGRTPduoS0c/s320/june+2013+010+(2)+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The lush clumps of bold, exotic leaves are their main feature. Flowers are an added bonus. They are dependable and reliable plants that brighten up shady areas. The leaves may be variegated blue-green, gold-green. white-green, two toned, three-toned etc..., solid green, blues, gold, as well as various shapes and sizes, forms, leaf textures. They range from 4" miniatures to 6' giants. You describe your ideal hosta and it is probably out there. After all, there are thousands of varieties on the market now and more coming.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9GpL_g13c72TsfoBCCP7kWumV2FZwq2M0Csgh-Gw55z2u3J6PG_vPQqqKvSs-lWXfWdaVdIQuvXft9r85hxQnHN89sTYnE_zHvWDEcXxM-iXeAk6_pI_n2yymYtTiKmu5atcYT5cJsHL/s1600/ped+gold+(479x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9GpL_g13c72TsfoBCCP7kWumV2FZwq2M0Csgh-Gw55z2u3J6PG_vPQqqKvSs-lWXfWdaVdIQuvXft9r85hxQnHN89sTYnE_zHvWDEcXxM-iXeAk6_pI_n2yymYtTiKmu5atcYT5cJsHL/s320/ped+gold+(479x640).jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Piedmont Gold</div>
<br />
<br />
Can you grow them in the sun? Of course, but they need moisture. Nothing a few good scoops of compost won't take care of. Generally speaking, the yellow leaved hosta are best located in the sun, they maintain their yellow-gold colouring and contrast nicely next to perennials with darker green foliage.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmWqAj3uwq5F8JL1cWyOl6gPbxIyivKBjvpLyUSwdORyP7Af7chA53mrc9Y8i1or3hrup5po2vbGylN7lxMW6k_TtFC1neWWtwqHJu1qvGlSuYS6-CkAK2d3FrO4ZxThTV3jza-piefe3/s1600/Blue+Angel+I+(640x479).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmWqAj3uwq5F8JL1cWyOl6gPbxIyivKBjvpLyUSwdORyP7Af7chA53mrc9Y8i1or3hrup5po2vbGylN7lxMW6k_TtFC1neWWtwqHJu1qvGlSuYS6-CkAK2d3FrO4ZxThTV3jza-piefe3/s320/Blue+Angel+I+(640x479).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blue Angel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Blue Hostas need at least afternoon shade. If planted in an area with afternoon sun, they will grow, but will loose there beautiful blue colouring. The sun can scorch off a waxy layer that gives the blue hosta its colour, rain or rubbing against other plants can also cause a mottling appearance. Blue hosta can grow in complete shade. And after all, if you are seeking out blue hosta, let's keep it blue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXwj70b0JnTFgiSofb21QZzhBJGdIQbd7QOqMMO6Ha0-Sjpoje1fN8eERkBkprhlA1qS-dcoPpVtkSZ7_RkhVA8ExHwzGgGLAfDuajIKqqiJ-WTBsRuHmMqTGFpq8yWwsftiVmOMmgwmy/s1600/Bress+blue+(640x479).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXwj70b0JnTFgiSofb21QZzhBJGdIQbd7QOqMMO6Ha0-Sjpoje1fN8eERkBkprhlA1qS-dcoPpVtkSZ7_RkhVA8ExHwzGgGLAfDuajIKqqiJ-WTBsRuHmMqTGFpq8yWwsftiVmOMmgwmy/s320/Bress+blue+(640x479).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bressingham Blue</div>
<br />
The flowers range from mauve to lilac-lavender to pure white. Some are even fragrant. They rise 1-2" above the plant opening to elegant lily-like flowers. Many of them are prized by floral arrangers.<br />
<br />
The perfect plant? Hosta collectors think so, and some of them can be a bit obsessive, but with thousands of varieties out there, they can keep collecting to their hearts content. The problem I find is some of them look so much alike.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQGfN4g_okKeAu2LgBtDMKJbpq-89KBbp7f6clSK7DXXmBf757SDPwTUKZQPWmE9B0x2oKadl9fAS8pVdGBHEwaTiQqd4hzZa_esUgWs16VdLQe3cs3Ayu2CsU3sqYv6G6St2914KeTSV/s1600/june+2013+002+(2)+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQGfN4g_okKeAu2LgBtDMKJbpq-89KBbp7f6clSK7DXXmBf757SDPwTUKZQPWmE9B0x2oKadl9fAS8pVdGBHEwaTiQqd4hzZa_esUgWs16VdLQe3cs3Ayu2CsU3sqYv6G6St2914KeTSV/s320/june+2013+002+(2)+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
One draw back may be that the slugs find them an irresistible treat. Here in my garden Ligularia Desdemonia and Britt Marie Crawford are the irresistible treat. The slugs and the snails devour them . Generally speaking, I don't mind the few slug holes I find. It may be more of a problem when the plants are small.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbnp0HKXXH75e6T8fAAQi0RX81vzQ2M7o3h1eV2euaRe5fnFtj1RmNGu13vEBt_Bl0ac-czcbABLKgFLMOiGWxkkYTTsjKdoV6i1o8IQSecwf7yxw3vS4PdZrx2smSIOlFVAZUQUKNJ7j/s1600/june+2013+003+(2)+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbnp0HKXXH75e6T8fAAQi0RX81vzQ2M7o3h1eV2euaRe5fnFtj1RmNGu13vEBt_Bl0ac-czcbABLKgFLMOiGWxkkYTTsjKdoV6i1o8IQSecwf7yxw3vS4PdZrx2smSIOlFVAZUQUKNJ7j/s320/june+2013+003+(2)+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
However, some varieties of Hosta are more resistant than others. Generally, the thicker the leaf, the lest likely the slugs will like them. Also some of the bluer hosta are not as appealing. You don't see too many holes, if any in the blues.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3xjdFJYKV_tw6uDYw15wtjUi-XbktC7lPFVxf3ik2SXfXch1Z9zydvDi4dqDD5RyscE0Zb5dV8wbXbHixwktP5pw_CcQeJBAbaEy77K2NLXsaQqxSXESHaL2QMGj2qIzaECgiRcGPTEt/s1600/July+6+2010+001+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3xjdFJYKV_tw6uDYw15wtjUi-XbktC7lPFVxf3ik2SXfXch1Z9zydvDi4dqDD5RyscE0Zb5dV8wbXbHixwktP5pw_CcQeJBAbaEy77K2NLXsaQqxSXESHaL2QMGj2qIzaECgiRcGPTEt/s320/July+6+2010+001+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Deer are a second problem, at the Farmer's Market in Truro, not a Saturday morning goes by without some one complaining about the deer eating their hosta. They are far more of a problem in towns where it is not uncommon for you to look out your window and see a deer looking back in. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB613QLzDJ_v4UQxcE2JIZiNDVS5IN1KmuMjVPSh8q0_28SmVxLQt-L4WNBfg7sWPJQtXVNa7bMuw_r2K93GVlBu7gyY_sTlxUMAOXi41IoAucqQCI1nBYhLr6Q6rioScnxmtbL005ZJ0N/s1600/Gill's+Prom+061+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB613QLzDJ_v4UQxcE2JIZiNDVS5IN1KmuMjVPSh8q0_28SmVxLQt-L4WNBfg7sWPJQtXVNa7bMuw_r2K93GVlBu7gyY_sTlxUMAOXi41IoAucqQCI1nBYhLr6Q6rioScnxmtbL005ZJ0N/s320/Gill's+Prom+061+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
A friend describes being wakened in the night by a 'rippppp' then a 'chomp, chomp, chomp..' and looking out the bedroom window, nose to nose with a late night snacker. I don't have deer problems (knock on wood) and you would think I would. They have eaten my beans in the veggie garden, the tips of my cherry tree, and the crab apples in the fall, but they have not touched my hosta. Is it because, out in this area, we have hunters in the fall and they are scared of us? or there are many farmed fields full of lush forage crops. What ever the reason, I will count my blessings, and my hosta.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk9vFAmwhtgzgrju675rGSU5zJU9whLWFOJQFntotWCFix1rg-goGFs-Y-1wBqyNUkr39JhOXHDNe1HYFvWz7UkbTHIlfTkFIcncSAjvcnu8J6UrWx1TrNDaSCC6wkwGzDGGZk1AEBxxU/s640/june+2013+007+(2)+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk9vFAmwhtgzgrju675rGSU5zJU9whLWFOJQFntotWCFix1rg-goGFs-Y-1wBqyNUkr39JhOXHDNe1HYFvWz7UkbTHIlfTkFIcncSAjvcnu8J6UrWx1TrNDaSCC6wkwGzDGGZk1AEBxxU/s320/june+2013+007+(2)+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And can they quickly fill in, this bed drastically needs to have them divided either this fall or next spring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbS51JrKG7dmFbYkJCilTTOxE9Kpy1bfqvajEKUvlupTdZiMUA6pUoCEcdIt-0ZO028c5I48vpCFQ7USRQqwaDiCkTLNqa80SA4YRGH-BN1y9412m1XssRtVlPC1nroH5fSLq6OlTnR8i/s1600/june+2013+011+(2)+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbS51JrKG7dmFbYkJCilTTOxE9Kpy1bfqvajEKUvlupTdZiMUA6pUoCEcdIt-0ZO028c5I48vpCFQ7USRQqwaDiCkTLNqa80SA4YRGH-BN1y9412m1XssRtVlPC1nroH5fSLq6OlTnR8i/s320/june+2013+011+(2)+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On the other hand, minis can solve that problem. Small, cute and easily divided with a trowel or small shovel.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Deer maybe an issue, but at least they have good taste.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-68869529225891267492013-03-24T14:03:00.001-03:002013-03-24T14:03:26.706-03:00SquirrelsI don't mind the squirrels at the bird feeder except when they scratch up the window frames. We put a new window in last fall and I just happened to get a new bird feeder last fall also. The new window frame is made of Fiberglas. The squirrel just can't get a grip. So he scampers up the cedar clapboards and makes a lunge for the feeder.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJHaEKCpJ2bjjrf8zjcaYepyy7qvns7vbj42ICOng2_2JzRQIO5QxcvXVeCaVfZ4NXNnnNXzDvBq8woYxGKkT-IdNoaU0KNfdpLBLdH_Gg-0IjVva6r5Ekn6VHMFjklyTgAFcRSos2lIU/s1600/march2013+012+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJHaEKCpJ2bjjrf8zjcaYepyy7qvns7vbj42ICOng2_2JzRQIO5QxcvXVeCaVfZ4NXNnnNXzDvBq8woYxGKkT-IdNoaU0KNfdpLBLdH_Gg-0IjVva6r5Ekn6VHMFjklyTgAFcRSos2lIU/s320/march2013+012+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
He gets on top, but because the top is metal (fake copper, it is already starting to rust) he has a hard time hanging on, and he can't figure out how to get around the top and down to the seed. He usually drops to the ground and at least gives it one more go before giving up, and heads back to the woods.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZmpJGvaqcjvYivGz2IaA0AT34sPZH_pcXnMODEcWm6PLu-IGLLGk5iklrTOodE6VfMrPzNGd67-KgEA-60B_SAp1zquGY0J1EgLuyUXV2VB7zweh7NuTdRJLGX40JVarA98mtk9IZMff/s1600/march2013+015+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZmpJGvaqcjvYivGz2IaA0AT34sPZH_pcXnMODEcWm6PLu-IGLLGk5iklrTOodE6VfMrPzNGd67-KgEA-60B_SAp1zquGY0J1EgLuyUXV2VB7zweh7NuTdRJLGX40JVarA98mtk9IZMff/s320/march2013+015+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Who needs one of those $100 fancy squirrel proof feeders, mine cost $15, even though it may not last that many years. It would have been awfully cute to actually get a picture of him going through this, but I think he has given up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX68k8T_K3ujl1zD_z8BQzd6efd9LZ-kaBYac6Uhlcug8Gr_95C3xi0lfR7xbNV4UiACGBRzgDWADyHx_2vr9StmvseLZ4zmmH8kmdSCcuvIfoHj5THDZ6dwX1AWlR0vkws9fGGMynw6b/s1600/march2013+017+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX68k8T_K3ujl1zD_z8BQzd6efd9LZ-kaBYac6Uhlcug8Gr_95C3xi0lfR7xbNV4UiACGBRzgDWADyHx_2vr9StmvseLZ4zmmH8kmdSCcuvIfoHj5THDZ6dwX1AWlR0vkws9fGGMynw6b/s320/march2013+017+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Andrew bought me a new poll for Christmas. He attached it to the railing where we could still see the feeder from the house but where there would be less mess against the window from the birds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RYuitfEcOaH4Kh6tlcMlaNq8am5gao0Er4p1vHtad2rkWDon56ahhsySnr8a8n7khjAP1kzkTL50h8GyRkkTJ41hN19Ekoxlf0eYiYR8_0rzQ_zISMtnY4lrZ2CacLrBQco5VDuyHt3j/s1600/squiril+020+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RYuitfEcOaH4Kh6tlcMlaNq8am5gao0Er4p1vHtad2rkWDon56ahhsySnr8a8n7khjAP1kzkTL50h8GyRkkTJ41hN19Ekoxlf0eYiYR8_0rzQ_zISMtnY4lrZ2CacLrBQco5VDuyHt3j/s320/squiril+020+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The squirrel found it and yes he can get to it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yy70IT_WcKaC0x9KJZLhRn-mQrl-OoOQtiIKyg9xcwjCQBTVDIRPtRn5RiYyBhXJQVzfHeg0SIdMuRWpza8Rj_SS4_KGcMqv2YY8wUwfqRIw9ag9AgcaWyCCL7ZjuR-4FMGfxi6nTGdA/s1600/squiril+022+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yy70IT_WcKaC0x9KJZLhRn-mQrl-OoOQtiIKyg9xcwjCQBTVDIRPtRn5RiYyBhXJQVzfHeg0SIdMuRWpza8Rj_SS4_KGcMqv2YY8wUwfqRIw9ag9AgcaWyCCL7ZjuR-4FMGfxi6nTGdA/s320/squiril+022+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The feeder is designed that although he can get on the ledge of the feeder, he has problems staying there for any period of time. </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxVUeXz6HCaJl4SzA_JpFbKXS6TnyCoFwHntIrGU82uv_67PlL86Z84JHrchmmOX-fVyxeBFeeUDjuQxo1gbuBPd8R_bt5wn__11cL9PTbcYsJq4T4Ws5wGGXazE-nI20B1ULHc7C9tHs/s1600/squiril+029+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxVUeXz6HCaJl4SzA_JpFbKXS6TnyCoFwHntIrGU82uv_67PlL86Z84JHrchmmOX-fVyxeBFeeUDjuQxo1gbuBPd8R_bt5wn__11cL9PTbcYsJq4T4Ws5wGGXazE-nI20B1ULHc7C9tHs/s320/squiril+029+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So it is grab and go.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuoZBPOx1yJ4kC6exd-xaZpeSdNcqjuGLYxTs4bGBzuNVEhhkyDQyrOYIS4dOj9ZodQcN3Wz13O9Dq5FKtwVQR8yRutIL-VcqO-DZRBTgY8pxnzjoo95UfvELMnHxpX5m_0NAy8282DS_/s1600/squiril+026+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuoZBPOx1yJ4kC6exd-xaZpeSdNcqjuGLYxTs4bGBzuNVEhhkyDQyrOYIS4dOj9ZodQcN3Wz13O9Dq5FKtwVQR8yRutIL-VcqO-DZRBTgY8pxnzjoo95UfvELMnHxpX5m_0NAy8282DS_/s320/squiril+026+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back to the post and down.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSbGcMVl6voUgwTV_FaMWoAA75sn3RmCQs1nXNCYuUK0ZYI1ngY_idwj_X_2z-wxgY0Wat_R1-CroP6er_9mi4EkMxRtf52DzdCIwmvW-gigrrdL0B6IylX21hcZMh3_8v1GptozLmylJ/s1600/squiril+001+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSbGcMVl6voUgwTV_FaMWoAA75sn3RmCQs1nXNCYuUK0ZYI1ngY_idwj_X_2z-wxgY0Wat_R1-CroP6er_9mi4EkMxRtf52DzdCIwmvW-gigrrdL0B6IylX21hcZMh3_8v1GptozLmylJ/s320/squiril+001+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At least they have entertainment value to the other occupants of the house.</div>
<br />Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-57630292017323226282013-01-16T19:28:00.001-04:002013-01-16T19:28:21.840-04:00Weeding Through the Book ShelvesI love books.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4XCDkgYel4eRneBiFH-d0TsYRuwue0Q54j8uEu_8abfRzHFSrkQ4MiyTzbsgAKQ2C-NQ15H2PORLeJA-K09tuTb-oOKjH1vzj0vwV9xjKuP77Bhmb-XYlvaK3TBGHvmCyKwdIkO6OJVI/s1600/jan+2013+002+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4XCDkgYel4eRneBiFH-d0TsYRuwue0Q54j8uEu_8abfRzHFSrkQ4MiyTzbsgAKQ2C-NQ15H2PORLeJA-K09tuTb-oOKjH1vzj0vwV9xjKuP77Bhmb-XYlvaK3TBGHvmCyKwdIkO6OJVI/s320/jan+2013+002+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was an avid reader as a child and had a good collections of the usual Anne of Green Gables, Trixie Blenton and Nancy Drew. As I got older, I collected books on crafting and sewing. I still have many of those. As I became interested in gardening, so to added to my collection of books. Cooking; dido.<br />
<br />
A few years ago I said enough is enough, to a point. Out went my collection of novels, and I became an avid admirer of our local library for those types of books. I found I read them once and did not wish to read them again, and if I did, I knew where to find them.<br />
<br />
But my garden and cook books (I did weed through those) remained.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-M1MHZ-vgFNa_IyAkgjR9H97kDyx6zOqVycLwtVrPl-0QOBuZLqGv5pfHnCCBDK9kwGA91Gj_SSU5084gOUaC9j1HQObhYAEZ3663cpaLtgq7pjktmgm6LagRYcm2_5Vg3O35pJUHu8n/s1600/jan+2013+001+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-M1MHZ-vgFNa_IyAkgjR9H97kDyx6zOqVycLwtVrPl-0QOBuZLqGv5pfHnCCBDK9kwGA91Gj_SSU5084gOUaC9j1HQObhYAEZ3663cpaLtgq7pjktmgm6LagRYcm2_5Vg3O35pJUHu8n/s320/jan+2013+001+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am very particular lately in the books I purchase as of late. No Cole's books for me. I want to learn something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKNdzhzN4C0EtYuSQEytuW9rPmrOLTs-nTGxwun6UWD7UdvmkUEFiDbDFmuI7gWB3JZ0qRaV1-sRq0ll-kghMwtXYaqVguHmlf-S1RRlhvi_dutWKPzUzXUKhoUxZp09b5TlR95NBircv/s1600/jan+2013+001+%25282%2529+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKNdzhzN4C0EtYuSQEytuW9rPmrOLTs-nTGxwun6UWD7UdvmkUEFiDbDFmuI7gWB3JZ0qRaV1-sRq0ll-kghMwtXYaqVguHmlf-S1RRlhvi_dutWKPzUzXUKhoUxZp09b5TlR95NBircv/s320/jan+2013+001+%25282%2529+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I like reference books, ie... Perennials (Phillips and Rix), The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation (Dirr), Hardy Succulents (Kelaidis)... and the list goes on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9Q91Or1wwHIkiig2NxHw4tcv9httEi6GHhycP6jYwEBjU5x58fVaYjwU5Izmnvsnzrtakyn0kT0xjOEYohMFdqrRxbHPeiXMCE1E_b8QXPs997icHEbD3AFEgBQadCnahtpl8vlohGsX/s1600/jan+2013+003+%25282%2529+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9Q91Or1wwHIkiig2NxHw4tcv9httEi6GHhycP6jYwEBjU5x58fVaYjwU5Izmnvsnzrtakyn0kT0xjOEYohMFdqrRxbHPeiXMCE1E_b8QXPs997icHEbD3AFEgBQadCnahtpl8vlohGsX/s320/jan+2013+003+%25282%2529+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As you see, I have an extensive collection of wildflower books.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIkAF718HLwaPgn1ljgT_-L1JfcRutLX7CgpgoztzDpaX-Nb4V4BV38IS5Qz2dRjnyoCkXKa4NY5-KfPS8o0SnPEhuy1QFg8b1R_8I1luIQUXa0NsR3_pbuwFhy5Ncfu6_BX7zXieRPYD/s1600/002+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIkAF718HLwaPgn1ljgT_-L1JfcRutLX7CgpgoztzDpaX-Nb4V4BV38IS5Qz2dRjnyoCkXKa4NY5-KfPS8o0SnPEhuy1QFg8b1R_8I1luIQUXa0NsR3_pbuwFhy5Ncfu6_BX7zXieRPYD/s320/002+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Andrew usually gets me a gardening or cooking magazine for my stocking. Lately it usually has been cooking, but this year he got me the BHG Country Gardens fall 2012 issue. As I was flipping through it (he picked this one because it had a section on rock gardens), here was an article on Vintage Garden Books. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaVrWtJkGBUs-aMh0glt-IZZ1ALw_fxCcw4TwzZEPWqqYxDFypf8NFnT52mgLs2m29TCmKdT-i4iwCqS_LS7Nukk_cB_ORXm7wDLSFAQ0ecu32yHGyGXha35F9Lvkh_Y4qoXBCUbVSYAz/s1600/jan+2013+004+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaVrWtJkGBUs-aMh0glt-IZZ1ALw_fxCcw4TwzZEPWqqYxDFypf8NFnT52mgLs2m29TCmKdT-i4iwCqS_LS7Nukk_cB_ORXm7wDLSFAQ0ecu32yHGyGXha35F9Lvkh_Y4qoXBCUbVSYAz/s320/jan+2013+004+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Years ago, I started to collect old garden books (and cook books), particularly old garden reference books. This little group probably started it off, "How to Know the Wild Flowers" by the Educational Publishing Co. Printed in 1905, it is in great condition. I think it came from my father-in-law's collection of government publications. I went through his collection he brought with him when he retired from working for the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture as a Horticultural Technician. His job was to oversee the Alumni Gardens at the Agricultural College and to dispense advice to anyone who called (a former 'Marjory Willison or Master Gardener). Try finding anyone there to do that now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd0EzRtqrtJaEza3xbyrDxwUvXUusN6PsSYpFKwlXyvGHzfhq1o7aP42dz0nBz4zAmGTUQFiESP8rwCvmHtek16qmI8umolEIjapQ9mR7EBOrslyzyV9FlABUv7YkyhCd-WFRwnGuMPak/s1600/jan+2013+005+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd0EzRtqrtJaEza3xbyrDxwUvXUusN6PsSYpFKwlXyvGHzfhq1o7aP42dz0nBz4zAmGTUQFiESP8rwCvmHtek16qmI8umolEIjapQ9mR7EBOrslyzyV9FlABUv7YkyhCd-WFRwnGuMPak/s320/jan+2013+005+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then I started to pick up old reference, gardening books when I saw them, I guess I seem to have been particularly interested in wildflower books.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4n6CLHck9nngHMJSllT_XnIDv5-TN85wNKA-panr83LtUGOqugWXWk8DkRuKoqKStJRF83bFiam94uDrjxZysdPAL5oTZ5D8cv8kwAIV33szmnis6jDgalua9RtvCYQMGATQF1P7oqp0P/s1600/jan+2013+007+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4n6CLHck9nngHMJSllT_XnIDv5-TN85wNKA-panr83LtUGOqugWXWk8DkRuKoqKStJRF83bFiam94uDrjxZysdPAL5oTZ5D8cv8kwAIV33szmnis6jDgalua9RtvCYQMGATQF1P7oqp0P/s320/jan+2013+007+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But I also picked up disease and insect injury books. There methods of eradicating and treating the problems may be out dated (lots of chemical solutions) but they at least help identify the problems of particular plants; then with the identity solved; a quick check either on line or another book, the problem can (not always) be solved.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheamx_F-KRUe0yWFB2WP1UPswygSre8pHQEgJweAvI-ePOTN6DJ0798eAsNKMR22ojJ6Noujn1_fBgaDJrLtgT-yiBWQL9SomGvnPHpqdIw2bpWNkGf1OKEPHMDBH0vWSLUsCFQbKEwB5n/s1600/jan+2013+010+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheamx_F-KRUe0yWFB2WP1UPswygSre8pHQEgJweAvI-ePOTN6DJ0798eAsNKMR22ojJ6Noujn1_fBgaDJrLtgT-yiBWQL9SomGvnPHpqdIw2bpWNkGf1OKEPHMDBH0vWSLUsCFQbKEwB5n/s320/jan+2013+010+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Garden's North no longer prints a catalog; a shame, because they are a valuable reference. I am constantly going back to them. Now when I purchase seed, I cut and paste the descriptions to my computer for future reference.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2dqOTJ6UB3E7PGdy-MJYmW3RHdHjW-hb_bReBrGpE839jOZMUmcyeKksBeIWqpl06s0YwffNcFspvPtkTu3AXDwSos2aqTbf0KCVchv8pNbGVRZd9NFCmNqMAkDN_T5OtWZgdWuA0SMt/s1600/jan+2013+003+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2dqOTJ6UB3E7PGdy-MJYmW3RHdHjW-hb_bReBrGpE839jOZMUmcyeKksBeIWqpl06s0YwffNcFspvPtkTu3AXDwSos2aqTbf0KCVchv8pNbGVRZd9NFCmNqMAkDN_T5OtWZgdWuA0SMt/s320/jan+2013+003+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is one of my favourites, Wyman's Gardening Encyclopedia. It has everything (almost). Andrew's Dad has a copy and I used to flip through it all the time. I found my own at a local antique shop for $20. No hesitation. I use it all the time.<br />
<br />
He still has some older books I covet (maybe I'll inherit them).Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-66813290837852308962012-11-25T20:56:00.000-04:002012-11-25T20:56:36.642-04:00Its November<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OCy-pnoD3aTgOEPa8oeqiqKGv-dpsQXR1CfvhVwAT3IbHhriCXMFnQfuigWpHmoel5hG9TqviCWPFhvYN5VVfPk93PqiFWph-k8XVaDYxQUvXj1k8tX5hkcy2JC6lbqpSk6pO65Daqam/s1600/dec08+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OCy-pnoD3aTgOEPa8oeqiqKGv-dpsQXR1CfvhVwAT3IbHhriCXMFnQfuigWpHmoel5hG9TqviCWPFhvYN5VVfPk93PqiFWph-k8XVaDYxQUvXj1k8tX5hkcy2JC6lbqpSk6pO65Daqam/s320/dec08+033.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I always swore if I started a blog, I would be consistent and write twice a month. I broke my rule this fall. To some degree I have an excuse, which I will explain, but I am also a bit of a perfectionist in that I think I have to have my blog perfect every time. I don't know why, because as I look over on the window sill in my office, there is a very large layer of dust, and during gardening season in the spring, the house can get bombed. <br />
<br />
After 14 years, since my daughter was born, I went back to a full time job (2 yr term), outside the home (and nursery). I had been thinking the last few years of finding a part time job, perhaps back at the AC (yes we can still call it that) where I had worked before. A job came up late winter, early spring that I applied for and received an interview, but after hearing nothing for, literally months, I figured, I didn't get it, but at the end of July, I received a call (government hiring freeze) and went to work mid August.<br />
<br />
What pulls her back to work, what about the Nursery??<br />
<br />
I am working at the Christmas Tree Research Centre as a Research Assistant. I have been hired to run the Tissue Culture Lab (which I have had previous experience with) and to assist a researcher in Molecular Breeding (which I have no experience in. Will learn). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiFq8AUx4soDsmyYnd7Z-b8N_toUcdx4uiGdoNnv7gq9kghSy3NPJXPEz6IYdGCLh32uMA5x1W9Wp4bctVUWjRa-EEZA0JHL2R5sK354WgIpwD8jMamqJmwQ7ml-QoVeGJw33Hh3byC7A/s1600/april+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiFq8AUx4soDsmyYnd7Z-b8N_toUcdx4uiGdoNnv7gq9kghSy3NPJXPEz6IYdGCLh32uMA5x1W9Wp4bctVUWjRa-EEZA0JHL2R5sK354WgIpwD8jMamqJmwQ7ml-QoVeGJw33Hh3byC7A/s320/april+2012+001.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/research/centres-and-labs/christmas-tree-research-centre.html">http://www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/research/centres-and-labs/christmas-tree-research-centre.html</a><br />
<br />
I have a back round in Christmas Trees as I grew up on a Christmas Tree Farm in New Germany, NS. Andrew and I still shear a few trees for ourselves, family and friends on our property in Clifton, NS. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDtYSFhnVpvzlbZD5SuU8QRaAgtdgPnGmRsnibMYASJ6atcBZxCqjLfA-H532udMuZfGJUWOkZO_UrqK3NPfchj1VUfxLLF5H8IwBuTPtnfuhO4FLOBWN7jJz1T0zwi-SoB-3Z7CR4V4j/s1600/april+2012+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDtYSFhnVpvzlbZD5SuU8QRaAgtdgPnGmRsnibMYASJ6atcBZxCqjLfA-H532udMuZfGJUWOkZO_UrqK3NPfchj1VUfxLLF5H8IwBuTPtnfuhO4FLOBWN7jJz1T0zwi-SoB-3Z7CR4V4j/s320/april+2012+010.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the fall, I make wreaths and centrepieces (see previous blogs), and for the past few years have been making wreaths for our local 4-H club as a fundraiser. I had to give up the 4-H fundraiser wreath part, as I could not handle making that many, but I kept my regular customers and we still do centrepieces for 4-H and Christmas Index on the first Saturday of December.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxetyEt43jFjdQAsuDdpXqGIKR5VQNV6FowQ0q7O4c1lagj6iDrTNYU0ESoNhJVs7plHEgeCwnLfpepXFWCdudTIVji9GyjkhCnPV-8utayk9LEcPMrqz3O-aIFB4AkqhccMwUlj7m8Fz/s1600/Dec.+2011+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxetyEt43jFjdQAsuDdpXqGIKR5VQNV6FowQ0q7O4c1lagj6iDrTNYU0ESoNhJVs7plHEgeCwnLfpepXFWCdudTIVji9GyjkhCnPV-8utayk9LEcPMrqz3O-aIFB4AkqhccMwUlj7m8Fz/s320/Dec.+2011+037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The job is very interesting, and keeps me very busy. Plant propagation has all ways been one of my passions and as I put my resume together, I realized that though out the years I have been able to keep my fingers in it one way or another. Tissue culture is just another way of propagating plants.<br />
<br />
Back to the Research Centre. One of the issues in the Christmas Tree industry is needle loss in the trees after they are cut. It is not usually a problem in local markets where the trees are cut, in your house within a few days, in a good stand that holds lots of water, and watered regularly. The concern is more for shipped greater distances. It is surprising how much it has to do with the individual tree. Some trees will hold their needles a long time and some will drop them really quick. One of the things we are looking at is selecting specific trees for good needle retention; but there is much more than just that, the tree still has to look good.<br />
<br />
I noticed recently at a local 'shall not be named' store, wreaths for sale that were dropping their needles so fast. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kx6mT4pBcbWfijPUE9l3K7nSxpwjZvdEsBRVkt24L5d4xHe5ESBe8uZpZIDTvyXfkVzlVfpMbuCymGHn89x_z8McPwSo4jzHDS8kTKqsSa_vb41I8uvgODDYBG5CHMoFmZU4onwqIEWO/s1600/IMG_1917+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kx6mT4pBcbWfijPUE9l3K7nSxpwjZvdEsBRVkt24L5d4xHe5ESBe8uZpZIDTvyXfkVzlVfpMbuCymGHn89x_z8McPwSo4jzHDS8kTKqsSa_vb41I8uvgODDYBG5CHMoFmZU4onwqIEWO/s320/IMG_1917+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
local store wreath</div>
<br />
This gives the industry a bad name. It doesn't matter that "you get what you pay for" ($8-12), when people see needle drop like that, it turns them away from purchasing a real wreath to the artificial kind. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPooqYfxYWMcHjQqaMJ6owJvkxddhXWvQ5XuWMw-0gP6l_FKMQFbD-axzrlbSV98kUrMO329WNOKx2kQsihYksKg4gpWvWulJhp63jQxvZY3ouUkUIlFim2Ji_b6Bpv95fzcyYQUqPB4K/s1600/IMG_1919+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPooqYfxYWMcHjQqaMJ6owJvkxddhXWvQ5XuWMw-0gP6l_FKMQFbD-axzrlbSV98kUrMO329WNOKx2kQsihYksKg4gpWvWulJhp63jQxvZY3ouUkUIlFim2Ji_b6Bpv95fzcyYQUqPB4K/s320/IMG_1919+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not mine (taken with daughter's ipod)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And with another 'very large craft store' selling fir sented sticks in a bottle; who needs the real thing. Now this 'shall not be named' store is not known for selling the best looking nursery plants either.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQcXMMF-Ua-Bxgi4ebf-RiNV46FW1FQQvtBCSkowOlnUa2C4DpTUxFymSsqEZj35m7Lyrx6MbYUzl-DhhQEOorUssj4joGBpg0Ro7N4Gis37VGjKCqp3I3BXR0Yh3dRbzjYtFrKdqfxSM/s1600/dec08+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQcXMMF-Ua-Bxgi4ebf-RiNV46FW1FQQvtBCSkowOlnUa2C4DpTUxFymSsqEZj35m7Lyrx6MbYUzl-DhhQEOorUssj4joGBpg0Ro7N4Gis37VGjKCqp3I3BXR0Yh3dRbzjYtFrKdqfxSM/s320/dec08+026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mine</div>
<br />
But there is nothing like a fresh wreath or tree. As long as I am able, I will have a real tree in my house, get it fresh, put it in a stand with lots of water. Later on in life, if I can't have a full size one, I will get a small table top tree.<br />
<br />
But it will be real. Not made of <a href="http://acottageindustry.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/12/10/christmas_04112.jpg">feathers</a>.<br />
<br />
And my nursery next spring? I'm not giving it up. Reshaping, concolidating, focusing, yes, Truro Farmers Market? Yes.<br />
<br />
Will post more after Christmas concerning the nursery when I get it settled, and I will try to get back to posting more often.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-2270850171215905692012-09-30T20:05:00.000-03:002012-09-30T20:05:05.368-03:00Primula<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0nGrqmgB9lYUr5rWsZnXqwQ0QQfYHjRMwkRhREkaYI7QjLTCgEAOjMHx2Cw-j7utAbsgj9FbdlzMfcHlJz7_7eOTVufi11MR0tOEK6Aw6zPEdi-VizJDvGTRvpTe1Qi2TTXXiieDknne/s1600/A4+019+(2)+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0nGrqmgB9lYUr5rWsZnXqwQ0QQfYHjRMwkRhREkaYI7QjLTCgEAOjMHx2Cw-j7utAbsgj9FbdlzMfcHlJz7_7eOTVufi11MR0tOEK6Aw6zPEdi-VizJDvGTRvpTe1Qi2TTXXiieDknne/s320/A4+019+(2)+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Primula elator - Oxslip</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
I need inspiration to write. I am not the best writer, things just come out when they are ready and sometimes not that clear. But when I am inspired, then I can write this quickly. <br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iCbeVTW42mGpeYzKdCrVS2hKIuM0hLGsCUdNons4N5bjmPOtAKTK01n-0IYOknPxCHsyCwJqs4eI7P78ZmOGNTFRgauamkx8-nWfrWl_hiMw0Mb2x7aunr6kEZGtuO-lwEDsmixFDkYh/s1600/A4+023+(2)+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iCbeVTW42mGpeYzKdCrVS2hKIuM0hLGsCUdNons4N5bjmPOtAKTK01n-0IYOknPxCHsyCwJqs4eI7P78ZmOGNTFRgauamkx8-nWfrWl_hiMw0Mb2x7aunr6kEZGtuO-lwEDsmixFDkYh/s320/A4+023+(2)+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
P. denticulata - Drumstick Primula</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
We were off to a Primula Workshop at the Agricultural College in Truro, NS. (I am not getting into a naming argument) sponsored by the Nova Scotia Rock Garden Society. Several of you who read this blog were there, and I think I can say that even I learned a few new things.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1wnmoDHEsxjddN43V2k0SkU_Nh8E0f9KenLPkpZNNG6PlUGSNsNrh_Zr4Kj8mEcPT4Zrhx3LJmrquaiSuT8XcUilzbH0UMtnZLyLVjzvOu0ZYRJLJkrsjLVl3gkCFzdD0nRPy8LD4FBg/s1600/A4+022+(2)+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1wnmoDHEsxjddN43V2k0SkU_Nh8E0f9KenLPkpZNNG6PlUGSNsNrh_Zr4Kj8mEcPT4Zrhx3LJmrquaiSuT8XcUilzbH0UMtnZLyLVjzvOu0ZYRJLJkrsjLVl3gkCFzdD0nRPy8LD4FBg/s320/A4+022+(2)+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
P. denticulata - The highly desirable white form</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
I learned that most primula need moist conditions, throughout the spring, summer and fall. Some like shade but many do well in sun as long as moisture is provided. I learned that mid winter is probably the best time to seed primula and that for certain types of primula, you can actually take cuttings (that I didn't know). You can actually root the leaves of some of them similar to African Violets and Streptocarpus.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fY5qsYJEPelOZFWlvcU8iZ4g0RC4BWKD5rtBrM5-XY0huWWa7iYerlVWy3wC0qJggq2jMEMPBuzhhFiMqKbm4GaoFHgWavRXcL2hY8BzgCmiegSfa8RLGSrlXNmmhweYWwnEslcb9j6s/s1600/DSCN2465+(640x479).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fY5qsYJEPelOZFWlvcU8iZ4g0RC4BWKD5rtBrM5-XY0huWWa7iYerlVWy3wC0qJggq2jMEMPBuzhhFiMqKbm4GaoFHgWavRXcL2hY8BzgCmiegSfa8RLGSrlXNmmhweYWwnEslcb9j6s/s320/DSCN2465+(640x479).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
P. veris - Cowslip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
I know from experience that if you have different species you can have primulas in bloom from early spring (April) right through till July. There is even a species that blooms in the fall (didn't know, want that one).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eC59_VVPH4kihkmpR8OFQ8fUnUv1kWseNYibJHcDeqHx2UHCoayBw-3lNrvwYUxYZf1GzZl2hCESYvsJ7AHXCp9N4FkwPcr6zicE4svZ7Mx-hQYWTpjPhil60_Ox7zR2QxxraX_NkoOJ/s1600/july2009+045+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eC59_VVPH4kihkmpR8OFQ8fUnUv1kWseNYibJHcDeqHx2UHCoayBw-3lNrvwYUxYZf1GzZl2hCESYvsJ7AHXCp9N4FkwPcr6zicE4svZ7Mx-hQYWTpjPhil60_Ox7zR2QxxraX_NkoOJ/s320/july2009+045+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
P. frondosa - Birds Eye Primula</div>
<br />
I did a count when I got home (people were asking just how many I did carry). I have 12 listed on the web site. I know I have several colours of Pruhonicensis and have added more doubles since I last updated my list (limited supply). <br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OggguV_VMvS1oshn7ncMdL4hhBUl-sXhZxnpJuB8PvGsukVX_pBnx_Py3DP6yTjJpn_URu-tposLR8ITQrkKeW-vmC6GcWPg0qVzPUsB9G-_T7K1lSp-mOc7itpmg8t-e0yGFeabXwbc/s1600/june2011+081+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OggguV_VMvS1oshn7ncMdL4hhBUl-sXhZxnpJuB8PvGsukVX_pBnx_Py3DP6yTjJpn_URu-tposLR8ITQrkKeW-vmC6GcWPg0qVzPUsB9G-_T7K1lSp-mOc7itpmg8t-e0yGFeabXwbc/s320/june2011+081+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Primula japonica - Japanese Primula</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
We were given 10 different species of seed. I can't wait to try. Pam Eveleigh was our speaker and instructor for the day. She has a great website, <a href="http://www.primulaworld.com/">Primula World</a>, everything you need to know about primula and amazing photos that put mine to shame.<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQGk5cZsXpJlzcLlgNu34HcY-Jr3YnnRduH6lpenx8UoTXIc70IdzS_8ykQqUF428-i8TgP3igcjl0IGgGyuV-C583FJ9tq5HR3lTK8Eu4M65fhPrREd831HPahAY-l1G8CILvY0CfEvb/s1600/May+27+2010+092+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQGk5cZsXpJlzcLlgNu34HcY-Jr3YnnRduH6lpenx8UoTXIc70IdzS_8ykQqUF428-i8TgP3igcjl0IGgGyuV-C583FJ9tq5HR3lTK8Eu4M65fhPrREd831HPahAY-l1G8CILvY0CfEvb/s320/May+27+2010+092+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Primula auricula Francesca </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fY5qsYJEPelOZFWlvcU8iZ4g0RC4BWKD5rtBrM5-XY0huWWa7iYerlVWy3wC0qJggq2jMEMPBuzhhFiMqKbm4GaoFHgWavRXcL2hY8BzgCmiegSfa8RLGSrlXNmmhweYWwnEslcb9j6s/s1600/DSCN2465+(640x479).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This Francesca is one of my favourites. When it starts to bloom in May, the bloom continues to hold throughout the summer months.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzrwu4cd3WkFrIliJBvFf7WcaJiqHS0_v26o97u873xtp91WW7tCtpPmQ36JtPoXABO4I9Tn_Hgp3uKeej2_clZpOOAsuH-9WdW4xVvGF0kLm8-LVPJCWdigXBFb2dHHrGY8yLL-equjx/s1600/july2009+050+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzrwu4cd3WkFrIliJBvFf7WcaJiqHS0_v26o97u873xtp91WW7tCtpPmQ36JtPoXABO4I9Tn_Hgp3uKeej2_clZpOOAsuH-9WdW4xVvGF0kLm8-LVPJCWdigXBFb2dHHrGY8yLL-equjx/s320/july2009+050+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Primula Sielboldii - Pink seed selection</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7CQ5ZZ_GDo3eVAe5yM5pnNuW3oub8SfeS66DHc0IH5GLkqCsQT3EX5btC3-99g9I69O_J3Rt35NLthJrD9occKwTCCPczmL1ueateRnJ4aSf8Svow_UjvxWuKErl5UolT0Kw1LbNhYef/s1600/May+27+2010+073+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7CQ5ZZ_GDo3eVAe5yM5pnNuW3oub8SfeS66DHc0IH5GLkqCsQT3EX5btC3-99g9I69O_J3Rt35NLthJrD9occKwTCCPczmL1ueateRnJ4aSf8Svow_UjvxWuKErl5UolT0Kw1LbNhYef/s320/May+27+2010+073+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Primula Sielboldii 'Yubisugata</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLazJJjvbeWBq9M1HFHnmpI83ZTqzeXs_EryacLosmXNFtdz4xYgdUp6iQpTx9Wc80HFE0nsoS1E21Jc-kcg5ZbhdGsZkZpf7jN9g9R9H5D8boEZYPrtsWb2jkZ4QRaWG3Y-phP__c5MS/s1600/may+2012+103+(2)+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLazJJjvbeWBq9M1HFHnmpI83ZTqzeXs_EryacLosmXNFtdz4xYgdUp6iQpTx9Wc80HFE0nsoS1E21Jc-kcg5ZbhdGsZkZpf7jN9g9R9H5D8boEZYPrtsWb2jkZ4QRaWG3Y-phP__c5MS/s320/may+2012+103+(2)+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Primula Sielboldii 'Sayogorama' </div>
