Hurricanes~

As we watch the weather events unfold along the East coast we are reminded that mankind has maintained a continuous struggle against assaults by nature. Catastrophic events have occurred since the beginning of time and have been the subject of vigorous religious and scientific study and discussion. For thousands of years, countless theories have come to light only to be rebuked by new information. The belief that mankind is responsible for natural disasters is not a new premise. It was believed for hundreds of years and was the reason for sacrifices to volcanoes, oceans, farmland, and forests. The argument is compelling and it would be convenient to blame us so perhaps there we have an option for change and some measure of control. However when we study the deserts, which were once lush forests, it is obvious that many natural disasters are exactly that…natural. Although science has made vast advances in the prediction of weather related events, where a catastrophe will occur is still the whim of nature.

All week, I have been reading Nature on the Rampage by Ann and Myron Sutton to better understand the forces of nature. Hurricanes were named after Huracan, an evil storm god of the Caribbean. One of the most devastating hurricanes on record occurred in 1780. It began off Barbados and came ashore where it flattened trees and dwellings killing countless numbers of people. It destroyed an English fleet anchored off St. Lucia, then ravaged the island completely leaving 6,000 dead in its wake. It swirled on to Martinique, enveloped a French convoy and sank more than 40 ships carrying 4,000 soldiers before leveling towns and villages killing another 9,000 people. It finally wound down after destroying Puerto Rico and an untold number of ships and fishing vessels caught unaware in open sea.

Weston Martyr is quoted in the book with his description of a hurricane. He said, "You cannot breathe with a hurricane blowing full in your face. You cannot see either; the impact on your eyeball of spray and rain traveling over a hundred miles an hour makes seeing quite impossible. The blowing sand cuts your flesh and you hear nothing but the scream and booming of the wind, which drowns even the thunder and the breaking seas. You cannot move except by extreme exertion. To stand is to be blown away like a dead leaf. You cannot even crawl; you have to climb about twisting your arms and legs around anything solid within reach".

Here safely inland, the leaves are thinning, the Sun has a luster that only appears in the first days of fall, and we are counting our blessings.

Climate Predictions for 2012

Released by Reuters last March: The U.S. Climate Prediction Center said in a monthly update released on Thursday that La Nina is rapidly weakening and is expected 'to transition to neutral conditions by the end of April 2012'.

The term El Niño and La Nina are used daily on the weather reports and their impact is felt globally. El Niño is simply a pattern of unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific. The opposite is La Niña, which characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures. These fluctuations of the ocean atmosphere in the tropical Pacific are the cause of drastic weather changes around the globe so observations of conditions are essential for the prediction of short term climate variations.

This warm water, first noted by a fisherman off the coast of South America, was considered a religious phenomenon since it arrived around Christmas and thus El Niño means ‘The Little Boy’ or ‘Christ Child’ in Spanish.

During El Niño the trade winds relax in the central and western Pacific and the result of lengthy scientific research indicates there is a sharp rise in sea surface temperature with weakening winds. Among the consequences of this warm water is an increase in rainfall across the southern tier of the United States. However the eastward displacement of the atmospheric heat source overlaying the warmest water results in changes of global circulation, which in turn forces changes in weather in regions far removed from the tropical Pacific. Rainfall follows the warm water eastward causing flooding in Peru and lack of normal rain causes drought in Indonesia and Australia.

A moderate El Niño competing with a strong North Atlantic and Artic Oscillation tends to produce more than the usual number of polar and Arctic air masses, which in turn are partly responsible for the cold, snowy season in the Northeast.

Notable El Niño’s occurred in1986-1987 and I can recall the roads washing that year with unprecedented rains. The one of 1991-1992 flooded barns and homes and made Caddo and Canadian Counties disaster zones. The El Niño of 1997-1998 was the strongest and resulted in substantial nationwide flooding. The arrival of these weather phenomenon can not be predicted with accuracy. Each time we think we know where a piece fits into the climate puzzle, another piece turns up that needs to fit in as well.

Halloween

Sunday was the epitome of Autumn perfection. Basking in the glow of windless warm sunshine, enjoying the exquisite feel of the day, it understandable why Fall is a favorite season for many… cherished all the more for its fleeting passage. And with the cold front that arrived today it seemed fleeting indeed.
It brought to mind the words of Humbert Wolfe (1885-1940)
“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”

At this time it is interesting to review the origins of one of our most treasured and anticipated holidays… Halloween. As with most of our holidays, its origins are deeply rooted within the pagan beliefs of our ancestors, with their celebrations altered to adapt to Christian faith. The Celtics, a once powerful people of central and northern Europe, gathered for their New Years celebrations at end of harvest and their beliefs are included in Halloween as we know it. The celebration of their New Year, called Samhain (Irish-Gaelic for 'the Summer's end’) took place on October 31st, which is coincidentally our Halloween.

It was believed border between the worlds of the living and the dead is thinnest on this night, allowing the souls of the deceased to enter the land of the living. So for this one night hearth fires were extinguished so their light could not be seen to either guide or frighten the returning souls. Gathered in celebratory groups, these tribal people lit huge bonfires of sacred oak branches to drive away evil spirits and warm the living. Costumes were worn so the Lord of Death could not recognize and then come claim one in the coming year. Often animals were sacrificed, fortunes were told, and at the end of the night with the safety of dawn, hearth fires were relit from the bonfire to ensure happiness and prosperity as the New Year began.

The Roman Church decided to make All Saint’s Day on November 1st to coincide with the Celtic festival. All Saints' Day was instituted as a holiday in the year 609 and it was moved from May to November in 834 after the Church discovered the importance of the Celtic rituals. On All Souls Day poor people went ‘a-souling’ (or begging) for ‘soulcakes’ in exchange for the promise they pray for the dead in purgatory and from this came our custom of ‘trick or treating’.

These beliefs arrived in Mexico directly from the Roman Church and are still celebrated with ‘The Day of the Dead’ as family members welcome deceased relatives home for the night. Their grave is surrounded by welcoming candles, and a place at the table is set for them as their favorite foods are prepared. Generations gather and complimentary stories about the deceased are told, all in the hope the relative know they are missed and enjoy the family once again.

