Spiders On the Move... Tweaked!

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~

Naturalizing Daffodils

Naturalized Daffodils in a Woodland Setting~

Over the past few weeks sunny skies and balmy temperatures lulled us into believing our winter would be mild. Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil, the psychic ground hog, ’saw’ his shadow last Thursday and his prediction was correct… six more weeks of winter. He had barely nestled into his lair for another nap before our neighbors in Colorado were blasted with a snowfall that broke state records. And although we received some welcome rain, most of the weekend was miserable with a jacket-penetrating, biting North wind and it seems our winter is just beginning.

Last week several daring Black Currant bushes were fooled into believing it was spring and although they appeared with sparse blooms, their sweet scent wafted throughout the garden. The bright yellow, scarlet centered little flowers were dancing along the branches before the wind promptly rained on their parade and stopped their foolish haste.

While cleaning the porch I found a forgotten bag of 50 high quality Daffodil bulbs hiding behind a chair; I had purchased them last fall for half price. Besides the obvious questions ‘what was I thinking and how did I lose them?’, their discovery was a delightful surprise and they will need to be planted the next nice day.

The Daffodils and my 'yard shoes'.

Daffodils are among the first to arrive in the garden to usher in the joy of spring. They have so few requirements that they may be successfully grown by anyone… even novice gardeners and children will be enthralled by their ease. There are early, mid, and late blooming varieties and planting some of each will allow for a continuous show all spring.

Daffodil bulbs multiply underground and over time may become truly spectacular if left undisturbed. One bulb eventually becomes ten or more so besides being economical, they should to be planted with enough room to spread. For this reason they are perfect candidates for a process called ’naturalizing’. Naturalizing allows the bulbs to evolve over time in a particular setting and it is preferably one which is not the usual garden. The site may be at the edge of a field or orchard, on a hill, or any random unexpected place a spot of spring beauty will be appreciated. Planted in swirling drifts, floating as a sea of early color, Daffodils are truly show-stopping.

The area chosen for naturalizing bulbs needs good drainage but since Daffodils bloom before early leaves appear, sun is not a factor and they may be planted under trees. Plant six inches deep and allow for their expansion. Following blooming the foliage must be left for six weeks to store energy for blooms the next year and then it may be mowed. Even though it’s late, I’ll ‘naturalize’ my bulbs and wait for my surprise… be it this year or next, it will be worth the wait.

Peter and the Wolf... a Parable About Prejudice

Peter on his way to the dance~

Once upon a time in small rural town, a young boy named Peter lived a quiet life. He was kind and outgoing, with a sense of compassion beyond his years. He was from a large family that encouraged cooperation rather than competition and for this reason, he and his siblings were schooled at home. Since Peter was basically a social creature once he learned to dial, he used the telephone to make new friends. One of his friends was a young girl who had childhood diabetes and often when she was housebound with her illness she and Peter would talk on the phone for hours. They talked about everything children discuss...pets, walks, friends, her school, and plans for summer.

One winter day she breathlessly called to announce there was an upcoming middle school dance and she was allowed to invite a date. Would he go with her? Ah, the frenzy of excitement for neither of these children had ever imagined such a thrilling occasion. They practiced dancing... she with her Mother and Peter with his. She shopped and shopped for her dress; Peter's Mother bought him new pants, a shirt, and a string tie. Peter even ironed his socks before the grand event and as a final touch doffed his grandfather‘s suede hat. Peter’s older brother drove him to town where he was to meet the girl at the dance.

The school board had enacted a rule that any person not attending the school had to be listed on a 'sign up sheet' three days before the dance to be able to attend. The frail girl had carefully studied the rules and had signed Peter’s name on the sheet a full week before the dance. Peter’s mother even sent a copy his birth certificate to avert any problems about his identity. When Peter arrived, nervously carrying her wrist corsage, he could see the girl waiting, smiling and waving to him from within the magic of the tented and transformed gym.

An evil and wicked man was Master of the school. He received full support for his sinful ways from evil and wicked people who admired him for his many moral flaws... flaws they too possessed. As Peter approached, he stood to loom over and look down upon the child... he had been waiting. The wicked man glanced behind him to see the frail girl joyfully smiling and felt a flush of pleasure over what he was about to do.

He picked up the check-in sheet then took a sharpie from his padded pocket. He ran a gnarled finger down the page and drew a thick black mark through Peter’s name, obliterating it. He looked at the child through eyes that narrowed with hate and said, 'I don’t see your name on the list Peter'. Then he smiled and hissed, 'I guess she forgot to sign you up... you can’t come to the dance'. He felt immensely satisfied afterwards and knew how proud his friends would be at Church next Sunday when he ‘shared‘ what he had done.

The frail girl stood in shock as she realized what had happened. She uttered a long inconsolable wail before beginning to weep, falling into the arms of her friends. Peter’s brother took him gently and guided him outside since young Peter was unable to see through his tears.

The children's loss was immediate and young Peter and the girl had been forever changed. And even when the girl’s sweet Mother took them on a ‘pizza date‘ as consolation, they were both sad and silent. Shortly thereafter the frail girl and her mother moved from town, never to return.

Peter grew to manhood... kind, outgoing, and compassionate but he never forgot the wicked man or the people who admire moral flaws.

The dark evil spread and the blessing of rain rarely found its way to the town. Then the water became poisonous, turning to arsenic. The barren fields produced blinding dirt devils and decent people began to move away.

The wicked man prospered by continuing on his path and to this day he and his friends live by the rule of hatred and judgement. They truly believe they are Righteous and will inherit the Earth...
So they have sown so shall they reap. It is the Word.

The End~

Trimming Geraniums and Red Cedar Information~

Very happy new leaf!

The outdoor Geraniums that are currently being housed were in shock for a bit and many lost leaves and produced lackluster growth with the change of their environment. Spindly stems and miniature buds have made them appear half their former selves. However if one looks closely now, the tiny new leaves that are being called forth appear robust in form and color. So about now, drastically pinch back your plant, removing any small yellowing leaves and old unhealthy growth. In a matter of a few weeks, it will recover and the energy lost in attempting to keep the old growth alive will be transferred to the new in an amazing way! By spring and time to take them to the garden, they will have totally recovered from being a boring houseplant and will be ready to bloom their hearts out for you.
February is often considered the most boring month on the calendar as we wait for full blown spring. It definitely takes Valentine’s Day to make it endurable!

