tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263482892024-03-17T20:01:53.175-07:00Northern Exposure GardeningMy Garden Blog: A website to document the challenge of growing a variety of perennials in a northern Canadian climate. I post plenty of pictures of my gardening projects and welcome comments. La Ronge, Saskatchewan is in Zone 1b (USDA zone 2a), sitting on the Canadian shield at 55° 06' N latitude, 105° 16' W longitude.Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.comBlogger474125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-53360075364938948252015-02-22T20:14:00.000-08:002015-02-22T20:14:12.636-08:00Moved to a New Blog!Hello to anyone who might stumble across this message! Now that I have got plants in the ground in our new location in British Columbia, and spring is in sight, I have started a new blog (still on Blogger). I am documenting my adventures with dry-land native plants and a range of water-wise perennials, while living in an apple orchard in Summerland. I also have put up a page about my use of LED grow lights, as I am finding retailers and information hard to find. Find me at my new blog, <a href="http://www.applesandasclepias.blogspot.ca/">Apples and Asclepias</a>. <br />
<br />Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-38903141637912075682014-06-03T14:10:00.001-07:002014-06-03T14:10:31.719-07:00Relocated and Got My Hands Dirty!Well, I most excitedly announce that gardening has recommenced 1150 km to the southwest. Yes, we are in beautiful British Columbia and the gardening season is hotter, longer, and drier here. We are in Summerland, to be specific, and have carved out a nice spot of orchard land to live on amid some apple trees. The disturbed soil on the property needs to be tamed and planted, and we are discovering the local flora and fauna, including the SNAKES. At least we haven't come across the poisonous snakes...yet. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phlox longifolia growing wild across the street</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prickly Pear cactus, blooming at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neglected plum tree, rediscovered</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okanagan Lake, looking south towards Penticton</td></tr>
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I spent some time today removing yards of Virginia creeper from the canopy of a long-neglected plum tree that we noticed growing in our yard. I am not sure if it was even intended to be living in its current location or just arrived by accident of nature, but we certainly can appreciate it. Perhaps we can devise some way to water it on occasion, though plum and apricot trees seem pretty adapted to the climate here.<br />
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I think I will probably start blogging on a new blog (now that I am not so northern) and will start exploring the available blogging platforms. After all, I don't want to confuse any northern residents when grapes and figs start to be grown here...not to tempt all you northern folks!Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-35967423226540776332013-09-05T08:23:00.000-07:002013-09-05T08:28:28.685-07:00Wrapping up the GardenThe garden is changing its wardrobe to the fall colors as we enjoy the last days of warm weather. I think today is actually THE last day, according to the weather report. I felt it was probably safe to pack away the summer clothes inside as well, to make room for the warmer items.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYydcE7O2rBoV_vKBh026Ygr7N_Qj4z6t_sZ2YmkepoVjstRLK2w0A31JWuTuR0GJT0Y86U0lV9h_R5rd_BAd4_xqfRorbpdomQZrcBi4dqMbkpcnJ6mViqyB6tkb5A4KtS3bO/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYydcE7O2rBoV_vKBh026Ygr7N_Qj4z6t_sZ2YmkepoVjstRLK2w0A31JWuTuR0GJT0Y86U0lV9h_R5rd_BAd4_xqfRorbpdomQZrcBi4dqMbkpcnJ6mViqyB6tkb5A4KtS3bO/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a>The ever-present screeching squirrel seems to have done a number on the flower bed closest to the house. There appears to be an arm-sized tunnel dug under the bean plant. I guess screaming at us from under the stairs at our front door wasn't good enough. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhpMOwTr2C22bV9dZvGogKUzClZ1Uzv0noQfM7E7FF0rmZxfLCsAM7-aAF1Y7ytYkFTixN9fHKVEWGlWfwJttdA8AHabDn2IWj4oyEa7nFCL0pJB_MfvQAOSy4ea6OmpbtRLO/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhpMOwTr2C22bV9dZvGogKUzClZ1Uzv0noQfM7E7FF0rmZxfLCsAM7-aAF1Y7ytYkFTixN9fHKVEWGlWfwJttdA8AHabDn2IWj4oyEa7nFCL0pJB_MfvQAOSy4ea6OmpbtRLO/s400/DSC_0036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driveway perennial bed. The Hansa rose is reblooming!</td></tr>
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I have faithfully dead-headed the perennials, hoping to squeeze a few late blooms out of the delphiniums (or at least reduce the volunteer seedlings). Other than the squirrel, we have had few pests this year, including insects. The bunny, while thankfully eating the dandelions, did however much away at the peas and beans in the vegetable garden. Oh well, we still had some to eat for ourselves. I can put up with that. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUznrlq0CcckF4IkeUQUw1pEQTv70qBDeJtNfgyypJGu3IZS_cHLWBoYL9KyKRydddlV4FWc6BNow8OuZNTfDoxKU8l4Lrajf-XliNTShZ_A0EpdTP9LlWeUg1DPKzTkwjqBO/s1600/2013-09-02+at+08-10-37.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUznrlq0CcckF4IkeUQUw1pEQTv70qBDeJtNfgyypJGu3IZS_cHLWBoYL9KyKRydddlV4FWc6BNow8OuZNTfDoxKU8l4Lrajf-XliNTShZ_A0EpdTP9LlWeUg1DPKzTkwjqBO/s320/2013-09-02+at+08-10-37.jpg" width="212" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEQ0XllW206wYgthMlqZ59fzGrLPzxHvTGQRtwCfl9gJ_GhG1O01bvdw8cdDIpYvprEejTX-9RFDfj3RnhB4fKVjajoun60VslKOS-7clZaLKEUoUtnMVnCis7IN1XTrUZBPt/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEQ0XllW206wYgthMlqZ59fzGrLPzxHvTGQRtwCfl9gJ_GhG1O01bvdw8cdDIpYvprEejTX-9RFDfj3RnhB4fKVjajoun60VslKOS-7clZaLKEUoUtnMVnCis7IN1XTrUZBPt/s400/DSC_0050.JPG" width="400" /></a>Among the perennials in the large raised bed, I randomly planted a variety of sunflower seeds this spring. The ones on the sunniest end are now blooming and I hope to see a few more. I planted pollen-free sunflowers, which are probably desired by people who want them as mess-free cutflowers, but I mostly just want them to look good outside. I love the combination of the coneflowers (Echinacea) with the sunflowers. They bloom at the same time and the deep pink looks great against the golden sunflowers. The garden-Pinterest of my brain is going to lock this in as an idea to replicate in the future, with even more sunflowers and more Echinacea. The cosmos would also look great in front of the tall sunflowers. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geese honking over our yard, heading south for the winter.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBuCMeuMfNxiVqZOo00oO-afb7kQsPOuXmE6oBcNF6oAAd6qIqYq03EJ7hQOr-UyOvMoOn0EHyktnr3CmL125QOkBu6huZSXwVB844TAsqRpH65v2oROOj64e5jLpUvH0XkC-/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBuCMeuMfNxiVqZOo00oO-afb7kQsPOuXmE6oBcNF6oAAd6qIqYq03EJ7hQOr-UyOvMoOn0EHyktnr3CmL125QOkBu6huZSXwVB844TAsqRpH65v2oROOj64e5jLpUvH0XkC-/s400/DSC_0042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I pulled out all the <i>Papaver rhoeas</i>, the bright pink annual poppies growing in the center raised bed. They were going brown and had already spread their seed. With them removed, we can now see the few self-seeded cosmos that were fighting their away up amid the poppies. Cosmos are a wonderful late season annual. They are also as easy as throwing a few seeds in the dirt in spring. If you have a small flower bed, the short ones would look best. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImfCJeD5U4dXeDBXh48FoDS8G8mgHMMOouZHVwV33NFCZM3i2Y4SCnwbcpFIQobvyz9uEa7C5vQ3RvBAH_0IR6rC9NZPp8F0XPZCbadMh6q1ojcvdY2qawYuj2RmTiGCfFcFe/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImfCJeD5U4dXeDBXh48FoDS8G8mgHMMOouZHVwV33NFCZM3i2Y4SCnwbcpFIQobvyz9uEa7C5vQ3RvBAH_0IR6rC9NZPp8F0XPZCbadMh6q1ojcvdY2qawYuj2RmTiGCfFcFe/s640/DSC_0051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink cosmos with the lilies in the center raised bed.</td></tr>
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The perennials have limited activity at the moment. I see a few blooms starting on the Morden mum and Aster dumosus, but these are pretty small or overgrown with other plants (over-exuberant spirea), so their contribution is mostly invisible! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZwbQSglrUNWg5zbPlxmWKfASTXL_FboubPXozfr3tspKqXp1XbkxJbUbA4vh4K-uVWJ47D13XidjvDHYjwh8tnow-q4r_pGh3kxkN3PGj8f6M16xjL6-YXY2cRzPOsmXqCc3/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZwbQSglrUNWg5zbPlxmWKfASTXL_FboubPXozfr3tspKqXp1XbkxJbUbA4vh4K-uVWJ47D13XidjvDHYjwh8tnow-q4r_pGh3kxkN3PGj8f6M16xjL6-YXY2cRzPOsmXqCc3/s640/DSC_0059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foreground: alpine bed. Background: The large raised bed filled with perennials.</td></tr>
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Otherwise, I have been organizing and cleaning up the gardening tools and supplies. Not just for the winter, but because we are soon moving on from our yard and home. I have had fun with all the plants that thrived or failed here, learning a lot about them. I have ideas on new things I would like to try (branching out into red or orange flowers, which have excluded from this yard) and dreaming about the garden challenges we will meet in our eventual new property, which is in hardiness zone 6 of southern British Columbia! I'm imagining a focus on xeriscaping will be the new challenge, while we enjoy an orchard and perhaps some grapevines. I have enjoyed all the feedback on this garden and will continue on gardening with enthusiasm, though I am really looking forward to throwing out the insect repellent as a necessary gardening tool. Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-60062696003828398302013-08-01T20:27:00.000-07:002013-08-01T20:27:40.767-07:00Passing on the Garden GeneWhile traveling last month, I was sure to take the offspring to some gardens in BC. I was very happy to hear their life plans for the next while: to have a playhouse with surrounding gardens containing "lavender, beans, and daisies". The daisies are not my doing, but the beans and lavender are well-influenced. I smiled quietly. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLLhVnm0I3YY3xEBGzVbObtlvp0nV3J30ebx3rEwu-2fIInPlymUQH0u7E3hjUtXwDRcGyWUtvoVmnfucjCm_0ku64roWIU_8CcQErQRgjZ2UtF2lRhHcusW_v8F5KmJUTJx2/s1600/2013-08-01+at+19-33-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLLhVnm0I3YY3xEBGzVbObtlvp0nV3J30ebx3rEwu-2fIInPlymUQH0u7E3hjUtXwDRcGyWUtvoVmnfucjCm_0ku64roWIU_8CcQErQRgjZ2UtF2lRhHcusW_v8F5KmJUTJx2/s400/2013-08-01+at+19-33-36.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet runner bean is making its way up the deck posts.</td></tr>