<br />
I love the Snowflake or Cherry Blossom Japanese (not to be confused with japonica) Primroses. Instead of forming clumps, they grow by runners (not evasive). The foliage is an apple green and they bloom later than most (June). The foliage will die back in the summer if it is too warm or not enough moisture. I have to get me some more of these.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpajshMBIyDH6ftMm11jM-SEcm6fMbLXRuq8d6f41wwGpkRp2eknwt4P_cdMBrLPeJsrTHWaMFgLRlb9v3p2CIdDIlr3_JVRH8QFhqna20dgwoKbeOuphIb_PCWjTg9650zDNWd422lmy/s1600/july2009+037+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpajshMBIyDH6ftMm11jM-SEcm6fMbLXRuq8d6f41wwGpkRp2eknwt4P_cdMBrLPeJsrTHWaMFgLRlb9v3p2CIdDIlr3_JVRH8QFhqna20dgwoKbeOuphIb_PCWjTg9650zDNWd422lmy/s320/july2009+037+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Primula Pruhonicensis</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
I think I have raved about seed in the past, this primula (P. Pruhonicensis hybrid) was purchased from Garden's North in 2002. In the catalogue it states that they are polyanthas, but they don't quite look like them and I have not seen the name in any other reference search. <br />
There is P. Pruhoniciana although, but the images don't really match. <br />
I forgot to quiz Pam about this. <br />
Maybe some one out there has a suggestion.Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-68775495005965626492012-09-15T20:29:00.002-03:002012-09-15T20:29:37.917-03:00Terra Nova Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Terra Nova II now resides at the Orangedale Train Museum in Orangedale, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cape Breton, NS.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIQ0e4g1nvsCggycFs3-LqftnhaoJj3TC_0Tque4Qg3xRImvJyPQJE-8-QcIr002wQIlKQbdZ2NwS49VpsvNx4RXFU2DQNdG8eXHY0W3KItocB9FY4LjQt-tKVLlREiY5C-5dF0zht5RF/s1600/sept+2012+010+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIQ0e4g1nvsCggycFs3-LqftnhaoJj3TC_0Tque4Qg3xRImvJyPQJE-8-QcIr002wQIlKQbdZ2NwS49VpsvNx4RXFU2DQNdG8eXHY0W3KItocB9FY4LjQt-tKVLlREiY5C-5dF0zht5RF/s320/sept+2012+010+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How did it get there? you ask?? Why??</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj3iAMM7WWGTA1dFfij-Eqhd_hJK6mKJqCEN-Me5CCBM6s8oJl-T2jfQuwrOz0bSlaB_I19Fii3ECO0DNkDnU8xf5Er8pxlj3WWjrtV9Lv0yMy-KLQSLTsrlqH7Zlcns0JTWbfsKFeDoF/s1600/terra+nova+move+006+%2528640x360%2529+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj3iAMM7WWGTA1dFfij-Eqhd_hJK6mKJqCEN-Me5CCBM6s8oJl-T2jfQuwrOz0bSlaB_I19Fii3ECO0DNkDnU8xf5Er8pxlj3WWjrtV9Lv0yMy-KLQSLTsrlqH7Zlcns0JTWbfsKFeDoF/s320/terra+nova+move+006+%2528640x360%2529+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why a low flat bed of course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQnl4M2IYdBGkiW1GoZRNgpweLnlqpGeth9bEj1pCRBnglGyjPJbvO8EDDLbxaVRAWey7N5yaYELyYVDC_69k4PWa-jI0YqRR73BGzFqgma3p4A9GWhCXdhAamP7jTt20Xq5MLluClLMW/s1600/terra+nova+move+010+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQnl4M2IYdBGkiW1GoZRNgpweLnlqpGeth9bEj1pCRBnglGyjPJbvO8EDDLbxaVRAWey7N5yaYELyYVDC_69k4PWa-jI0YqRR73BGzFqgma3p4A9GWhCXdhAamP7jTt20Xq5MLluClLMW/s320/terra+nova+move+010+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok, after all that trouble of getting it here (Clifton), why is it in Cape Breton?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCFE3Bk7sSnBKgn3hWymp911tVY4HifoaSXPe4Tnrn6yH363VIMs9gIzrymleuQbaFG2gGy9hv6pfIgf4nXm1Z8QYERW29XVfIMf8a9sd96aYApuM9fXV27NTvr60KiTcYnTONk4Rarj0/s1600/terra+nova+move+011+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCFE3Bk7sSnBKgn3hWymp911tVY4HifoaSXPe4Tnrn6yH363VIMs9gIzrymleuQbaFG2gGy9hv6pfIgf4nXm1Z8QYERW29XVfIMf8a9sd96aYApuM9fXV27NTvr60KiTcYnTONk4Rarj0/s320/terra+nova+move+011+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was time. It did need some work, a bit more than we were willing to put into it and we found we were not using it as we should. Many people who had seen it said it would have made a wonderful B&B. The interior is quite lovely and if anyone is interested I could post some pictures of the inside.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBcj5V5NNYUpoou1fQrYSV1Ov2VNjQQ5SdcdrFtwJasIXZNl5G-k_y65Oh7Zg_LLag0zlBNxsmrCQ5Trd9KafyKt0l9KHpcgbFnZUVzPzuaL48EQylyUyCtrQXKshdbvVS_n75wqx78c3/s1600/terra+nova+move+013+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBcj5V5NNYUpoou1fQrYSV1Ov2VNjQQ5SdcdrFtwJasIXZNl5G-k_y65Oh7Zg_LLag0zlBNxsmrCQ5Trd9KafyKt0l9KHpcgbFnZUVzPzuaL48EQylyUyCtrQXKshdbvVS_n75wqx78c3/s320/terra+nova+move+013+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We found a buyer for it who wanted to place it on permanent loan to a railway museum back in NFLD. To make a very long story short, of the 3 museums he contacted, all eventually refused. I think they will regret that some day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One last try, before he took it out of the country (he is from New England), he approached the <a href="http://www.novascotiarailwayheritage.com/orangedale.htm">Orangedale Railway Museum</a> whom accepted the car. They have a wonderful restored station and several railway cars. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu7wnFpulo95VmW_4d7anmNePMFo2LZoYGW-NBiBnLtFK3ImBQTkC2N29SBy0mLwSPWNqIv4yt5Cahff8tlOdRA8qQnKLAECFrC6dB7zfQEg1n2iJz5i0yGMqlDB4hxTOl0bnuTK9xCYo/s1600/terra+nova+move+015+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu7wnFpulo95VmW_4d7anmNePMFo2LZoYGW-NBiBnLtFK3ImBQTkC2N29SBy0mLwSPWNqIv4yt5Cahff8tlOdRA8qQnKLAECFrC6dB7zfQEg1n2iJz5i0yGMqlDB4hxTOl0bnuTK9xCYo/s320/terra+nova+move+015+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As the Terra Nova II says good by, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
out past the grass and daylily bed on the glorious morning of Aug 29th...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwltZ6Vl-ooSD3lFDV-NYg9spObEOgO_sMhnnNlCRrqHoUAaHgRAEtMwWfiHsYrVRDm3fmaEBV0h0HWJX4SMVSdmOChT3EqRKHNQOZX63XbRJGQgdNCWMAmbSIuOlNhrZT9dOb-8ZFenP/s320/terra+nova+move+018+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Up out of the driveway..</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilfU2JkeqUad1mhtLBZR1uViAIaKyO9oe2DqV6CsujsJbpY5vJSWiOwJaiL0_GvSV8oclufJBfI6DJhi9GcOg3Rzq6tySIjI25b3yMJegT6ltWsuKa9LJk11gzemPmm-4wME1i0EV1xlZ/s1600/terra+nova+move+023+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilfU2JkeqUad1mhtLBZR1uViAIaKyO9oe2DqV6CsujsJbpY5vJSWiOwJaiL0_GvSV8oclufJBfI6DJhi9GcOg3Rzq6tySIjI25b3yMJegT6ltWsuKa9LJk11gzemPmm-4wME1i0EV1xlZ/s320/terra+nova+move+023+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Down the road towards Cape Breton. It was no problem hauling, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Andrew had a hard time keeping up.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUVXfMxws_KUFOFy6I_ETk3z0RNM_y7EyqwiEKRdyu6brx4m93tpqv5rbdt_ReFZhmylWNdSM4683i31YQjs53IPXdYxAjRlEmQmsSq-nJek1C72twffHczwwxql3Fqe0mR648qBZkm48/s1600/terra+nova+move+026+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUVXfMxws_KUFOFy6I_ETk3z0RNM_y7EyqwiEKRdyu6brx4m93tpqv5rbdt_ReFZhmylWNdSM4683i31YQjs53IPXdYxAjRlEmQmsSq-nJek1C72twffHczwwxql3Fqe0mR648qBZkm48/s320/terra+nova+move+026+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Man, those wheels are so light, they will float away if you don't hold them down. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They only weigh 4 ton.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGt4FwyhYMUdbo1-3q9Xekw9grKIn51EP0bf9jro5hsMgvHfIZqBNTI8GKpH5e9j9l2caI6qftuxH7DzpVe0FoU8k526DSGN-TghtQ8OF5VkIohyphenhyphen2NAo8IMcceBekra669S6xHGXI73Ut/s1600/terra+nova+move+033+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGt4FwyhYMUdbo1-3q9Xekw9grKIn51EP0bf9jro5hsMgvHfIZqBNTI8GKpH5e9j9l2caI6qftuxH7DzpVe0FoU8k526DSGN-TghtQ8OF5VkIohyphenhyphen2NAo8IMcceBekra669S6xHGXI73Ut/s320/terra+nova+move+033+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So after a little maneuvering and planing, up it goes one last time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__rDjeycHt6dc6b4FBcebNZUglXJi-myU7Rbis5nBpftQ2WOyJnjy8xhxb_bG37ERs-NLR9m9HTPho2swRQ6s9P9nVZdYktc1np1Szupih-ObtbjDNLLcpoD8Y2GrbMU2B77_A7-Rtg-E/s1600/sept+2012+008+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__rDjeycHt6dc6b4FBcebNZUglXJi-myU7Rbis5nBpftQ2WOyJnjy8xhxb_bG37ERs-NLR9m9HTPho2swRQ6s9P9nVZdYktc1np1Szupih-ObtbjDNLLcpoD8Y2GrbMU2B77_A7-Rtg-E/s320/sept+2012+008+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To land safely on is feet ( um.. wheels) in its new home. Since it has landed, it has been attracting a lot of attention. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8ldNtyLNJU94aaEgLwaNerD6ckl4Vn-FCRvyrDaPw_dL4nkDfrVrP17NqgzdWzdEBZO36octW3CUt9Vb_Bs8fRB50SEcdl3-JyBS9V8k1VaSxTGjYCvUseOAzWn6mAoCM4eQHQzByeh_/s1600/sept+2012+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8ldNtyLNJU94aaEgLwaNerD6ckl4Vn-FCRvyrDaPw_dL4nkDfrVrP17NqgzdWzdEBZO36octW3CUt9Vb_Bs8fRB50SEcdl3-JyBS9V8k1VaSxTGjYCvUseOAzWn6mAoCM4eQHQzByeh_/s320/sept+2012+077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And back home? Just a few ruts to fix.</div>
Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-25753153756158404072012-09-14T21:02:00.003-03:002012-09-14T21:02:36.214-03:00Terra Nova II Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is amazing what some real estate companies will sell.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucIvzpjL9W5S2trH4taR7Ny-e3gXL_jwYiDI70684SC9WgNvsuNV4-j4jdGLjCYj0tcWIyD-hxsR17PCnURiXxGrX6Mjv98nNgHxcMj-bwD9_NKSLgfcNdjuW4zFpOLmgtPbUV7mUW8tp/s1600/Aug+2012+006+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucIvzpjL9W5S2trH4taR7Ny-e3gXL_jwYiDI70684SC9WgNvsuNV4-j4jdGLjCYj0tcWIyD-hxsR17PCnURiXxGrX6Mjv98nNgHxcMj-bwD9_NKSLgfcNdjuW4zFpOLmgtPbUV7mUW8tp/s320/Aug+2012+006+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
An acquaintance was in Newfoundland back 2004, she saw this train car by the road and she impulsively took a picture for 'her train loving friend'. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Terra Nova II is a former Newfoundland Railway Business Car built in 1955 by the Canadian Car and Foundry for Canadian National. The Newfoundland Railway was closed down in 1988 and their railway equipment sold. The car operated as a self contained home and office for railway officials while out inspecting the railway lines. At this time it was being used as a cottage in Trinity Newfoundland.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OaZn5NXPWWKvjMPHzk2_7Vn-DkMU2dj2NvGvjkJ58VH-P0xzopWH7N28zCfDyLLNHcAjRIh6kDwzyKIDIUT-N245WJWzIYRi33WqmNMj9PaaUGbRH59QHKQcEBtOG05n23FO3jjwhDle/s1600/scan0016+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OaZn5NXPWWKvjMPHzk2_7Vn-DkMU2dj2NvGvjkJ58VH-P0xzopWH7N28zCfDyLLNHcAjRIh6kDwzyKIDIUT-N245WJWzIYRi33WqmNMj9PaaUGbRH59QHKQcEBtOG05n23FO3jjwhDle/s320/scan0016+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It seems that some people were interested in the property but not in the Terra Nova itself. Andrew always wanted a private car, but the price of them, not to mention what to do with it, was just out of reach. And the lottery didn't come in. But this was manageable. We made an offer and it was accepted. Now what did we get ourselves into. The car itself was no problem to move. No special height or width restrictions were required.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b></b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3Wwsb1Ho0M1EWMlDk2sxiU7WnfX0HaxkkWDES6qRGvEhMNl6RQVQbZDFzzwGgC0RSxKm18I00HEsIyGFCqkFCSrfSF6K4VT0YVnj6itaZuMcXasJgu_zxOnThZyWiP4ow-hElH0J1Q3K/s1600/105_0531+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3Wwsb1Ho0M1EWMlDk2sxiU7WnfX0HaxkkWDES6qRGvEhMNl6RQVQbZDFzzwGgC0RSxKm18I00HEsIyGFCqkFCSrfSF6K4VT0YVnj6itaZuMcXasJgu_zxOnThZyWiP4ow-hElH0J1Q3K/s320/105_0531+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So in 2005, home it came to join the CNR Caboose we also have (I draw the line at an Engine, heaven help us if he does win the lottery).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4LD94sYmuYAR6sqAGr7ZUaFEhe5yd0A9XN-hP_y6e5c4p-_7uAzgmnIMleesxKd6WUW0qzIBz121CaSmeqBgIT1JpHlGNdzZUvDibSBxO_PlGl7jwBJ6-g4e-_I5nYbcvjW1-gg9QfOY/s1600/105_0535+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4LD94sYmuYAR6sqAGr7ZUaFEhe5yd0A9XN-hP_y6e5c4p-_7uAzgmnIMleesxKd6WUW0qzIBz121CaSmeqBgIT1JpHlGNdzZUvDibSBxO_PlGl7jwBJ6-g4e-_I5nYbcvjW1-gg9QfOY/s320/105_0535+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He spent the spring laying gravel and building track. It came in on a low flat bed a crane lifted it, wheels pushed under and lowered it down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrcPW-TQLf7qgsUbVvtblYRIozBTZpprdokDYgW2TjuIiL_vkjgShMq3dhU2p7fRN85hyphenhyphenmGrG4mhzuDzY_q2O1caem9BYISWtdA_xjpujcZOZoQp2_M-OYChutYUWc5rGRXJmhJTcsGm2/s1600/105_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrcPW-TQLf7qgsUbVvtblYRIozBTZpprdokDYgW2TjuIiL_vkjgShMq3dhU2p7fRN85hyphenhyphenmGrG4mhzuDzY_q2O1caem9BYISWtdA_xjpujcZOZoQp2_M-OYChutYUWc5rGRXJmhJTcsGm2/s320/105_0549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was quite the attraction that day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1ZAqlnpUcQJztzE6GN4cAq9y-PzF6M2Y049N-lEPP8P0se-pNiT3S37YndqvAwKvTbKHI1u361v-V8Pm1VJBrYUZopho-PjjHcoTK8HCEBelzSroYL6V6Mzb8tHyAi6RDnLmig31bVmV/s1600/105_0567+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1ZAqlnpUcQJztzE6GN4cAq9y-PzF6M2Y049N-lEPP8P0se-pNiT3S37YndqvAwKvTbKHI1u361v-V8Pm1VJBrYUZopho-PjjHcoTK8HCEBelzSroYL6V6Mzb8tHyAi6RDnLmig31bVmV/s320/105_0567+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You will notice the mounds of soil this side of the car. That used to be my vegetable garden. Needless to say, I did not have one that year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only good thing about that was, that the previous year, potato bugs started to show up (we are quite isolated here), by skipping a year, I did not see potato bugs until last year (2011). This year we put the potatoes at Andrew's Uncle's garden. I can only hope that I can get another 6 years potato bug free. I wonder if that would work for cucumber beetles?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3hCNbxwpf386wmGzpiex-6Nf4zTP5q1dfs9Td0Zz4C04S4uy7KBTJswoIt_rq9uwTt3Q1FJvyG0yYoneeL0K94NelQ3sXHidw0yQer5O6ZxdwnfUdUIjtzhzwIrfKuEPy_fiNu2skK_D/s1600/railcar+006+(640x479).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3hCNbxwpf386wmGzpiex-6Nf4zTP5q1dfs9Td0Zz4C04S4uy7KBTJswoIt_rq9uwTt3Q1FJvyG0yYoneeL0K94NelQ3sXHidw0yQer5O6ZxdwnfUdUIjtzhzwIrfKuEPy_fiNu2skK_D/s320/railcar+006+(640x479).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway, in 2006, I had my garden back.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyxU5lKfDZUUmwaIPNbtR5mOhs1XTArBB2eXFL1zYvsTMYSTLtnmrN70Yv3toQ33jxajFJjWD_hP4O9CfdRnIOVoZlX_K4WdM-g6GRTXcyXn4Ncg_xSx_YwZ0Yrb9y5fLpPYNLybXk-g3/s1600/sept+2209+046+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyxU5lKfDZUUmwaIPNbtR5mOhs1XTArBB2eXFL1zYvsTMYSTLtnmrN70Yv3toQ33jxajFJjWD_hP4O9CfdRnIOVoZlX_K4WdM-g6GRTXcyXn4Ncg_xSx_YwZ0Yrb9y5fLpPYNLybXk-g3/s320/sept+2209+046+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Andrew worked hard and by the following year, he had more track laid and the car was pushed down below the garden. Anyone roaming through the gardens (flowers) were always surprised to see the railcars and would enquire 'How did you get those here?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What can I say, I garden. Andrew plays trains. Can I help it if he likes the real thing??</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucIvzpjL9W5S2trH4taR7Ny-e3gXL_jwYiDI70684SC9WgNvsuNV4-j4jdGLjCYj0tcWIyD-hxsR17PCnURiXxGrX6Mjv98nNgHxcMj-bwD9_NKSLgfcNdjuW4zFpOLmgtPbUV7mUW8tp/s1600/Aug+2012+006+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-36718484965140140072012-07-24T18:56:00.001-03:002012-07-24T18:56:22.339-03:00Projects and Renovations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Two projects on the go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Neither is finished and one was started last fall. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Talk about procrastination.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqan6g3mC-uK4Zy8VFcPpk3OuYFKb7x3C1gnkMmZl6lTIuXLB9wguMa2bRjqDgwaNrnUTTWclj4m3SIoP7vS4zrR6bLnCAq1igGu6IuFCXJDLfZnRCEjMxdCzyEySm_swWx4lMUGoQgUH/s1600/July+24,+2012+160+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqan6g3mC-uK4Zy8VFcPpk3OuYFKb7x3C1gnkMmZl6lTIuXLB9wguMa2bRjqDgwaNrnUTTWclj4m3SIoP7vS4zrR6bLnCAq1igGu6IuFCXJDLfZnRCEjMxdCzyEySm_swWx4lMUGoQgUH/s320/July+24,+2012+160+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The daylily and grass bed was expanded on either side last fall.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVasa_mID7xjFv46wp7yToabZmUcO29Dh2eCbvq39U0BQuqBkzWDSzi9652Z36PCYBKIlJs2SF1TlQQksyHVcD-kDmYao-Hng0UYZOruc7EwUEgK1d7EO6uBr7Kcqrr5AzLgRqxkBnjQ2/s1600/July+24,+2012+162+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVasa_mID7xjFv46wp7yToabZmUcO29Dh2eCbvq39U0BQuqBkzWDSzi9652Z36PCYBKIlJs2SF1TlQQksyHVcD-kDmYao-Hng0UYZOruc7EwUEgK1d7EO6uBr7Kcqrr5AzLgRqxkBnjQ2/s320/July+24,+2012+162+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The daylilies have become too crowded and the grasses have not been shown off to their best. Also in the mean time, I have a few more of each that need a good home.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ1YtU8jkUWapR3-WiSHAhreNFbr_WEPUWJM_xRXpGhGzcZ0fWxkiaK59JusrRdCOu-Qtr45VpmlyCLPJBIBXrhvIGfzJx6u_LetqfMYwBuGHSeBPdWEHGNiBni3JF5uUvdTP9K8BK24-/s1600/July+24,+2012+159+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ1YtU8jkUWapR3-WiSHAhreNFbr_WEPUWJM_xRXpGhGzcZ0fWxkiaK59JusrRdCOu-Qtr45VpmlyCLPJBIBXrhvIGfzJx6u_LetqfMYwBuGHSeBPdWEHGNiBni3JF5uUvdTP9K8BK24-/s320/July+24,+2012+159+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did not get them spaced this spring before things became so dry. I'll have to wait till late summer or early fall to move them when soil moisture and cooler nights pervail. I'll probably divide some of the grasses as I go, considering I sold out of most of the grasses I had. Only have a few Var. Miscanthus, Pennisetum Moudry and a Karl Forester Reed Grass left. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_F7hWK7271S24HCnVnQKlLlQQdpJjvdnbEAlKyTMgozCRCwPwy8Qa6ubGylC_zv0jHuczaWQ_GooqbtKZA46Rnc8w1TTB3Wx-q2S7DIxuCmUXPisJlG3ESUftgdW1MY8uvflJyvHfiIR/s1600/may+2012+002+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_F7hWK7271S24HCnVnQKlLlQQdpJjvdnbEAlKyTMgozCRCwPwy8Qa6ubGylC_zv0jHuczaWQ_GooqbtKZA46Rnc8w1TTB3Wx-q2S7DIxuCmUXPisJlG3ESUftgdW1MY8uvflJyvHfiIR/s320/may+2012+002+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