Unfortunately February also brings the pollination of the Red Cedars and they are infamous for the effects they have upon mankind. The female Red Cedar is the culprit and her branches are heavy now with yellow pollen that is caught by every passing breeze and several weeks ago we had 50 mile and hour ’breezes‘.

Red Cedars, a native species with an extremely hearty constitution, have a life expectancy of up to 850 years. Occasional prairies fires once controlled them however with the expansion of urban communities, there are cities and towns where vast stretches of grasslands once existed. Over the years Cedars have become invasive, growing everywhere a bird has eaten then, dropped one of the bluish-purple seeds. An established hardwood tree provides perfect protection, however the Cedar will out grow and overpower it. They are referred to as ‘a pioneer invader’ which means a Cedar is one of the first trees to repopulate cleared, eroded, or damaged soil. And toxins are not a detriment for they actually enjoy carbon dioxide, remaining healthy growing next to a hi-way.

Oklahoma is full of Red Cedars so the heavy load of allergens and pollens will be here each year. The pollen is easily inhaled as it travels on the wind and is the culprit of the condition called hay fever (or allergies) as it may irritate an individual’s throat and nose. This pollen causes much suffering so short of moving it is wise to know the enemy and make a strong effort to learn how to partially protect yourself.

In my research I discovered helpful sites that give informative and helpful insights into fighting the effects of Cedar pollen. The basic concept one should remember is that the more time spent outdoors during an allergy season, the more problems with allergies. On pretty winter days resist the temptation to fling open doors and windows (I do) for fresh air...there is no fresh air in Oklahoma during Cedar season.

Although I am not an advocate of any product, it is helpful to know what to take/look for: For basic relief, take an antihistamine. There are many kinds of antihistamines, most of which do not require a prescription. The antihistamines that have been around for a long time are called first-generation antihistamines. These have been used for many years and are considered very safe and effective. Some of the best-known ones are Benadryl, Demeaned, Chlor-Trimeton and Zirtec-D. The main negative to these antihistamines is that they cause most people to become sleepy, however the effect may be modified if one takes a low dose headache remedy containing caffeine, which combats the drowsiness with no ill effects. A decongestant such as Sudafed opens up the nose, makes breathing easier, and reduces the amount of drainage from the nose. The decongestants tend to be a stimulant for many people, and when they take a combination of antihistamine and decongestant, the decongestant helps to counter the sedating characteristic of the antihistamine.

If you can successfully use the first-generation antihistamines, they are much, much cheaper than the new second-generation antihistamines. The second-generation antihistamines such as Allegra and Claritin do not cause drowsiness, but are much more expensive with Allegra requiring a prescription. Loratdine does not require a prescription, is easily available, and the site suggests it as one of the first things to try when having allergy problems.

This too shall pass!

Assess Your Soil... More on Manure

The Color of compost... beautiful.

In 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s wrote the epic play ‘Oklahoma’ and aptly sang ‘the wind comes sweepin' down the plain’. Oklahomans are accustomed to it, yet nothing prepares one for Sunday’s winds that clocked at 55 miles per hour at the Hinton Airport with some towns recording up to 70 miles per hour! The sky was a choking red and the velocity of it resembled a wild, yet dry, thunder storm. Playing outside was out of the question as objects were seen flying past windows. We need rain plus a cold spell to kill some of the insects who are waiting for spring to tap them on the antenna and wake them to devour what ever we happen to love that is blooming in the garden.

Before the frenzy of the coming season assess your garden soil and see if it is healthy; if it has that marvelous and distinct ‘dirt smell’, it is full of nutrients and perfect. However if it has little or no odor, it will need some additives to make it well. There are several options and choosing what to add is often determined by convenience.

If you know a rancher who has cattle or horses, you are in luck for the humus they leave behind is the very best natural fertilizer. High in nitrogen and other nutrients, it will amend the soil and nourish the plants... and well nourished plants have a natural resistance to both disease and pests. However beware of chicken droppings for its nitrogen level is too high unless it is at least three years old; it will actually fry the garden. And the animal must be vegetarian as well... never use humus from a meat eating animal.

Another option is compost, which is a recipe of recycled organic ingredients that are allowed to decompose into a rich substance packed with nutrients. Composters take their job very seriously and toil over their bin, tossing it for aeration, adding water to ensure even decomposition and even adding earthworms. Following World War II there was a national obsession with composting as recycling, conservation and organic gardening once again became fashionable. My father adored his bin, adding raked leaves and his grass clippings while the house contributed discarded produce, carrot and potato peels, leftover vegetables and more. Compost is dark and rich and was applied to the garden every spring and sometimes around a plant if it looked ‘puny’.

Murphy’s in Oklahoma City will deliver a dump truck load of compost, alfalfa manure, top soil, and even pea gravel… all very reasonably priced. Apply your additive then water it in on the next fine day. As Spring progresses, work it into the soil and be amazed by the Oz-like green of the healthy plants.

The Merits of Manure

Organic Beans and Squash from a bygone garden here~

This is a good time to make friends with a farmer who has fed his cattle in a barn. Gardeners know the merits of natural fertilizer, and manure that has been trampled and mixed with a little finely chopped hay is the very best for application on the garden. It has undergone a natural decomposition process which reduces the heat and therefore it will not burn the plants.

This kind of processed manure is unavailable to many city people who must go to the nursery and actually pay for it. For those of us lucky enough to live rurally finding a supply is as simple as taking a short drive, looking for a barn, then offering to clean it out for free; most farmers are very happy for such an offer and willing to oblige. A thin layer of manure applied now will provide a multitude of benefits later.

If your farmer has horses you are in luck for it is the very best... the spectacular Rose Gardens at Belmont are a testament to its value. However beware of chicken manure for it is too high in nitrogen and will actually fry everything unless it is three to four years old and properly 'broken down'. And although sheep manure is excellent, the intense odor is practically unimaginable... neighbors miles away will know what you have done!

Let your application rest over the winter and then work it into the soil in the early spring. Robust, healthy, well-nourished plants have a natural resistance to both disease and pests. The colors will intensify beautifully with the addition of this vital ingredient which is the equivalent of a vitamin tonic for the garden.