Any way it is viewed historically, the customs surrounding the death of summer also honor the dead, complete with the belief that mortal souls return to wander the earth. Autumn leaves, Jack-o-lanterns, bobbing for apples, costumes, black cats, and fortune-telling all evolved from these pagan customs. It is amazing that these ancient Celtic rituals which have become our Halloween continue to be embraced and still flourish today.

Gardeners Will Garden... Regardless of Circumstance

The urge to dig in the soil and plant a seed is as old as civilized mankind for the thrill of watching a seedling emerge and reach fruition is unsurpassed. Every nation has appropriated sites for carefully tended public grounds, and their continued popularity is a testament to our love affair with gardens. According to space and circumstance gardens may be found on grand estates, in tiny cottage plots, or even in cheerful window boxes spilling with blooms. Each provide a living testament to our desire to nurture and surround ourselves with natural beauty.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon built by King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 BC were considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World… quite an honor for a garden. Many royal gardens in Europe have been cherished for generations and Prince Charles of Britain has restored many while pressing a national gardening agenda. Our own Thomas Jefferson was more pleased with his gardening innovations at Monticello than all of his diplomatic successes and even his Presidency. He avidly collected seeds, cuttings, and plants from his travels, bringing them home and carefully documenting their progress and success or failure. We have him to thank for introducing many of the species we now consider standard.

In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the cramped and simple gardens belonging to poor laborers and factory workers in Europe were the birthplace of florist’s flowers as we now know them. A lovely example is the magnificent Carnation, once a quarter sized Dianthus, who grew to the proportions we now recognize as standard. Petals were doubled and redoubled as enthusiastic breeders toiled in their tiny spaces after working long hours at grueling jobs. Their joy is apparent in the creations they have bequeathed us and we are grateful for their efforts.

Much of the hybridization we enjoy today occurred in the back yard Victory Gardens of WWII. At President Roosevelt’s request, everyone in the nation was asked to plant a garden to allow our surplus food to be sent to overseas to our troops. This program was enthusiastically adopted and petunias and marigolds were replaced by vegetables in an astonishing national effort. Most of the fresh produce consumed by the nation was grown in small garden plots and the success of this program remains unsurpassed today.

The Berlin Wall fell in 1990 and former Communist countries were opened to the West for the first time in decades. The horticultural community was stunned at the advanced plant breeding that had occurred in impossible and suppressed conditions behind the Iron Curtain. With no laboratories, no conservatories, and little money, gardeners had persevered in their efforts to advance and improve many species and were honored by a grateful horticultural community.

The realization that gardeners will garden regardless of hardship or circumstance is comforting. We are called to the soil for there is perpetual harmony in gardening and it knows no boundaries.

Give Flowering Shrubs Another Chance...

*Snowball~

 

Advent of Fall
Time to plant a tree or shrub~    

The blessing of rain finally arrived with oft blinding deluges and was exactly what we needed to break the drought. The ponds are filling, the creeks are flowing, and once again the Canadian River has a trickle running through it. The deep thirst of the garden has been quenched and tiny whispers of wheat are appearing throughout the countryside giving a flowing tinge of green. After the stressful summer, Fall has arrived with magical precision and presents a perfect feel to each day.

 

With the rain, the garden has been rejuvenated and the frost hardy perennials have begun peeking above the ground. Their fresh color is so vigorous when compared to the tired summer foliage that it is inspiring. And for added inspiration perhaps give flowering shrubs another chance by replacing one this Fall. Even though many of us lost lovely shrubs to the drought, we who garden are famously optimistic... one planted now will acclimate through the winter you will have an established guest in the garden by Spring.

Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and loosen the soil. Put some well rotted manure in the bottom of the hole and then ease the youngster into it, loosening the side and bottom roots. Fill the hole with soil and then water, letting the water fill and overflow. Jostle the shrub around and look for any bubbles rising to the surface. Those bubbles are air pockets and would have made your new guest ill so water and jostle until there are no more bubbles. Let the water sink and note the soil will sink with it; add more dirt until it is level and then press firmly until you feel the shrub is well supported. Use several stakes if necessary to assure it grows in an upright position. Water once a week when the weather permits and wait for spring.

I lost all of these old friends to the drought. May they RIP... they brought me much joy over many years.

 

Hyacinth Beans Love It Hot

Every year it is nice to plant something entirely new. Since gardeners tend to have a generous heart, often all that is necessary is to stop and admire a garden and one will be offered a cutting, an on-the-spot dug batch, or a bag of seeds. Such was my pleasure several summer's ago as I was waiting in the car at Auto Supply I noticed a gorgeous vine twining about a fence adjacent to the alley. The vine had lovely leaves which were veined with deep purple and the exquisite pink and lavender flowers crawling along the tendrils resembled tiny orchids. The electric purple bean pods were scattered throughout the mass of leaves and flowers making the entirety a stunning display. Thus was my introduction to Hyacinth Beans. The gardener gave me an overly generous bag of seeds which are absolutely adorable themselves. They are black, brown or speckled with a half circle of white at the joint making them smile!


This species of bean has been grown in India since ancient times and is cultivated for its seedpods as well as the leaves which are eaten like spinach. In India the beans are highly desirable for their protein content but since they also contain a toxin or two, recipes for preparation are intricate and not recommended. For this reason, they are now considered an ornamental rather than an edible bean.

The plants come up quickly in the garden, have a high tolerance to heat, and will travel over twenty feet in a single season. Planted on the fence, the light pole, or anywhere one desires a charming screen, this vine is truly a remarkable joy. Although considered a perennial in some climates, in the Midwest they are an annual, but considering their ease of growing, they make a welcome addition to the garden. Collect the seeds once they have dried on the vine before they receive a  frost.... there are usually six to eight in each pod. Store them in an airtight plastic bag and remember to share.

This year mine were planted on July 30th below the trellis we had been given for our anniversary. Within a week they were up and twenty days later began blooming profusely. For anyone wanting some…I have seeds!