The other project was the Woolly Thyme walk into the Nursery. The weeds (Dandelions, Plantain, Irish moss) have been persistant, and I did not have that trouble with the Creeping Thyme pathway. Why would anyone grow and buy Irish Moss?? I am sure it has its place, but not in my Thyme.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Hy0nU7UR-LOoavghcDtUgSQAkVA7WgC5neHt2uWWuY8gDtS4tUtfDzTDN-sJDePcT9sGQv_GsEKGGPqRrw5aMCQjFgvA_jj-TCo4PfpYFKQoNrIJp5SkLDm7ZM-RLuDcgL-BQEMZONB-/s1600/July+24,+2012+003+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Hy0nU7UR-LOoavghcDtUgSQAkVA7WgC5neHt2uWWuY8gDtS4tUtfDzTDN-sJDePcT9sGQv_GsEKGGPqRrw5aMCQjFgvA_jj-TCo4PfpYFKQoNrIJp5SkLDm7ZM-RLuDcgL-BQEMZONB-/s320/July+24,+2012+003+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I started to excavate, I realized that there was a good inch or two of soil on the flag stone. I can only guess that insects and earth worms have brought up the soil. No wonder the weeds were taking hold. I thought I would just remove each stone, scrape away the soil and replace the stone as I went up the bed. That was going to take too long.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJR9Z1jiA1PFBCshr08r_qYNfbUgozks96JUsGHtUBV0csfOvOUMe3GCsXWiyo9mrcdY5ihKduRFxOOSVMSumbWzZ4wrEgJpgPPBgPGQvlXm62ZRmGsMdAhPqLp1QJwv3wKaIxQMrISOF/s1600/July+24,+2012+005+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJR9Z1jiA1PFBCshr08r_qYNfbUgozks96JUsGHtUBV0csfOvOUMe3GCsXWiyo9mrcdY5ihKduRFxOOSVMSumbWzZ4wrEgJpgPPBgPGQvlXm62ZRmGsMdAhPqLp1QJwv3wKaIxQMrISOF/s320/July+24,+2012+005+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OK, out with everything, all the stones where placed in the parking lot and the old soil and weeds removed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6f8oyQYAnegFnLamO97QO0Wf8yfWrJm16AaO6MiKmt6BacXUiNy_TMg6gw3ws2fALnXd7FxsFGskvj3cyGZFzF60VN8W4CzT6TUCPXGQx01RgNNC4Dl3ey8J1hyV7UZaYYPO42trs9xj/s1600/July+24,+2012+006+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6f8oyQYAnegFnLamO97QO0Wf8yfWrJm16AaO6MiKmt6BacXUiNy_TMg6gw3ws2fALnXd7FxsFGskvj3cyGZFzF60VN8W4CzT6TUCPXGQx01RgNNC4Dl3ey8J1hyV7UZaYYPO42trs9xj/s320/July+24,+2012+006+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Woolly Thyme grew so well that it has gone over the stone to the right and up a large rock into the cactus and semp bed. At this time, I will leave it and use it to re plant the path.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbN7gmTS4vP6cXQIwHDynPeMR1LUTufnHLSf7qT4p5WDzgvux-VENTmWEPbi7vm1I2iCfhLkIxUicKColg1Gxmz8aN_YqZhT0zETlzwujsmdZNW-3-QiBt8LQudoOrok3cCb2EXGF_Pkq0/s1600/July+24,+2012+014+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbN7gmTS4vP6cXQIwHDynPeMR1LUTufnHLSf7qT4p5WDzgvux-VENTmWEPbi7vm1I2iCfhLkIxUicKColg1Gxmz8aN_YqZhT0zETlzwujsmdZNW-3-QiBt8LQudoOrok3cCb2EXGF_Pkq0/s320/July+24,+2012+014+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I realigned the cobble stones and narrowed up the bed, the two Hosta needed to be spaced out a bit more on the left (will move them this fall), the pathway isn't used a lot so shrinking it, didn't hurt it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV5_dhbNK4Hnnqoyqfgt5JTg6X9q3V9ed-P4NZQfPSlCdAB_J3zgkC4iWaT4tyiuhTt22HUy_opHaapzmR8pq0fngjlLjSdO1jRAVnXIuw4mzkt6V_CEwrUQromNnxKmPKV9uQisq4B6Q/s1600/July+24,+2012+032+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV5_dhbNK4Hnnqoyqfgt5JTg6X9q3V9ed-P4NZQfPSlCdAB_J3zgkC4iWaT4tyiuhTt22HUy_opHaapzmR8pq0fngjlLjSdO1jRAVnXIuw4mzkt6V_CEwrUQromNnxKmPKV9uQisq4B6Q/s320/July+24,+2012+032+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know if it is the right way or not but we just laid down a layer of sand and repositioned the stone on top. Thyme will grow in anything.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbyHdGZhEohz3S5KHeN8Y6-O_N1FLZhOJyusEEqH0B2QVtvRSGSM5V1-f3u85Po3srBFrVTXUZI0S6Xk5dfafF6CcCgiFG41nkn3Tfc53WgWCGoU2y0yhTzsbopMqheY-1ZrBOLfVrMeq/s1600/July+24,+2012+033+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbyHdGZhEohz3S5KHeN8Y6-O_N1FLZhOJyusEEqH0B2QVtvRSGSM5V1-f3u85Po3srBFrVTXUZI0S6Xk5dfafF6CcCgiFG41nkn3Tfc53WgWCGoU2y0yhTzsbopMqheY-1ZrBOLfVrMeq/s320/July+24,+2012+033+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And it is good to have help.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8QjUcCzNRjRn0C0cuLO8l7Vrl5IImkYT8OUZYlPU59ZGa5hRGGgKk9jg3bMJ2M3udUlMvpRHcsAQyHE1-T0ul5JGLqBnYOdDespo71YuQ6aS4wrxzBj_aRDhWhq6GcgDVe-Rg0ulfvAb/s1600/July+24,+2012+034+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8QjUcCzNRjRn0C0cuLO8l7Vrl5IImkYT8OUZYlPU59ZGa5hRGGgKk9jg3bMJ2M3udUlMvpRHcsAQyHE1-T0ul5JGLqBnYOdDespo71YuQ6aS4wrxzBj_aRDhWhq6GcgDVe-Rg0ulfvAb/s320/July+24,+2012+034+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We brushed more sand in between the cracks and allowed it to settle a bit. It slightly washed in the previous rain storm last week and this afternoon it completely washed down. Sigh, I guess that means sweeping it back up. It's either drought or deluge. As of 5:30 pm there was 2" in the rain gauge.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee4-K-6C24CMYunndU4ybsZuASWnOoK_fYC6BSSSbk-ueVIsmWBKVi12J-cNthFRNypQ1H9gDLBQnryUOnIa_ytk6cVvodYtVI61o8s-RtfbQD29mGrlacY45JNxQJY1_Kbqn3hrAfsEa/s1600/July+24,+2012+170+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee4-K-6C24CMYunndU4ybsZuASWnOoK_fYC6BSSSbk-ueVIsmWBKVi12J-cNthFRNypQ1H9gDLBQnryUOnIa_ytk6cVvodYtVI61o8s-RtfbQD29mGrlacY45JNxQJY1_Kbqn3hrAfsEa/s320/July+24,+2012+170+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It looked good 2 days ago and it will again.. I'll update pictures when it gets planted and as it grows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next Project?? Stay tuned.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-36579546465658449932012-07-09T08:38:00.000-03:002012-07-09T08:39:01.457-03:00Caterpillar Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a disclaimer, I can and am willing to be corrected for any miss identification of any insect mentioned in the proceeding observations. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2j35omkhmmvkIQ0539kNilA2ai25m_lYtBmW9XjXNEMQsrEMfEsUZr7Atm4SrOS46VrR_W0_6LLoRZbq3JF9JEQSF9iwFJQ5wd8WAiIN_38RIUk3_5GO8qiaZNqeeCipgvBy6HyP44dQ/s1600/june+2012+100+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2j35omkhmmvkIQ0539kNilA2ai25m_lYtBmW9XjXNEMQsrEMfEsUZr7Atm4SrOS46VrR_W0_6LLoRZbq3JF9JEQSF9iwFJQ5wd8WAiIN_38RIUk3_5GO8qiaZNqeeCipgvBy6HyP44dQ/s320/june+2012+100+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In general, I am not bothered too much by insects on our property. We have the occasional problem with aphids (ant's farming) on the potted Sempervivums and Sedums, Mockorange and Burning Bush. Sometimes the ants decide that a pot of perennials would make a good home. It's nothing a little soap won't take care of.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last year we pulled out a Snowball bush because I had enough. It had leaf roller which caused the leaves at the tip of the branches to roll up and the leaves became skeletonized (not leaf roller). It looked so bad for so many years, it had to go. This year the High Bush Cranberry is being attacked. Viburnum Leaf Beetle is skeletonizing the shrub.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVwUBtRex9XXBzQxNfx3FW9hJ097czbbHPjiDxzJkBYQQuty1jz6vJW3DcsBIm3eMBZJaxnDKTQQE7LBbQyCxCbzqvKP90ZPG8coH5OQYKNGow3GBMYQHLTd4S2iOrSDQEp-dGOIfHeCx/s1600/june+2012+097+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVwUBtRex9XXBzQxNfx3FW9hJ097czbbHPjiDxzJkBYQQuty1jz6vJW3DcsBIm3eMBZJaxnDKTQQE7LBbQyCxCbzqvKP90ZPG8coH5OQYKNGow3GBMYQHLTd4S2iOrSDQEp-dGOIfHeCx/s320/june+2012+097+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Both the larva and the adult feed on the leaves. These are not the insects you want in the garden. I don't like to spray and I feel that if something can't survive on its own it is gone. I really don't want to give up on my Cranberry yet. Control (organically) is by removing debris and searching for egg cases and pruning in the spring. That sound like too much work. To add insult to injury, these little guys are going to go into the ground and reemerge as adults who will continue to eat at the Cranberry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKpTvL9xmWtANvksdl-4ad9Qu_LqfNhpS3G4h1OmzM6HcGHLJXpG10X60TNY9vVufoGQwN0UWH3_PjgpEcEteJzy7w9X0A3A3QGkQYqRiu64NIyBi0dvK00-uq4koq8Y6sA-vwvNlE6L_/s1600/june+2012+099+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKpTvL9xmWtANvksdl-4ad9Qu_LqfNhpS3G4h1OmzM6HcGHLJXpG10X60TNY9vVufoGQwN0UWH3_PjgpEcEteJzy7w9X0A3A3QGkQYqRiu64NIyBi0dvK00-uq4koq8Y6sA-vwvNlE6L_/s320/june+2012+099+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have fixed my cabbage worm problem on the broccoli and cabbage by getting some curtain sheers at Louis (our Frenchys) and covering a frame. So far that has been working very well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYQE9iULkygWXPl6KSL5B6qjVkoeYCZjMACZVZ2lCmmqO-9vDrfGc31BWzpIvim7Qg_SNJ8BU88qHTFW6D8gPEcgcCVoczlbHSBYRMTXicTXjtZZFymY-JvLyjx1UHcfRzRAzt-sPApEv/s1600/june+2012+101+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYQE9iULkygWXPl6KSL5B6qjVkoeYCZjMACZVZ2lCmmqO-9vDrfGc31BWzpIvim7Qg_SNJ8BU88qHTFW6D8gPEcgcCVoczlbHSBYRMTXicTXjtZZFymY-JvLyjx1UHcfRzRAzt-sPApEv/s320/june+2012+101+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pussy toes (Antennaria) had a caterpillar cocooned around its leaves. It is very interesting in the garden but most customers don't want to see them on the leaves in the pots for sale.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKFg_4G9HzLbyHHzQI4Nwd6h6nbzTE6p5xVzErj1LJHukBBjUo7dhKdoo1w5PFHKekr9UcsyKXn_9on_e-HgYs25KQTEQETzY14v_wbYlz5QQPP5vlEBYsIpbcxgmmPhEDMkPRMH-h9xI/s1600/june+2012+088+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKFg_4G9HzLbyHHzQI4Nwd6h6nbzTE6p5xVzErj1LJHukBBjUo7dhKdoo1w5PFHKekr9UcsyKXn_9on_e-HgYs25KQTEQETzY14v_wbYlz5QQPP5vlEBYsIpbcxgmmPhEDMkPRMH-h9xI/s320/june+2012+088+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most of them were quite small but I found this one on the edge. I think it is the American Lady Lava. And I had seen them earlier in the spring in the garden.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MfWkSOz2BejuHNl26NIsa-9_6G91EZN9OjSfTJoBXDtcwEC9j4nTBmYfAiEd37_c5igV94OM5ZISW3mG4miilCJL670CRVJmtylMMdXAyrc_sYX3g9TJ3xUG35ZvUWdZWp6M21EBbCKg/s1600/june+2012+094+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MfWkSOz2BejuHNl26NIsa-9_6G91EZN9OjSfTJoBXDtcwEC9j4nTBmYfAiEd37_c5igV94OM5ZISW3mG4miilCJL670CRVJmtylMMdXAyrc_sYX3g9TJ3xUG35ZvUWdZWp6M21EBbCKg/s320/june+2012+094+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Scotch Thistle always gets this webbing with a caterpillar inside chewing on the leaves and leaving little deposits. I guess it depends on your point of view as to whether it is attractive or not. But what is the point of a butterfly garden if there is not a bit of damage. The larva need to eat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjE3hiP1aJmOZpBWvme6opORU_JlsH5YR_HOjD53dp7xSe0fbodPfRZe6NisvZ7HCUJYXdSR0b3pO2boO2cYKFlzaN6gQ1tJs0VrmruB6uMKIWTLQkK4n_xJGfstZ0EGDi0TKJlctF-ai/s1600/june+2012+102+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjE3hiP1aJmOZpBWvme6opORU_JlsH5YR_HOjD53dp7xSe0fbodPfRZe6NisvZ7HCUJYXdSR0b3pO2boO2cYKFlzaN6gQ1tJs0VrmruB6uMKIWTLQkK4n_xJGfstZ0EGDi0TKJlctF-ai/s320/june+2012+102+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are quite sure it is the Painted Lady.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwclbqHS_lTP6Xd2bfIdPZaKdk_oIcsD0q_hFHSZQug1wCSZVdufijBqpspaLCUB45ECLpNqZyAuX-sVmib8UVBhMgX5DDVCqJLraNFVAK2WA-s5Zgf4eZ7xa4FBqQd0HmDBlAQOPC-RS/s1600/june+2012+109+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwclbqHS_lTP6Xd2bfIdPZaKdk_oIcsD0q_hFHSZQug1wCSZVdufijBqpspaLCUB45ECLpNqZyAuX-sVmib8UVBhMgX5DDVCqJLraNFVAK2WA-s5Zgf4eZ7xa4FBqQd0HmDBlAQOPC-RS/s320/june+2012+109+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The Wormwood (Artimesia Valerie Finnis) plants are having their leaves curled, again, of course, in the potted plants. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32qgogfiDc-0ug5dU64JSfiKf3DjV2UwLlqEMbZymG6rmxNapBGT_KBE_7gLwcrxCYrQTX2yw83rjfoZOKpsTXrIoWnX_Rcug8LmQ09kvI8C-Lw2VVhu3m4cRQbV9MSLB_VB1OapjZsd8/s1600/june+2012+106+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32qgogfiDc-0ug5dU64JSfiKf3DjV2UwLlqEMbZymG6rmxNapBGT_KBE_7gLwcrxCYrQTX2yw83rjfoZOKpsTXrIoWnX_Rcug8LmQ09kvI8C-Lw2VVhu3m4cRQbV9MSLB_VB1OapjZsd8/s320/june+2012+106+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have read suggest that it is the Painted Lady, and they really like the grey leaved plants.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have the book 'Caterpillars of Eastern North America' David L. Wagner, although it is a great looking book, the pictures and description are great, it really doesn't have a good Key for figuring out the moth or butterfly larva. I have had more success surfing the web.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3Ji1abkQnVn4lexSJ8PUVVWEB-n3ZjnK0qW8-Rlo_HMLNDHsoMyRsAdXhVkga3l9ZYheHU1EfKyLVCulaw4OuK6La3J2v2af37S42jWzOPJVU2ZIyDr8hK_9wQMWcD84V10WgcU5jhgB/s1600/july2012+011+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3Ji1abkQnVn4lexSJ8PUVVWEB-n3ZjnK0qW8-Rlo_HMLNDHsoMyRsAdXhVkga3l9ZYheHU1EfKyLVCulaw4OuK6La3J2v2af37S42jWzOPJVU2ZIyDr8hK_9wQMWcD84V10WgcU5jhgB/s320/july2012+011+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Monarchs showed up last Friday, two of them. They are still flying around. When we first built our house back in 1991, within a few years, on my Butterfly Weed (Asclepia incarnata) we had Monarch larva. The last time was about 5-6 years ago and they were on both on the potted plants and the plants in the garden. Last year I did see one down in the woodlot, the butterfly, not the larva.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYGlvdeKzX1qk5RKT5L4cNwgwFnWqhwjW2GMqheorD-GpkfeiIuERgqlzrCpQdKozNFjAkA3y_LoDrk2VnWkCjoXCzF1R7l-eySDYIn9EoTErL_oDj7PaabkkV8sp6eN6qqV7oYTL33Kj/s1600/july+2012+003+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYGlvdeKzX1qk5RKT5L4cNwgwFnWqhwjW2GMqheorD-GpkfeiIuERgqlzrCpQdKozNFjAkA3y_LoDrk2VnWkCjoXCzF1R7l-eySDYIn9EoTErL_oDj7PaabkkV8sp6eN6qqV7oYTL33Kj/s320/july+2012+003+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But this year, I have high hopes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-20218567871555651742012-06-27T22:15:00.001-03:002012-06-27T22:15:33.003-03:00Scotch Thistle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Scotch Thistle (Onopordum acanthium) also known as Cotton Thistle, will not be found in many perennial books or guides. It is in a class of its own. As I have always told my customers, you either like it or you don't, and by the interest, may gardeners do. However it comes with a few warnings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoqQf_YBzRG2BApQ6iyTfj9pLUsDW0WjQAGJIxxTC8btozEz0PIWMK3zBncbtRE_Kqc-vXwhKQE8RCt8poaRQFFv0B7EM-8u17AsuYepNAZ_3uILe1J_Gyla4kgJuqJtqZ9H6NxXjzfGn/s1600/May+27+2010+086+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoqQf_YBzRG2BApQ6iyTfj9pLUsDW0WjQAGJIxxTC8btozEz0PIWMK3zBncbtRE_Kqc-vXwhKQE8RCt8poaRQFFv0B7EM-8u17AsuYepNAZ_3uILe1J_Gyla4kgJuqJtqZ9H6NxXjzfGn/s320/May+27+2010+086+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Scotch Thistle is a true biennial. It forms a soft, spiny rosette of gray leaves the first year. The centre of the leaves are downy soft yet when you touch the outer edges, they are as sharp as a cactus needle. The plants forms a deep tap root making it difficult, but not impossible to move. What you see is what you get the first year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZZxOwjSmfQVd0Bk7bBt8lTlNxf7dve3-M5hY65qpp9v-Cpt0WZewhUXtrNN9ynXz_8NkfB-QsvLjpMSKoVY8FThgGbvtwTRn66TP3DudbPJZ__9Gv93vCdyrFPY55OE06PtJCUBCotL-/s1600/may+2012+013+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZZxOwjSmfQVd0Bk7bBt8lTlNxf7dve3-M5hY65qpp9v-Cpt0WZewhUXtrNN9ynXz_8NkfB-QsvLjpMSKoVY8FThgGbvtwTRn66TP3DudbPJZ__9Gv93vCdyrFPY55OE06PtJCUBCotL-/s320/may+2012+013+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second year the rosette elongates late may through June - July to form a large imposing, impressive thistle. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkMtM0P75TBuy5jAPxXET_NtU-yi4ONTY5j6b4CpCd-8APDJgvgnU3GG4hnyRewqliemz6EQig5lB5TDpVX3SUQybupjw8-NOliFmHRbszeqnqwFwsWyGV5KtXiJ7jyoKoL49TQUrT9GB/s1600/july8+054+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkMtM0P75TBuy5jAPxXET_NtU-yi4ONTY5j6b4CpCd-8APDJgvgnU3GG4hnyRewqliemz6EQig5lB5TDpVX3SUQybupjw8-NOliFmHRbszeqnqwFwsWyGV5KtXiJ7jyoKoL49TQUrT9GB/s320/july8+054+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is at this stage that my customers say 'wow, what is that plant?'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOPtSsHGnaSi8cNkv9fO2-UZQoYjdh7yc-IDxHOZhCFKkxO360weY-ztDSC-46T_xBTnpH0YRb7MNjyqQyO5NoQvzQYEQB7oIrRbWmqR59nxf1kZuTcmS9RhJzrilgMwrUE09OfP1HdBI/s1600/aug+8+128+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOPtSsHGnaSi8cNkv9fO2-UZQoYjdh7yc-IDxHOZhCFKkxO360weY-ztDSC-46T_xBTnpH0YRb7MNjyqQyO5NoQvzQYEQB7oIrRbWmqR59nxf1kZuTcmS9RhJzrilgMwrUE09OfP1HdBI/s320/aug+8+128+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How can you not like that beautiful pinkish-purple flower. It is short lived, but so are paeonies and poppies. Being a true biennial, the plant dies after it flowers. And being a true biennial it reseeds prolifically. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I do, and what I tell my customers is that after it blooms, remove (with seriously tough gloves) all the flower heads but a few and alow the few to mature their seed. When their seed is ripe, I remove the seed and line it out in a row where I have removed the mother plants. The seed usually germinates in the fall but goes through the winter just fine. In the spring, I place out what plants I want for the garden and pot up some to sell as 1st year plants. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seed is their only means of reproduction. The plant can produce up to 40 000 seeds. Don't put the mature seed heads in the compost. In may areas it is concidered an evasive species. But if you follow my advice above, you will have no problems.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wIJQ_WIECAUnk-3-JI7GWbger9fz4OoNWr84YUi9FWGj7xj_oPUkSzB0QbMGQGwp-JS9_0769LHoTDh1YFpBRIVXc-2SCql98Fsnhd5BAAI0RUhcOO2SxczSDoB39pLASSsDSYT-sERg/s1600/june+2012+002+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wIJQ_WIECAUnk-3-JI7GWbger9fz4OoNWr84YUi9FWGj7xj_oPUkSzB0QbMGQGwp-JS9_0769LHoTDh1YFpBRIVXc-2SCql98Fsnhd5BAAI0RUhcOO2SxczSDoB39pLASSsDSYT-sERg/s320/june+2012+002+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tonight (June 27th), I came home to find my beloved thistles lying over. It had been rainy and windy the last few days. This has happened in the past but not every year.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOo12O6b3ksXC6pjft4-3BX4HmZX8qYJFyfbKOkwymjPByItNjvRSdEJDt-3-XKfx3K-50FzTWLWTx89Pj5OgqzufZEpJCP0i3tOUO4uk8De38L_lpZtQoNCNNjKAITWGHa_sIAPKC-Ro/s1600/june+2012+002+(2)+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOo12O6b3ksXC6pjft4-3BX4HmZX8qYJFyfbKOkwymjPByItNjvRSdEJDt-3-XKfx3K-50FzTWLWTx89Pj5OgqzufZEpJCP0i3tOUO4uk8De38L_lpZtQoNCNNjKAITWGHa_sIAPKC-Ro/s320/june+2012+002+(2)+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we found some stakes and hauled them up. As long as they remain till they bloom (any time) and the seed matures for another year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Usually I don't take them away till mid to late August. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think it will be much earlier this year and I may need a bit of filler.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wonder what is left in the greenhouse ........</div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-9302143694472307572012-06-17T17:00:00.002-03:002012-06-17T17:00:45.976-03:00A Bit of Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxq8XDKxUC4apX9mFCQaS7U83tCzztraFaw_IQO-8TOUpkWOBGgNjMYvBgMt5Svk-PiR3fXhVUx6A4nqc356BhhMfDplqTGqQ7ZwMHHEzjZTqLC_8qc2XuuHgYnAJvxI3sqZctHRWt5pVF/s1600/june+2012+002+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxq8XDKxUC4apX9mFCQaS7U83tCzztraFaw_IQO-8TOUpkWOBGgNjMYvBgMt5Svk-PiR3fXhVUx6A4nqc356BhhMfDplqTGqQ7ZwMHHEzjZTqLC_8qc2XuuHgYnAJvxI3sqZctHRWt5pVF/s320/june+2012+002+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
Why is it the grass grows into the beds at such a remarkable speed??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesGPkxic9febs1Stxp8uu9Hj6NSR-J8HcFg_BAIzuY4ObBKiAE4Z9gNHf0jzbpOOIOMGg4Vkc1QTdoZLUGNAnA7i3kOTs0PBqzaMUTKBhWy_St_AqOKO3pwK9bfREJp5UiwoDEdaoWQ-Q/s1600/june+2012+003+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesGPkxic9febs1Stxp8uu9Hj6NSR-J8HcFg_BAIzuY4ObBKiAE4Z9gNHf0jzbpOOIOMGg4Vkc1QTdoZLUGNAnA7i3kOTs0PBqzaMUTKBhWy_St_AqOKO3pwK9bfREJp5UiwoDEdaoWQ-Q/s320/june+2012+003+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nothing like a nice crisp edge to make it look finished.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwS2UVoZHM1ZLw6SIWF3kRggzTCaP-fMu2Dk2jGCJtD7fygEyPAIGcg1cDIMiNnMvAg_yGnDiX-E7OF2EC4x8i8E2MsKalsOa4u9UyWADQCZ7ooSnWU4okZ7KQ53M-MVsDMfw9nPwkgxi/s1600/june+2012+043+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwS2UVoZHM1ZLw6SIWF3kRggzTCaP-fMu2Dk2jGCJtD7fygEyPAIGcg1cDIMiNnMvAg_yGnDiX-E7OF2EC4x8i8E2MsKalsOa4u9UyWADQCZ7ooSnWU4okZ7KQ53M-MVsDMfw9nPwkgxi/s320/june+2012+043+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And of course a husband who likes to have things nice and tidy and doesn't mind doing it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuL1MozJ0H38zET_Z2OQHH6BVvCEspd_3VNoRpw7q6BGHNS7SJMNbQzxJxnYT7PWWjdaUeIJ3zFS1esnrQ2ArBVU-0v4w1J9OCaGOPg46xa5lCobJqTNHC0KX3HlwgblxT8d4WHk4c0px/s1600/june+2012+001+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuL1MozJ0H38zET_Z2OQHH6BVvCEspd_3VNoRpw7q6BGHNS7SJMNbQzxJxnYT7PWWjdaUeIJ3zFS1esnrQ2ArBVU-0v4w1J9OCaGOPg46xa5lCobJqTNHC0KX3HlwgblxT8d4WHk4c0px/s320/june+2012+001+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, those pesky weeds who hide under the skirts of the primula.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfRyIx_citb7zW2r4sFIWVkX7tMYa1zAcjFQ6i9bfFXNI4ZJIFmP7p7kCQnGJ07_h5TbQdahaI55g7ywGycMfBEARn1y-voj4z1sU1tRkDtE3mU3wZj4Et84-c5sSnCs1JIobEOjk_RnX/s1600/june+2012+008+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfRyIx_citb7zW2r4sFIWVkX7tMYa1zAcjFQ6i9bfFXNI4ZJIFmP7p7kCQnGJ07_h5TbQdahaI55g7ywGycMfBEARn1y-voj4z1sU1tRkDtE3mU3wZj4Et84-c5sSnCs1JIobEOjk_RnX/s320/june+2012+008+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Clematis recta, one bloom open, hundreds to go. This plant needs staking. I say that every year and do I get it staked?? No. Then it flops over on the other plants.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPF-eEy-5ucWgc6HNZ9u618zXNcuQ8ZhSluBgl8ebbUAk802heKtup_n71ndz2Mzr7i1fG9ML1jymv_D8t1EDmF8k5vSfwxQObV3RMULo7RSvIvr7folnWNX2noORFmQ1WDtlPOTqz4-Z/s1600/june+2012+009+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPF-eEy-5ucWgc6HNZ9u618zXNcuQ8ZhSluBgl8ebbUAk802heKtup_n71ndz2Mzr7i1fG9ML1jymv_D8t1EDmF8k5vSfwxQObV3RMULo7RSvIvr7folnWNX2noORFmQ1WDtlPOTqz4-Z/s320/june+2012+009+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nothing like a pure white Iris.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl3wo16-1eeRhZ_bgoeJwaNlgY0QFqHv5kVLbBkKxj668HVao0QzjzOj7-JELhjgbV_o6j3u32HmStaSL9cHURu5UK61yUgJllRUpR1-tcTZ70E4scuVvItKiKNRhkyZO3GEJKPlMjcX6/s1600/june+2012+011+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl3wo16-1eeRhZ_bgoeJwaNlgY0QFqHv5kVLbBkKxj668HVao0QzjzOj7-JELhjgbV_o6j3u32HmStaSL9cHURu5UK61yUgJllRUpR1-tcTZ70E4scuVvItKiKNRhkyZO3GEJKPlMjcX6/s320/june+2012+011+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or maybe a pure yellow paeony (Yellow Crown). Absolutely love it!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5kDohGzCjSKMRho3wRxZ8t43pgclLThJFonvu3QDRB9xRMc8o3isEp5li-_7KeewiiK4Y31RzVP9j0rHGsPblEshq95P3fTewvpWlHWL_0bfpk_BWQbVd2exQ08_7zSBf9ki9AHolUIt/s1600/june+2012+012+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5kDohGzCjSKMRho3wRxZ8t43pgclLThJFonvu3QDRB9xRMc8o3isEp5li-_7KeewiiK4Y31RzVP9j0rHGsPblEshq95P3fTewvpWlHWL_0bfpk_BWQbVd2exQ08_7zSBf9ki9AHolUIt/s320/june+2012+012+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh and the picture frame is coming along really nice. No, it is not for sale, I am going to enjoy this one. I do have another frame I am going to do at some point and I need to get some more wreaths started. Maybe later.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-80252159585869139242012-05-31T12:14:00.000-03:002012-05-31T12:14:14.163-03:00Everything has Popped<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOlZlZEsWZYMI4281W28Icl0fbToWQopm3IKuhqJ009sZIkK2kL2_1QLCQcdUQ13k0BOul7tVBIZos0T5XQG99BbH67GYMTLm6eUpMEr2rcU8tbE9ZqKilpfdUUcWPAZyESLgkYaNTTQ2/s1600/may+2012+001+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOlZlZEsWZYMI4281W28Icl0fbToWQopm3IKuhqJ009sZIkK2kL2_1QLCQcdUQ13k0BOul7tVBIZos0T5XQG99BbH67GYMTLm6eUpMEr2rcU8tbE9ZqKilpfdUUcWPAZyESLgkYaNTTQ2/s320/may+2012+001+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everything has popped. What a difference two weeks make. Here it is the last days of May and this past week you would swear it was July or August.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_z6DfquPix3TpyupaKUu_9jParIf7pXcMmQzHyuj6WqibeJc7gNPcyAvfNCtaWAEivCVQRkGP5dR45X_fUCPlaphZh3-KToJrNA8YG3leHG1znvyqTgH5cvxTPJlmDNvNDJLJEMDGUmV/s1600/may+2012+011+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_z6DfquPix3TpyupaKUu_9jParIf7pXcMmQzHyuj6WqibeJc7gNPcyAvfNCtaWAEivCVQRkGP5dR45X_fUCPlaphZh3-KToJrNA8YG3leHG1znvyqTgH5cvxTPJlmDNvNDJLJEMDGUmV/s320/may+2012+011+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have Daylilies blooming. Aztec Gold is early but not that early, it's not supposed to bloom till the end of June</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsmt2CJ9vtk6UjBq-N2Y1Ic4w6CX6vGpWKX96EU654l4bZjkcU94B3Ik6oBjMWfWIji1bTLcZ_xqDCDoAQPFMGEL5Yov9ryiHp47CyKX5BW0JRkjEwebmqzXzsw_Gi_wmPrXtbwrMYaL0/s1600/may+2012+003+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsmt2CJ9vtk6UjBq-N2Y1Ic4w6CX6vGpWKX96EU654l4bZjkcU94B3Ik6oBjMWfWIji1bTLcZ_xqDCDoAQPFMGEL5Yov9ryiHp47CyKX5BW0JRkjEwebmqzXzsw_Gi_wmPrXtbwrMYaL0/s320/may+2012+003+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Hosta are up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2xcJxZn0PrWp4z3kyvMZJ1IEYYhKa8AcMzKL9ypll93ITYHfqdlyTASPgNYB_YOBZU9zwIm9UZi36sVQXSZ4b5_zfUMe1GNPhyRcFg-Xx5aiGoca-l-rkvhstL4dIlRdduwFyz4C8E_b/s1600/may+2012+005+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2xcJxZn0PrWp4z3kyvMZJ1IEYYhKa8AcMzKL9ypll93ITYHfqdlyTASPgNYB_YOBZU9zwIm9UZi36sVQXSZ4b5_zfUMe1GNPhyRcFg-Xx5aiGoca-l-rkvhstL4dIlRdduwFyz4C8E_b/s320/may+2012+005+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Almost fully out. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember, I spaced them out last year?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think they will be good for a few</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK3RLpQ0aEEYd2D3aUoXTgTWNzd3W8XUhtcs_OAXW_3X9Hrc8p7Y7IlqyDB-DF062-50Pgj7oU5g6Bmzph-y8zVj3DRmW_DS07IFuUgUgMSRItpULuGxjdpa81hhiQwXcegamn8ENQzfI/s1600/may+2012+004+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK3RLpQ0aEEYd2D3aUoXTgTWNzd3W8XUhtcs_OAXW_3X9Hrc8p7Y7IlqyDB-DF062-50Pgj7oU5g6Bmzph-y8zVj3DRmW_DS07IFuUgUgMSRItpULuGxjdpa81hhiQwXcegamn8ENQzfI/s320/may+2012+004+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The bog garden is looking good, a bit on the dry side, not very boggy, but nothing is this spring. I do think a few too many holes were punched in the plastic, but it is a bit moister than the rest of the garden.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi642oPtZRQRsjtzytb-Rdy72NWgnQyfmgB8SRwjAdecR_9OmQRc2bbidGDWRFA90z6nQqEqo8XrMD39RqIGmoTTSg73Gy1bM67SEETBjeUOlQdae4X2vQ51WIgEcJ-b5CLAwjm4-LFhUl0/s1600/may+2012+007+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi642oPtZRQRsjtzytb-Rdy72NWgnQyfmgB8SRwjAdecR_9OmQRc2bbidGDWRFA90z6nQqEqo8XrMD39RqIGmoTTSg73Gy1bM67SEETBjeUOlQdae4X2vQ51WIgEcJ-b5CLAwjm4-LFhUl0/s320/may+2012+007+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the lower part of the display gardens, I had lost just about all my Euphorbia (have no idea why), and the Saponaria (Bouncing Bet), which I love, were bouncing around a bit too much. This year they were out. Will have to find a new spot for them. Anyway, I moved the Helenium (Helen's Flower, Sneezeweed, Swamp Sunflower) into the centre of this area around the second week in May. Well since it hasn't rained here much the month of May, you can probably tell that they didn't like it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JGFaGyi7J0LGM7E3VRy304tU6HBQX-0JLCZTAzv0yTuzPuBrkkPjQe9hG0JU39aYpYotd3QtNEfsmB9t5XoktEU3k8VgC7r4tGiFlDuzRqW3cYPSlwwcxXO2biYUe2umT-CBSN2-Smx0/s1600/may+2012+013+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JGFaGyi7J0LGM7E3VRy304tU6HBQX-0JLCZTAzv0yTuzPuBrkkPjQe9hG0JU39aYpYotd3QtNEfsmB9t5XoktEU3k8VgC7r4tGiFlDuzRqW3cYPSlwwcxXO2biYUe2umT-CBSN2-Smx0/s320/may+2012+013+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But a nice coat of compost and a little rain this past day and they are smiling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDg_w-HDbEBGujLo9c6q-ImEUhMxV4VekV8zX5jY5nP_N10MhgwXju4-UyFwIFwaxwL82Uf3n_p_egb8KE7Rg64ZA-h4-t_7IO2xq064j13J-5ZrKhU7b2KtXqo6qls4qQ8PyI1GhtGJX/s1600/may+2012+002+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDg_w-HDbEBGujLo9c6q-ImEUhMxV4VekV8zX5jY5nP_N10MhgwXju4-UyFwIFwaxwL82Uf3n_p_egb8KE7Rg64ZA-h4-t_7IO2xq064j13J-5ZrKhU7b2KtXqo6qls4qQ8PyI1GhtGJX/s320/may+2012+002+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now I have to get the Woolly Thyme path to smile.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /> </div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-73303125248459715532012-05-10T20:10:00.000-03:002012-05-10T20:11:33.181-03:00Back at the Semps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vTfzkpXoGYbHmaBzZccheYgq60DuIR5pDhL3vhBfuJOAbA8DBEN3KhGuDZgt9l3KiBkd7fj9NoK5qAkrginzDEwM2ZWoWhMh0k3mSCI4yqG4oqDPMm9TzeL03vsXJ2mkeluCf4zoixTz/s1600/april+2012+011+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vTfzkpXoGYbHmaBzZccheYgq60DuIR5pDhL3vhBfuJOAbA8DBEN3KhGuDZgt9l3KiBkd7fj9NoK5qAkrginzDEwM2ZWoWhMh0k3mSCI4yqG4oqDPMm9TzeL03vsXJ2mkeluCf4zoixTz/s320/april+2012+011+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what do you do if you just can resist all those varieties of Semps out there, and you have amassed a collection. Guilty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4KEZ7h0VvEH0-eRcDynyzpWWNqh8wKrq9p1blDtNVdooS6IuwyYtlxlPNvPMvrfQNmG2_Lvo6hu1UOljAKJknmkA5UyIeErOFknPV-80CvVcTJAYyKB2OdArjxputW5Vetvm1SIRftFC/s1600/april+2012+004+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4KEZ7h0VvEH0-eRcDynyzpWWNqh8wKrq9p1blDtNVdooS6IuwyYtlxlPNvPMvrfQNmG2_Lvo6hu1UOljAKJknmkA5UyIeErOFknPV-80CvVcTJAYyKB2OdArjxputW5Vetvm1SIRftFC/s320/april+2012+004+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can make a wreath (may be I'll post a how to do some day), but to day we are going to do something different.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSlSm8ynYPgLRuH-4Ez8i-sJ-L_6JbilV-7Z8V30mDQKWXpPcLoeFTUO0nXXfX8aPdORCwP5T7KzAaY9wzLsfY9viDL4HLrYH6Xuno1aW8q36WXs-xJJNygC5-6hMGGoGNbeb9PNrrNmg/s1600/april+2012+010+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSlSm8ynYPgLRuH-4Ez8i-sJ-L_6JbilV-7Z8V30mDQKWXpPcLoeFTUO0nXXfX8aPdORCwP5T7KzAaY9wzLsfY9viDL4HLrYH6Xuno1aW8q36WXs-xJJNygC5-6hMGGoGNbeb9PNrrNmg/s320/april+2012+010+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am a 4-H leader for Gardening and Floraculture in our local club. The young lady I teach Floraculture to came to me with this idea she found on the Internet for making a picture out of Semps. It didn't take us long to decide that this would be a good project. Even Lady thinks so.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ0jz1Tgm7VY3r-MsPT69VBl-id8_bNzEMgmE5U78Gxfx94Et9V6YT5nby4W28o8TVnLZl2p2tsB5W7QAVAz8BBtxKJGrSWxIOxbj3UF-fmd9bywUdFcNFw5NCUVa2_f1sPF_GInv_syl/s1600/april+2012+008+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ0jz1Tgm7VY3r-MsPT69VBl-id8_bNzEMgmE5U78Gxfx94Et9V6YT5nby4W28o8TVnLZl2p2tsB5W7QAVAz8BBtxKJGrSWxIOxbj3UF-fmd9bywUdFcNFw5NCUVa2_f1sPF_GInv_syl/s320/april+2012+008+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
My Father-in-Law throws nothing out. He had this great frame that he basically made a shadow box for. We used hardware cloth, 1/4" in size.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2ZKahdiI2CvzuTKaKqLd-uZcO0N5KP3tOahNrjrMm74UwmEtKQHmy2wN3ZRWLXWc_51wIJBlv2EcP47bmwenQIL1_yJeMBfBfOTIE6K7d-9wv_1HE_y1BbrfXMht1WmCpKtqj5WOWyr4/s1600/april+2012+013+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2ZKahdiI2CvzuTKaKqLd-uZcO0N5KP3tOahNrjrMm74UwmEtKQHmy2wN3ZRWLXWc_51wIJBlv2EcP47bmwenQIL1_yJeMBfBfOTIE6K7d-9wv_1HE_y1BbrfXMht1WmCpKtqj5WOWyr4/s320/april+2012+013+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Marla's Dad made hers but they used 1" cloth (much better size), you learn as you go. She filled her box from the back, adding soil first,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOENcrhSC33vVgQ6rvDxm1EV3xfYtvrgwtTRp7YeVJBtA461jHKo0ZdsEvlGY7tuSgKP1_gWSdBwhIPG7ANJYKSX7V7NmcaWvGzr_tuaO3zgX-Z7NckwiCtyeBfK4DaCvUMbdvqnCurMD/s1600/april+2012+017+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOENcrhSC33vVgQ6rvDxm1EV3xfYtvrgwtTRp7YeVJBtA461jHKo0ZdsEvlGY7tuSgKP1_gWSdBwhIPG7ANJYKSX7V7NmcaWvGzr_tuaO3zgX-Z7NckwiCtyeBfK4DaCvUMbdvqnCurMD/s320/april+2012+017+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then adding a thin layer of sphagnum moss to hold the soil in.</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGquYsK_HnjWcZV6pNYQ4qui6fq_DVXOwK6zWFD1AX9cMFAAu_bXSokCBAKodgmqUuetDBKsbuTnSMlru4ZJS_JxFTysIDaolqJWmt3ypQkGT4hhft1kqdHl7ilKHT8iJKIytxd7TCEY8/s1600/april+2012+016+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGquYsK_HnjWcZV6pNYQ4qui6fq_DVXOwK6zWFD1AX9cMFAAu_bXSokCBAKodgmqUuetDBKsbuTnSMlru4ZJS_JxFTysIDaolqJWmt3ypQkGT4hhft1kqdHl7ilKHT8iJKIytxd7TCEY8/s320/april+2012+016+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