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I am hoping the scarlet runner bean will impress us with height and some edible beans by the end of the season. This was a two-for-one deal, pretty red flowers AND an edible product. The gladioli in the blue pot show no signs of buds yet. Hmmm. We picked and pitted some of the Carmine Jewel cherries today and made cherries jubilee sundae for dessert today. It was more than amazing. The deep red juice and overwhelmingly sweet and tangy cherries paired with vanilla ice cream was worth the calories. The cherries were a little smaller this year, but then again, I haven't fertilized or done anything to promote these trees' growth other than letting the rain fall on them and hoped for sunshine. Perhaps some fruit tree fertilizer would be useful? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e8rGJTsuXpat1uP1xafGV7Fr7YoHqkLT09orT-xC56k0La9oxHm23hWk9uf_69KjkiWsA9gjGxa1Z53MM_ZLl6SSgtnqNRlGGm3dkUh3VX2L-b5G7CLj1okjFbTGsv87XmK-/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e8rGJTsuXpat1uP1xafGV7Fr7YoHqkLT09orT-xC56k0La9oxHm23hWk9uf_69KjkiWsA9gjGxa1Z53MM_ZLl6SSgtnqNRlGGm3dkUh3VX2L-b5G7CLj1okjFbTGsv87XmK-/s640/DSC_0031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of the Carmine Jewel cherries and the Furry Nibbler of our dandelions (and vegetable garden).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0bavQzNh0IXd7xtx4b_s8EaYfIRPPjEyHvLu4P9hwYMHZ8L4kEI11K4COGN6V39HbGsexqRa_39J1Rk0BVjUgY6WnXHkO0_cRt5rXymUlKsVH3MPCMhPW8hGBSYpoq1lnbG3/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0bavQzNh0IXd7xtx4b_s8EaYfIRPPjEyHvLu4P9hwYMHZ8L4kEI11K4COGN6V39HbGsexqRa_39J1Rk0BVjUgY6WnXHkO0_cRt5rXymUlKsVH3MPCMhPW8hGBSYpoq1lnbG3/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clematis mandshurica among the other perennials</td></tr>
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I had a group of seedlings of an unknown plant growing in a flowerbed. A perennial geranium was there last year, but it failed to show up in 2013. Oh well. In its place were many attractive seedlings, but they were not geraniums! They didn't look like any of the common weeds, so I left them. It seems they are seedlings of my white, fragrant, summer-blooming Clematis mandshurica. I grew my original ones from seed, and now I have more. Maybe I'll dig them up and share around. As you can tell from the name, these Clematis originate in Mongolia, and I see that an extract of the plant is also used as a medicinal supplement for arthritis. It grows 1.5- 2 meters tall, clinging only after it reaches about a meter in height. The flowers and scent are lovely. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxnkM7aqG75GzigEYg0N6P3DQPOMaTk8KP7NdcpISxAO8x5XMRk0Ij_D97cfCAqR_QY_DyOd4VvThBGqRaKKSvmnRL85O2nvwGfytZ5pi1pAUGloREtts-qagIPMBOZ4iUh18/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxnkM7aqG75GzigEYg0N6P3DQPOMaTk8KP7NdcpISxAO8x5XMRk0Ij_D97cfCAqR_QY_DyOd4VvThBGqRaKKSvmnRL85O2nvwGfytZ5pi1pAUGloREtts-qagIPMBOZ4iUh18/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salpiglossis"Royale Purple Bicolor" </td></tr>
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I like to try new annuals every year, just to see how they grow and learn more about them. Salpiglossus had an attractive photo in the seed catalog and I bought the mix. The yellow ones are bright, yet rather flat in color like a plain petunia, and not anywhere as intriguing as the purple/gold ones pictured here. These flowers grow 24 inches tall, which is a bit gangly for most pots, but mine are living among some other flowers in a half-barrel and don't look too out of place. They would not work in a small or narrow pot. <br />
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I was hoping they would be amazing after the effort in germinating them. Definitely a bit fiddly. Like violas, they only germinate in darkness. I had them in pots under black plastic. However, the instant they germinate, they need to be under bright lights, or they stretch out to pale weak stems that don't seem to root well. This means you have to be vigilant to watch for sprouting every day and move the germinated seeds immediately to the lights. Looking at the color varieties, I would like to try some more the bicolors. <br />
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<br />Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-20115315757975475872013-07-27T08:25:00.003-07:002013-07-27T08:25:43.619-07:00The Bold and Beautiful Flowers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummingbird moth drinks from a delphinium</td></tr>
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My lilies are blooming now, while the towering delphiniums are bowing under the weight of their bright columnar flowers. I have a hard time even walking through the big flower bed right now though, as the mosquitoes around here are absolutely terrible. A generous drenching in bug spray doesn't seem to do anything.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delphiniums</td></tr>
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The center raised bed is looking colorful with its annual poppies. Somewhere among those, there should be some dahlias, but I've completely lost them among all those pink flowers. Perhaps they will rise above them in the coming weeks. <br />
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I like the squat and sturdy asters in this seed mix I got from Veseys, called the "Pot and Patio Aster Mix", which came with some whites and purples too, but somehow this pot ended up with only the pinks. I put a few other plants in other pots, and those are the ones that turned up in other colors! They stay short enough to look nice in the half barrels. I pinch off the dead flowers and hope to have bright colors till fall.<br />
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<br />Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-43209180698875643152013-07-23T20:16:00.002-07:002013-07-23T20:16:44.456-07:00Should You Do This to A Tree?I have been meaning to post for a while now, though I have been out of town. That is my excuse, but photos of the July garden shall be taken soon!<br />
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However, in my wanderings about Canada, I spotted these trees on the waterfront promenade in Penticton, BC. They had some new walkways created along Lakeshore drive on Okanagan Lake and they replaced some trampled and hopeless lawn with a rubberized surface similar to the stuff you see at oval running tracks. <br />
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I'm not sure what the tree thinks about this. I guess time will tell. The rubberized surface is supposed to be permeable and allow water and air through. <br />
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Has anyone seen this in their area? I assume most of these types of rubberized surfaces around trees are quite new, so we don't know the long-term impacts. I wonder if the city staff will eventually cut out some rubber around the tree to allow new growth and prevent stem girdling? Who knows. Otherwise, I learned a lot about xeriscaping in the Okanagan. Penticton has a great xeriscape demonstration garden, with the plants names and water requirements all indicated on signs. Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-69493335839848117822013-06-30T10:15:00.000-07:002013-06-30T10:16:33.266-07:00A Palette of AnnualsWhile the perennials are quietly doing their things, I have a few annuals in containers and flower beds that are beginning to really show their shape and color. I grow all my own annuals, selecting seed from various companies, trying a few new things each year. I try to match the plant to the growing condition, whether heat, shade, or drought.<br />
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La Ronge is experiencing some heat now, which is great if you're out enjoying the lakes. However, with the last two weeks of rain, the humidity is rather oppressive in the house and yard. These are the days for salads and slow cookers, while the oven stays off. Of course, the mosquitoes are now horrid, which is my usual beef with the north. I pity our poor dog, whom I saw swat and then eat a horsefly this morning. She had to catch and chew it a few times before finally killing it. I'd imagine her quick response is due to memory of past inflictions of those chewing insects and their painful bites. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KA3oFYJD4-e00LOOwKQssJMGSYxXgNdWTRhmBqQ_YPN-9vAmLfwcH2S3c1ogPAoVBanDTzk9ZfcorIOTLH_99toMKulifecgdhtNeO4GCO9_bFk_cs2zshA1GwDrNoYXC9Q2/s1600/2013-06-30+at+08-45-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KA3oFYJD4-e00LOOwKQssJMGSYxXgNdWTRhmBqQ_YPN-9vAmLfwcH2S3c1ogPAoVBanDTzk9ZfcorIOTLH_99toMKulifecgdhtNeO4GCO9_bFk_cs2zshA1GwDrNoYXC9Q2/s320/2013-06-30+at+08-45-59.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heliotrope "Dwarf Marine"</td></tr>
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Heliotrope is growing in a barrel in part shade of wild pincherry trees. The pictured plant is still quite small. I didn't have success with them in previous years, but was willing to try again with the marketer's promises of a lovely vanilla scent. I don't smell much from my plants, but maybe I just need more of them. These grow as dense little bushy plants, 12-18 inches tall. They attract butterflies. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nemesia "KLM"</td></tr>