*Planted late June a few years ago, they covered my six foot chain link fence by the end of July and bloomed until frost. 

Dog Days Of Summer

                                    
Thank goodness the ‘dog days of summer’ are almost over. However if you find yourself feeling a bit 'off' it is nice to know the reason. Notoriously sultry and unbearable, the name of these days occurring in the Northern hemisphere originates from the star Canis Major or Sirus, the big dog. During late July through August, Sirus is in conjunction with the sun, meaning they both rise at the same time in the sky. This led to the ancient belief that the miserable heat this time of year was caused by the star’s effect upon the sun, making it hotter thus the 20 days before and after the conjunction are called ‘dog days’. Regardless of the fact that the heat arrives now from the tilt of the earth rather than the presence of Sirus, some 50 million miles from earth, the long held belief that the lovely star is responsible is still maintained.

It is easily imagined that the stars were a major influence on mankind before the night sky was obscured by artificial lighting and smog. Images from the pattern of the stars were drawn by ‘connecting the dots’ and each culture saw a different pattern emerge from such connections. From the Asians, Native Americans, Europeans, Persians, and so forth, each society created mystical explanations for the changing patterns in the heavens and the ensuing weather conditions. The star-pictures mapped in the night sky by our European ancestors are now known as Constellations.

Ancient people believed dog days to be an evil time so accordingly, a brown dog was sacrificed to appease the rage of Sirus. According to the famous Greek Phiny (AD 23-79) there was risk of attack by rabid dogs at this time so he suggested feeding them large quantities of chicken droppings as a preventative measure. By 1729 in the British publication The Husbandman’s Practice, survival was intent upon mans ability to ‘abstain this time from a woman’ and further to ‘take heed of feeding violently’. This handy guide warns, ‘The heat of the Sun is so violent that men’s bodies sweat at midnight as at midday’ and any illness may be worsened ‘yea, very near death’. By 1813 in Brady’s Calvis Calendaruim, it was said to be a time ‘when the seas boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers or hysterics. My grandmother warned that a cut will not properly heal in these days and to beware of a ‘summer complaint’ of stomach aliments as well.

Today Sirus appears several weeks later than in ancient times as the stars and constellations have shifted in relation to the Sun. Regardless of the cause of the heat, most certainly one must admit a feeling akin to ‘hysteria’ while still dragging hoses and waiting for Issac's shower.   

Zany Zinnias

The rains arrived again on Saturday with substantial enough amounts to add a tinge of green to the grasses along the hiway. The rains seem to appear as the season changes and towns are having their annual harvest fairs. Saturday Hinton received a deluge as the grateful crowd dispersed, happily drenched to the bone.

With the fair comes the flower show where entrants choose the most perfect specimen in the garden to enter in hopes of winning a blue ribbon. The categories include the darling Zinnia, whose dutiful countenance is bound to cheer the garden even during a drought. The bright and shining little zinnia originated in Mexico where it was considered a weed.

There is record of the first seeds arriving in Europe around 1627 however the Zinnia remained in quiet obscurity until 1750 when the seeds called mal de ojos were sent by the European Ambassador to Johann Gottfried Zinn. Although Zinn died at only 32, his contributions to science were vast including the first detailed study of the human eye.

Respect for him was so universal that a colleague, famed botanist Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern botany and ecology, designated a genus of flower as Zinnia in his honor.

Typical of most flowers originating in Mexico, Zinnias come in an array of colors which resemble a traditional serape and cover the entire color spectrum. The colors are bold and range from intense yellow, bright orange, rocket red, rose and fuchsia, with an occasional pink. There is nothing pastel about a Zinnia! There are both miniature and giant varieties, domed and flat petaled… all are drought tolerant and like it hot. Their somewhat funky coarse foliage is not attractive to many insects so they are a sturdy and steadfast addition to the garden

The Zinnia will bloom from mid summer until the first frost and attract a multitude of butterflies and bees. Pick a bouquet in the morning and the flowers will remain fresh for a week or more. Unfussy and among the easiest of flowers to grow, the Zinnia has remained a popular addition to the garden for over a hundred years. Children love to plant and pick them!

Mosquitoes and Purple Martins

The rain Saturday was such a blessing; it was perfect… not too much and not too little. It was exciting to see it at a distance slowly rolling toward us. First the wind arrived, lowering the temperatures ten degrees in half an hour. The sky darkened and it began to pour; it was lovely! Several weeks ago a meteorologist reported two tenths of an inch arriving with several intermittent rains is better for breaking a drought than a three inch gully washer so we were in luck.

Our devastating drought did provide an unexpected boon… we have not had many mosquitoes. Mosquitoes eggs are laid in water and the larva and pupa require it to reach adulthood. The pupa are those squiggly little black ‘bugs’ jerking about in water and the adult emerges as a mature pupa floats to the surface. Their lifespan is anywhere from several weeks to several months. All mosquitoes are bloodsucking and as such, their bite will carry with it whatever the prior host had coursing through their blood.

Apparently the rains that missed us and poured in central Texas during the summer created perfect conditions for mosquitoes. Dallas and the surrounding areas are experiencing an alarming outbreak of West Nile Virus which is caused by a mosquito biting an infected bird, and then a human. Dallas is currently aerial spraying each morning and evening to kill the mosquitoes and stem the outbreak. Since we finally had rain, it will be necessary to scout the garden and dump any standing water… a creative mosquito will lay eggs in water left in a saucer under a plant!

Fogging for mosquitoes in the 1940-70's


The natural way to curb the mosquito populations is the lovely Purple Martin. This little bird gets all of its food and water while in flight and skims the surface of ponds scooping up water in its lower bill. Each Purple Martin can eat over 10,000 mosquitoes a day.
For over 100 years it has nested almost exclusively in backyard birdhouses, making it very people friendly. Native Americans knew the benefits of the Purple Martin and hung empty gourds for them long before the arrival of the first Europeans.