The ashes from the fireplace should also be sprinkled on the garden as well; they are a valuable source of potash, a necessity for a healthy garden.

My friend Annie Haven sells organic Moo-Poo... Check out her page at
http://www.manuretea.com

Vinca/Periwinkles

The months of January and February are the most difficult for gardeners. It is not yet spring and we have a desperate need for greenery. Houseplants really do not suffice perhaps because there is so little action in them. They are simply “there” and produce little excitement for the gardener who relishes each visual thrill of the outdoor garden. The weather has been
yo-yo, the winds have been wild, and over the weekend foolish geese were seen flying North. The blissful 70 degrees possibly spoke to their instincts without mention of Northern snow warnings.

With the warm weather the precious Periwinkles have begun to bloom. They are always among the first arrivals in the spring, and so their presence speaks of good things to come. They are actually Vinca minor, and their common name comes from their lovely lavender-blue color. It is such a distinct shade that it is listed as ‘periwinkle’ on the color chart and has its own Crayola crayon!

Vinca minor is a very hardy short trailing sub shrub that travels along the ground while maintaining ever green glossy leaves. The sweet flowers will begin to bloom at first spring and continue through fall. If they are cut and placed in a vase, they will continue to put on new flowers for weeks, making them a very welcome guest during the winter months.

Vinca minor is commonly planted under trees where grasses have no chance of survival and also to stop erosion. It is extremely hardy and deer resistant and withstands drought with amazing success. A testament to its hardiness is our rather reckless transplant from an abandoned farmhouse… no special care was afforded the sprigs and yet they survived and flourished in deep shade.

Since it is rarely bothered by pests or disease, its tendency to travel has placed it on the infamous ‘Invasive’ list. It should be cautiously planted far from traditional flower beds since the tendrils will grow to 5-10 feet or more and then put down roots wherever they please.

Hybrid Vinca (Catharanthus) is an extremely popular annual requiring sunshine. Differing from its cousins who dress only in blue, it comes in a spectrum of Candyland colors and growers produce exciting combinations each year. Often they will self-seed and appear as tiny babies mid-spring the following year. Be careful not to disturb the infants while working the bed early in the season... they will appear after the first weeds have made an entrance.

Vinca held this low spot on the third level by the swing... it lasted well throughout the drought.

Versitile Verbena

The spring-like weather of last week called to the bulbs and they seem to be waking from winter slumber. As a favor to them pick a pretty day and water since we have not had rain in several weeks Their early foliage does have a natural anti-freeze so it will survive the inevitable temperature plunge that surely will arrive by February.

Following our drought, plants that survived are a welcome addition to the garden and the exceptionally tolerant Verbena is one of them. Besides needing a bed to itself as it tends to wander, Verbena will entice, blooming profusely all season while attracting butterflies. The woody stalks and somewhat hairy leaves are unmistakable while the small clusters of flowers appear in lively abundance.

An ancient and very special family of plants, Verbena (Vervain) was mentioned in Egypt as the ‘tears of Isis’ who was worshipped as the perfect Mother, the perfect listener who answered prayers. In Greece Verbena was dedicated to Eos, the goddess of the dawn and in Rome Pliny the Elder wrote it was placed on the altars of Jupiter. In Christian folklore, it is said to have been used to staunch Jesus wounds following his removal from the cross and thus is called ‘holy herb‘. In the Japanese culture it symbolizes co-operation and its fame extends to a short story written by William Faulkner. In his story, ‘The odor of Verbena‘ he writes it ’has the only scent that can be smelled above that of horses and courage’.

As with all herbs considered magical, dark tales arose and thus in Wales Verbena was called ‘devil’s bane’. It was included on a sampler of dangerous ‘New World' plants in 1620, the height of the American witch hunt. In a book from 1721, it was written ‘Vervain and Dill / Hinder witches from their will’ and an 1870 book on magic includes instructions on how to make a Verbena charm to ward off evil. In the wildly popular Vampire Diary series by L.J. Smith, she embraced the supernatural side of Verbena by taking the historical beliefs and embellishing them. In her books humans are instructed to use it for protection against vampires and other forms of bewitchment.

The flowers are tightly packed little charmers themselves with a distinct spicy aroma and brushing by the plant will release the scent of the leaves. All Verbena may be made into teas and soaps and research continues today to discover new medicinal uses for this magical plant. Verbena is a suitably hardy plant with a long life expectancy; it will bloom in any sunny location in type of soil and requires very little attention.

Beautiful Colors To Choose From...

The Garden of Five Senses

Babur Gardens in May

Throughout history mankind has been enamored with gardens. With the increasing complexity of today’s world, the garden becomes a perfect place to unwind from rather taxing and demanding lifestyles. And the popularity of public gardens, which are supreme examples of gardening perfection, allows each and everyone to experience the joy a garden affords.

Sensory gardens call to the five senses... sight and smell, hearing, touch and taste. Recognizing the need for relaxation, Delhi Development directors in India created the Garden of Five Senses for a weary public. Open in 2003, the garden is called Khas Bagh and was inspired by the ancient Bagh-e Babur Gardens in Kabul, Afghanistan which were built to house the shrine of Muhammad Babur. Babur who died in 1528 was a descendant of the infamous Genghis Kahn and was responsible for the expansion of Persian literature and artistry. He was particularly fond of gardens and the one in Kabul was painstakingly restored and opened for visitors in 2005.

Unlike American theme parks which excite, Khas Bagh was created to create a calm and peaceful experience for visitors. It contains extraordinary examples of both common and exotic plants, supreme collections of water lilies, wind chimes which tinkle and charm, sculpture, and delicacies to taste. Visitors leave relaxed and uplifted.

Here we celebrate the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which opened in June of 2007. It took dedicated visionaries and volunteers 16 years of planning, planting and building to complete this magnificent project. The original directors purchased 128 acres of pristine land with tidal shore frontage in Boothbay, using their owns homes as collateral. In 2005, an additional 120 adjacent acres were donated, making it the largest botanical garden in New England.