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<i>Nemesia strumosa</i> "KLM" is named after the Dutch airway with planes of similar color scheme. Wouldn't you also love Petunia "Westjet" or Zinnia "Air Canada"? I digress. Anyhow, this is a delicate looking flower that adds fine foliage and little snapdragon shaped blue and white flowers. It looks great in a pot in combination with other larger-leafed annuals. It was easy to grow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aster "Pot and Patio Mix" from Veseys</td></tr>
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Veseys offered these compact asters as a mix of colors, though only my pinks have started to bloom so far. Asters, like zinnias, are good for heat and sun. These look like sturdy plants, and stay compact without need for pinching. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3iLFCcMQQpI93D4sOFb2YwdEWcJC75o9YOR1J_S726GODJNYhKYvmsmgKfCoYNLEdDomo2lbBnMeB-4wfZ1wqGZ2MakaYMzZ4R5Ac1glqBTA19PDdUuFi370pePp89PuIwUZ/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3iLFCcMQQpI93D4sOFb2YwdEWcJC75o9YOR1J_S726GODJNYhKYvmsmgKfCoYNLEdDomo2lbBnMeB-4wfZ1wqGZ2MakaYMzZ4R5Ac1glqBTA19PDdUuFi370pePp89PuIwUZ/s640/DSC_0071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nasturium</td></tr>
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I believe my Nasturtium is "Milkmaid", from seeds I planted in the kids pots after the seeds in the craft kit they used failed to germinate. To spare any heartache, I surreptitiously stuck some nasturtium seed in the pots. Nasturtiums grow quickly and are large, two qualities kids like. I have one nasturtium in a black pot on either side of the garage. There are some Nicotianas and asters in the pots as well. However, I really like how the nasturtiums have produced the lush circular leaves that are trailing over the edge. These are my new favourites for the front pots, and they haven't even started blooming yet! Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-30021585995592370902013-06-22T09:51:00.001-07:002013-06-22T09:51:04.327-07:00Two Shade PerennialsA little weekend post here. Not much is happening in the garden right now. The solitary lilac shrub has been blooming its heart out for the last two weeks and the scent is pretty powerful. The swallowtail butterflies and hummingbird moths have had their fill. It was not uncommon to see six to eight butterflies on the bush at one time. <br />
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In the shadier areas, these two perennials are blooming for late June: Jacob's ladder and yellow archangel. They both get a little morning sun, but otherwise live in shade. Both have average soil moisture requirements and honestly, I rarely water the yellow archangel. It survives pretty much on rain alone. The white spotted leaves are quite attractive. It apparently can be invasive, but it certainly is not invasive in our climate. The Jacob's ladder can quickly make many new plants by dropping seeds, but this can be avoided if you cut the flowers off when they are done. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob's Ladder (<i>Polemonium caeruleum</i>)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hO0y7kNXC68TJC3y4tBfUw4FM_6MecYsshnE-c__Lbg5eVGPPYGFBhknrmXX_gy-tRp2iEByQscoNgVGRtuS-0w4btVGueR0YqT7C-NUHWIXL4_NZbzVOmJWyOO2LnVPi3JW/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hO0y7kNXC68TJC3y4tBfUw4FM_6MecYsshnE-c__Lbg5eVGPPYGFBhknrmXX_gy-tRp2iEByQscoNgVGRtuS-0w4btVGueR0YqT7C-NUHWIXL4_NZbzVOmJWyOO2LnVPi3JW/s320/DSC_0108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow archangel (<em>Lamiastrum galeobdolon)</em></td></tr>
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Jacob's ladder also comes in other varieties. I have a white one. Others varieties are more compact or have variegated leaves. I like the ferny foliage. It is a nice green filler later in the season after the flowers are done. Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-77057994964878685502013-06-16T17:27:00.002-07:002013-06-16T17:28:18.535-07:00Forest Tent CaterpillarsMy youngest garden-helper interrupted my phone conversation this afternoon by bringing me a fuzzy caterpillar held in a bath toy. Shortly thereafter, another appeared to fall from the sky at my feet and another was found on the sidewalk at the side of the house. If they were that easy to find, I assume the forest is laden with them. With the benefit of a quick Google search, I found that these are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Tent_Caterpillar_Moth">Forest Tent Caterpillars</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9XsRjRT_yCQ9tHEz53rcMUt7hB8hzibSOpnZmaRFiBmblaSz4KO8kVLoErgZ7WCE8qsBs7aluEIRtiJ8bHaGBzeUDVn1Omj_70YgSqTCV5E33OErE6QYKUFm7Rs3YH07dH-2/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9XsRjRT_yCQ9tHEz53rcMUt7hB8hzibSOpnZmaRFiBmblaSz4KO8kVLoErgZ7WCE8qsBs7aluEIRtiJ8bHaGBzeUDVn1Omj_70YgSqTCV5E33OErE6QYKUFm7Rs3YH07dH-2/s640/DSC_0073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/623322/province-braces-for-caterpillar-infestation/">Saskatchewan media</a> reported a few weeks ago that Saskatchewan is in for a large infestation of these crawlies, especially in northern Saskatchewan. The problem is that they can rapidly defoliate deciduous trees. (Although, if they could effectively kill the poplars that pop up everywhere in my yard, I'd be forever grateful...) From what I read, it is not likely that these will threaten any of the landscape trees/plants in my yard. <br />
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We are keeping a few of them in the kids little plastic critter-box for now. They sound rather like nuisance critters, and besides the adult form is not very attractive. That is to say, if this was the caterpillar of a luna moth or swallowtail, I'd be having a bit more love for them. Yes, looks matter. So I'm shallow.<br />
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From the looks of the bite marks in the leaves we put in the critter box, these ones like aspen leaves. Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-79316290339563847012013-06-12T21:18:00.001-07:002013-06-12T21:18:12.502-07:00Between-Tulips-and-Lilies Season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdj2ElQRc5t1aF0nDJmeePKx29xualEa9mMxvNcS0kpkrXL2YDtXdtUJZantN2HmB1dTL9mtvMKtEuVmxN7bKPcr62ShGHRyZDYQP6TscZhbQc769Z8geR7PZcMOtLAvQAT-z/s400/2013-06-12+at+18-13-54.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Swallowtail butterflies on the chives</td></tr>
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We are in that no-plants-land of time where neither lilies not tulips are blooming. Well, a few straggler tulips are trying, but are hardly to be seen. Everything is a lovely green though, as we've had rain most of the last week. The folks canoeing on the Churchill River will not have enjoyed the recent weather. I spent last weekend working, so no pleasant weather was wasted. How's that for a positive spin on things?</div>
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Also, the lawn finally got mowed and edges trimmed. It even appears the dandelions are gone -- for a brief moment. They will raise their bright heads again soon. I've divided several perennials and hope they're enjoying their new homes. The kids have eaten a crop of baby spinach leaves and were terribly excited about it. That was pretty great to see. All kids should get to grow things.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JBZVxg4MpawRw5k1JAHh78hn7u5EWni-VIJOnZxo2RQo2oHY3b7rmQnkFKu5J4KlMyv0Rh9sirRC92jaj2IMKk_01njxZNSAUtwlPesEfEbKDO18A-gSFQzOVSFYur2-2wZu/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JBZVxg4MpawRw5k1JAHh78hn7u5EWni-VIJOnZxo2RQo2oHY3b7rmQnkFKu5J4KlMyv0Rh9sirRC92jaj2IMKk_01njxZNSAUtwlPesEfEbKDO18A-gSFQzOVSFYur2-2wZu/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peony buds</td></tr>
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You can see the picture of my peony buds covered with ants. Note that I do not do anything to deter the ants. They don't do any damage, they are just eating the sticky sap that oozes from the buds. I leave them alone and everybody is happy. Spraying them runs the risk of killing bees, and I'm spreading the word about being nice to bees this year. Save the bees, grow some flowers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGTpbPWJJaPfTnp184brKlsWhuGUfXvc5duhygQjUgbRWhuo_jCAkNRuS_U13s99conK_JXyDUHJQNfrKTBR5zjPoU2_o3Owt-o5OItww6N5fd8MjmAF2o6goSl2ajo1Zaows/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGTpbPWJJaPfTnp184brKlsWhuGUfXvc5duhygQjUgbRWhuo_jCAkNRuS_U13s99conK_JXyDUHJQNfrKTBR5zjPoU2_o3Owt-o5OItww6N5fd8MjmAF2o6goSl2ajo1Zaows/s640/DSC_0017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine bed full of tiny white Erigeron flowers (they are closed here, as this was early morning)</td></tr>
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I got my first Erigeron plant from Wrightman alpines a few years ago, and now they've taken over the alpine bed. This is a good thing, as they are pretty and hopefully mask the weeds (mostly horsetails). I've been looking at Jelitto seeds catalog and they have a wonderful variety of them. I just love the yellow Erigeron below, with its short mat of leaves nearly covered in flowers. I'm definitely going to buy more kinds of these in my future and add them to rock gardens. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlOE2L51emoIvTm9JKZmSckTlhvMq1SfOiiEfaBB54DisK0r2qFbHetcqXDUHQ-qLQEgUrwBee0C1QFZajFpH5v8sQLktXvhyubfBsMw4fvl4CdrRty-rxmmmn1dCig7NLDlv/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlOE2L51emoIvTm9JKZmSckTlhvMq1SfOiiEfaBB54DisK0r2qFbHetcqXDUHQ-qLQEgUrwBee0C1QFZajFpH5v8sQLktXvhyubfBsMw4fvl4CdrRty-rxmmmn1dCig7NLDlv/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A yellow variety of Erigeron</td></tr>