They migrate to Brazil for the winter and return each spring with older Martins returning to places they have inhabited before. Several weeks later younger birds arrive and several couples are happy to take up residence in bird houses resembling apartment complexes. For a conservative method of mosquito control, they are simply the best alternative available.

Purple Martin Apartment~

Field Crickets

*Photo: An Asian Market selling Cricket Cages~

The lovely song of the field cricket is heralded this month and its melodic symphony can be heard each evening. Fall is the time for cricket mating and the male, who is the only voice of the cricket, is singing to potential sweethearts. Although the female can not sing, she can hear the song through her ears which are located on her front legs just below her knees.

A shy and reclusive little insect, the cricket rarely makes a public evening appearance until the urgency of mating begins. Following fertilization cricket eggs are deposited in the soil in the autumn soon after the rains begin. They will rest there until time to hatch in the spring; once they are born baby crickets hide during the day. They emerge to eat in the evenings and enjoy grasses, pieces of grain, wool and their favorite snack... book bindings. Apparently the darling cricket will sing, mate, then come inside to eat a good pair of wool pants and a book or two before its life cycle ends.

In China singing crickets are kept as pets in special cages and it is believed they bring a household good fortune... prized specimens fetch amazing prices. In fact the cricket culture in China dates back to the Tang Dynasty from 500 BC to 618 AD. It was during this time the crickets first became respected for their powerful ability to “sing” and a cult formed to capture and cage them. Naturally the obsession escalated and in the Song Dynasty from 960 to 1278 AD the sport “cricket fighting” became popular.

The sport became so popular that China actually produced a Cricket Minister, Jia Shi-Dao who reigned from 1213 to 1275 before being deposed for irresponsibility. Then from 1427 to 1464, a Cricket Emperor, Ming Xuan-Zhong ruled in favor of cricket fighting, making his palace a major tribute to this important insect. Racketeering, gambling, and even suicides were reported over Chinese cricket mania.

Luckily, the Asian fabric of choice is silk...not wool!

Spiders on the Move!

A Black Widow the size of a thimble

A Huge Fiddleback spotted on a Lampshade Yesterday!

Most spiders live one season, however some species live long lives and spend the winter in a semi-hibernation. The Fiddlebacks have hidden in the rafters, behind the books, under the bed, and in other out of the way places and are now beginning to emerge as spring is approaching. Over the Winter they have grown and shed last years 'shell' leaving behind the empty casing... the empty casing is a sign that a more mature one is lurking somewhere nearby. The gentle Tarantula has an extremely long life expectancy and will easily live up to 20 years in captivity. The record has been set by a female who resides in LA and although her age was unknown at the time of her capture, she is now fifty years old.

Spiders are a most interesting invertebrate in both appearance and habit. All are predators which make them valuable to the gardener as they will eat flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, locusts, cockroaches, and aphids. The habits differ among species with some making intricate webs to trap their prey while some lie in wait on flowers and some simply travel about on the ground.

Orb Weaver web from last Summer

Spiders are found in every corner of the planet, making them one of the most common invertebrates and they alone have eight legs. True spiders (thin-waisted arachnids) evolved about 400 million years ago, and were among the first species to live on land. There are many references to the spider in popular culture, folklore and symbolism. The spider symbolizes patience for its hunting with web traps, and mischief and malice for its poison and the slow death they cause their prey. (Who could forget the pitiful death sequence in the movie ‘The Fly’?)

Though not all spiders spin gossamer webs, spiders have been attributed by numerous cultures with the origin of basket-weaving, knot work, weaving, spinning, and net making. Lovely pottery artifacts featuring spiders may be found in all ancient cultures, so respect for them is universal.

Any talk of spiders includes the two most dangerous in North America and they must be addressed. All spiders have venom however the Black Widow and Brown Recluse(Fiddleback)are very dangerous species whose bite may have disastrous affects on humans. The Brown Recluse likes living in quiet corners of the house while the Black Widow resides outdoors. A member of the Tangleweb family, the Black Widow makes an untidy web as the name implies and will aggressively guard her egg sac. Both have thin legs and a fragile skeletal structure, making them easy to squish... do not hesitate to kill them.

A favorite spider which comes to mind is the darling fuzzy black jumper.
One summer we had a black fuzzy with emerald green fangs who took up residence in the kitchen. Every morning as the household awoke and greeted her, she would would lift her 'arm' and wave... a marvelous trick by any standard.

John-Michael and a friend!

There is an entire psychological phobia named after fear of spiders called Arachnophobia. So popular is this fear that comic book creator Stan Lee embraced it, introducing an irresistible spider hero in 1962. Spiderman instantly became an all time favorite!

Spiderman~

Mississippi Kite Hawks

Early Sunday it felt as though we have finally rounded the corner on the Summer; for several hours it was a delightful temperature with a gentle breeze. As with every season, change arrives on schedule and thus it is with the ending of the summer of 2012. And quite a Summer it has been as Oklahomans endured record breaking heat and wildfires. Some years it is distressing to see the Sun marking the inevitable arrival of Fall… other years, such as this one, it is a relief. The plight of our birds was an odd occurrence this year. The high temperatures seemed the opposite equivalent of a winter blizzard and they were desperately in need of our help. Often it is unnecessary to feed in the summer months, however this year the poor birds have been extremely stressed. The hummingbirds truly needed their feeder since the flowers were lackluster, sparse, and dry. All of the birds have needed water we provide since so many natural sources are dry. Our native birds have need an easy source of food since the heat has taken a toll on their energy levels, making foraging difficult. The media reported last weekend the Mississippi Kite Hawks have suffered a terrible trauma. Soaring high, smoothly floating on air currents, they are also called the Mosquito Hawk since they are able catch and eat insects while airborne. Pairs come here to nest each year and their young hatch much later than other hawks. The nest is built high in the tree tops for safety and the brood usually consists of two, who are raised by both parents. Kites are extremely protective of their young and have a reputation for fearlessly ‘dive bombing’ people who venture too close to their nests. As the temperatures climbed this summer, the heat in the nests became excessively high, sometimes reaching 130 degrees. Consequently many Kites that were too young to be on their own abandoned the nest. Every rehabilitation sanctuary in Oklahoma is full of baby Kites that are being cared for until time for their release. The Mississippi Kite Hawk is truly beneficial for insect control and the loss of a generation may be an ecological disaster. *We found this youngster in the driveway Friday. He was too hot and weak to protest so we cooled him off and fed him minnows until he regained some strength, then let his grateful parents take over. Pray for Rain!