Part of the garden was the privately financed by the Lerner family and their ‘Garden of the Five Senses‘ opened in June of 2009. There is an abundance of features designed to appeal to each sense, however the garden is truly respectful to those who have a limited sense of sight. To assist the visually impaired, striker stones border the paths, a map of the garden is in Braille and large pictorial representations are located at the entrance arch. The plantings, sculptural elements, water features, bridge, and classroom pavilion are arranged to appeal to the 5 senses.

For those of us with small gardens, planning a sensory garden might help ease winter boredom a bit. Plan on some fragrant, colorful flowers, some sort of trickling water and tinkling wind chimes... then remember to taste the tiny first-drop nectar from the Honeysuckle blooms.

Winter Cold and The Secret Staircase

Lovely stories are contained in the series~
I'll be reading them to Julia soon.

Winter has arrived with a vengeance and making it all the more cold is the cutting wind and drizzle. It reminds me of the winter storms which took place in January of 1986 when we had weeks of icy cold and snow. I shall never forget it because my sister was visiting with my two small nieces... being house bound with eight children under the age of nine is unforgettable!

About this time in December I am reminded of passages from one my favorite children’s books, The Secret Staircase, by Jill Barklem. The series of her stories stars a clan of adorable mice living in a charming, twisted, ancient Oak full of secret rooms within. The festivities portrayed are the old Anglo-Saxon celebrations of the Yule season. Yule is the ancient word for the months of December and January; December was “the former Yule”, and January “the after Yule”. The Vikings burned a Yule log to honor Thor, their god of war.

Originally designed to as a way to keep winter at bay and people from going mad from loneliness or cold, these festivities are still incorporated into the way we celebrate the season... with the addition of Jesus as our Christian centerpiece. Many of our holiday traditions including banquets, greenery, generosity, and cheer come directly from these ancient pagan customs.

The little poem in the book is rather timely considering the season and the cold we are experiencing lately:

Midwinter
When the days are the shortest, the nights are the coldest,
The frost is the sharpest, the year is the oldest,
The sun is the weakest, the wind is the hardest,
The snow is the deepest, the skies are the darkest,
Polish your whiskers, and tidy your nest,
And dress in your richest, and finest, and best….
For winter has brought you the worst it can bring,
And now it will give you,
the promise of Spring!

Give A Bird Feeder For Christmas!

My uncomplicated feeder allows Mr. Squirrel to eat too!

It seems Old Man Winter has arrived just in time for Christmas this year so perhaps we will have a white one! It is time to begin feeding the birds in earnest for from now until spring when bugs hatch they will need our help. For those who have procrastinated and have no desire to brave the mall, a feeder would make a lovely gift... bird watching is a joy for both young and old. If you add a bag of high quality feed and an informative bird book, your gift will provide enjoyment all winter! And all of it is available at local hardware stores!

Many beautiful songbirds spend the winter performing and with no leaves to hide their antics they are a delight to watch. Once you begin feeding you will discover the reason so many people find great enjoyment in bird watching for each species has personality traits singularly characteristic to their individual group.

The Blue Jays are excitable, boisterous, rather the bullies who always travel in a gang. They are like the boys who spend too much time at the gym working out! The Cardinals are polite, laid back, and lacking in aggression, much like the Catholic Cardinals whom I am convinced borrowed their color. All species of the Woodpecker family demand and receive respect; their beaks are daunting and their presence will clear the feeder immediately. The darling finches squabble and tumble about while the Black Capped Chickadee and timid Titmouse dart in-and-out for sunflower seeds. The wonderfully enthusiastic Sparrows are mentioned numerous times in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

A standard mix of wild bird feed is easily affordable and will draw many birds to your feeder. If you add thistle to the mix the Chickadees will be grateful; add more sunflower seeds and the Cardinals will adore you. Birds eat in regular intervals during the day much as we eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. For this reason the feeder is sometimes chaotically busy with all species feeding together in a feathered frenzy while other times the feeder stands alone. Word spreads quickly among the bird community and people with a feeder find themselves highly popular this time of year.

Despite the warnings all over the Internet about the perils of leaving the feeder untidy, I have never cleaned, cloroxed, or fussed over mine. Nor have I worn gloves as suggested for dumping the feed or sweeping off the hulls... bird feeding and watching is a rather uncomplicated hobby. Merry Christmas!

Meeting Angels Unawares

It was late December and our children were still little so naturally we were broke. Christmas was coming and although we were not extravagant, we still provided special food and thoughtful gifts for all eight of them. We were entering the on ramp on I-40 to drive home from a grocery excursion and saw an elderly gentleman standing on the side of the hi-way, leaning on a wooden crutch. He was about 75 with a stubble of beard, dressed in ragged clothing, wearing an old gray hat. His belongings were in a small stained bag, and he had an old woolen blanket pulled tightly about him. I felt sudden sadness upon seeing him and asked Michael if we should stop. He said no because we had three of the children with us and he would have to squeeze him in the backseat with them. He said that surely someone would pick the old gent up for me not to worry. And yet both of us felt a nagging sadness at the old man’s plight.

The following morning we realized we had forgotten some necessary items and again made the twenty mile run to the adjacent town. It was overcast, drizzling and a very cold blasting North wind made conditions miserable. As we drove I asked Michael if he thought someone had picked up the old man. He promised me that surely someone had. We bought the last of our necessities and had only forty dollars left as we entered the on ramp.

Sweet Jesus, he was still there! How could he still be there? We stopped just beyond the old man and Michael got out of the car to help him to his seat. He settled in and I turned the heater to warp while he began thanking us. He said he was trying to make it the Indian Pueblos in New Mexico where he knew he could stay for the winter. He was Canadian and had served in WWII for the US but had been denied benefits due to his citizenship status. He had fallen on hard times and just needed a bus ticket to get on his way but could find no help in getting one. He had been standing on the side of the road for many days.

Michael suggested that we take him 15 miles to the Travel Plaza where all of the truckers stopped for gas and that perhaps he could find a ride from someone there. He gratefully accepted the idea and said he was warming up a bit. Michael stopped at the plaza and pressed our last forty dollars into the gentleman’s hand as he helped him into the building.

As we drove away we kept feeling a nagging worry and so after unloading our bundles, we drove the seven miles back to the plaza to check on him to see if he had gotten a ride. Our inquiries were met with puzzled looks for no one knew what we were talking about. No one had seen him... not the people Michael had nodded to as he opened the door, not gas attendants nor any the truckers. Only we had seen him and I have often wondered if he was there as a holy test for us... a test of our humanity, our faith, and to show our children by example how to generously love.