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Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-74754926635142084812013-06-06T12:19:00.002-07:002013-06-06T12:19:38.649-07:00Flowers, Fires, and RainIt's back to forest fire season in the north. There has been a fire burning north of town for the last few weeks and I can see and smell the smoky haze when flying out of La Ronge. We finally got some rain today, which breaks a long dry spell. A house fire yesterday in Potatoe Lake, south of La Ronge, happened during maximum fire risk, and the dry trees and grass probably did not help. The water bombers are busy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjfS55yWnMqAfUoL-VC5B8N-LySNNhRsNZgnH9m7L3328aj-YlR2Q4rm4St19sBqyPU103P9c7YGqTwf3jxw7TBAor-s1QFQQcGwBpaCzORN5nCqravF0pxabrACuFH09Xo1N/s1600/2013-06-05+at+08-09-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjfS55yWnMqAfUoL-VC5B8N-LySNNhRsNZgnH9m7L3328aj-YlR2Q4rm4St19sBqyPU103P9c7YGqTwf3jxw7TBAor-s1QFQQcGwBpaCzORN5nCqravF0pxabrACuFH09Xo1N/s400/2013-06-05+at+08-09-26.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irises and a bee</td></tr>
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Now that our transformer is fixed on our street, we have power again today! Yay, the computer is working again! I heard a large crack of thunder though, so I wouldn't be surprised if we lost power again soon. The barbeque may see some more use in the near future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizWphEWd_aEGkG2fSczIF5tYFo-Ov0SX_8T1ElACAYMtwezfJaY4xqEkPhp3IlNQ511dmkmB4V03MomQqhlDmHw1C7_KHyGVSfrhzCy89J9rVhh7AJD39OaWDEJKo0xfsT6Pv/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizWphEWd_aEGkG2fSczIF5tYFo-Ov0SX_8T1ElACAYMtwezfJaY4xqEkPhp3IlNQ511dmkmB4V03MomQqhlDmHw1C7_KHyGVSfrhzCy89J9rVhh7AJD39OaWDEJKo0xfsT6Pv/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bergenia flowers with a Golden Crab Spider (white and pink spider)</td></tr>
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I really need to do some weeding, but am beheading the yellow dandelion tops in the flower beds until I can get in to do some real digging. The columbines (Aquilegia) are starting in one flower bed, and the tulips are looking finished. It seems early for tulips to be done already, since I usually have some stragglers nearly lasting until July. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZY212RF_GKZFSWEc_FB0k9DcB7LsPv0cGsuyuCmHTLDxNqVZehuvjGUmJ3gBzducQRReDDUxVa9ZxPnOcxjndxnyMMkA1-5CJtsKKMIBCz2Z1hkfYOT_hp7PcBlgGrtsbgwZv/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZY212RF_GKZFSWEc_FB0k9DcB7LsPv0cGsuyuCmHTLDxNqVZehuvjGUmJ3gBzducQRReDDUxVa9ZxPnOcxjndxnyMMkA1-5CJtsKKMIBCz2Z1hkfYOT_hp7PcBlgGrtsbgwZv/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primula -but I lost the name</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFD3TptvdqbItgmt1neNdGwz-fz8XgguWneMDDYbmYz3lItvyJSrKNZyLIzquzALsu1ERATRDFSQWlDGS0hSIXvvWLcIqCpez16ekj_T_YB8t9hmpfIwbyDrp0oohCxgsAdBn/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFD3TptvdqbItgmt1neNdGwz-fz8XgguWneMDDYbmYz3lItvyJSrKNZyLIzquzALsu1ERATRDFSQWlDGS0hSIXvvWLcIqCpez16ekj_T_YB8t9hmpfIwbyDrp0oohCxgsAdBn/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Carmine Jewel" tart cherry tree in blossom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLYbydn4RDJlRwJzq85jYuETgOZ0Uoq3A5uf3inamTwlEibjhr75a0cxJ2Sm5gJC3q3FcaVc-CGISdu51cM59N8h-1SPJq92aojhjS8zzDqRvM4xCr321OWga8HG8L0NoB18d/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLYbydn4RDJlRwJzq85jYuETgOZ0Uoq3A5uf3inamTwlEibjhr75a0cxJ2Sm5gJC3q3FcaVc-CGISdu51cM59N8h-1SPJq92aojhjS8zzDqRvM4xCr321OWga8HG8L0NoB18d/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dryas octopetala - very attractive rock garden flower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LXaJ4fineDGrLtZJkNtIv-ySBb8XVZ2Iyc2eGo-kWidATOsyvwWoR0c5-Ew850HrSVBWcej0WjL351QdCZU25Vr2YX5AoJYbQ8qGm32p4_PUKugwd48jHaTA2VFH6uuZWv9Y/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LXaJ4fineDGrLtZJkNtIv-ySBb8XVZ2Iyc2eGo-kWidATOsyvwWoR0c5-Ew850HrSVBWcej0WjL351QdCZU25Vr2YX5AoJYbQ8qGm32p4_PUKugwd48jHaTA2VFH6uuZWv9Y/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet runner beans - to grow up our deck posts this year</td></tr>
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As you can see in the photos, the dandelions are thriving. The seeds blow all around, and not just from our yard, so this is really inevitable. Truly, I hate the invasive horsetail weeds that spread around my flower beds even more than the dandelions in the lawn. I can't even hope to get the horsetail roots out (I suspect it's not even possible). Garden tasks to do now: clip the dead flower heads off the tulips and daffodils to prevent them wasting their energy on making seeds. <br />
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Are you growing any herbs yet? If you have a spare pot, throw in some parsley, basil, or cilantro seeds! Fresh herbs in summer cooking tastes amazing! My herbs in the patio pot are just coming up.<br />
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<br />Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-74421105927743196222013-05-28T22:03:00.000-07:002013-05-28T22:04:59.447-07:00A Return on Work in the Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Things are now starting to look green all over, a welcome reward for the spring clean up and the past few falls of bulb-planting. Only the last 2 years of tulip plantings are producing any significant blooms, which is really not surprising.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW3QkD6Aivlx-hJ_YVOp0FuvHuFL7L-Vvnb0wFJe3Ma66z8fOhy-xiTCtHBEFMS_b469C2YeiyYJmoKCTGzKrK1V0N7KRoXJHECbUVFgK5b3OEmN3E0Ztk7KU4X52QuvDWXx9/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new favorite: Akebono double late tulip (yellow)</td></tr>
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Today, I dug up some tulips that were planted 3 years ago and which had divided themselves into multiple tiny bulbs, none of which produced a decent bloom. I immediately filled the space with columbines (<i>Aquilegia</i>) that I found in odd places after doing some intensive dandelion weeding. There was nearly a dandelion hedgerow forming at the back of the long raised bed. I was quite proud of my work after all this. I also found a thumb-sized brown larval creature and many earthworms that my little assistant gardener took on a tour of the yard before naming and eventually replacing them in the flower bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzdauk0u5OHRo2vGLJRhNsa7v-CUNB4kT4YjGlllZ9VCxDu21sbNdahsDpWzc_1b9EQgTdCbkjbjbYka0WVSHYb1RET-vcF7eJN0TzvoVjeNir476jfEGqLnPDUtaQs2v76r2/s1600/2013-05-28+at+17-29-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzdauk0u5OHRo2vGLJRhNsa7v-CUNB4kT4YjGlllZ9VCxDu21sbNdahsDpWzc_1b9EQgTdCbkjbjbYka0WVSHYb1RET-vcF7eJN0TzvoVjeNir476jfEGqLnPDUtaQs2v76r2/s640/2013-05-28+at+17-29-05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grape hyacinths with daffodils and pink tulips</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmo5dRDex0Q-fF3hQjvHnHvihO4L93UOm1aW5hir2cOIaO_MZH-TO7Fm9T4g6vzy608a0CzVA3IoCfjALp3tmA1Rq68KWi0SlFT7uSDB5WdopmaBMO09EGGdzxHQX5f3gRYGDe/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmo5dRDex0Q-fF3hQjvHnHvihO4L93UOm1aW5hir2cOIaO_MZH-TO7Fm9T4g6vzy608a0CzVA3IoCfjALp3tmA1Rq68KWi0SlFT7uSDB5WdopmaBMO09EGGdzxHQX5f3gRYGDe/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primula auricula - completely hardy and dramatically showy blooms</td></tr>
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It is interesting to see what has ceased to appear each year. My saxifraga in the alpine garden have entirely disappeared. I think they got too wet, because the one I transplanted to the dusty dry sunny sloping flower bed is still alive. I resolved to be more careful that no one waters this flower bed with the sprinkler, as the alpine plants do really thrive on the minimum of care (really, just weeding alone). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4GFqRdHj7CSFhrVl-CZhoGIMeoSNv7l8WfIcf1T4b09RwwtOUXguJBbjLwcXvvbTmfo-yGK6eB_9j58qS-HJ0sKSMxgrJ9gvKAUMtODuTQ1vuXo3Ve0KMSOGVmXtQti6iaI5/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4GFqRdHj7CSFhrVl-CZhoGIMeoSNv7l8WfIcf1T4b09RwwtOUXguJBbjLwcXvvbTmfo-yGK6eB_9j58qS-HJ0sKSMxgrJ9gvKAUMtODuTQ1vuXo3Ve0KMSOGVmXtQti6iaI5/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primula scotica - a petite plant that has reproduced nicely in the shade</td></tr>
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Perennials really are an economical plant, living long and producing extras for transplantation far and wide. I mostly try to avoid multiplication of the delphiniums, however, there are enough growing in the back of the large raised bed to move around and create quite a wall of these towering flowers. If I get time before these get much larger, I will remove more of the under-acheiving old tulips and give their real estate to the delphiniums. <br />
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I am happy to see that the sunflower seeds planted recently have produced some little sprouts. As of yet, no squirrel has found them. I planted them randomly throughout the large raised bed (below). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZ_-dQCJVPuJCMYUC5poFEQJOKyOJ6Qf15Zxbd0LKu0Cjii0vNfnTgLbQJJ59DNChDHtZjbb4vjI74tqHMHEDf68K90Tqt_Sq75eK8mJeWExjeawgP-5cmelCq1WhgkzXtgcQ/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZ_-dQCJVPuJCMYUC5poFEQJOKyOJ6Qf15Zxbd0LKu0Cjii0vNfnTgLbQJJ59DNChDHtZjbb4vjI74tqHMHEDf68K90Tqt_Sq75eK8mJeWExjeawgP-5cmelCq1WhgkzXtgcQ/s640/DSC_0011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long raised bed - site of today's dandelion massacre</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow seen from the air over northern SK yesterday</td></tr>
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This rainbow was spotted from the small plane I was in yesterday, just after passing through a dark cloud. While it was sunny and bright on take off in the far north and on landing in La Ronge, we passed through rain and some turbulence in between. We were able to see the entire arc of the rainbow from the air - though the cellphone camera and the plexiglass windows don't really do it justice.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erigeron compositus blooming in alpine garden</td></tr>