The House Wren

Now is the time to venture out in the cool of the morning to scout the garden looking for the darling House Wren. She has probably made a nest in some odd place so finding it is an interesting scavenger hunt of sorts and a fun game. They famously choose unusual sites for their nests, including door wreaths, lamp posts, garage shelving, and even old shoes that have been left outside The Wrens come here in the spring with the male signaling their arrival with an almost incessant stream of burbles, warbles, buzzes and rattling churrs. Native Americans called this bird o-du-na-mis-sug-ud-da-we-shi, meaning ‘making a big noise for its size’. They are considered a songbird even though their wonderful song is heard only during the nesting season and rarely afterwards. Since the diet of the House Wren consists almost entirely of insects, spiders, snails, flies, ticks, plant lice, gypsy moth larvae, ants, and grasshoppers they are a valuable asset to the gardener for natural control of pests. As indicated by their common name, they are intensely interested in humans and often nest where they receive our attention. They will make a cup sized nest of various materials including string and pieces of plastic and sit on three to seven creamy white eggs. To encourage this valuable little bird to nest in the garden some people find boxes with a hole small enough to prevent competitive nesters is an option... and knowing their location makes spying on the babies easier than looking for the nest through a hunt. Small and overly confident, the brown House Wren is extremely territorial and will make efforts to destroy the nest of competitive birds. It is said they will occasionally destroy the eggs of other birds by breaking the egg shell. They have also been known to vandalize the cavity of other bird nests by placing sharp sticks in them therefore rendering them unusable. Both parents will raise their young and the family will leave here for winter quarters in Mexico by early October. When their sociable behavior is added to their abilities to control pests, it is no wonder this dear little bird is among the all time American favorites. The photo was taken in our shop, where a wren had nested behind some steel. The babies are happy visit with the welders!

The Cicadas Are Singing~

The magical Cicadas have arrived and their melodic song foretells of temperatures over ninety degrees for the day. There are 2,500 species of Cicadas and they exist on every Continent except Antarctica. Their name is a direct derivation of the Latin cicada, meaning "buzzer" and their remarkable song is actually produced by the males calling to the ladies. Yesterday listening to the songs was a delightful concert and one could hear the differences in the singers. Several sang decidedly distinct with longer and more masculine compositions than the others; one may assume they were the ‘rock stars’ of the evening, drawing throngs of female fans.

For their song, the Cicada is a favorite by universal standards.
There is amazing folklore surrounding this marvelous insect. Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695) wrote a series of famous fables for the pleasure of the court and one was about the Cicada. Much like Aesop’s ‘Grasshopper and the Ant’, the Cicada is gadding about as the ants work, which is much to his dismay as winter arrives and he does not survive. The Cicada is portrayed in Japanese literature, and Japanese Haiku poetry. More significantly, the Chinese considered the Cicada of import even using the phrase ‘shed off the golden cicada skin’ as an example of a strategic tactic to avoid enemies. Mentioned as one of the Thirty-Six Stratagems used by generals, the Cicada leaves the shell behind to deceive enemies as the body itself escapes danger. The Chinese novel 'Journey to the West' (published 1590) is one of China’s four great classical novels. It has remained popular for centuries possibly due to it’s interesting story line of adventure, transformation, and symbolism. In it one of the journeying characters, the Priest of Tang, is named the Golden Cicada with the shedding of the skins symbolic of stages of transformation as he evolves to enlightenment.



As one listens to the concerts...picking out the rock stars, as one recalls finding the shells as a child... and storing the collection in a box under the bed, as one marvels at an insect that can foretell the temperature... it is indeed awe-inspiring that we are able to sit back and rejoice in what the Master Plan has provided as entertainment in our own back yards.

Cicada Princess, in production now, will be a 'must have' video...

Amaryllis Belladonna... Naked Ladies

The lovely Amaryllis Belladonna has made her arrival at the garden party this week. Commonly called ‘Naked Ladies they appear from a leafless base and are also called ‘Surprise Flowers’ for their overnight appearance in the garden from a barren spot. The stunning Naked Lady comes from a clump forming bulb. Each year the bulb will increase in size and the flowers will appear at the outermost edge so over the years one bulb becomes a mass of exquisite flowers. The foliage appears in the garden in the very early spring and looks at first like jonquil leaves. Very soon however the foliage out-grows everything around it and begins to collapse early in the season requiring binding or staking to keep it from overshadowing its neighbors. The foliage dies away and is easily removed as debris by late May. The spot in the garden now appears quite bare until mid-July when suddenly the flowers begin to appear. A tall sturdy stem supports a mass of with six to twelve flowers which have a heady and intoxicating fragrance.

This wonderful plant seems undisturbed by severe growing conditions and will bloom faithfully in shade or sun regardless of the heat. The ease of these ‘Ladies’ growing habits makes even a novice gardener joyful and will add beauty and grace to any garden setting. Often planted with Shasta daisies to cover the bare base, they bloom at the same time allowing for a visual garden bouquet. As with so many of our lovely flowers this one is originally from South America where it grows in wild abandon in dry and dusty sites.



Mine arrived in my garden quite by accident. When my father died in July of 1994 I was distraught and could not be comforted. I was walking in my garden the day after his funeral when miraculously before my eyes was the most beautiful flower I had ever seen. It was the first of 12 Naked Ladies to arrive, one each day for 12 days, each in an odd place in my garden. Since no one planted them my family has long been convinced my father sent them to me. These flowers will always seem special to me and each time I see them I think of my father and thank him for sending them to me.