As this recession deepens, let us remember that many times our sense of compassion, our sense of brotherhood and our ability to unconditionally share with those less fortunate than ourselves may be tested.

And let us remember:
‘Forget not to show love unto strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares‘. Hebrews 13:2

*This was written years ago, but is very timely today. In retrospect, the gentleman looked very much like Odin.

The Poinsettia

In the 1800’s the holiday flower of choice was the carnation which still graces many arrangements, however today the Poinsettia has come to speak of the holidays as no other. The Poinsettia began as a small Central American shrub and for centuries the Aztecs used them both medicinally and for making red dye. The Poinsettia was first introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico who discovered it while hiking. Quite an ambitious gentleman, Mr. Poinsett introduced the American Elm to Mexico and also established the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Contrary to popular belief, Poinsettias are not poisonous if ingested. The rumor began following the death of an army officer's child who ingested a leaf in 1919; the child died soon after of another sudden illness. Researchers at Ohio State University have done extensive tests with mice and rats and found no ill effects and the American Medical Association has confirmed the plant is not poisonous. (Michael's father is a physician and the myth was so extensive that they never had one in their home.) Although not poisonous, Poinsettias are a part of the genus Euphorbia , all of which exude a milky sap when broken and in many species the sap may cause a skin rash.

The Poinsettia we know today is the creation of the Ecke family of German botanists who arrived in America in 1900. Paul Ecke Jr. noted there were few potted plants that bloom in winter so he developed a full and sturdy Poinsettia that would bloom at Christmas. He then solicited editors of women’s magazines and donated his plants to be used in Christmas layouts. He also donated hundreds to be used as the backdrop on television talk shows at Christmas in the 1960’s. The placement of layers of red Poinsettias behind Johnny Carson and Jack Benny was a brilliant marketing ploy and assured the Ecke family lasting leadership in the industry. Today eighty percent of the Poinsettias marketed during the season still come from the Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, California where the generations of the family continue the legacy.

When selecting a Poinsettia look for a plant with dark-green foliage, completely colored bracts, and no sign of wilting or yellowing. Since the plants are sold during December it is important to make sure it is securely wrapped when purchased to prevent exposure to the elements as it is rushed from the store to the car, then the house. Since they are from a hot climate, exposure to cold may prove fatal and cause instant curling of the leaves. When you get your poinsettia home unwrap it and place it in a comfortable sunny location and water whenever the soil feels dry. Enjoy!

~Dedicated to my friend Bruce who can make his rebloom!

Farmer's Almanac... Indispensable!

Entrance to the former study circa 1980~

Last January, after consulting the Almanac, I wrote an article about the coming winter and it was correct in predicting the Winter of 2011 would be one for the record books. The Almanac, published since 1792, had noted many signs that indicate the approach of a dreadful winter. One of them was ‘rodents eating their way into the house through doors’. In spite of the fact I am surrounded by fields, this had never been a problem before last December.

I digress:
In the late sixties through the seventies auctions were prevalent and items were inexpensive. It was great entertainment to meet with friends and go shopping for one-of-a-kind items. In 1977 at an auction featuring goods from England I bought my fallow deer horns from Sherwood Forest, a raucous five paneled painting of the (now banned) hunt, an intricate iron bed, and a charming door originally from a row house. The entire lot cost under $75!

The marvelous door, made of sturdy English oak, had a perfect stained glass window and was in pristine condition... and with the traffic at this house it survived amazingly well. It must have been opened and closed at least sixty times a day and has been claw scarred by full-back-sized Mastiffs demanding entrance. Sometime along the way the lead in the glass of the window became loose and eventually had to be replaced by glass. When the little study was replaced by the great room the door became the entrance to the mud room. Only English Oak could have withstood the onslaught, requiring only an occasional layer of paint to refresh it.

Unbelievable! And where is a cat when you need one?

December of 2010:
Enter a new breed of mouse... a monstrous mouse the like of which I have never seen before. I have always had field mice and deer mice surrounding my home, and they seem cute (at a distance) but this new and nasty mouse was an anomaly! It had a sharply pointed face, narrowed glinting eyes, a dull brown coat... and apparently the sharpest teeth on the planet. On a single night in early December one (or a raucous crowd of them) ate a hole in my marvelous back door leaving a pile of wood shavings on the stoop! Naturally a board had to be added to give further life to my door. And naturally there ensued a rush to the hardware store for an assortment of mouse-killing remedies. The Almanac was correct!

Mistletoe

Mistletoe has a long and colorful history including myth and medicinal remedies most originating in Northern Europe, the birth place of this extraordinary plant... it is amazing!

All Mistletoe plants are parasitic, meaning they attach to a host and thus take from it nutrients and water necessary to live. Over time this process may weaken or even kill the host, giving Mistletoe a rather bad reputation. In the plant kingdom, parasitism has evolved only nine times and Mistletoe has independently evolved five, making it one extraordinary species. It is a large family with over nine hundred species located in Europe, North America and Australia. Without becoming too scientific, it is safe to say that most Mistletoe is completely self-sufficient and adaptive to changes in climate.

The enigma of Mistletoe easily lends itself to lore. It hangs air born between heaven and earth, has no roots yet bears fruit, and remains green and vibrant during the winter months. It was said to have been revered by the Druids as most holy, especially if it appeared on an Oak which was their most sacred tree. The golden berries of the plant were considered a key linking the heavens and underworld. Cut with a golden sickle on December 23rd (the day of the marriage of the solar and lunar forces), it was not allowed to touch the ground but was caught with a white cloth. Two white bulls were sacrificed for the ritual which ensured fertility, protection from evil, abundance, and harmony. The ritual of kissing under the Mistletoe has its origin in these pagan beliefs.

Shakespeare calls Mistletoe 'the baleful Mistletoe,' an allusion to the legend of Balder. Norse mythology has Baldur, the solar hero child of Frigg and Odin, killed by an arrow made of Mistletoe. As Baldur descended to the Underworld, it was said that he would not return until after doomsday. Then, as the solar god, the light of the heavens, he would usher in an era of peace and light to mankind. His story is long, full of conspiracy and jealousy as the gods and goddesses of old were prone to petty emotions, however the historical power of the plant has remained.