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<br />Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-77768903965115202032013-05-26T11:41:00.001-07:002013-05-26T12:13:07.550-07:00Organic Dandelion ControlI peeked out the window this morning to see a pleasant sight -- someone was taking care of the dandelion crop in the lawn! He was brown and furry and had large ears. He seemed to have a preference for the dandelions and was nibbling off the flower heads. Nature is wonderful! Now, I don't worry much about rabbits ruining my landscape, as we haven't ever had a problem with them. I am hoping this one is smart enough to avoid crawling under the backyard fence and encountering the our rodent-exterminator dog. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWidfcAy1qzFDJ_wXwAjFkY_ZxdMhEoRuolMgUeple3lKF-PxJxtfgY6MwXPufAiQz0V43eyGjv84GHNJcxy6BEpxQygwtHhc4bc7aVvBm0yNAdPTyodPtX3Gx_eVSlcgTX0IN/s1600/2013-05-26+at+08-17-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWidfcAy1qzFDJ_wXwAjFkY_ZxdMhEoRuolMgUeple3lKF-PxJxtfgY6MwXPufAiQz0V43eyGjv84GHNJcxy6BEpxQygwtHhc4bc7aVvBm0yNAdPTyodPtX3Gx_eVSlcgTX0IN/s320/2013-05-26+at+08-17-38.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dandelion-nibbling rabbit</td></tr>
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The tiny white daisy-like flowers of <i>Erigeron compositus</i> are filling the alpine bed around the tiny rock-garden iris, <i>Iris sauveolens v.</i> Rubromarginata. The plant has grown a lot since last year and produced many blooms. The finished flowers look rather scruffy (I probably should pluck them off), but it is unique, with the grown plant only 10 cm tall. Someday, I would like to have some different colors of this same type of Iris. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris sauveolens "Rubromarginata"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswaBbdkeA12vYBqSUVJ8XaAJjrS2umtC1SmHjNjGdJ8F-jFMpYIO3Ag23EPu7rqpMUjZtDDJqELLNsh_nTQ3Bw-Nk3As494tVeGJH2OzoMYJHtLxuS6vGtxuWSOcO-G2VEI2F/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswaBbdkeA12vYBqSUVJ8XaAJjrS2umtC1SmHjNjGdJ8F-jFMpYIO3Ag23EPu7rqpMUjZtDDJqELLNsh_nTQ3Bw-Nk3As494tVeGJH2OzoMYJHtLxuS6vGtxuWSOcO-G2VEI2F/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulips and daffodils this morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye rabbit - return again!</td></tr>
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Otherwise, the lake ice is finally melted, La Ronge is into yard sale season, and the black flies are not yet upon us. Enjoy the outdoors now! Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-84457135736769362382013-05-24T11:14:00.001-07:002013-05-24T11:14:48.810-07:00Akebono - Lovely Tulips<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Akebona double late tulip<br />
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The trees are green and the lake appears to be entirely thawed here in La Ronge. The first of the tulips are in full bloom in my yard. This lovely yellow tulip is a double late variety. I planted this one from <u style="color: blue;"><a href="http://akebona%20double%20late%20tulip/">Botanus</a></u> last fall<a href="http://./">.</a> I really like the fine red edge on the petals of this double-flowered tulip. Now I need to get out there and dig up the flowering dandelions in my flowerbeds! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmztgmRbcVFBmbUUL92zwkS1BxhSzHZFnxj6b6SGzGk0RQts9b5i3MgTLnzmrk1xypnuyr9h3vPepH4K4-IjTHBJYWnJR9rbca_XzhWN0o99lZf96xgavNZO8nKwEHN6oJDzQ/s1600/2013-05-24+at+10-37-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmztgmRbcVFBmbUUL92zwkS1BxhSzHZFnxj6b6SGzGk0RQts9b5i3MgTLnzmrk1xypnuyr9h3vPepH4K4-IjTHBJYWnJR9rbca_XzhWN0o99lZf96xgavNZO8nKwEHN6oJDzQ/s640/2013-05-24+at+10-37-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Akebono double late tulips (yellow).</td></tr>
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<br />Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-64674664738687362052013-05-18T18:47:00.001-07:002013-05-18T18:48:00.706-07:00Grass Growing Through my BulbsHave you ever had your grass grow right through your bulbs? I found a few cases on the net, as some bulbs are quite soft and easily penetrated by aggressive roots. <br />
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I was pulling grass out of the flower bed, where it intermingles (lurks?) with the early spring bulbs. It is particularly maddening where it grows along with the grape hyacinths (<i>Muscari</i>), because the lawn grass leaves look similar to the grassy grape hyacinth leaves. I dug out a handful of weeds and grape hyacinths and attempted to separate the two by examining the roots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfAEcdcZVf3qWl5Flwp-rT_k66ibUFp5AFfERG4EcL0he6jmtsbYJUreFVmxYSYxDOEXUU9D9IAQ8xVzd1vP6X49XEWXux7FqQqTUq8rvoa8PIH1mx9_gGTaEM4o1P1T08KD5/s1600/DSC_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfAEcdcZVf3qWl5Flwp-rT_k66ibUFp5AFfERG4EcL0he6jmtsbYJUreFVmxYSYxDOEXUU9D9IAQ8xVzd1vP6X49XEWXux7FqQqTUq8rvoa8PIH1mx9_gGTaEM4o1P1T08KD5/s320/DSC_0265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attached roots of grass (right) and two muscari bulbs (center)</td></tr>
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This was going well until I found a root that grew BOTH grape hyacinths AND grass. What monster was this? These poor young bulbs can't possibly thrive in this situation. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMVqH26FhI0n9ZZIVEbS-0ahOFkpUQVXL1tykD1AmibqEtyRay7uWQDPWYhl8cJE0ZCLfkF1tMOcNbYaHOPnBBbr2cKsNjOCbEm1dyCfEfKTU0CF22fuX_Fl83EtEhcd9HqwP/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMVqH26FhI0n9ZZIVEbS-0ahOFkpUQVXL1tykD1AmibqEtyRay7uWQDPWYhl8cJE0ZCLfkF1tMOcNbYaHOPnBBbr2cKsNjOCbEm1dyCfEfKTU0CF22fuX_Fl83EtEhcd9HqwP/s320/DSC_0276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muscari bulbs move along root like beads on a string</td></tr>
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I guess this is a lesson on why to keep weeds (or any invasive/spreading plant) away from bulbs. I've read that this is also true for lily bulbs. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7CBtePng62xII2sKDVvwAaDNTTXuBQO7lxIhjnHz38TOm5_KhMXhI0cuQumoes_p7Ku2cqLVzrYAHHV2xunwrZqlgcxyOJexA8DhCxcxtraIAs1CLuNJW01ekMnkZCwhDYu3/s1600/DSC_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7CBtePng62xII2sKDVvwAaDNTTXuBQO7lxIhjnHz38TOm5_KhMXhI0cuQumoes_p7Ku2cqLVzrYAHHV2xunwrZqlgcxyOJexA8DhCxcxtraIAs1CLuNJW01ekMnkZCwhDYu3/s320/DSC_0278.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muscari bulbs pulled off grass root<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPxvJuulFni5LdQZPozJpj9TTu1uN9FwH-py1lei9-1uvB6N38cpVo_gd4y0IceePAU6DMQWD6_h5rA9MZfPDPhhyBu9uv7sA7-cMyir1UTYhI9umZIt2dXhYe5mT7Se4ldwN/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPxvJuulFni5LdQZPozJpj9TTu1uN9FwH-py1lei9-1uvB6N38cpVo_gd4y0IceePAU6DMQWD6_h5rA9MZfPDPhhyBu9uv7sA7-cMyir1UTYhI9umZIt2dXhYe5mT7Se4ldwN/s400/DSC_0280.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note holes in the bulbs<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulsatilla vulgaris </td></tr>
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I plan to collect seeds from my collection of multiple shapes and colors of <i>Pulsatilla vulgaris</i>. These are quite similar in appearance to <i>Pulsatilla patens</i>, which grows wild over many areas of northern Europe and North Americal They are quite drought-tolerant once established. They will drop seed and make new plants fairly often. Mine grow well on a sunny, dry slope. <br />
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It was a beautiful day today. Float planes were out this past week and the thin layer of lake ice is looking like its time is short. Ducks have paired off and are waddling around the marshes, while we are seeing the first of the flying insects. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The raised bed is waiting for the rest of the perennials to appear</td></tr>
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My three year old was probably trying to tell about the insects today when she said she saw "something in the air, but it wasn't even a vampire bat, it was just a little flying creature". Rest assured that there are no vampire bats in La Ronge, but the blackflies and mosquitoes are comparable pests in my opinion.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daffodils in the garden today</td></tr>
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Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-26421196312723464102013-05-15T16:35:00.001-07:002013-05-15T16:35:40.921-07:00Control of Powdery Mildew and Early Spring Blooms<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Ronge lake ice May 14</td></tr>
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The John Deer heavy-duty wagon has been wheeling around the yard, moving the heavy pots, compost, and potting soil, and sometimes children. It finally feels and even smells like spring, though it started to rain this evening. However, that will help the newly planted seeds in the flower beds and vegetable garden. The frogs are orchestrating a wall of sound from the nearby marshes and I heard the honk of a solitary duck this afternoon. Soon, we will stock up on bug spray, the "perfume of northern gardeners", and the children will look like they were struck with a pox virus.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 14: My first daffodils</td></tr>
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My first daffodils are growing in a raised bed with afternoon shade, so they were probably late compared to others in town. These ones also seem to have stubby stems, but at least the wind and rain are unlikely to bother them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine garden - waiting for blooms</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushkinia libanotica, a spring-blooming bulb</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eranthis hyemalis</td></tr>
