Enter Ms. Spring! ...And Weeding

Currant blooms~

Thankfully February is almost over and we see remarkable changes in the garden; spring is coming! The Currant bushes have tender green leaves and the Viburnum blooms are the size of a button. The tiny yellow Forsythia blooms, which are always the first to arrive at the garden party, are slowly covering the barren branches before the leaves emerge. Many gardens are sporting darling Crocus and Hyacinths which may be seen as low spots of scent and color. The buds on the early Jonquils and Daffodils are swelling and some have already opened. Tulips have pushed through the soil and a few purple blooms can be seen on the Vinca. The amazing leaves of the Surprise Flowers have broken through the soil as large clumps of yellowish spears, pushing with incredible strength to emerge. Tiny buds of miniature leaves can be seen on the Roses and their arrival truly marks the end of winter.

Woodland Violets~

Unfortunately all of the activity includes the rush of early weeds who have crashed the party like a crowd of raucous drunks. Weeding must begin in earnest with each warm day for if left to their own devices, they will overpower the true guests.

Hoeing is primarily used in the vegetable patch to remove weeds in a crowded space; the hoe can get in and about the vegetables easily without harming them. The hoe, like a good knife, is a balanced tool and this balance allows the gardener to literally drop the weight of it on the intruder without much physical effort. A gentle rhythm is used and is almost like a dance…slowly lift-drop, lift-drop. It is quite effective if done properly. Experts at hoeing are often amused by those who use a frantic chopping-action, which is a waste of energy and also employs the human back to do the job of an expertly maneuvered hoe.

For the flower garden, hand removal is the only logical answer. Experts agree that to truly remove weeds it is necessary to trace the stem of the weed below the ground to the base of origin, follow the outlying roots with the finger tips, then remove all of it in a slow steady pulling motion, root and all in its entirety. This will insure permanent removal of the culprit. It is difficult to feel the root system wearing gloves so many gardeners choose to weed gloveless… thus the term ‘green thumb’.

Weeding can be an almost a Zen-like activity… calming, unrushed, and quieting. When the soil is moist and the weather not yet hot, it can be a perfect way to spend an afternoon. The rewards of successful weeding are a stack of wilting weeds, a lovely garden and the satisfying feeling of a job well done. When the task is completed, reward yourself with the gift of an English trowel. They are relatively expensive but are the best in the world and will last a lifetime. Every gardener deserves one... maybe I'll gift myself this year.

*I suggest my 'weed test' before working all day... pick one and see how quickly it wilts. If it wilts almost instantly, you are free to weed like crazy. If remains somewhat perky for ten to thirty minutes, don't trouble yourself weeding... it will not be a fruitful endeavor. And don't plan to plant anything new on the good weeding days... whatever is planted or transplanted will have a difficult time and will not thrive.

Vegetables... Please Wash Them!

As the growing season approaches, we will no doubt be warned about tainted produce again. With the spinach recall of 2006, the culprit was finally assigned as hogs and rightly so... religious texts are full of references to the uncleanliness of hogs. Then several years ago the tomatoes were apparently poisonous, causing severe illness. What plants utilize from the soil goes directly into what they produce and so producers of the past were careful of what they applied to their crops. Today with much of our produce arriving from third world nations that are notoriously dirty, simple precautions must be taken to assure it is properly cleaned.

While watching a television special on fresh produce I noted workers were packaging strawberries in the plastic containers that arrive in the market while they were collecting in the field. Meaning that the strawberries arrive at the supermarket with whatever the worker had on his hands at the moment, and hopefully he did not have an illness. Additionally over the weekend I watched a television cooking show and noted the lady making the luscious cake did not wash either the strawberries or the blueberries she put between layers of whipped cream! Unfortunately many imagine that produce collected from the supermarket has been washed and sanitized before shipment. Try to assume produce is dirty upon arrival in the market; enjoy it after it has been properly washed under your own supervision.

Lettuce, tomatoes, squash and the like must be carefully washed, onions must be peeled, and celery and potatoes scrubbed with a vegetable brush, and so forth. Don’t wash off dirt…cut it out and toss it. My grandmother, an excellent cook and a thrifty lady, was an apparent recycler before her time. She used yesterday’s newspaper to peel into, then tossed it‘s folded contents in the trash.

Today, as in biblical times, we are warned not to use the same cutting board for meat and vegetables. Cooking kills much of the bacteria naturally occurring on meat but may be transferred to raw produce. We are encouraged to wash our hands between preparation of raw meat and vegetables as well. Wash the counter often and women are encouraged not to place their purses on the counter as purses are notoriously filthy on the bottom. (The very thought of what my purse has ‘seen’ makes me wince.)

With a little effort fresh produce may be confidently eaten and enjoyed for its wonderful health benefits. *Remember to plant potatoes on St. Patrick’s Day.

The Natural Person

*This was written awhile back, but it is still timely...

The Natural Person
After years of rushing about, I finally have some time to reflect and I have some odd realizations. As a young woman, I felt a strong urge to see what would happen if one placed children in a natural setting and allowed them to evolve on their own terms. I had seven in a row, and the results were astounding.

I took everyone out of school when the oldest were in fourth grade. The system was far too stifling for active minds and I felt they needed room to expand. This singular act changed the course of their lives in a most unconventional way. They were insulated from the negative impact of peer groups, religion, and society in general. From this isolation they formed a close bond with each other and nature; they became connected in a natural way and had no need to unlearn the lessons which bind and impact formation of a positive person.