Dazzling Dragonflies

Dazzling, daring dragonflies are seen darting about at all hours of the day. Twenty years ago they appeared in great numbers in late afternoon, gracefully hovering in a dance above the meadow. This year they have appeared in a stunning array of brilliant colors by mid-morning. Dragonflies are located worldwide and have more than 5,000 described species, 450 of which reside in North America, with Texas alone home to 225 species. Considerably downsized now, a fossilized dragonfly from 250 million years ago had a wingspan of 28 inches!


Dragonfly adults are lovely and graceful, with a sweet head that turns to look at you quizzically with magical eyes. Often brightly colored they have two pair of long, slender, transparent, translucent, and highly veined wings. The wings do not fold but are held permanently outstretched even when at rest. Adult dragonflies are usually found near water with a territory which may range several miles. Many males are intensely protective, defending their domain from other males, which may include sudden aeronautical chases which exhibit extraordinary maneuverability.


A truly beneficial insect, from infancy to maturity, dragonflies eat mosquitoes. The immature dragonfly is called a nymphs (or naiads). Nymphs are entirely aquatic and are found on submerged vegetation and the bottom of ponds and marshes where they capture and eat mosquito larvae.
The adults seen above the meadows are capturing adult mosquitoes while in flight.


As with all interesting insects, there are many folk tales surrounding the dragonfly. Perhaps due to their unusual and multifaceted eyes, in Norway and Sweden they were said to be sinister works of the Devil. Conversely the Pueblo tribes have endowed them with significant importance. They are said to represent swiftness and activity and to the Navajo pure water. Dragonflies are a common motif in Zuni pottery, Hopi rock art and they appear on many Pueblo necklaces. In Japan they are a symbol of late Summer and early Autumn and also represent courage, strength, and happiness. They often appear in art, literature, and on Japanese pottery.


Regardless of their artistic and intrinsic importance, the fact they will purge the garden of mosquitoes make them an extremely welcome visitor anytime.


Photo Credit: My friend Sharon Madison Bastianelli

The Year of the Frog!

That frog is smiling! And Toad...

Shasta Daisies~

My Twenty five Year Old Daisies! This week Sumer will be here in full force and with its arrival the Shasta daisies will begin to flower in splendid form. As one of the first hybridized American flowers, it has long been a staple in every garden, easily living for more than 40 years. Created by Mr. Luther Burbank one side of her ancestors are the Oxeye Daisy which grows wild in New England and receives no respect; she is considered a nuisance by farmers. The other side of her family is the English Field daisy, which has a far more fanciful history than the American daisy. The origin of the Daisy according to Roman mythology is a typical story. Apparently the god of orchards was lustfully watching a group of nymphs dancing at the edge of the forest when he decided to pursue one of them. She fled and to escape his unwanted attentions turned herself into the daisy so she would go unnoticed. Since that time the daisy has been associated with modesty and during Victorian times ladies who doubted a suitors intentions picked a daisy and slowly removed each petal while asking ’he loves me, he loves me not‘. Henry VIII ate bowls of daisies to help his gout and cure his stomach ailments and it was believed that daisies steeped in wine could cure insanity. Legends aside, Mr. Luther Burbank, who was originally from Massachusetts, spent 6 years carefully crossing the wild daisies and had his own by 1890. He wanted a deep yellow center as the American variety provided and the early profusion of flowers and sturdy stem which came from the English. However he was disappointed that his new daisy lacked the whiteness of petals he desired. So he added the Japanese Field Daisy and although the flowers are small, they provided dazzling white petals. From combining the three, Mr. Burbank succeed in creating his Shasta, introducing it in 1904. He named his flower after Mt. Shasta, the glowing while California Mountain he could see in the distance from his home. With her long life expectancy, the hardy Shasta is easy to care for and spreads nicely while blooming faithfully all Summer. They are a marvelous cut flower in arrangements and although their scent is unremarkable, their shiny little faces positively beam. Thank you Mr. Burbank!

Summer Solstice and Sedums

My Moss Rose~ Summer Solstice will arrive June 20th this year amid global celebrations. The longest day of the year, Solstice occurs when both sunrise and sunset occur respectively at the earliest and the latest time during the year. This phenomenon has been noted for thousands of years as pagans celebrated the turning of the seasons. At noon the Sun will be in perfect balance directly overhead and your shadow may not be notable at all. Those who are in tune with nature will ‘feel’ the Solstice and childhood memories of cloud watching, gentle breezes, and a walk while listening to the drone of Cicadas may be recalled. Enjoy this long and memorable day from sunrise to sunset!

Sedums appear in every established garden and these no-fuss gems are sturdy and dependable. They appear in almost every imaginable shape and form from Aloe to Cacti with the only constant their plump water-filled leaves. There are over 400 species of Sedums and those unique fleshy leaves are their secret to survival as they store water for the plant to use during extremely dry spells. Needing only well drained soil and full sunlight, the Sedum is not susceptible to pests who are repelled by their stout leaves preferring more tender foliage, however butterflies and bees are abundant about the blooms.

Easy to propagate, simply break a leaf or stem from the Mother plant, shove it into a hole the size of an index finger, tamp the soil, lightly water for a week, and it will start a new plant. Part of this amazing club is the all time favorite Moss-rose, Purslane, or Portulaca, which are one in the same. They may have either thin spiky leaves or small rounded leaves and flowers open each day from about ten to four.

This low growing little plant will faithfully spread and flower from spring to frost. Purslane was first introduced by to the Northern Hemisphere by Dr. John Gillies in the 1820s and immediately became wildly popular. Gillies had discovered plants near the Argentine Pampas and wrote “they grew in great profusion, giving to the ground over which they were spread a rich purple hue, here and there marked with spots of an orange color“. Further scientific development gave us additional colors and today and this precious little flower is available in the entire spectrum of colors, with sweet traditional or darling double flowers. Its not too late to add some!