Then screwing the 'frame' down to the shadow box.</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsW_nM-YXGU1ECOlwXK8-mssOaMTWJjOSCnvKESQ5SyDGQ7L4cdyeJzpxUz9S6CMgKsMzlv3w5Jd_fpwdU_IUOJ0v2IcEUiMFQcIJgdgrudc2uNujXExmeR6jX_5vOFhiA8RNT5AKMsTT/s1600/april+2012+012+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsW_nM-YXGU1ECOlwXK8-mssOaMTWJjOSCnvKESQ5SyDGQ7L4cdyeJzpxUz9S6CMgKsMzlv3w5Jd_fpwdU_IUOJ0v2IcEUiMFQcIJgdgrudc2uNujXExmeR6jX_5vOFhiA8RNT5AKMsTT/s320/april+2012+012+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mine was made upside down, laying the moss down first on the hardware cloth.</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47c8gayxpP02Cu7BgxzQOiOnUMzAqy9qtnP6j2_0YzuXZEocez1a4-HjRIP8ZtoisMnBZahykMxY1kOSOgsDzXiRoC4EYCh8-fRZCT8en3iFZqTHMrgAUBwQ43IVsO-vscvNlP8Z1shHY/s1600/april+2012+015+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47c8gayxpP02Cu7BgxzQOiOnUMzAqy9qtnP6j2_0YzuXZEocez1a4-HjRIP8ZtoisMnBZahykMxY1kOSOgsDzXiRoC4EYCh8-fRZCT8en3iFZqTHMrgAUBwQ43IVsO-vscvNlP8Z1shHY/s320/april+2012+015+%2528640x360%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Adding the potting soil, sliding the back on and screwing it down.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWtuIc3vevNZRuzbPzx5NDatwWlAb0dp7-b5oH1AJdvEYE3HjbvXT3ueBzOCx0jt8gw2eR0ReMoCBdAuDwf4iEv_oCQD5aCIFcB3ABQh1oxYJXae3Kczzk8ez0NP1SVA9bQVsblY-zIir/s1600/april+2012+019+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWtuIc3vevNZRuzbPzx5NDatwWlAb0dp7-b5oH1AJdvEYE3HjbvXT3ueBzOCx0jt8gw2eR0ReMoCBdAuDwf4iEv_oCQD5aCIFcB3ABQh1oxYJXae3Kczzk8ez0NP1SVA9bQVsblY-zIir/s320/april+2012+019+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now the fun part, we get to fill it with whatever we want. Marla's frame is huge, she added semps, small sedums and some creeping thyme.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuj0N3slpsdkKcrXXS-7jzsU6cvY0Gq5C2hrNaJT9fit9gyEwdLBlQ6Y2bU-uQkB868SCo1ydrsKoaxXgBFz__Y5I83RL4jlW9gnRqPHDGGBpeqcUa0Mv4MK39xE9mWP6xoxre7GMBIZC/s1600/april+2012+022+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuj0N3slpsdkKcrXXS-7jzsU6cvY0Gq5C2hrNaJT9fit9gyEwdLBlQ6Y2bU-uQkB868SCo1ydrsKoaxXgBFz__Y5I83RL4jlW9gnRqPHDGGBpeqcUa0Mv4MK39xE9mWP6xoxre7GMBIZC/s320/april+2012+022+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Surprisingly, you don't need a lot of material, you actually want the smaller pieces (chicks) and little sprigs of sedums and thyme. Marla took hers home to her little greenhouse until she is ready to display it at our 4-H Achievement Day towards the end of July. By then it should be looking quite good.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2KKa4rqGSfD2O7AOXmNC469BMnFK_Yo6E2ppOnNIjmLkveFiPb1r6wIgzVhuclN7ln5_CD1Wwrth-oLfgW4brFDunutQRgl0adFPRM073bCNLT4OsjTJkHRyK0tu3z1c76K8y8-7WgIO/s1600/april+2012+024+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2KKa4rqGSfD2O7AOXmNC469BMnFK_Yo6E2ppOnNIjmLkveFiPb1r6wIgzVhuclN7ln5_CD1Wwrth-oLfgW4brFDunutQRgl0adFPRM073bCNLT4OsjTJkHRyK0tu3z1c76K8y8-7WgIO/s320/april+2012+024+%2528360x640%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had to cut out some of the hardware cloth so it gave me 1" squares for adding some of the semps. I kept mine pure, semps only. They will take a little while to root in, but I can't wait until it can be hung up (carefully of course).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hmmm, I wonder if Papa has anymore frames lying around??</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-41980751536522645982012-04-30T21:21:00.001-03:002012-04-30T21:21:10.599-03:00Out With the Old, In With the New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesczV3HZ0MbAA_IOCBEsb5W9fwfmjIRRJuY8Ql9qctOjNEcTAIvj-lnXHdrIOm3541EJjktRlEo5hrWcGINiplGO4UwfWzYMk9oFB22Zw3yHCJhp8ZZt8TGXQesqm5207gXPKDZfiqF-8/s1600/march12+053+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesczV3HZ0MbAA_IOCBEsb5W9fwfmjIRRJuY8Ql9qctOjNEcTAIvj-lnXHdrIOm3541EJjktRlEo5hrWcGINiplGO4UwfWzYMk9oFB22Zw3yHCJhp8ZZt8TGXQesqm5207gXPKDZfiqF-8/s320/march12+053+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />
Can't really tell from the top picture that the front half of the bench collapsed last fall when I loaded it with just a few too many pots. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2kNnS2YW0RCWMkb9HAcRiCw7PkD3PNDcBWDZF3FVqZrolYhIc9diwSVSAQVxUDkfyZSd1Xsp_RUzlpjZXT4gCTo1SUAOAQNiOkqI7jkOXwP4VxVhwn0SJPv2qFNElrwP0bgW13wi_Zj2/s1600/april+2012+006+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2kNnS2YW0RCWMkb9HAcRiCw7PkD3PNDcBWDZF3FVqZrolYhIc9diwSVSAQVxUDkfyZSd1Xsp_RUzlpjZXT4gCTo1SUAOAQNiOkqI7jkOXwP4VxVhwn0SJPv2qFNElrwP0bgW13wi_Zj2/s320/april+2012+006+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After all, they are over 14 years old, made from the pickets of a fence and subjected to years of high humidity and watering. It is surprising they lasted this long. 'Finally' said Andrew. He knows my motto of trying to get the last tomato from the plant. I will not throw anything out if it still has some life in it. I had to admit it was a goner. Andrew wanted metal benches. "They won't rot."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /><br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSN_w9nKMORRi2K4NzRUcty_N4csEVj6zZmB07-GOhGrdCFADqFOvUnOtmuh56oc4qEpQYI6ZlTB8lgZ91UYpRddpVQadITvMarWSE6N0sIuIPQ4D_rT5_2XmMkidV8pX7KmZjkH1QPtw/s1600/april+2012+001+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSN_w9nKMORRi2K4NzRUcty_N4csEVj6zZmB07-GOhGrdCFADqFOvUnOtmuh56oc4qEpQYI6ZlTB8lgZ91UYpRddpVQadITvMarWSE6N0sIuIPQ4D_rT5_2XmMkidV8pX7KmZjkH1QPtw/s320/april+2012+001+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok. The bench was ordered. Out came the old one. You know it is rotten when you can practically break it apart with your bare hands. The greenhouse always had a gravel floor from day one. We had put a few large patio stones in a few years ago, but that was as far as it went. Andrew's dad seemed to have this large stock pile of stones at his place (he throws nothing out) and with a few trips to the local building supplies, we put in the floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvRPSrX4U1w0lgQu6EbpnQLOgFD7OpNpgBU0JsSg0G2IkQp8ZR7Zag9Qw43MpX8tnAPMxQ2PNPHoAc5-uu3ndljQIw39wU9YQ-XhYKRpuCoeqI8eQNMS9rOfnbMYFBKZmLeXBjjOZV1tk/s1600/april+2012+005+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvRPSrX4U1w0lgQu6EbpnQLOgFD7OpNpgBU0JsSg0G2IkQp8ZR7Zag9Qw43MpX8tnAPMxQ2PNPHoAc5-uu3ndljQIw39wU9YQ-XhYKRpuCoeqI8eQNMS9rOfnbMYFBKZmLeXBjjOZV1tk/s320/april+2012+005+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to admit, I am really liking it. And even though I am busy outside, I was not putting a brand new bench on a brand new floor with walls looking like that. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2-zSTYA3gPRbnFN29FlhlviKgw82I66Du5LWmzCp8-mi8r2QFaSVkUSVafb49Ow08RfM8X3Y9ZB-6keI4kgju1GnuaPyMNb3zD9f5VxDBp04NFsQh81l86mQJV9-Z-zAsUtcq9vb-DaL/s1600/april+2012+007+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2-zSTYA3gPRbnFN29FlhlviKgw82I66Du5LWmzCp8-mi8r2QFaSVkUSVafb49Ow08RfM8X3Y9ZB-6keI4kgju1GnuaPyMNb3zD9f5VxDBp04NFsQh81l86mQJV9-Z-zAsUtcq9vb-DaL/s320/april+2012+007+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But it didn't take long to clean, and boy does it ever look better.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW9R931dBy61kvVo_hNFJ7BdcW7jQoexLqBUnpwzoOQSLuRMl0yF9tGGmdH3cwJpHgLBUKLzYYA0ai4AWV4tFg-NvIE2-86kVtGZeoBB1qJ39GY4miKnwLH-Ap7j8FKM6-3mKwI31qpCP/s1600/april+2012+023+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW9R931dBy61kvVo_hNFJ7BdcW7jQoexLqBUnpwzoOQSLuRMl0yF9tGGmdH3cwJpHgLBUKLzYYA0ai4AWV4tFg-NvIE2-86kVtGZeoBB1qJ39GY4miKnwLH-Ap7j8FKM6-3mKwI31qpCP/s320/april+2012+023+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After all that, the realization that we ordered the bench 6" too long; What were we thinking?? Out came the dremil (great little invention) and the bolt cutters and everything fit perfect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b4XK6ar5vBrc5MJWlI77P0NcSb64LE5tUqwvHCLHECCjiainYID6Z-XSyTQT00tD63OTiO8jGoDQYbHGhiTIQ9ZBmdb_WqcBJFv8Jaa5IZTIU-yljg45jRZySMhDVG98Gp6VjecMlVep/s320/002+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And it didn't take me long to fill it up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wonder how long the benches on the otherside will last?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-73341118186912938352012-03-26T14:23:00.000-03:002012-03-26T14:23:50.431-03:00Update on Sterilizing SoilWe purchased a new microwave. <br />
<br />
No I did not bust the other sterilizing soil.<br />
<br />
So this time I went 4 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeF34ic29yV63NorHDrtIw0JODJYLQFoN0pqYVcA_2a-jOS2l_IRjV_6JRijrbjERvSeajXKdweaDgHifgzn_oDm3w12BqRQlMn7zmk2VbovQSaY2nIjC5I75uJpSVaC5dc9_K0p6E9r1/s1600/march+008+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeF34ic29yV63NorHDrtIw0JODJYLQFoN0pqYVcA_2a-jOS2l_IRjV_6JRijrbjERvSeajXKdweaDgHifgzn_oDm3w12BqRQlMn7zmk2VbovQSaY2nIjC5I75uJpSVaC5dc9_K0p6E9r1/s320/march+008+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The temperature reached 198 F, just under the toxic level all the references say you want to stay away from.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQ61WbK4ejo1D-QLd63Zc3U9vctJYAtsZdRIN29xZ60cP-McxAgpfgq1GY7PX36lSvHYi7kdn-FGP90cwk2RsIrcUhYpDEgOpWrd1C_h-h8sQmQM3P15KzfCBqCQbF_zy2CLdKsZO8cXp/s1600/march+007+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQ61WbK4ejo1D-QLd63Zc3U9vctJYAtsZdRIN29xZ60cP-McxAgpfgq1GY7PX36lSvHYi7kdn-FGP90cwk2RsIrcUhYpDEgOpWrd1C_h-h8sQmQM3P15KzfCBqCQbF_zy2CLdKsZO8cXp/s320/march+007+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I wrapped my little bundle in a bathroom towel and took its temperature every 10 min.<br />
<br />
10 min 188 F<br />
<br />
20 min 178 F<br />
<br />
30 min 170 F<br />
<br />
I'm starting to see a pattern. I'll leave the little baby wrapped for the afternoon (at least 2 hours), then I'll unwrap and let it cool.<br />
<br />
I'm seeding tonight so I will add to this post later on, the quality of the germination. I'm itching to plant my tomatoes but I think I'll wait another week.Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-73583428159709452012-03-19T09:45:00.001-03:002012-03-19T13:01:48.001-03:00Seed Starting Time, Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Seed starting time again, that time of year comes around pretty quickly. The days are getting milder, snow melting, the sun warmer and the bulbs are peeking up through the snow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJ_4hzDlVroI6bEXb_nRQqJz05yoty3JDrfmd8PP2Bn3a78ocYblwOaE_JM7Wd-DxPFKjDNok2bMGDO9_wyJL9B1I395MzCDVUzBy5JWEdwJxDTDbjmhKgiS4LTvZLaOgQgNODtl7xMwi/s1600/march12+052+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJ_4hzDlVroI6bEXb_nRQqJz05yoty3JDrfmd8PP2Bn3a78ocYblwOaE_JM7Wd-DxPFKjDNok2bMGDO9_wyJL9B1I395MzCDVUzBy5JWEdwJxDTDbjmhKgiS4LTvZLaOgQgNODtl7xMwi/s320/march12+052+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I reuse soil all the time, mix in some old with some new and pot up plants I have divided in the garden. But I won't reuse old soil for seeds and seedlings and I am even careful if I have a half used bag of potting soil left over from last year. Up until a few years ago, you could purchase a fungicide called Damp-Off that you added to your water when watering in your seeds and watering your seedlings that prevented the damping off fungus that devastated your newly emerged seedlings. That is no longer on the market and there is no equivalent product that can be used, not even organic (please tell me if you know). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There are antidotal remedies, hydrogen peroxide, chamomile tea (probably puts them to sleep), cinnamon (at least it makes the soil smell good) and powdered charcoal, that are 'supposed to' prevent the dampening off. Water your seedlings from the bottom (good advice) and give them good air circulation (more good advice), but the best advice is to use good sterilized potting mix. Most mixes are pre sterilized, but what if you have leftover potting soil from last year. But remember seed has become expensive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There are a few ways of sterilizing your soil, all involve cooking (technically). Get out your measuring spoons and scales. You can use a pressure cooker, steamer, oven (every reference says this will absolutely stink up your house) or your microwave. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzbwmZ29QLKWFYofDlx-fZtqi8nk75AajPXrPPOaP_9wvgwmDNbNslBfKeusLI-yh4xlPWcauyyKStfjBmxyjMqnBlsmlO4Sudzt0DYJY2N6yPJf3bWNnejKHdpnqCoX94wj0ZirFYXaf/s1600/march12+043+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzbwmZ29QLKWFYofDlx-fZtqi8nk75AajPXrPPOaP_9wvgwmDNbNslBfKeusLI-yh4xlPWcauyyKStfjBmxyjMqnBlsmlO4Sudzt0DYJY2N6yPJf3bWNnejKHdpnqCoX94wj0ZirFYXaf/s320/march12+043+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I used the microwave method last year with really good results (at least no damping off) so I'll try it again. This method is all over the Internet, it must have come from one source and I have not seen anybody saying it doesn't work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAXrm0cETSH21yas3IqzwRCnBNbgm7NuW6RsW11YjSEg3rjwiy6AJsM69n746cwbmQ9jfga6tx4u5nXKGrFlD2Ez8vd776-NnDVmDVh5SGIiffzFOTjNpF-oclxx8cIxV_CyOEoBttFkL/s1600/march12+060+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAXrm0cETSH21yas3IqzwRCnBNbgm7NuW6RsW11YjSEg3rjwiy6AJsM69n746cwbmQ9jfga6tx4u5nXKGrFlD2Ez8vd776-NnDVmDVh5SGIiffzFOTjNpF-oclxx8cIxV_CyOEoBttFkL/s320/march12+060+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Add enough water to the soil so that when you squeeze the soil, a bit of water comes out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_36AXhkXzBAbkKZbBpSaC1uSSvsyEQPtvLcxU0wHNOWQmvt42lcz_gTVZfuWAsWN4OrIBjwgp9dw9BzDtmK_xQNe6gvV-JJ4dw15bi1jB-xSUEc8Cc9fJ_25Jhin2bNUNQXcQwTVPDs4m/s1600/march12+044+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_36AXhkXzBAbkKZbBpSaC1uSSvsyEQPtvLcxU0wHNOWQmvt42lcz_gTVZfuWAsWN4OrIBjwgp9dw9BzDtmK_xQNe6gvV-JJ4dw15bi1jB-xSUEc8Cc9fJ_25Jhin2bNUNQXcQwTVPDs4m/s320/march12+044+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Place 2 lbs of this mix in a Ziploc (or equivalent) bag, or deadicated microwaveable container and place it in the microwave with the top open. Make sure it is stable. The last thing you need is to clean potting soil out of the microwave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJ9Dk0AkN93qvczkFoG8RVwMyFR878mTLBzg4lX21p4SpP6lqt8etmwcZiShRpGNNCaueXV-2wyCVKGakIsXI5ACZwkicdSYLtSPTFZ7UBMAUf2RvJ9iBXTs394LybLoVuC8EB9qhFp29/s1600/march12+046+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJ9Dk0AkN93qvczkFoG8RVwMyFR878mTLBzg4lX21p4SpP6lqt8etmwcZiShRpGNNCaueXV-2wyCVKGakIsXI5ACZwkicdSYLtSPTFZ7UBMAUf2RvJ9iBXTs394LybLoVuC8EB9qhFp29/s320/march12+046+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> All references I found said to microwave for 2.5 minutes / 2 lb. My scientific mind questioned this since everything I read referring to the oven method was to maintain the soil at 180 F for 30 minutes. Even if you are microwaving, should not the soil temp hold at 30 min also? Does it even reach that temperature? Soil temperatures should reach at least 180 F but not more than 190 F. Many references refer to toxicity to the seeds if the soil goes above 200 F.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97dV3eDR96wjMzrpu3qURQDhILuZ5xEmVUuYd1V7s1dsF8AVohlOTuISGyeE5Tv0Zn0iwRx75kYLEE88Sd1oRZewZyvJX37WcNbrrM6Zd-Xa7XsJad0Zu5jW9VvvxgS9G69XrVnHdxSZx/s1600/march12+050+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97dV3eDR96wjMzrpu3qURQDhILuZ5xEmVUuYd1V7s1dsF8AVohlOTuISGyeE5Tv0Zn0iwRx75kYLEE88Sd1oRZewZyvJX37WcNbrrM6Zd-Xa7XsJad0Zu5jW9VvvxgS9G69XrVnHdxSZx/s320/march12+050+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I have a soil thermometer, very useful for checking the garden soil in the spring and extremely useful in this application. After 2.5 minutes I resealed the bag with clothes pins and the thermometer and took a reading.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOgt49gz6HAy2PXTAGp5n9TWWBaIw7FGHtmp8_duT1IHEnjoxyrwfvUrRkTVETWMiFHZXu2VEKN-NfO4biePmlzLBjupkjYPOmK_xKrKVTR0j0PjwHmvXoPSZGt39mCtOzMfVmaOZ0fF7/s1600/march12+051+(360x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOgt49gz6HAy2PXTAGp5n9TWWBaIw7FGHtmp8_duT1IHEnjoxyrwfvUrRkTVETWMiFHZXu2VEKN-NfO4biePmlzLBjupkjYPOmK_xKrKVTR0j0PjwHmvXoPSZGt39mCtOzMfVmaOZ0fF7/s320/march12+051+(360x640).jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The temperature of the soil only went to 160 F. Time to do a few more experiments. I microwaved a new batch (room temp) for 3 minutes. It just barely reached 180 F. One more time. 3.5 minutes brought the soil to 188 F but the soil temperature dropped below 180 within 7 minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I'm going to use it anyway, because I am quite confident in my soil mix and this was just extra insurance. If I was at all concerned, I would buy a small bag just for seeding or do more experimenting to get it right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Next time I need this soil I may try 4 minutes and try to insulate the bag by wrapping it in a towel or something similar to keep the temperature up for a longer period. Just a thought. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgOHp8JYHdRoVmscWxUSd6GP3qU7fxPqKYSvZ-_RRwS5AyJzlNOgVkmhehvDV_D9JqH7avsEOFT2OWdbbNC7O8BuLlOQdKHXgm2_OsCjKQXyup3Qvgbr5iyhwa6QRC2aYAbbelqgeg-Pw/s1600/march12+001+(640x360).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgOHp8JYHdRoVmscWxUSd6GP3qU7fxPqKYSvZ-_RRwS5AyJzlNOgVkmhehvDV_D9JqH7avsEOFT2OWdbbNC7O8BuLlOQdKHXgm2_OsCjKQXyup3Qvgbr5iyhwa6QRC2aYAbbelqgeg-Pw/s320/march12+001+(640x360).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now a tip for seeding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Those containers that mushrooms come in, great seeding trays. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All you need to do is poke a few holes in the bottom and they are recyclable too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Seeding!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-29199211687032940522012-03-07T08:51:00.000-04:002012-03-07T08:51:59.747-04:00Winter Hardy Cactus Varieties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqge2B0gTXQXXB3MM0iJ2TReyN_3oiWoUkHRVQMze_vYR0f_i__n-8vJgjl4JoxOH1hIOHfzoSBUfdAS69pHp8vOchkAqD7QUL0xyv5ZyttBDMGJj3CQec0PIMHr_P_5RbtBBxxiP2fpe/s1600/july8+024+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqge2B0gTXQXXB3MM0iJ2TReyN_3oiWoUkHRVQMze_vYR0f_i__n-8vJgjl4JoxOH1hIOHfzoSBUfdAS69pHp8vOchkAqD7QUL0xyv5ZyttBDMGJj3CQec0PIMHr_P_5RbtBBxxiP2fpe/s320/july8+024+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> So this picture of cactus must have been taken in the southern US. Right? Wrong. This was taken at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro NS. Although not native to the region, there are no native species east of Ontario, they absolutely thrive here. Around here winters can go 20 below Celsius. No problem for these cactus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This is my last posting on cactus (maybe; for a while) and I want to highlight some cactus species that will grow here in our province and some I am currently growing. I have given you the background on culture, propagation and care. Now what varieties are available.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZoct-FpV6EnlEQ0EwEQ9FbzGL-T_UtF1gebX90zDbvqsX75F3iRbxd532EGy9uLf998B23ZlKox5OwOYeqwnijsfecrcr3_E1fhY3RTsmjPnFFsKUYs3eMnPpD2ll06vqtL-b_iAJMVL/s1600/O.+humifusa+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZoct-FpV6EnlEQ0EwEQ9FbzGL-T_UtF1gebX90zDbvqsX75F3iRbxd532EGy9uLf998B23ZlKox5OwOYeqwnijsfecrcr3_E1fhY3RTsmjPnFFsKUYs3eMnPpD2ll06vqtL-b_iAJMVL/s320/O.+humifusa+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Opuntia humifusa also known as O. compressa is a large Prickly Pear Cactus found in Southern Ontario near Lake Erie. it is an endangered species found only in 2 small locations near Point Pelee, Ontario. It is one of the most hardiest of all Prickly Pear Cactus. For me though, I have yet to get it through the winter in my cactus bed. Other people in the area have, and have had no problem. It is one of the most prolific bloomers and grows quickly with very large pads. The flowers are yellow to yellow gold.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs485iiU-gn8C7eydGzXPdSBGrhnsg_3YtnEplPwvCFhFZ4wGZB9di-lpre05wahiopuUPEBjXn4SVlxFk2AiR6Rb34mk2UhYec73PYHFgI4n_CurBAJGzT60gvpmEYA17jGzqTsQ-F1vv/s1600/O+macrorhiza+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs485iiU-gn8C7eydGzXPdSBGrhnsg_3YtnEplPwvCFhFZ4wGZB9di-lpre05wahiopuUPEBjXn4SVlxFk2AiR6Rb34mk2UhYec73PYHFgI4n_CurBAJGzT60gvpmEYA17jGzqTsQ-F1vv/s320/O+macrorhiza+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Opuntia macrorhiza is winter hardy to zone 3, keeping in mind good drainage. It is the only Opuntia I have that is not native to Canada. The plant is 6-12" in height about the same as O. humifusa. It is native to the central and mid-west US through to the south. It tends to be different from O. humifusa with thicker roots, more spines and those spines tend to be slightly curved (that does not make them any less lethal). Most O. macrorhiza are yellow blooms. This variety that I carry, O. macrorhiza v. macrorhiza has a red centre that radiates outward. Clumps can spread out over 2 feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUhcITr3iiiMmL3wR2nDtMi2KwqkMcHPG8m7Myl4GQX9hvGVrhmWpTR7d5oWJ83_HFRODc30epPJKw4qL_iDVqsAAVUqDTDYXqJlsa86s9dzvkW3IQW0EIWNDALkwApSHzAFl23pdZaq4/s1600/baggage+2+094+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUhcITr3iiiMmL3wR2nDtMi2KwqkMcHPG8m7Myl4GQX9hvGVrhmWpTR7d5oWJ83_HFRODc30epPJKw4qL_iDVqsAAVUqDTDYXqJlsa86s9dzvkW3IQW0EIWNDALkwApSHzAFl23pdZaq4/s320/baggage+2+094+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Opuntia polyacantha probably have the largest collection of hybridized varieties available. One of the most notable is 'Crystal Tide' which are porcelain white with red stamens and yellow pollen, but may other varieties range from yellows to pinks to red and anything in between. Some varieties are quite small where as some get to 3' in diameter. O polyacantha is winter hardy to zone 3 yet curl up and look almost dead in the winter. It is native to central - western US coming up into southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. It is know as the Plains Prickly Pear and can be cold hardy to Zone 2.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7_gPtOTtF0OkldrBetorT32itbouuTXE0KqYx5-0LKMjWi-EL7zfRk9jvTtWQkY9uDq0QT0aZkyczR_fGTU3CLmXgGbbDGlkjH5M5ynGLIFd2sLLYPGo6B0p5d2Vq_OUqOxCdfHEWHCb/s1600/O.+fragilis+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7_gPtOTtF0OkldrBetorT32itbouuTXE0KqYx5-0LKMjWi-EL7zfRk9jvTtWQkY9uDq0QT0aZkyczR_fGTU3CLmXgGbbDGlkjH5M5ynGLIFd2sLLYPGo6B0p5d2Vq_OUqOxCdfHEWHCb/s320/O.+fragilis+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Opuntia fragilis; the Brittle Prickly Pear. According to the literature, it is the most winter hardy of all the Opuntias, found as far north as the Artic Circle. They do not have large pads like the traditional prickly pear cactus but small 1-2" oval pads with spines that can be longer than the pad. They are very abundant at producing new pads and it has, as the name suggests, the ability to propagate itself prolifically. You don't need tongs and a knife to separate these guys (well maybe the tongs). The flowers are large and yellow with either creamy green or red centres. They flower sporadically. They are <a href="http://www.ovrghs.ca/articles/Plants/Opuntia%20fragilis.htm">found</a> from BC as far east as the Manitoba-Ontario border and down through the central US.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFjS5NboD0eeAMwtxpC4CmVuj_A61h94K5W5vWb3wwn3USkLLZSva1efUjH8lPafltek3xFHStiGQXtSouc9pBaG7l6mmptW2SyoFy_hrRunISqsB2pPu_9tLCGGhUeIbATCIGVJb5L6j/s1600/O.+rutilans+(639x479).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFjS5NboD0eeAMwtxpC4CmVuj_A61h94K5W5vWb3wwn3USkLLZSva1efUjH8lPafltek3xFHStiGQXtSouc9pBaG7l6mmptW2SyoFy_hrRunISqsB2pPu_9tLCGGhUeIbATCIGVJb5L6j/s320/O.+rutilans+(639x479).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Opuntia rutilans' pads are shaped like sausages, they can be about 4" long and up to 1.5" thick. This is one of the few prickly pears that have very few spines, usually at the tips. Flowers are deep pink with extra petals, 3" across. Mine has yet to bloom. I am patiently waiting.... It grows rather quickly and can become quite a good size in a short period of time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvM5Ad_dhO5i3L92aKI8keEeufF3lUSLRZmKp1Kbf_eSGqBa-byEpFMW9O6vrj3DJmQZlLtTni6HtFbiBK6Tm0ajpD3CxDatPgXzdBdMuzqMVA7-f_9JsMQzAD9cffe2gUwVT1sUwWlP6/s1600/baggage+2+112+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvM5Ad_dhO5i3L92aKI8keEeufF3lUSLRZmKp1Kbf_eSGqBa-byEpFMW9O6vrj3DJmQZlLtTni6HtFbiBK6Tm0ajpD3CxDatPgXzdBdMuzqMVA7-f_9JsMQzAD9cffe2gUwVT1sUwWlP6/s320/baggage+2+112+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div> Escobaria vivipara also known as Pincushion Cactus, Beehive Cactus, Ball Cactus and probably quite a few other names. It is found in both Manitoba and <a href="http://www.herbarium.usask.ca/cacti.html">Saskatchewan</a>. It is a nice ball shape, holding its form through out the winter surviving winters at - 30 C. Beautiful pink blooms are formed in June at the apex of the cactus. It propagates itself by producing babies around the base of the mother cactus. These maybe detached, allowed to dry and then planted like the Opuntias. The Escobaria in the picture above bloomed two years in a row and got to a diameter of 5". The winter didn't kill it, someone drove over it with a car. Who?? At least I had some babies in the Greenhouse.<br />
<br />
Another one I have are Echinocereus, Claret Cup Cactus. No pictures at this time and no commentary, can't find them. I know I took pictures and I was just researching them last month. Can't find the notes. I have wasted 2 days looking for them and I can't wait any longer to post this. Echinocereus will be introduced at a later date.<br />
<br />
They may be a bit shy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left"></div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-19430215081732477212012-02-16T11:22:00.000-04:002012-02-16T11:22:07.625-04:00Opuntia Culture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQxB3XC6L2c1emk1_I5LIsxRe_uAoWopX0kpOXxf7rLwIsQjqRpUZvCSO2bOPK3KVXnS0a03-sDm1Tpjv26ko_cEuT9E7jEV30lpmRFt8zvnMsYJy5qIQnJeoOYua2LLHSbJKRj7Nq9Nf/s1600/january+001+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQxB3XC6L2c1emk1_I5LIsxRe_uAoWopX0kpOXxf7rLwIsQjqRpUZvCSO2bOPK3KVXnS0a03-sDm1Tpjv26ko_cEuT9E7jEV30lpmRFt8zvnMsYJy5qIQnJeoOYua2LLHSbJKRj7Nq9Nf/s320/january+001+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Prickly Pears (Opuntia) are edible. You can eat both the pad (nopales) and the fruit (tuna), although I haven't tried it. A word of caution, remove the spines first. The Cactus are full of water, so considering where they grow, they are a very attractive food source to other animals, hence the need for defence mechanisms of the spines. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcDaonc0lofkSozONliIJsJdAGL5yOCF6dYle98xXS_6K7yC2_yozXCFu9_S-wlj9mSM1q_Vvcjwwm5rT07gAh0ClplunVWBWpJ29eremrJz571SicEDc1ObzosTK6lQeYx-sG2nksfUM/s1600/january+002+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcDaonc0lofkSozONliIJsJdAGL5yOCF6dYle98xXS_6K7yC2_yozXCFu9_S-wlj9mSM1q_Vvcjwwm5rT07gAh0ClplunVWBWpJ29eremrJz571SicEDc1ObzosTK6lQeYx-sG2nksfUM/s320/january+002+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Those spines are lethal, and it is not the large ones you need to look out for, but those small, tufted hairlike ones in clusters that are no more than a few millimeters in length.. Regular gardening gloves are not enough, they will go right through. They will even go through several layers when leaning over the pots on a greenhouse bench. Then you are back in the house looking for the tweezers. There are some varieties that are spineless.<br />
<br />
The best way to work around them either when propagating or weeding around established plants in the garden is to use good old kitchen tongs and yuo do need to be careful. Use your tongs to grab the weed, a small, long handled dandelion weeder to loosen it from the ground and gently pull, at least the soil mix is very loose. Moving established plants requires a shovel (they have quite the root system) and good leather gloves. Most varieties are quite tough and will not break off with out a lot of force.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5OiuGl6pU6PPBtX-6eCTwb8aYU3E6rxbuXhnP8d_D7P5q5mxd9HOs2oX_Uo22orLO7-rrEi6lVJfitThmWWCQqbf8cEgJHMB6v45tNR8XeuqDyeQSP9Amdk-Q6rbA8E8pdyVNU0YF5Pw/s1600/O.+macrohiza+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5OiuGl6pU6PPBtX-6eCTwb8aYU3E6rxbuXhnP8d_D7P5q5mxd9HOs2oX_Uo22orLO7-rrEi6lVJfitThmWWCQqbf8cEgJHMB6v45tNR8XeuqDyeQSP9Amdk-Q6rbA8E8pdyVNU0YF5Pw/s320/O.+macrohiza+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seedling selection<br />
</div> Propagation is really easy. They will produce viable seed. I germinated mine with GA-3 but have hear that scarification also helps. If you leave the seed pods on the plant for a year, they will drop and germinate much easier. I have established quite a nice one from seed that resembles the O macrorhiza but the pads seem to be larger and the plant a bit more vigorous. I also have one appears to have many more spines, much more like the O. polyacantha which gives it a more silvery look. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihkeJtEPKDNEgTrg3eX-HVFlO72WjZ3lpz2CjtLsiqBF62NIIvFawQ1C4JDRrZuPtsBFJsCXAH3Rc3VnhxQy7WwAGcD7AnwvkjSGgn0dqFsAFOagxfizFvjZYwDblObxyYG14AjvY3Uxn/s1600/january+006+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihkeJtEPKDNEgTrg3eX-HVFlO72WjZ3lpz2CjtLsiqBF62NIIvFawQ1C4JDRrZuPtsBFJsCXAH3Rc3VnhxQy7WwAGcD7AnwvkjSGgn0dqFsAFOagxfizFvjZYwDblObxyYG14AjvY3Uxn/s320/january+006+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Propagation by pads is probably the the easiest and more reliable way to go. Using your tongs to hold a pad, cut off the pad where it had joined to the other ones. Allow the pad to lay out for a few days, even a week, they need to callus. I have left them in the greenhouse in direct sunlight and they have been fine. After that pot them up in the soil mix suggested in the previous blog and they should root in within the month.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsefFGNb1uKBJZ1kOIvM3uroWwUo_l725rx25gfDCh8Ph2ROmE4ZyjBymnvO3QDOUU6gZTwScvH-0QXybFZDlk7huSutqzus11WXPDQkoZAqyM_dHkF3NxSgpWXh5M8EtOL-lJkJySK4K/s1600/march152011+003+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsefFGNb1uKBJZ1kOIvM3uroWwUo_l725rx25gfDCh8Ph2ROmE4ZyjBymnvO3QDOUU6gZTwScvH-0QXybFZDlk7huSutqzus11WXPDQkoZAqyM_dHkF3NxSgpWXh5M8EtOL-lJkJySK4K/s320/march152011+003+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have said before that these cactus can take the cold: they can. What they can't take is the wetness especially in the spring. In the fall, make sure any debris from trees and other sources are removed from around the plants. The Cactus will start to show signs of going dormant by starting to shrivel, they will also start to go from the pads being prostrate, to them lying on the ground.. This is a mechanism that allows them to overwinter. In the spring, when the snow is gone they look pathetic. But if they have not gone to mush or jelly, then they are usually fine. Last winter with all that snow, a few of the pads turned black. Those pads were dead and they needed to be removed. The rest of the plant was find. As the spring warmed, the pads went from being shriveled to filling with water and becoming prostrate again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9bnqth0cqEQb9GEoaqgp4v_-ZUQdXLNIWvqqL6BX04J2IqZJ10FoRucpM2mVixTFdvNlAXA5K4VWVr_h5o6nVhjzTbKwfVj6Rn17_phYOPG8bq24WduXVKhvLhrf1czuTNy_i-MuOHn4/s1600/baggage+2+111+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9bnqth0cqEQb9GEoaqgp4v_-ZUQdXLNIWvqqL6BX04J2IqZJ10FoRucpM2mVixTFdvNlAXA5K4VWVr_h5o6nVhjzTbKwfVj6Rn17_phYOPG8bq24WduXVKhvLhrf1czuTNy_i-MuOHn4/s320/baggage+2+111+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Late spring, you started to see small knobs forming around the edge of the pads. New pads were being formed. At the first of the summer flower buds start, they don't look a lot different from the newly forming pads until they get a bit bigger. Most of the cactus that do well here have yellow flowers, but reds, pinks, and salmons are available. The flowers don't last long, they are a lot like peonies and poppies in that respect, but they are absolutely beautiful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywZEaVgcKuZ3tnXAhxi4U0uLeoD7KI9qZcPaYtnqYtrYw7t9P73_3Fo2YFPsF8DpI8uLhynwxSowjwJmN-Qf78ZnspKHPEpfrIrCif-5sOUEY-FOLO50a1yJhLiDur8fswj_P5DUU1C9U/s1600/fall2008+024+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywZEaVgcKuZ3tnXAhxi4U0uLeoD7KI9qZcPaYtnqYtrYw7t9P73_3Fo2YFPsF8DpI8uLhynwxSowjwJmN-Qf78ZnspKHPEpfrIrCif-5sOUEY-FOLO50a1yJhLiDur8fswj_P5DUU1C9U/s320/fall2008+024+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And just think what a great conversation starter when some one comes into your garden.<br />