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The <i>Eranthis</i> is probably the smallest plant in the yard. Frankly, no one but me would notice them. I took the super-close picture just to document its existence. Each little flower and stem is about the size of the the very end of my little finger.<br />
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In the indoors garden, I finally discovered the magic potion for getting rid of powdery mildew problems! Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that shows up as tiny black spots on leaves, followed by weakening and death of the plant if all the leaves become affected. The best part is that it's nearly free. I read about the milk and baking soda solution and was doubtful, but it worked. I used 1 part milk (1/4 c. in my case) and 3 parts water (3/4 c.) with less than a teaspoon (around 4 mL) of baking soda. I sprayed this on the leaves every few days and the solution seems to make all the unaffected leaves resistant to the mildew, but does not eradicate the existing mildew on the older leaves (which can be cut off). I sprayed this solution when I noticed only 1 or 2 affected leaves on the plant and now the plants have many sets of new and unaffected leaves. I kept the stuff in the refrigerator for the first few weeks, but will probably toss it and make some fresh stuff if I need it again. Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-80180355613815864852013-05-11T19:57:00.001-07:002013-05-11T19:58:42.852-07:00Pasque Flowers and Indoor Peppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Mexico Joe Parker pepper in our house</td></tr>
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I am growing a New Mexico Joe Parker pepper indoors with success, if that can be measured by the peppers it is producing. Of course, being an indoor plant, there are no bees to pollinate the flowers. I pollinate them by hand with a kids' paintbrush. All the un-pollinated flowers and their stems simply dry up and drop off, so you can have total control over how many peppers you want the plant to grow. Potted peppers need a generous-sized pot. Both tomatoes and peppers have large root systems.<br />
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Outdoors, I captured the growth of a <i>Pulsatilla vulgaris</i> on a sunny slope, where it started blooming recently. The video started in the last week of April, with a day of snow at the beginning. This video shows 13 days of growth, with a still shot taken every 10 minutes. The plant "bows it head" every evening and stretches its flowers towards the sun. <br />
<br />Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-75078980020100649652013-05-09T19:50:00.001-07:002013-05-09T20:45:30.259-07:00Spring Clean UpThe spring clean up is nearly done. Shrubs are pruned and dead leaves are pulled out of flower beds. The roses showed absolutely no winter-kill this year, likely because the snow cover was quite generous. I pruned them only for shape and size. The spring bulbs are up, and I inevitably squashed a few while tromping around out there. Now that things are cleaned up and I can finally see the stepping stones, the rest of the bulb shoots should be safe! I can see greens of the tulips, daffodils, species tulips, alliums, pushkinia and grape hyacinths. The other early spring bulbs are blooming, with large flowered crocuses done already and scillla, chionodoxa, and the tiny spring irises blooming now. I've found that the bulbs here all do best in the sunniest spots available. Bulbs planted in shady areas never get around to blooming until it is too late in the season and seem to bloom very poorly, maybe because of the warm temperatures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chionodoxa is blooming in a sunny spot</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Spring clean up around here seems to be best done in the first week of May, which is before anything produces much new growth. I noticed some grubs and some little brown pellet-things in the crowns of the siberian irises. I'm not sure of the significance of those, but the evidence will be in this year's growth. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine bed, with a healthy dwarf mugo pine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IbGTbxxRG564ipiJT6ee4vGXLA6Jba0pI_7atOap3j6hxqNNG_ZAsBRZ3TXtBZDTVT24X3xtbkqwmwOLDeo5FHNqYAoP7zGIDCUKMoLf6yhbtSDz82YQXoTeiRGkd2s_JcC3/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IbGTbxxRG564ipiJT6ee4vGXLA6Jba0pI_7atOap3j6hxqNNG_ZAsBRZ3TXtBZDTVT24X3xtbkqwmwOLDeo5FHNqYAoP7zGIDCUKMoLf6yhbtSDz82YQXoTeiRGkd2s_JcC3/s640/DSC_0177.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Iris danfordiae</i>, a tiny yellow reticulated iris just starting to bloom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTke2PCANb45iH1PNbucr5IH3WF0utyLdfuhVzsEZctmirKewoYI2QpBOimDXj3q55MfxBYSLOJUKOb78HYKtgAHTaQ-JNJ0UIGUPSCk0H_OcnnxNAmMKOun0FEcgIxWa3jmz2/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTke2PCANb45iH1PNbucr5IH3WF0utyLdfuhVzsEZctmirKewoYI2QpBOimDXj3q55MfxBYSLOJUKOb78HYKtgAHTaQ-JNJ0UIGUPSCk0H_OcnnxNAmMKOun0FEcgIxWa3jmz2/s640/DSC_0178.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scilla sibirica</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAY5mYFaopJo7eTktjVyIXCArGUkcoiFHZ0-1oL9Gk69FtP7iuQixbSce3n8sMfgFJ5mwYiP6Z0P2XtgyVut4sMOcaCr3g6sH__jM1mPSIhlZXCH-T0ZAZ6Dn5jBtFu2VTzsU/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAY5mYFaopJo7eTktjVyIXCArGUkcoiFHZ0-1oL9Gk69FtP7iuQixbSce3n8sMfgFJ5mwYiP6Z0P2XtgyVut4sMOcaCr3g6sH__jM1mPSIhlZXCH-T0ZAZ6Dn5jBtFu2VTzsU/s320/DSC_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhubarb just emerging from the ground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHYVkCOeEa_tzEMtyeof8FiEOebTbWvYJ6OFwsPhgrf9cIqiyXoa0fYxdcjuk2awEETsAGhmU9EFxJtR60QLC38PuzyQEeBPCOM0zU4GMqGWFims2q3I5tX8kmGJxILoiYJkb/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHYVkCOeEa_tzEMtyeof8FiEOebTbWvYJ6OFwsPhgrf9cIqiyXoa0fYxdcjuk2awEETsAGhmU9EFxJtR60QLC38PuzyQEeBPCOM0zU4GMqGWFims2q3I5tX8kmGJxILoiYJkb/s320/DSC_0183.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kona, the northern doggy, lounging on the deck</td></tr>
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Otherwise in the garden, I should be putting in annual seeds as soon as possible. I see that the self-seeded annual corn poppies are already up. I'll have to thin those out quite dramatically. I also want to add a few other flowers to the mix, including some Nigella, bachelor's buttons, dwarf cosmos, and some sunflowers. I also received some gladioli bulbs in the mail last week, but really don't know when to plant those. I think I'll soon put them in a pot in the garage, for lack of any other ideas. <br />
<br />
Kona got a very early morning walk today, and thoroughly enjoyed sniffing all trees, bunches of grass, poles, and tires. She ate a rabbit that entered her fenced yard last month, and I'm sure she's looking forward to more tasty wildlife this summer. Huskies and malamutes (she is a cross) are breeds known for high prey drive, and are very distracted by potential food running across their path (i.e. biking with her can be precarious). Despite this, she's pretty mellow, mostly ignores other barking dogs, and tolerates a very affectionate 3 year old. Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-71937217948235864892013-04-28T23:19:00.001-07:002013-04-28T23:19:12.984-07:00A Very Slow Spring...VERY slow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is still not much action in the garden, aside from a few brave (though late) crocuses. I did a time lapse video of the first brave blooms over last weekend. The blank field of white in the video is the day we got a blanket of snow over everything (see the last picture in this post to get the full picture). I've heard there have been some "protests of winter" in the province and I can't say I'm not also getting a bit weary of the cold and ice. </div>
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Today was sunny and followed a night of strong winds that appears to have shattered the neighbours plastic garbage bin and moved our barbeque across the deck. The ice on Lac La Ronge is turning dark and should hopefully sink in the next 10 days. We will look forward to the tinkling bits of the ice making their final appearances.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvj8PFWMORBlHydrn0ZK50Z97s06mLpU1Jo-Rl8EP9tiaog3ZKapm6yFjtwnq6zbtHMOiiVFWBzdUDimqm-IcgD4yaY1Wk-HJ87gs4iCeQ_9-PTeGmuLMdpj1wVlTp1_p8aGP/s400/2013-04-28+at+19-41-49.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue herons at Montreal River, just west of La Ronge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDziaOcB1uXbdC9mIG3XpTmrngS0BMQi6LFQIdA2tATjjSaOkEVAwY6IdMHI11VqxVSP5w1ZEPy5iqoD2dOHOprzNJW7NWsciABqHukO6fm61PKxh0pHUQhuTqlodSahgZe7No/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDziaOcB1uXbdC9mIG3XpTmrngS0BMQi6LFQIdA2tATjjSaOkEVAwY6IdMHI11VqxVSP5w1ZEPy5iqoD2dOHOprzNJW7NWsciABqHukO6fm61PKxh0pHUQhuTqlodSahgZe7No/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montreal River at sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaauMKU0pGOEJTby8OrSiUKKpAEwupDgBKM-e0vkOGdfjYR-nGOex5F1M5BfvD-SK5ke5XynMleItWBfeEoFvyANGhq36QEifOP1zBBBrqkpBlb4B1AIxgiSvINAigbHrzExn/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaauMKU0pGOEJTby8OrSiUKKpAEwupDgBKM-e0vkOGdfjYR-nGOex5F1M5BfvD-SK5ke5XynMleItWBfeEoFvyANGhq36QEifOP1zBBBrqkpBlb4B1AIxgiSvINAigbHrzExn/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our yard 7 days ago (April 21, 2013)</td></tr>