Never to be outdone, the Greeks too have a story with Mistletoe as the centerpiece. Aeneas, a young hero, used the power of a golden bough of Mistletoe as the key which allowed for the safe entrance and return of a mortal to the Underworld. He went below and sought his father for advice and counsel and returned unharmed yet transformed and spiritually reborn.

Among Christians, it is said that Mistletoe was once a vibrant tree which was used as the wood for the cross of the crucifixion of Christ. Afterwards the disgraced tree shriveled and was reduced to a parasitic vine as punishment.

Medicinally, although the berries are poisonous, it has been used as a remedy for epilepsy with wood amulets said to ward off attacks. It has been used to reduce stress related heart palpations, relieve headaches and dizziness caused by high blood pressure, and since ancient times to treat tumors. Recent medical research has promising results with Mistletoe as a cure for cancer.

Whatever the reason to include this marvelous plant... a kiss below it, a wish for good luck, or simply a spot of bright green color... it is truly a magical addition to any Christmas decor.

*Thanks to Malcolm Brown for contributing to this article!

The Christmas Tree

For those who garden, observing the weather changes is practically a religion, practiced as a daily devotional. This week winter has arrived complete with blustery winds and drastically dropping temperatures... December is here in full force.

The lovely evergreens have begun their seasonal show and it is always impressive that they choose the winter, as the world is encased in frosty slumber, to appear in their finery. Bearing fruit or berries despite the cold of winter, they have always been considered quite remarkable and were an important aspect of ancient pagan rituals.

The Romans considered evergreens symbols of fertility and used them to trim their homes for the new year while northern Europeans hung them over doors to ward off evil spirits that were believed to stalk the winter landscape. German and Scandinavian people had long made evergreen wreaths to celebrate the Winter Solstice and over time were included in their celebrations of the birth of Jesus.

It is said that Martin Luther began the German tradition of decorating trees. In about 1500 as he was walking through a snow covered forest, he was struck by the beauty of dusted evergreens shimmering in the moonlight. So enamored was he by the natural beauty that he placed a tree inside for his children, decorated with lit candles symbolizing the starry sky and honoring Christ's birth. Following this tradition, the church began to include a tree for Christmas and by the mid-1600’s it was decorated with apples to symbolize Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden.

About this time German Christians began bringing trees into their homes and soon they began to decorate them. Their tradition arrived with Hessian immigrants to the colonies and overcame the austere (and unpopular) Puritan belief that ‘all work and no play’ included banning Christmas celebrations.

In 1832 Charles Follen, a German immigrant and professor at Harvard, decorated the first American Christmas tree to share with his family and friends. And in 1846, a young German Prince Albert presented his new bride Victoria with her first tree and thus the English Victorian Christmas was born. Word of decorated Christmas trees spread rapidly and was embraced by almost all Christian cultures; it remains today a universal symbol of the holiday season.

Amaryllis

The first of December officially begins the Holiday season and the Queen of all bulbs, the exquisite Amaryllis, is traditionally a guest at many celebrations. A very easy bulb to ‘force’, plan to include at least one this year.

History
As serious exploration began in the 16th and 17th centuries, botanical specimens were among the most coveted acquisitions brought home. Consequently even today there remains controversy over exactly who discovered the Amaryllis and from which continent it originated. Some say it was Africa while others claim it is from South America. Regardless of origin, this exquisite flower had an immediate cult following and the legend which explained her deep scarlet color became widely circulated.

As with so many of our flowers, Amaryllis has both Greek and Roman lore attached to her and the poets Theocritus (3rd century BC) and Virgil (70 BC) both wrote she was a shy nymph of great resolve. Amaryllis fell in love with a popular shepherd reputed to be as handsome as Apollo and as strong as Hercules; he was a rock star of the day and unimpressed by her attentions. Hoping to quell her embarrassing adoration, he gave her the impossible task of finding him a flower that never before existed. Amaryllis consulted the Oracle at Delphi and was instructed to walk to his home and pierce her heart with a golden arrow, allowing her blood to flow. For thirty nights she did so and from her blood sprang the flower with crimson petals.

Napoleon’s Josephine commissioned a painting of an Amaryllis, English Poet Laureate Lord Alfred Tennyson included her in a poem, and Thomas Jefferson mentioned one in his diary in 1811... quite illustrious mention for a flower!

Plan on Forcing One
These precious bulbs, once available to only the wealthy elite, are now easily affordable and readily available at every nursery. Colors include the traditional red, white, deep pink, orange, and shades of salmon, pink, and rose.

Choose a deep, snug container to support the foliage and hug your bulb. Allow for three inches below the bulb for the roots and fill it half way with potting medium. Gently press the bulb into it leaving the neck exposed. Water the bulb lightly and give it a shot of gin to prevent foliage wilt. Keep the medium moist but not soaked and expect your bulb to begin flowering within three weeks. Happy Holidays!

December 17, 2011... Mine flowered!

I accidentally planted different bulbs in the same wooden bowl... apparently the lovely white grows with a much longer stem.

*While at Lowe’s over the weekend, I could not resist releasing the poor Amaryllis who had sprouted and whose foliage was crumpled within the box... as I opened their boxes I could sense a collective sigh of relief as they looked beyond their cardboard confines.

Forcing Bulbs for the Holidays

Ready to bloom!

The days seem to be passing rather quickly and with the arrival of Thanksgiving, the winter festivities have begun so now is the time to ‘force’ some bulbs for Christmas. For those unfamiliar with the process, ‘forcing’ is the method by which a bulb is planted and compelled to grow and bloom out of season by exposure to the warm temperature indoors. This process brings the bulbs into bloom long before they would bloom outdoors thus allowing us the pleasure of their company during the winter months.

Since their ancestors came from warm areas of the Mediterranean the darling Paperwhite Narcissus requires no cold to bloom and may easily forced. Taking only three to four weeks to flower, they will bloom faithfully providing both fragrance and cheer for the holidays. So easy is the growth of these bulbs that anchoring material may include gravel, pebbles, colored glass stones, or moss as acceptable mediums. Any sort of shallow growth container whether pottery, glass, or clay will work as well.