</div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-57756046858149357322012-02-12T11:11:00.002-04:002012-02-13T08:53:13.895-04:00The Ice Storm Cometh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78vVeO9_QXicjUL8KFuh0EMpEUTm9SME5p-s6AlVt6rO0S8ae7YhxRxhyphenhyphen-i3ZzK9JdwCj1GMMebBJAm0zKnbkyBxC96v2-kCNHqbuDbeEZ5RwoVPcFcUadPmjldhUe4cDeXg3zkWBCRV7/s1600/february+2012+003+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78vVeO9_QXicjUL8KFuh0EMpEUTm9SME5p-s6AlVt6rO0S8ae7YhxRxhyphenhyphen-i3ZzK9JdwCj1GMMebBJAm0zKnbkyBxC96v2-kCNHqbuDbeEZ5RwoVPcFcUadPmjldhUe4cDeXg3zkWBCRV7/s320/february+2012+003+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> So it rained on Saturday, what else is new. Then sometime in the middle of the night, the ice hitting the side of the house woke me, and it takes a lot to wake me. Andrew was called in to plow at the Agricultural college around 5 am. He nearly tripped over the dog who sneaked upstairs (she is not allowed). She doesn't like thunder and lightening and apparently ice storms too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMfii4huxZuzxkdghyphenhyphenff0OQ4JOEO_FeTtDkugidicNkOilaJ8cvO0aVdcCkW7x0q_tYELAY23ja8rIq6Fnz4kqvY-m3Vaf1k09Sy8tmL2F0pukPRPOIF9IkFuI8dc8-Ji0RQrymMdBOWb/s1600/february+2012+002+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMfii4huxZuzxkdghyphenhyphenff0OQ4JOEO_FeTtDkugidicNkOilaJ8cvO0aVdcCkW7x0q_tYELAY23ja8rIq6Fnz4kqvY-m3Vaf1k09Sy8tmL2F0pukPRPOIF9IkFuI8dc8-Ji0RQrymMdBOWb/s320/february+2012+002+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> All the branches are touching the ground. Little bits of branches can be found every where. Most of the perennials I left standing are flattened. I really hope the wind doesn't pick up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpXcIWrjL2dZHpTWmRZNdrs4DjqWVGhm2TEQ9GzmwwoUE2G_2HjfSAG4nv6Cx0anIWeMIGVKEboYpM4UtF9weujX7JWj4O5g4qvTWPI6fCz_GTr3bon3e7mNz3qN8_J-1E2tux2djQW1w/s1600/february+2012+004+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpXcIWrjL2dZHpTWmRZNdrs4DjqWVGhm2TEQ9GzmwwoUE2G_2HjfSAG4nv6Cx0anIWeMIGVKEboYpM4UtF9weujX7JWj4O5g4qvTWPI6fCz_GTr3bon3e7mNz3qN8_J-1E2tux2djQW1w/s320/february+2012+004+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I looked out the front window this morning and saw my English Oak snapped off. A good friend of mine gave it to me after my father died this spring. There is always life after death, no one should forget that. Even if there was a low branch I was going to nurse that tree back to life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCA78q-AKGSliz_aTo9-4_iiHnSGFL61bXpTjS1_CSBNkqKes2YYRyDZhSvv6Jf8kkNzg3ChICd3cwcADlz_WpVliTWW-d90VaZkT1U9zQpp4hkjJB8teNRPWsyMDBuGVp4Q14_C5fAZxG/s1600/february+2012+006+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCA78q-AKGSliz_aTo9-4_iiHnSGFL61bXpTjS1_CSBNkqKes2YYRyDZhSvv6Jf8kkNzg3ChICd3cwcADlz_WpVliTWW-d90VaZkT1U9zQpp4hkjJB8teNRPWsyMDBuGVp4Q14_C5fAZxG/s320/february+2012+006+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> But I was very happy to find it was just bent. I may need staked for a year to straighten it up but it was fine. Now I will need to dig its head out of the snow and ice. That is the only problem with Engish Oak keeping ther leaves all winter, they are just a magnet for the ice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV820MRPeSplYDycf1kYNrrUgpy7C1x6NImSV95I4X6STVHfixZ974-uugosJwc7naMy7Wr9dVFJbsigcwSxwqx_kCo__IBXeRpPUTE36M-mB-n07pqhBJbvSakGFHTr3GgP_C4MCL8ExG/s1600/february+2012+008+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV820MRPeSplYDycf1kYNrrUgpy7C1x6NImSV95I4X6STVHfixZ974-uugosJwc7naMy7Wr9dVFJbsigcwSxwqx_kCo__IBXeRpPUTE36M-mB-n07pqhBJbvSakGFHTr3GgP_C4MCL8ExG/s320/february+2012+008+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I found out in what direction the freezing rain was coming from. North, and a bit to the west. All the windows on the back side of the house had a shear coat of ice on them and all the clap boards had a row of tiny icicles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWqAuW1FD1ecrPJGjMhC11SMIS5OBluU-a_Z-_GwDrHsZFrsPVh0_8Pq_YyJBd7UsF7PN3QgXdpGhjS2MTiVD_YAfJdxoK5H1999RX3LuSNl44x2p6R722KdZcKsRu2u3B6McayT0oOMj/s1600/february+2012+009+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWqAuW1FD1ecrPJGjMhC11SMIS5OBluU-a_Z-_GwDrHsZFrsPVh0_8Pq_YyJBd7UsF7PN3QgXdpGhjS2MTiVD_YAfJdxoK5H1999RX3LuSNl44x2p6R722KdZcKsRu2u3B6McayT0oOMj/s320/february+2012+009+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like it on the house, not on the trees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8AmaFGZEoHw9D8dtROTwUgjHr9kBQbIA14SoBsr6HmCgyT_kHPe9fJpjfI0fvsYx42BH4A9XVbkiQeJli7qsqqQF_ka0rwYK-OyNdXPeV6xv2QXieDanII0e91FLXyf1MRv0FkPLZ6Tv/s1600/february+2012+016+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8AmaFGZEoHw9D8dtROTwUgjHr9kBQbIA14SoBsr6HmCgyT_kHPe9fJpjfI0fvsYx42BH4A9XVbkiQeJli7qsqqQF_ka0rwYK-OyNdXPeV6xv2QXieDanII0e91FLXyf1MRv0FkPLZ6Tv/s320/february+2012+016+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We lost a good healthy spruce tree. A dead one or dying one could have dropped but no, it had to be a living one. At least it fell towards the woods and not the play set and the power lines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAbC7tktA3LmWt1lb0DlTF8ncfS2Xmva6MzDemqUVgwJ5nn2BGUE31YtGef-ph-TMYn5H0IaTqabSCrBu1u-5_oFcUJWatcADBoL0t3JDimKzUXKV03pDZHVZ7PoUjZAjsTCdwLU8pVwj/s1600/february+2012+019+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAbC7tktA3LmWt1lb0DlTF8ncfS2Xmva6MzDemqUVgwJ5nn2BGUE31YtGef-ph-TMYn5H0IaTqabSCrBu1u-5_oFcUJWatcADBoL0t3JDimKzUXKV03pDZHVZ7PoUjZAjsTCdwLU8pVwj/s320/february+2012+019+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This young spruce is also leaning. Got to find another stake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0RCuZl4uvQSZrX82GzxNQYhGjCG-Z4TI5anuwEv-DexJnNbI7NpmPZK6MstwKg3dH_1NUdU28B8cHTU_V98WCjx6LdzDTiA9mJAbihJoSscgrloYvGcMYF2qkXZKkOF6Z5VdJTUtCrqw/s1600/february+2012+017+(480x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0RCuZl4uvQSZrX82GzxNQYhGjCG-Z4TI5anuwEv-DexJnNbI7NpmPZK6MstwKg3dH_1NUdU28B8cHTU_V98WCjx6LdzDTiA9mJAbihJoSscgrloYvGcMYF2qkXZKkOF6Z5VdJTUtCrqw/s320/february+2012+017+(480x640).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The old birch at the side of the drive way is leaning further into the elm tree that was planted 15 years ago. Andrew has been threatening to cut it for the last few years because it has been dying back and the Elm has been getting bigger (they grow fast - the Elm). </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess Andrew will have to sharpen his saw.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-37817546787850691092012-01-31T11:26:00.003-04:002012-02-01T09:20:42.386-04:00Winter Hardy Cactus<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfp0zXS3qtiKd2gMXahXpor3i4WZUd3WV1akEJD_isrV6a7gmO_vx1qEEMlUKplLmcDyXPWJtk-GsUa-AKslItYG7WjJy1bkLmvaFEpIllmFIBzjQn-AhyYXm8aOUf2nxjfY8TEal5iHI/s1600/untitled+1+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfp0zXS3qtiKd2gMXahXpor3i4WZUd3WV1akEJD_isrV6a7gmO_vx1qEEMlUKplLmcDyXPWJtk-GsUa-AKslItYG7WjJy1bkLmvaFEpIllmFIBzjQn-AhyYXm8aOUf2nxjfY8TEal5iHI/s320/untitled+1+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
10 years ago most gardeners in Atlantic Canada would not have believed that you could grow Cactus outside, in the garden, through the winter in Nova Scotia. I certainly would not have. Even now, most people who come to my nursery or the Farmers Market comment 'but you need to take them inside in the fall?".... and are quite astonished to find out that you can leave them out.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcffyp0N2MvFEWmCX1yDLct9b19yjNWY0daTziHhH8wzRD7PDsOis0dBBJSWapJNK6WG0bdm_cFhc1erJMo9x1JfjrwSD9iEtZ76991Sco4t8MzftOFsmWZJYXRrLNZY_sNT5WrqzRAZ1/s1600/july8+024+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcffyp0N2MvFEWmCX1yDLct9b19yjNWY0daTziHhH8wzRD7PDsOis0dBBJSWapJNK6WG0bdm_cFhc1erJMo9x1JfjrwSD9iEtZ76991Sco4t8MzftOFsmWZJYXRrLNZY_sNT5WrqzRAZ1/s320/july8+024+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Winter hardy Cactus are found in almost every US state and from Ontario to BC. It is not necessarily the hardiness that you need to look out for when selecting these plants but the conditions they are grown in. Many of them can take the cold. What they can not take is wetness, after all they are 'Cactus'. Some will even survive to Zone 2 temperatures.<br />
<br />
One of the biggest things to consider, besides varieties (will get into in the next blog) is where will I put them. They need good drainage, a proper soil mix, sunlight and even though they are Cactus, they do need water.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8YgG9AxAeIoJn80msUY3D33194FN7v__b4F2obzlFcat91OFgHP_HN8sydY1H6GL7107t4QOda0xMPwa4S1W2gLAIYV5Kwd0i7v3vcyw0L0VpzRdS6whxayqy_bK-nPIpT5OUHyGj00O/s1600/fall2008+024+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8YgG9AxAeIoJn80msUY3D33194FN7v__b4F2obzlFcat91OFgHP_HN8sydY1H6GL7107t4QOda0xMPwa4S1W2gLAIYV5Kwd0i7v3vcyw0L0VpzRdS6whxayqy_bK-nPIpT5OUHyGj00O/s320/fall2008+024+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> If you are thinking about Cacti, you are probably thinking about a desert. They do need to be grown in well drained soil. They don't mind the wetness, what they can't take is sitting in any water. Ideally your Cacti should be on a slope where the water can flow away and the soil should be replaced or amened with course sand and rock. A good soil mix is 1/3 each compost, sand, pea gravel. If you want to just amend your existing soil then mix in sand and pea gravel or crushed rock.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSqPk55vIq3YVfAiZNWSZe3NOvBeUTmn60gbQ0sttISaOcFYfd3nmXXGqM8MKz1XsniAv4e1a7f4dFVAgLDeYK9TrGXk0Sc3il7Df2ogxz337hg7nQij8rMnEzANubu8BkuRVror4Nk2O/s1600/fall2008+020+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSqPk55vIq3YVfAiZNWSZe3NOvBeUTmn60gbQ0sttISaOcFYfd3nmXXGqM8MKz1XsniAv4e1a7f4dFVAgLDeYK9TrGXk0Sc3il7Df2ogxz337hg7nQij8rMnEzANubu8BkuRVror4Nk2O/s320/fall2008+020+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Be careful of what you plant near them. Because it is the wetness that will do them in, don't locate them to close to perennials (or shrubs and trees that loose their leaves) that die back in the fall and their leaves and stems fall on the Cactus. This can rot them because the leaves will hold water and moisture. Make sure leaves and debris are removed before winter. Don't mulch them with anything. Don't cover them. The more exposed they are, the better they like it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoCVc-o5T7knbAZQShMov3OTH896zqddLgf-XB2R9blqnbFZh9VQYcOSJFaVKxRUjx-_971UBUqQlyVc1HVZs7zcFn4ZNqLHOPp6kKNHsbTBZnZk4vZELlP8fuIC1DIm_im0bqcPIwOP5/s1600/winter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoCVc-o5T7knbAZQShMov3OTH896zqddLgf-XB2R9blqnbFZh9VQYcOSJFaVKxRUjx-_971UBUqQlyVc1HVZs7zcFn4ZNqLHOPp6kKNHsbTBZnZk4vZELlP8fuIC1DIm_im0bqcPIwOP5/s320/winter2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Having said that, last winter, when we had snow, and the Cactus bed is located at the edge of our parking area. Andrew is careful not to plow over it but because of the amount of snow it was piled up at least 6' over the bed. I crossed my fingers, toes and whatever else I could and waited. Most survived, two did not.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGqSoa83w2heh-s9OCx5ztEXaSM22pU9uVRzSmjb9iDe32tMjkP-RC0FNtQF2ai1n1CYnqyzvXPX6L0fa8V0s-R2lJrxlA2QjOoIo0F4Q5n99LpUc_wL_XmxvccxiKTmb93ezHZJdJ_X0/s1600/march152011+004+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGqSoa83w2heh-s9OCx5ztEXaSM22pU9uVRzSmjb9iDe32tMjkP-RC0FNtQF2ai1n1CYnqyzvXPX6L0fa8V0s-R2lJrxlA2QjOoIo0F4Q5n99LpUc_wL_XmxvccxiKTmb93ezHZJdJ_X0/s320/march152011+004+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> As the snow receded, Opuntia humifusa failed to thrive for the second year. It was clearly dead. I always kept a copy in the unheated greenhouse to keep trying. O. humifusa should survive and I am determined to get it to live. Other people who have bought this variety from me have had no problem at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-6MFtqNV9I8Tt6IBKyDK8Ou1Y7oCuRonlvwtOTHz_zLj1-xa65xrTEPyTMcCCbZHvmFNRoh5GtEbUr2-6eUQ_DWmceofpvKvJaUBbVmiz1jFxNF-qYSWa1AZ1_EAou35zZtLHWRNngMx/s1600/march152011+002+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-6MFtqNV9I8Tt6IBKyDK8Ou1Y7oCuRonlvwtOTHz_zLj1-xa65xrTEPyTMcCCbZHvmFNRoh5GtEbUr2-6eUQ_DWmceofpvKvJaUBbVmiz1jFxNF-qYSWa1AZ1_EAou35zZtLHWRNngMx/s320/march152011+002+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcffyp0N2MvFEWmCX1yDLct9b19yjNWY0daTziHhH8wzRD7PDsOis0dBBJSWapJNK6WG0bdm_cFhc1erJMo9x1JfjrwSD9iEtZ76991Sco4t8MzftOFsmWZJYXRrLNZY_sNT5WrqzRAZ1/s1600/july8+024+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> This little barrel Cactus, one of four, turned to mush. You know when they look like a mass of jelly, they are not coming back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkowYtCL8q1ZZORfjxyuYwFTyg-F93GVli-_UE100lHw_LfRVrYH2V1HL2LYG1XOZSjMrRjyhpo6jLv5bxUVu7lv0Zx7cKCROQzU94V6FcRZfVgNinwQiheXKTRHPgWQDeqkb-_QT3gzv/s1600/O+macrorhiza+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkowYtCL8q1ZZORfjxyuYwFTyg-F93GVli-_UE100lHw_LfRVrYH2V1HL2LYG1XOZSjMrRjyhpo6jLv5bxUVu7lv0Zx7cKCROQzU94V6FcRZfVgNinwQiheXKTRHPgWQDeqkb-_QT3gzv/s320/O+macrorhiza+(640x480).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Opuntia macrorhiza</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They are so well worth growing and when they flower........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have more to tell you......next time...why you need to be very careful when you lean over.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6233550276103736303.post-87356431114334811912012-01-05T09:04:00.000-04:002012-01-05T09:04:37.177-04:00Gardening in January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI2OnyVCF0sY4MmIQPcQ6fkfMsengguN0wRwIKM8saLjUZxva6G0UvkBpZIedd0n6CMHTo7jCcacxVN4ynzmfUWIbxLyAKh7-YbFLKcxv2mOjO_sxJGGlY2WbST38OuxUZBaFupffmAic/s1600/059+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI2OnyVCF0sY4MmIQPcQ6fkfMsengguN0wRwIKM8saLjUZxva6G0UvkBpZIedd0n6CMHTo7jCcacxVN4ynzmfUWIbxLyAKh7-YbFLKcxv2mOjO_sxJGGlY2WbST38OuxUZBaFupffmAic/s320/059+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> So, if the weather is good, you might as well be in the garden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> House work can wait. I am trying to finish putting away the Christmas stuff, seems there is more every year and Gill doesn't want me to get rid of anything. But there is a box that is packed for the Community Workshop for next November. Shh, don't tell her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Back to gardening. If the temperature is around 10 C, in January (Tues. Jan 3), you might as well be out. Do you know how easy it is to pull those weeds (yes I am on the weed topic again)?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuqFlnNUlA_mZNAz0BSZEkN1-zOfMrxAzhDZjdyh6oRDe5kczv2aESeu4hi10x0QPrld4xa9vr8-gqWTtp05PQkQn8Nu7f11VYlGr1EvI8bUGcyDwPrCl2A_YsZSSg0Nb7GZ1viuVNuzY/s1600/058+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuqFlnNUlA_mZNAz0BSZEkN1-zOfMrxAzhDZjdyh6oRDe5kczv2aESeu4hi10x0QPrld4xa9vr8-gqWTtp05PQkQn8Nu7f11VYlGr1EvI8bUGcyDwPrCl2A_YsZSSg0Nb7GZ1viuVNuzY/s320/058+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Out came the groundsel, which is still blooming. Some one should test to see if those seeds are viable, bet they are, that is one determined plant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqNRobViOs1XTjPiBIV1dlvYF3E6tRTlBGzaDAsZbDihuHNwP-E9v5zAM3VwRFcOyc7xRKchsWQBABM8cu-_3Vn1ciIHlK3PGe7-E8mm1BZzqgRFYdRIaGdJWxob3yl2E-o9Gh04tq34m/s1600/060+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqNRobViOs1XTjPiBIV1dlvYF3E6tRTlBGzaDAsZbDihuHNwP-E9v5zAM3VwRFcOyc7xRKchsWQBABM8cu-_3Vn1ciIHlK3PGe7-E8mm1BZzqgRFYdRIaGdJWxob3yl2E-o9Gh04tq34m/s320/060+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The grass still grows in the paths. And this time of year they are so easy to pull, the ground is moist and the frost has somewhat heaved them up. Only the dandelions and some plantain which has more of a tap root are more difficult to pull by hand. I needed my little weeder, which I didn't bother with. So I will get to them during the next thaw and the way the winter is going, I don't doubt that there will be another one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBF2UrxpNhaPUAGJXVzfBQ5H-Mb67kL4aVJnR8blLW35IdwT6-b1BS7aGUfElM6Zr4ODXN-TUXdp5gOMj1o97_GUm6CpXCx85TYFCL-8t-LekJj-9atrBSSwA_k2YaspnwUTVpxaE94APX/s1600/055+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBF2UrxpNhaPUAGJXVzfBQ5H-Mb67kL4aVJnR8blLW35IdwT6-b1BS7aGUfElM6Zr4ODXN-TUXdp5gOMj1o97_GUm6CpXCx85TYFCL-8t-LekJj-9atrBSSwA_k2YaspnwUTVpxaE94APX/s320/055+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Andrew gave me these great gloves from <a href="http://www.leevalley.com/">Lee Valley Tools</a>. (Thermal Gripper Gloves) They are slightly insulated, quite comfortable and perfect when you want a bit of warmth this time of year. Like the uninsulated pairs (Lightweight Nitrite Gripper Gloves) I wear the rest of the year, they are quite easy to pick up small objects with. These are great gloves and they keep your hands in good shape (for a gardener).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9TWfu__v7Y-O5Lcrobd6D2Uhhw129WU6HZLhruKBH-HsLBbXBVptu-lWK_RNgI8t9XGx9ucinenHe5T9NyjRTZUzsjgKqj0D_uRVu0mm1IJ_saY0xgzduoEJ92ZhW0r2w3Dqr2UeuD7a/s1600/056+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9TWfu__v7Y-O5Lcrobd6D2Uhhw129WU6HZLhruKBH-HsLBbXBVptu-lWK_RNgI8t9XGx9ucinenHe5T9NyjRTZUzsjgKqj0D_uRVu0mm1IJ_saY0xgzduoEJ92ZhW0r2w3Dqr2UeuD7a/s320/056+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This weather isn't all great, some of the bulbs and plants are getting heaved up. These crocus are out of the ground and the Primula veris (below) has its roots exposed. I will have to get a bit of soil some where or bark and mulch this bed. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoeYRGepnCB_4o3U6dZpYVILPB_rKXNwsKGbF9g6mzOaXUDxwUyyJZqG0V4ROS6e3CN5vu2w2r8BfjBS83UStBcNsOOiwzJ3BdurffgNIIMDD6fljQ5ZHYXQRGjNClFuDoS1_MbVld845/s1600/057+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoeYRGepnCB_4o3U6dZpYVILPB_rKXNwsKGbF9g6mzOaXUDxwUyyJZqG0V4ROS6e3CN5vu2w2r8BfjBS83UStBcNsOOiwzJ3BdurffgNIIMDD6fljQ5ZHYXQRGjNClFuDoS1_MbVld845/s320/057+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> They are directly under a Maple. I think the tree is part of the problem with heaving. The rest of the garden isn't showing any signs of frost heave. Although as of Tuesday, there wasn't much frost in the ground.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEhYTHiE2TdpiXaTuMGQll8AEWmlNLpcvrZqUrwE4Ahd5w5rXWi7sSxNreFX9yB1oY9sKsjBGtw_LeAJLxKm2HP7FLhdl38wL0CmHYY2PjsXmkiPKG8AvuL32OR27DlGT_AJyENmLY4wT/s1600/068+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEhYTHiE2TdpiXaTuMGQll8AEWmlNLpcvrZqUrwE4Ahd5w5rXWi7sSxNreFX9yB1oY9sKsjBGtw_LeAJLxKm2HP7FLhdl38wL0CmHYY2PjsXmkiPKG8AvuL32OR27DlGT_AJyENmLY4wT/s320/068+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">But the Daffodils are peeking up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Back to bed darlings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I guarantee winter will be back</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Woodlands and Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01672002881390856267noreply@blogger.com0