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Thankfully, most of the snow has melted, except for in shady spots where it had been piled up over the winter. This does mean that the spring clean-up in the perennial beds will need to be done soon. Though a little later than usual, I should also be planting my direct-seeded annuals soon. I have a few dwarf cosmos to try out. Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-40731551791284171122013-03-31T22:17:00.003-07:002013-03-31T22:17:55.563-07:00Barely Spring, With Glowing SkiesThis past week has seen the beginnings of the spring melt. We can finally see the gravel road in front of our house without the usual layers of snow and ice. I suppose the muddy season will be upon us soon, though more snow will not be suprising. You can still drive your truck on the lake, go ice fishing and sled down the hills. This is the time of year to resist looking at my friends' facebook posts of the wonderful green spring pictures in their more southern climates. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A6fTomTCW3cCQ78-XomL9XJ0lgmYHYKU_NInjam4MXoVfsw-lFrOPPZ3GfcpBGewrs6VEhjQjU_ITo_1-FLKaAiI8kl6SGNPfqFBlrbclvnE1YM4jXTAXO52LdU80eDLwwdD/s1600/2013-03-31+at+18-25-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A6fTomTCW3cCQ78-XomL9XJ0lgmYHYKU_NInjam4MXoVfsw-lFrOPPZ3GfcpBGewrs6VEhjQjU_ITo_1-FLKaAiI8kl6SGNPfqFBlrbclvnE1YM4jXTAXO52LdU80eDLwwdD/s400/2013-03-31+at+18-25-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Willow Buds</td></tr>
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I haven't really started the summer annuals yet, but plan to start over the coming weeks. I aim to only start planting annuals outside after the first week of June, so I can't let things get overgrown inside. <br />
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There is very little earth bared of the great banks of snow at present, but with more sun, we should see Pulsatilla and crocuses soon! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ncTN980k214B9EEmEFfyvIpZej62_V2JGre8_yqTYkaTean8bDAHvXyCHdzttNlwyiLVzy8Ph68jzP605FIwD7l17035vud9C4Y97PgG-XHvA861H75DZgiaLEbrLaAyw8qm/s1600/2013-03-31+at+18-44-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ncTN980k214B9EEmEFfyvIpZej62_V2JGre8_yqTYkaTean8bDAHvXyCHdzttNlwyiLVzy8Ph68jzP605FIwD7l17035vud9C4Y97PgG-XHvA861H75DZgiaLEbrLaAyw8qm/s400/2013-03-31+at+18-44-51.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sundog over La Ronge</td></tr>
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I got to see my first sign of spring today: the willow buds growing near Lac La Ronge. Thanks<br />
to the iphone, I captured it as the dog dragged me on to more desirable sniffing grounds. It was still rather cool out this afternoon, as the prismatic colors of the sundog (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dog">parhelion</a>) attest. Interestingly, there is a description of this phenomenon from the 1500s by the founder of the Hutterites, Jacob Hutter. How did we ever live without Wikipedia? <br />
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I have been watching the skies with my camera at the ready all winter. Most nights when there was any aurora activity noted on satellite reports, we had snow and limited visibility. I noticed some lights on March 29 though, and managed to see a great show from about 9:30 to 10:30 pm. It was fairly early in the evening compared to other times that I have been out to see them. Short after this, the moon rose above the horizon and the lights were no longer to be seen. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOotGwwhe_JZDqXXE9OF2WCT2o-8orjo1Tpk0vvGC6rouBwSUSI9VPsQWLCM54YTdOenFj26hwKj-3B9yH0x9cOKwEgZh1P1zYghhNXlxTrpqoT2keCUmXnckpGdBBe6-k31I_/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOotGwwhe_JZDqXXE9OF2WCT2o-8orjo1Tpk0vvGC6rouBwSUSI9VPsQWLCM54YTdOenFj26hwKj-3B9yH0x9cOKwEgZh1P1zYghhNXlxTrpqoT2keCUmXnckpGdBBe6-k31I_/s640/DSC_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora borealis near La Ronge</td></tr>
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This is the time of year to get seeds by mail order and dream about the garden-to-be. I have finally found a great use for Pinterest, in which I only had a marginal interest up to now. I have collected the pictures of all the annuals plants/bulbs/seeds that I plan to grow this summer on one "board" and started another board for a garden I will create in a future property (in a warmer climate - oh, the possibilities!). I used to make a Word document with little jpegs all over it, but Pinterest has made this process simple. I like to see all the annual plants on one page in order to plan the contents of the barrel pots and make sure that colors and textures are complimentary. It is like a gardeners palette and I am finding it inspirational. The paper and digital worlds sometimes come together too, like the weeping pussy willow I spotted in my garden magazine. I "googled" it, found the picture from a garden center, "pinned it", and voila -- part of my future dream garden. Many hours can be wasted at this. Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-40511691832658602022013-02-13T16:31:00.001-08:002013-02-13T16:31:30.769-08:00Indoor Plants and their PestsThe indoor herbs under lights have had their highs and lows. My inconsistent watering is a low, I'll admit. However, the cilantro and basil have been destroyed by powdery mildew recently. I've planted some new batches and have higher hopes for their success. This is because I put the fan on them again, running intermittently on a timer for a few hours a day. So far, the new basil looks much happier. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsTG-cpbiwVchF3sU9vrvyziym6Fl3wY9IZAAMiRi_FK3vcRKOxSjo6hgJdrLBN5h1P4T1qqM0oEdqmb5FtE2VdQUZATOBitCxQKBB8ePr5siw1KTyS-xZj0A3G04PaQi-0UR/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsTG-cpbiwVchF3sU9vrvyziym6Fl3wY9IZAAMiRi_FK3vcRKOxSjo6hgJdrLBN5h1P4T1qqM0oEdqmb5FtE2VdQUZATOBitCxQKBB8ePr5siw1KTyS-xZj0A3G04PaQi-0UR/s400/DSC_0132.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cilantro with powdery mildew (dark spots on undersides of leaves)</td></tr>
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Some plants are prone to mildew in the best of circumstances, such as bergamot and phlox and several herbs. There are mildew-resistant varieties of these plants, which I prefer if given the option. Mildew-prone outdoor plants should not be watered in evening, so the they don't stay wet overnight. Indoors, my mildew isn't likely due to overcrowding, since it is winter and I'm not growing much right now. The lack of a natural breeze in the basement is a more likely culprit, and the fan is much easier than fungicide application, particularly because I want to eat these plants!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5pwz0eYERjtNzp85rfjPsPZRKo88W8wasOfvco7lx4v84xoCaLr0PtL8D0UOBUI4OzFGDFAI5BMoMPga1ygojezIFaUGpOrIWVNqmYIlieW0D7m6SFUOp4rRM27II5QtKlCD/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5pwz0eYERjtNzp85rfjPsPZRKo88W8wasOfvco7lx4v84xoCaLr0PtL8D0UOBUI4OzFGDFAI5BMoMPga1ygojezIFaUGpOrIWVNqmYIlieW0D7m6SFUOp4rRM27II5QtKlCD/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Growing lemongrass for Asian recipes</td></tr>
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I started some lemongrass after the seed packet called out to me recently. I grew this a few years ago and started on a Thai cooking theme for a while. Eventually, I tossed the plant out, since it grows to look like a giant weed and makes an unattractive houseplant. My large collection of dwarf bananas is doing well, though two of them have some little insects that make fine webs (spider mites?). I removed some of the more infested leaves and sprayed the rest with insecticidal soap. This kind of control seems to work, as the plant continues to do well. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepper plant bloom</td></tr>
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The pepper plant isn't exactly thriving, since I really need to repot it to a bigger pot, but it is flowering. I attempted to be its pollinator with a kids' paintbrush today. I also have a multi-colored and -textured collection of Echeveria which I keep in continous propagation. In summer, they go outdoors in pots. In winter, they do well under the fluorescent lights and can be increased by potting individual leaves. Their fleshy leaves have pretty geometric patterns and come in a striking variety of colors. I try to convince the other holder of our credit card that these plants require handmade ceramic/pottery/stoneware pots and saucers to really complement their appearance. He somehow can't understand my perspective on this and tells me to get off Etsy already. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYneJIOSn9nW5rBEb2xgWQVsEoW5ZNzRfPjBHGXCriKQjOMVU0q0bAieriYrZGMmDtFNMW1xETva_28eoJ9JOSKCzdItd7c9Y9EJ258ZNOFA3TeJOTb4qPiMwGfZd9DRazprX/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYneJIOSn9nW5rBEb2xgWQVsEoW5ZNzRfPjBHGXCriKQjOMVU0q0bAieriYrZGMmDtFNMW1xETva_28eoJ9JOSKCzdItd7c9Y9EJ258ZNOFA3TeJOTb4qPiMwGfZd9DRazprX/s320/DSC_0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Echeveria</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBfxn8dj76_4IMP2ixkD9wwRUujis26LHL6vTJSBInxHuow5iHvh0gW1tY8EnuJ_CcLZxAw81kgDSnQhGxgev2BCddXeD1k9_OgnbPdHwVKQTOXReMmwIEUOMw7oE9nKDM87I/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBfxn8dj76_4IMP2ixkD9wwRUujis26LHL6vTJSBInxHuow5iHvh0gW1tY8EnuJ_CcLZxAw81kgDSnQhGxgev2BCddXeD1k9_OgnbPdHwVKQTOXReMmwIEUOMw7oE9nKDM87I/s320/DSC_0139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hairy grey Echeveria</td></tr>
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While resident-lawnmower-man spent ages picking out new efficient light bulbs at the Home Depot, I browsed the seed section. My theme here is not my usual perennials, but some things I can grow in one season in the empty spots. Annual flowers and the yellow zucchini seem pretty simple. I like cornflowers and Nemophila, as you can literally throw the seeds at the dirt and successfully produce flowers for the summer. I want more sunflowers this year, after enjoying last years ones so much. More specifically, I want to get the perfect photograph of a sunflower to blow up and put on my wall. I have not yet achieved a satisfactory photo -- thus more sunflowers for 2013! Last year's sunflowers were a sterile variety I bought by mail order (from somewhere, I don't recall where). They made for decent photos as they were mostly unmolested by the squirrels. The squirrels did climb them to investigate, but I interpreted their response to the sunflowers as one of bewilderment. Our previous sunflowers had their heads ripped to shreds by the rodents. I won't describe it, but the sunflowers looked similar to what our dog did to the other squirrels...oh the circle of life... <br />