First select large, top-grade, flawless bulbs which are free of sooty mold then choose a favorite container that will be lovely as a centerpiece or focal point. Perhaps select a glass bowl for the added pleasure of watching the roots as they begin to grow and slowly twine about the stones. Grandmother’s shallow crystal bowl filled with red, white, and green glass stones is lovely at Christmas but more a more rustic selection might include a pottery bowl with polished rocks or pea gravel. If a large container is chosen, more bulbs will be needed and the display will entirely riotous… often more is better!

In Grandmother's cut glass bowl~

Fill the bottom of the container with whatever you have chosen to anchor your bulbs making a bed about two to three inches deep. Gently press the bulbs halfway down the bulb mass, wriggling and carefully nestling them until they stand firmly on their own. Try to space the bulbs about two inches apart, remembering to place several in the center as well. After arranging your bulbs, fill the container with enough water to cover your anchoring material, moistening the bulbs approximately half way up. Keep this water level, adding a little each day if necessary and your bulbs will begin to flower in three to four weeks. Remember to give the bowl a shot of gin as the first flower buds appear. The gin will slightly stunt the foliage and force it to stand ‘at attention’ thus preventing the wilt so prevalent with forced Narcissus. (My friend Linda Vater, who presents a gardening segment on Channel 4 Thursday afternoon, uses 1 part Vodka to 7 parts water.)

As the roots grow, the reed-like foliage will first appear and suddenly many tiny blooms arrive, slowly swelling, then opening over the course of several days. The marvelous sweet smelling flowers will last several weeks before it is time to discard them. Sadly, the temperature-trickery used to force early bloom has confused and destroyed the bulb’s internal clock... they have given their ’all’ this season. After the display is over leave them in a cool place and plant them outside in the early spring. Often they will recover and bloom on schedule in a year or so.

Last years bulbs will bloom again~

Thanksgiving... a Pictorial

Why Foliage Turns in Autumn

With the overnight freeze several weeks ago it seemed destiny had planned to deny us the annual foliage show this year. After the horrid summer, we truly needed something that returns each year without fail and as though through a collective wish our native trees began their color change. As the clocks were turned back suddenly shades of gold were seen shimmering in the breezes... the native hardwoods, who are naturalized and hardy, have not disappointed us. Trees lose their leaves to give additional sunlight for warmth during the cold winter months and Nature has provided us with a stunning visual as a parting gift.



Although the following explanation will be a vast over simplification, it may provide insight into the foliage change. During the spring and summer the trees use their leaves to collect air and water utilizing a process called photosynthesis to turn it into food. Photosynthesis means ‘putting together with light’ so as the days shorten and daylight diminishes, the gathering process ends. The leaf is no longer necessary to the tree and begins its fall transformation. Suddenly the hillsides become a dramatic autumn palette that provides breathtaking color for a brief moment in time.



The chemicals chlorophyll and carotenoids are present in the leaf cells throughout the growing season with chlorophyll making leaves the bright green color associated with the photosynthesis process. As darkness increases in the autumn, chlorophyll production eventually stops and inevitably all the chlorophyll disappears. With the loss of chlorophyll, the carotids become visible and provide the leaves with lovely yellow colors. Lastly the anthocyanins may arrive and take center stage, ushering in the vibrant reds we associate with Autumn.



Because carotenoids are always present in leaves the amber, yellow and gold colors remain fairly constant from year to year, even during drought. However conditions must be ideal for the fickle anthocyanins who are glucose (sugar) and singularly responsible for the brilliant hues of purple, crimson, and scarlet. To be spectacular the tree requires warm sunny days and cool crisp evenings to slow the closing of the leaf veins and trap an excess of sugar produced at this time. Due to our erratic weather of late, the reds this year will probably be lackluster at best.



However the shade and foliage show are not all the leaves have to offer… their parting gift is perhaps the most important. The leaves drift from the trees and collect below to continue their work by slowly decomposing. Over time they add nutrients to create a dark rich soil which nourishes fledgling saplings as they grow to become forest giants like their parents. It is indeed a miraculous cycle of life!

Gophers and Moles

Although this subject has been broached before, it bears repeating about now. Almost overnight it seems the semi-dormant gophers and moles have become incredibly active. Since they are a problem of fairly vast proportion to the gardener, a brief description of their physical appearance and habits might be helpful. They are rodents and require strong measures to eliminate and exterminate them.

Gophers live in long, complex tunnels below the ground. They dig with their powerful front feet and their sharp teeth. Their bodies are well suited to their lifestyle below ground as they have poor eyesight and move slowly. Most of their lives are spent digging and patrolling their tunnels to protect their territory from other gophers. Their tails are hairless and tactile; it is an organ of touch which can “feel” as the gopher backs up in his hole. Their food choices include the gardener’s favorites…vegetables, buds, grass, nuts, roots and bulbs. They can totally decimate a lovely garden in very few days. In fact once I watched as a stalk of Asparagus was slowly pulled below, one jerk at a time until it disappeared. A gopher’s home is recognized by the large mound of earth above it. It is said their nest is usually about a foot below ground and lined with leaves, although digging like a mad woman has never revealed anything of the like.

The mole is a fast, tireless digger whose body is shaped for burrowing. With its narrow pointed nose, its wedge shaped head, and its large forelegs, it is a virtual digging machine. The forepaws, especially designed to scoop the earth, are hinged sideways on the mole’s body and equipped with large broad nails to act as a shovel. They are almost blind and although they have no external ears, their hearing is excellent. Their diet consists mainly of insects and worms, rather than plants, and their tunnels are dug so their food falls into them and are easily collected by the foraging marauder. If one sees a new tunnel being dug, it is possible to ‘catch’ it with the door open and flood it with a hose. The almost-drowned, gasping mole will emerge where it may be smashed with a shovel, thus eliminating one. However, like mice… there is never just one.

This is a 2007 picture... Michael has been at this awhile, with little success


*An odd bit of history is that that moleskin was once quite popular for coats, gloves and hats. It is warm, soft, thick and lightweight; gray fur was preferred, but brown and black were also used. In my opinion collecting enough for a coat would be a mammoth chore.