Majestic Magnolias

Majestic Magnolias Traditional in the deep South, the marvelous Magnolia is well suited for Oklahoma and are in full bloom everywhere. Their deep green leathery leaves have a slightly fuzzy taupe underside and their creamy white flowers speak of the languid heat of summer. Leaves of the Magnolia remain evergreen all year and as with most hard wood trees, their growth is slow. Following flowering the tree produces an interesting ‘fruit’ in the form of a large, conical shaped cone with prickles here and there on its surface. Asian species were introduced to the Americas in 1780 where they were carefully cultivated to produce superior flowers and the deepest lemony scent. The oldest Magnolia on record is 136 years old and lives in Cleveland Ohio. In spite of their sturdy appearance, the showy flowers are quite delicate and must be handled without touching the petals to avoid discolored bruising that will inevitably occur. For this reason they do not fare well in arrangements but are rather cut with a short stem and ’floated’ as a single specimen in a large shallow bowl or vase. The leaves of the Magnolia are decoratively used in many Christmas wreaths and may be cut at their peak and preserved with glycerin. Glycerin is an organic emollient that may be absorbed through the stems of the leaves to preserve their freshness. I remember my Mother going on quests for perfect leaves… driving about neighborhoods then politely asking complete strangers if she could have ‘a few leaves from their lovely tree‘. Perhaps it was her sweet low-country Carolina drawl or her charm that made people pleased and even flattered to gift batches of their leaves! Use one part glycerin to two parts very hot water. Put the glycerin solution in a short plastic wastebasket, cut the magnolia leaves with suitably long stems and pound the bottom of them to open the major artery before submerging the stems in the liquid. The Magnolia leaves will ‘drink’ the glycerin and slowly change from green to a gorgeous chestnut color. It takes three to five weeks for the leaves to absorb the glycerin and when the leaves begin to feel flexible it is time to remove them. They must be hung upside and allowed to dry completely before use. This would be a fun summer project to do with the children and having greenery they helped pick and preserve used during December festivities will form a memory that will last a lifetime. The stunning painting by American artist Martin Johnson Heade is titled 'Magnolia on Red Velvet' circa 1885

Dazzling Daylilies!

As reported in the Washington Post last week, Oklahoma won the dubious honor of having the hottest summer of all time last year. Our summer heat beat the former 1934 record, also held by Oklahoma… we had triple digits for days on end and as one farmer stated ‘going outside was like opening an oven door while baking bread‘. However daunting 2011 was for the gardener, we did survive and this year has been delightfully merciful with spontaneous downpours and showers on a regular basis. The dazzling daylilies have begun their annual show and they are truly something to behold. Daylilies are mentioned in Chinese script in 2697 BC and by the 1500’s had traveled to Europe where they became popular with herbalists. In 1735 Swedish botanist Carl Linneaus introduced his system of dividing living organisms into classes. At the time there were only 6,000 species of plants and the daylily was among them. He gave them their Latin name which translates into ‘beauty for a day’. In the early 1900’s Albert Steward lived in China and discovered daylilies to send his colleague Dr. Arlow Stout at the New York Botanical Institute. They became his passion and although he died in 1957 Dr. Stout is still considered the foremost authority on daylilies. It is through his 30 years of dedication and tireless efforts that we have the daylilies we adore today. Daylilies are a hardy lot who withstand our hot and dusty conditions very well since they detest having their feet wet. In my Grandmother’s garden daylilies had a bed of their own as they tend to travel and may overpower lesser perennial flowers. Not that they are bullies, but each year they will send forth numerous fledgling bulbs who grow quickly and send forth more. If left unattended they will easily naturalize and over time may be seen peeking from beneath trees in a woodland setting. Daylilies today are far beyond the heirloom orange and selection is unbelievable with each year introducing a new and fresh face. Many daylilies have ruffles and textures in a magnificent combination of colors and the fact they appear in such abundance in early summer makes them a ‘must have‘ for the garden. The ambitious gardener may choose to remove the spent flower each evening to increase blooming. The heads give a quirky ’pop’ as they are removed making the process an interesting twilight game for the children. Photo Courtesy of Hugh and Jennifer Stout of Dancingtree in Oklahoma City. They have received both national and international acclaim for their work in hybridizing Daylilies and Iris. http://www.stoutgardens.com

North American Natural Antibiotics... Plant Some!

Until the advent of chemical antibiotics, Nature provided all the ingredients to insure survival and health for the inhabitants of the planet. Here in North America our own Native Americans survived severely harsh conditions with an intricate knowledge of healthful foods. The Plains Indians ate as they nomadically traveled and the Apache alone had over 200 items in their yearly diet. Much of what they "found" along their path was both nutritional and medicinal.

An example of one of their naturally occurring health boosters are the Rose Hips found on wild bushes from Texas to North Dakota. Rose hips have long been a valuable source of Vitamin C, which easily boosts the immune system. The hips are the berries formed on the rose following flowering and contain as much ascorbic acid as an orange. In fact the portion of the orange containing the most health benefits is the bitter white inside the rind that most people discard. During WWII the federal government recommended that citizens add rose hips to their stews as a vegetable and recommended brewing it as a tea for the health benefits.

Another valuable immune boosting plant is the Echinacea. Results of archaeological digs indicate that Native Americans have used this marvelous plant for over 400 years. It was used to treat everything including infections, wounds, scarlet fever, blood poisoning, and diphtheria. Considered a valuable cure-all for hundreds of years, its popularity declined with the advent of antibiotics. Today Echinacea is used to reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold or flu, as well as the ensuing symptoms which accompany them... sore throat, cough and fever.

For several years now the medical community has issued alarms that antibiotics no longer work; our systems are saturated with them. It is not necessary to actually take an antibiotic to ingest substantial amounts of them either. They arrive in our bodies from consuming milk and meat from cattle that are overly medicated, eggs from chickens that receive a daily dose, and so forth.

I consider this medical warning a strong indication that we best seek natural cures that have been around for eons. Nature contains an arsenal of plants and herbs growing right outside our doors in fields and gardens everywhere. This medicine was put here for us to use and insured the health of our ancestors for hundreds of years... plan to grow some this summer.