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I haven't done any serious spring seed shopping yet. The email offers from the seed companies have not captured my attention yet. Perhaps the 3 feet of snow is dampening the mood. I can't even walk to the compost heap if I tried -- and I did, but gave up after worrying I might get lost in the snowdrifts. <br />
<br />Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-62159074077766380892012-12-28T12:48:00.001-08:002012-12-28T12:48:45.670-08:00Mystery Vegetable/Fruit Identification Please!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3HyJcDyivbqaXKHVncqFA0PsZ_cuuaNr2o7bO07qshb0ig9UD5D3faZHR6NBySRjZpZT76Kb60r4x8pZgvI82V06h9v8CYIJihrNNttjj7WTYTN9XTX3VXGvjC7JcbKaQW-3/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3HyJcDyivbqaXKHVncqFA0PsZ_cuuaNr2o7bO07qshb0ig9UD5D3faZHR6NBySRjZpZT76Kb60r4x8pZgvI82V06h9v8CYIJihrNNttjj7WTYTN9XTX3VXGvjC7JcbKaQW-3/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mystery Plant</td></tr>
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I add compost from our kitchen vegetable/fruit scraps to some of my
potted houseplants. This glossy-leaved plant started growing from the
compost-rich potting mix in the last month. I am not sure what it is. I
did have some citrus trees growing there ealier and tried to repot
them, but wasn't successful. Does anyone know what this plant is? It
has to be growing from the remains of something we ate this year! </div>
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It has been fairly cold for the past few weeks, and though we have some
bright sun today, it still is -26 C out there. Everything is sparkling
today! Inside, we're still working on the leftovers from the Christmas feast. I hope everyone out there is keeping warm!</div>
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<br />Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-37527020996332928882012-12-01T15:54:00.001-08:002012-12-02T05:03:44.075-08:00Winter Evenings<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2ZsEVEJgg6edxenQym4ipHKMFB0w-ZdKZXMJE2SpxiTuDfLicFM5yYP0lzTj8u1ToHrtd3IRTE-ujOvHLMP9Fknc-6I6ZZWmioDNpCq60Ix72pJ10Lnyf1twcxAMnc-IVOhv/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2ZsEVEJgg6edxenQym4ipHKMFB0w-ZdKZXMJE2SpxiTuDfLicFM5yYP0lzTj8u1ToHrtd3IRTE-ujOvHLMP9Fknc-6I6ZZWmioDNpCq60Ix72pJ10Lnyf1twcxAMnc-IVOhv/s320/DSC_0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echeveria under lights</td></tr>
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There are not that many thoughts of the plants outdoors this time of year. The snow makes it more difficult to get around and has covered the traces of summer's green things. I have some growing indoors, including succulents, herbs, orchids, and a lonely Spanish lavender. We had a great <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Orzo-with-Everything-5608">orzo pasta salad </a>with fresh basil this week that made that pot of basement-grown basil very worthwhile. I planted a few more basil and cilantro seeds today for the benefit of future winter foods. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtehysGdzXAbOxuxToae50WtMwGa6h6YhBeIB3Hb-Co2oPMzw4mY0F9qojXMeHEzFy3mhIVLgMcs5FTalnE265oeVMKAGzZQ-FZlattUr-P2dbTNDd_Kx1SiTiMIh_Awnt59Hz/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtehysGdzXAbOxuxToae50WtMwGa6h6YhBeIB3Hb-Co2oPMzw4mY0F9qojXMeHEzFy3mhIVLgMcs5FTalnE265oeVMKAGzZQ-FZlattUr-P2dbTNDd_Kx1SiTiMIh_Awnt59Hz/s320/DSC_0185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parsley, cilantro, basil and peppers under light</td></tr>
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I have some pepper plants started, though they will outgrow the little plastic dome at full size. They will push up into my lights and I will have to pollinate them with a paintbrush. We will have to appreciate them in a special meal too. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPPxQ0fJWNzxkYwBi5efxcFqHkuPb-NiXp9rUnHeAMuWOzzVySe9pBIKn2V_OV4nd-yqHUlRZpqWfcVasuldXnPCk2M1FDPkQe6Yp0POEUW_AyGlo6FbsjUdS-wnziW42R8z_/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPPxQ0fJWNzxkYwBi5efxcFqHkuPb-NiXp9rUnHeAMuWOzzVySe9pBIKn2V_OV4nd-yqHUlRZpqWfcVasuldXnPCk2M1FDPkQe6Yp0POEUW_AyGlo6FbsjUdS-wnziW42R8z_/s320/DSC_0187.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy yard and frozen lake this evening</td></tr>
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Snowmobilers have been out on the lake ice for a few weeks now, thought they are likely the bravest (stupidest?) ones. However, the temperatures of -20C and below this past week probably did add thickness to the lake ice. Soon we'll be having ice fishing contests and then the sled dog races will be upon us. Our dog has focused squarely on barking until she gets inside to watch television with us and eats the kids snacks when they are not paying attention. Her winter coat will be growing in soon. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdZr6TqUggcmdWIiUtyyA-zkFagHliTolRoP5ng7VajVV-_3JE9k2Qa8zyqqjk2r4fSMaB-5zUVKacc5l8p4M2ozuFfQ04inFAc9_6Y7vja0pgoeOp25V5sxdTss8kUtxwoL1/s1600/DSC_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdZr6TqUggcmdWIiUtyyA-zkFagHliTolRoP5ng7VajVV-_3JE9k2Qa8zyqqjk2r4fSMaB-5zUVKacc5l8p4M2ozuFfQ04inFAc9_6Y7vja0pgoeOp25V5sxdTss8kUtxwoL1/s320/DSC_0384.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My reblooming orchid - A Bletilla or hybrid?</td></tr>
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Otherwise in blogger land, the great Google has told me that I ran out of storage space for the blog and its pictures. Thus, I will have to pay for more. I don't want to stop blogging for now, so I'll pay them the few dollars to keep posting with photos...<br />
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<br />Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-31286503369111767162012-09-30T13:08:00.004-07:002012-09-30T13:08:57.952-07:00Flowers and Last of the Squash<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivO-S6T8EuikgIckpZsKxsTg6eZstfGEcrXT9t-vO1zREFP-SxwtrhnIvMCUBfqaR2WNYwPVqnjFGN2yiOSevahaQvtUIcYJl5MJ3CWWMNvrXfftQ8TJKPbbToy8jEOeogKTnS/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivO-S6T8EuikgIckpZsKxsTg6eZstfGEcrXT9t-vO1zREFP-SxwtrhnIvMCUBfqaR2WNYwPVqnjFGN2yiOSevahaQvtUIcYJl5MJ3CWWMNvrXfftQ8TJKPbbToy8jEOeogKTnS/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short season variety of butternut squash</td></tr>
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My green bell peppers ripened to their intended deep chocolate color indoors after they were picked last week. I hope my freshly picked butternut squash get a bit more "buttery" colored indoors too. The vines look mostly dead, so I thought it would be a good time to bring them in. I started the vines 6 weeks before putting them outdoors in spring. Squash-type vegetables would never ripen in time to sprout from the ground and ripen in our short season. I've already stored away the pumpkins as purees in the freezer. Mmmm.<br />
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The colors are great this year and I love the late-flowering perennials, like this geranium "Rozanne". What a beautiful contrast! I've yet to plant the tulips, which arrived in the mail two days ago. Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26348289.post-46256954720538966962012-09-25T06:17:00.004-07:002012-09-25T06:17:46.145-07:00Enjoy the Colors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The pumpkins are picked, the butternut squash is lingering a few days longer, and the leaves are brilliant. While we have a lot of evergreens in the forest, there are many deciduous trees with brilliant fall color here. The viburnums and dogwoods have deep red leaves while the poplars and birch show bright yellows. <br />
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We picked a respectable amount of bell peppers from our two potted plants on the deck this last week. I didn't want to see them get caught in frost and they weren't changing color in the cool weather, so they all were harvested. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FKHlh8P3w-oeEbMHYpN2emFpD5j1hr2I3rqHXQl03byvdyR-oeziqRR7Z31sFplC2gytYIhCeiyyHzJQ8aT_L-ZnXrJ9PdOxjAa5YCYeShK4G-pBVyZatkFlmda0dQlaGBRm/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FKHlh8P3w-oeEbMHYpN2emFpD5j1hr2I3rqHXQl03byvdyR-oeziqRR7Z31sFplC2gytYIhCeiyyHzJQ8aT_L-ZnXrJ9PdOxjAa5YCYeShK4G-pBVyZatkFlmda0dQlaGBRm/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose Hips on the Hansa rose</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdM9F8LK-m64-pA7ObSCYgqptsfy3G_5DxZZuSr_sAMs-q53HbpCx6akEbZtNoAabY6cTfP79PlW2bKrgZERv6aFPapxMGmon0AMpNxeGq-IqcuLD0-X8iciNkR65ihVxaZwB/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdM9F8LK-m64-pA7ObSCYgqptsfy3G_5DxZZuSr_sAMs-q53HbpCx6akEbZtNoAabY6cTfP79PlW2bKrgZERv6aFPapxMGmon0AMpNxeGq-IqcuLD0-X8iciNkR65ihVxaZwB/s400/DSC_0030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall colors</td></tr>
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There should still be some bulbs in the mail on their way to my yard. I'm not doing much out in the yard these days, however. I should be out photographing the great colors though. I keep checking the aurora forecast, as we had some great auroras around this time last year, but the night sky has remained fairly quiet recently.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the neighbours' floatplane and sailboats.</td></tr>
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My yellow nasturtiums are one of the few potted plants that stay looking great until fall. That's why I planted them. These ones sit out at the end of the driveway. That fact the flowers are edible is a bonus!Gardenistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08129253261044774675noreply@blogger.com5