Now with an understanding of the habits of the two, methods for extermination must be examined. For the gardener, dropping bits of poison into gopher mounds is ineffective as it seems to be the equivalent of giving them a vitamin tonic. And the old wives tale about dropping Juicy Fruit gum into a mound and it will destroy the digestive system is totally false. The “bomb” one may obtain from Tractor Supply to drop into holes (in spite of being extremely fun to use) is ineffective as well. Flooding gopher mounds with a hose makes an unsightly mess and often the water will completely destroy a flower bed by imploding the underground burrows leaving deep crevices in its wake. Trapping is time consuming and a full time job that never seems to work. Waiting for the emerging gopher with a gun in hand is ultimately a waste of time for it seems they ‘sense’ danger and never appear.

The easiest and most efficient way to eliminate these pests is to purchase a marvelous invention which attaches to the exhaust pipe of your car and then to a simple garden hose. When the engine is running you can fill the burrows, tunnels, or holes with highly toxic, extremely fatal carbon monoxide exhaust. Available at Ace and True Value Hardware stores for only $16.95, it works! This handy device is guaranteed to provide hours of Fall fun for any gardener!!

The Houdon... find of a lifetime

September 21, 2008

As most of you know I am an avid yard/garage sale person. It is the quest, the deal, the ‘rush’ from getting something that is amazing and a total surprise. The jackpot has always eluded us… until yesterday.

We got started late and didn't really think there was anything we wanted or needed but compulsive people do things by rote so off we went at a little past ten. Besides the nonstop parade of pink plastic baby toys and clothing that should have been sent to the trash bin, there was depressingly little at the first eight sales we attended. Then as we rounded a corner, we spotted a nice home with a well-dressed elderly lady conducting a sale. She was downsizing she explained and getting rid of everything she no longer needed. Michael had made a bee line for something I couldn't see that was tucked behind a chair.

He asked, "Would you take less for your statue".
"No", she replied, "I really don't care if I sell her or not. I've always been so fond of her. I got her about 50 years ago... in an antique shop in New York City. I like her so much and I wouldn't sell her if she was not too large for our new home. I think she is worth $50.00".
"Okay, he said, "I'll take her and I promise to give her a good home".

I noted his hand was shaking as he opened his billfold and when I glanced at the statue I almost dropped my teeth... she was gorgeous! He picked her up like she was a child and almost ran to the car, as if the lady would change her mind. He looked at me and mouthed, "Come on, come on“, gesturing frantically.
*It should be noted that I had asked the garage sale gods to send us something fantastic just before we rounded the corner and I thank them from the bottom of my heart!

Michael has always had a thing for statues; as a young boy of about 8 he stole a bust of Shakespeare, several large Angels and St. Michael creating a sort of shrine to them in the woods. He had used his little red wagon to haul them. When someone found the grotto, there were questions about the theft, but no one discovered who had taken them and they were simply returned to the library and churches where they resided. So you see for Michael to have 'found' the statue was thrilling... it was a once in a lifetime gift to himself.

I turned from the front seat to inspect her and noted she was signed and numbered... a good sign. I further noted the lovely detail and her face was exquisite. I called my friend Maria who is a conservator in Dallas, and she was speechless... 'A Houdon, you got a Houdon for $50! Unbelievable!' 

Background: Houdon (1741-1838) A French neoclassical sculptor who was very popular during his lifetime doing busts of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other important dignitaries of the day. However I do not think our Houdon is from this time frame... the Louvre commissioned 500 statues in about 1850 and I think she is one of those. Her number is 406.

Her official title is 'Chilly Lady' however after looking at her lovely face, I do not feel she is a 'lady', but rather a young girl of about twelve to fourteen years old. And if you are 'chilly', you cover your body, not your face. Therefore, I have concluded she was snatched into some gilded coach, stripped, used, and tossed aside where she covered her head in shame, hoping not to be recognized. In busy Paris of the 1780's this was possibly a not an unusual sight, however something about this young girl moved Houdon enough to immortalize her... 

Insta Freeze and Other Odd Occurrences

*Along with another earthquake on Monday evening, we had numerous tornadoes and seven inches of rain... just waiting for the hoards of Locusts!

It has been quite a year with weather taking center stage by breaking all records. We have had the coldest winter, the most snowfall, the largest hail, the highest wind speed, an F5 tornado, the hottest summer and the strongest quake!

The last winter surprised everyone with its duration and chilling velocity. Only twice in state history had temperatures dipped so low for so long. The ensuing snowfall broke state records and was followed by the baseball-sized spring hail. The May 5th tornado was immediately followed by the worst drought in history, with high summer-like temperatures that have prevailed until last week. Oklahoma and Texas have gained the dubious honor of experiencing the worst drought in American history.

Julia among the leaves!

Last Thursday in the wee hours of the morning, the first deep freeze pattered in marking the end to the growing season. It was remarkable because of the overnight devastation, which sunrise showcased in a most unusual manner. As the sunshine reached the still-green foliage of the soft wood trees, it instantly began to wilt, appearing a deep transparent green before beginning to fall in tandem. This year we were denied the seasonal leaf-change of many trees; the high temperatures kept the leaves green and failed to send the internal signal for change. Then sudden freeze hastened the process of leaf discard overnight.

Vast numbers of Black Walnuts... more than ever before.

The Black Walnuts and Acorns could be heard plopping to the ground in alarming numbers, which made a walk the equivalent of an obstacle course as they zinged to the earth. (The tale of Chicken Little came to mind… ‘The sky is falling, the sky is falling.’) By Friday, it was over and the garden and forest floor were littered with an alarming number of nuts. Folklore states that nuts in abundance are a sign of a bad winter… and then we had the quakes. The first quake stopped the Grandfather clock at 2:16 and the following day, the 5.7 rattled the dishes and could be felt in adjacent states.

For the gardener, the extreme cold did substantial damage to the insect populations and many bugs simply did not make an appearance this year. Then the heat made a mark on the tent worm population and seems to have halted their march. I noted they do not survive in temperatures over ninety five degrees and if their tent is tossed to the ground they thrash about in agony for a few seconds before expiring. The blister bugs never arrived in large numbers and even the grasshopper populations were down a bit. Unfortunately, the frogs also had a bad time… Mr. Phineas Frog, who has lived under the back porch since he was a youngster, had not been out to play much until the rain last week.

*Congratulations to all of us who have so far survived 2011... we managed a marvelous feat indeed!