Wild About Wildflowers

Last year at this time we felt as though we lived in a desert but without the cool evenings. This year feels like New England… one has to love Oklahoma weather! With the recent rains the wildflowers have continued their spectacular show and any drive will offer the sight of our beautiful naturalized countryside. Fossil records indicate that flowers appeared quite suddenly about 90 million years ago and today they are the most abundant and diverse plants on the earth. Originally plants were generated from spore not seed so they were able to reproduce without the aid of pollination. However with the emergence of seeds plants needed either wind, birds, or bees to propagate. From this necessity arose the showy flower forms we see today as they sought to allure pollinators with their color, scent, and beauty. As gardens evolved, flowers were genetically modified and became altogether different from their wild ancestors who grew freely, unattended and yet thrived. However after several centuries of excitement over the ability to alter flowers, gardeners became concerned the original native plants might be completely lost. In the early 1900’s garden designer Gertrude Jeckyll (1843-1932) began a campaign to preserve the beautiful ‘flowering incidents’ occurring in woodland settings. In the 1970’s Lady Bird Johnson (1912-2007) recognized that urban expansion could possibly cause extinction of many wildflowers and placed their preservation on the national agenda. In 1982 Mrs. Johnson and actress Helen Hayes created the National Wildflower Research Center in Austin Texas to collect, identify, and preserve native plants of America. In her honor the center was renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Texas Wildflower Center and will celebrate the 100th anniversary of her birth this year.

Following the former first lady’s lead, Wildflower Societies sprang up in every state and the status of wildflowers was finally changed from noxious weed to treasured gem. Stretches of hiway are now adopted by dedicated volunteers and across the nation their beautification efforts are evident. Oklahoma’s Native Plant Society, formed in 1986, states their purpose is ‘to encourage the study, protection, propagation, appreciation and use of Oklahoma's native plants‘. With the society’s encouragement the Indian Blanket Flower was chosen as our state wildflower that year. A darling red flower with bright yellow on the tips of the petals, it has an evolving center that changes from green to deep red as it matures. It may be seen on every hillside, in every bar ditch, beside every Oklahoma road... beautifully blooming to brighten our day.

The Hydrangea

Sunday was the epitome of perfection for Mother‘s Day with gentle breezes and mild temperatures. Friday and Saturday’s downpours were an added bonus; the rains and cloud cover this spring are truly a blessing! Someone noted the peonies usually provide a bouquet on Mother’s Day, however this year they bloomed weeks ago and the Hydrangea show is early as well. A staple in your grandmother’s garden, the hydrangea planted then may still exist as they have a celebrated long life. Hydrangeas are a most unusual species in that the color of the flowers may be dramatically changed by altering the acidity of the soil in early spring before they bloom. For blue blooms, add aluminum sulphate to the soil while for vivid pink blooms add lime. They prefer the coolness of shade which is why they appear to thrive on the north side of a home… and they like their feet damp. They are native to North and South America, and Japan, with the Japanese taking credit for their arrival in China. So popular is this species in Japan that it has a cult following that lauds the mystery of the flower color change with ‘nanahenge’, which means seven transformations. This feature has given the flower symbolic meaning and is said to represent a fickle and changing heart. It is because of this characteristic the hydrangea was shunned by the warrior class in the feudal period as changing colors represented shifting loyalties. Many Japanese make pilgrimages to temples where the shrub is still tenderly cultivated today. Historically in the Americas the root of this marvelous shrub has been used as a mild diuretic and to prevent and remove gallbladder and kidney stones. It is reputed to relieve rheumatism, backache, paralysis, and scurvy. The Cherokee Indians used it for urinary retention and bronchitis. The scraped bark was pounded and applied to wounds, burns, sore muscles, and chewed for stomach problems and heart trouble. And not only does the hydrangea bloom faithfully from May until frost, the flowers may be dried to create a bouquet for winter cheer. Pick when the blooms begin to fade naturally as the moisture will have begun to recede by then. Fussing is unnecessary; simply arrange in a vase and watch as they dry to interesting shades of blue with the pinks becoming a dusty burgundy. *Flowers appear on the woody growth from the previous year so do not cut back after flowering!

Through the eyes of a child...

We found a catepillar! This gorgeous spring everyone who has ever laid claim to the outdoors should beg or borrow a small child to introduce to the wonders of Nature. Perhaps it is the newness of their eyes, the sharpness of their hearing, or their fresh sense of smell… whatever the reason, watching a child explore springtime is a joyful experience. Tiny barefoot feet touching grass for the first time…crinkled, curling toes, unsure what this soft wondrous oddity may be, is always followed by a giggle. And the distinct aroma of early mowed grass is memorable for a lifetime and should be noted with a youngster in tow.

The phletoria of insects to watch once Spring arrives is beyond measure. From beetles to ants, perhaps because a child is low to the ground, no insect escapes their careful observation. The roly-poly, so detested by gardeners, is fascinating with its ability to close into a tight ball only to reopen in a moment, scurrying along on numerous gray legs. Fluttering butterflies are also truly miraculous to the open mind of a child. So special is this winged insect that Native American tribes have a lore and even a dance to celebrate the butterfly. It is said that they were a gift by the Creator to mankind to bring us joy and that prayers may be carried to heaven by butterflies. At Native Pow Wows girls dance to the drumbeat, their feet caressing Mother Earth as their brightly colored shawls gently flutter as they imitate the swaying, dipping motions of butterflies in flight. This seems the year of the butterfly as we seem to have an abnormal abundance of them on everything that is flowering. Even Mud is marvelous!

The scent of Springtime is unmistakable and it seems the early flowers are the sweetest. The lilac, currants and flowering fruit trees are followed by the flower garden. With each distinct scent a child will be amazed and impressed… and Julia smells and says ‘Ummmmm‘! An early introduction to growing vegetables from seeds will plant the seeds of a pursuit into the wonders of healthy living through gardening. Children are amazed that food actually comes from the ground and is not at all dirty, but rather delicious. Nature is a remarkable gift and introducing a child to the treasure trove outside the door is a lasting pleasure… take a walk with a child and enjoy as they discover the wonders! Mr. Frog is truly surprised!