When they were children, each time we welcomed a new arrival I told them I was having a baby for them...so they would have friends that loved them their whole lives. Each addition was welcomed and the current baby and other little children were drug around by older siblings with ultimate patience. Every day was met with unbridled enthusiasm because there was little structure and few demands; our creek and forest were their playground. We rang the 'dinner bell' and gathered three times a day for our meals, which were always taken together.

Reading was encouraged and they spent many hours pouring over the contents of our library; we have 5,000 books on any subject you would wish to study. We studied ecology by checking the creek for healthy plants and crawdads. We learned fractions by cooking, geometry by playing pool. We studied medieval history and made a walnut catapult, entirely pegged and workable. Swords were hammered, cloaks created, and horses were ridden bareback at break neck speeds while playing Three Musketeers or Robin Hood, or tag.

We sat in the topmost field and 'centered ourselves' to see if we could send the imaginary silver cord from the base of our spine to the center of the earth to bring the light of healing energy upward… and Andrew, at only five, could. We learned charity by taking baskets of food we had grown to those who were hungry, we hung prayer ribbons from the trees, raised abandoned baby animals and released them. We opened our door to starving artists, traveling minstrels, occasionally to down-and-out cowboys and Indians. We attended Native American Pow-Wows and even the secretive Sun Dance as invited guests.

Once, as an experiment, we decided to see how everyone would survive if something drastic happened and there was no shelter or electricity available. They created livable sod houses and built a dam on the creek. They believed that painting the window sills anti-voodoo blue would keep ill will away and that Nordic symbols on the gate will not allow evil to enter.

They could see spirits and thought that everyone could. They believed the elements are alive, and that every living thing has a soul. They pray to the angels for protection and instinctively placed food in the grave of the deceased so they may ‘eat on the other side‘.

These beliefs are ingrained in them by choice, not indoctrination, so I think they are fairly pure. Point being, when you allow the person to evolve naturally, they will find the ancient ways all by themselves, without coaching. The past holds the future and if left unimpeded, the natural person will emerge in surprising ways.

*With leaving home and the discovery of various peer pressures, they lost their way for a bit. Happily, they have found it again.... it wasn't lost at all~

Careful Shopping...

Her Permanent Residence...

Each of us have a choice how we live our lives. Simplicity suits me and was relatively easy for us. Since 1986 my personal ’statement’ to save our planet was to shop carefully. I have found that clothing, household items, cooking utensils, decorating items, shampoo, cosmetics, or anything else can be foraged outside of a conventional store for a fraction of the cost. So I shop yard sales when they are in season, decent thrift shops, community sales and auctions... and sometimes you are rewarded.

At yard sales I meet new people, chat, and look at gardens while I browse, often coming away with the gift of a plant cutting. I enjoy the limited selection and the feeling I am shopping an outdoor bazaar. I also find it amusing to ‘study’ people conducting a sale by looking at their books, which are a profile of their personality… like the little old lady who was selling the 'Harrad Experiment' or the Bible thumpers who read nothing but Satanic novels. Often I am amazed. The man who sold his great-grandmother’s rocking chair for $40 was an enigma as was the antique (signed) Houdin statue for $50... surely a once in a lifetime event I had been waiting for a long time.

About the Houdon...
That day 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. I had prayed to the garage sale gods for something special...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 40 years ago at an antique shop in New York City. I like her so much and she has lived with me a long time. 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 her 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.

I turned from the front seat to inspect her and noted she was signed and numbered; 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… "You got a Houdon, a Houdon for $50!" It seems our statue is one important lady.

The Reality of Careful Shopping:
When I shop this way, I (purposefully) don’t pay taxes since taxes have already been paid on what I buy, which is a statement unto itself, and I pay about 5 cents on the dollar.

We can each make a difference in our own way… and sometimes, sometimes, after many, many years...the garage sale gods may reward you!

The Garden As Exercise

Soon, very soon...
February Thoughts~ The Garden As Exercise

Sunday was a gorgeous day that reminded one there are only five more weeks of Winter before Spring makes her official entrance. It was perfect for being outside in the sunshine clearing twigs and snow debris from the beds and greeting the early arrivals in the garden. Undaunted baby-green tips were peeking up everywhere and one can feel the season is coming!

As a hobby, gardening ranks among the most popular activities with an astonishing 94% of Americans claiming it. The fact it burns calories and works muscles makes it a perfect low impact workout. As more and more Americans rush to the gym seeking health through exercise, the gardener simply needs to step outside the back door. Weeding or cultivating can burn 200 calories an hour, while hauling rocks can burn as many as 600. Turning compost is essentially the equivalent of lifting weights. Pushing the mower is the outdoor treadmill and raking is the gardener’s rowing machine. Our exercise machines are trowels, rakes, shovels, clippers, and wheelbarrows; our running track is the garden. And when compared to the sweaty filth accumulating in a modern gym, dirt seems miraculously clean.

Not only will gardening build strength, but it uses literally all of the major muscle groups. It brings cardiovascular benefits and several studies have suggested that gardening could reduce insulin resistance, a condition that may lead to metabolic syndrome or diabetes, both of which increase the risk of heart disease. Only 30 minutes a day in the garden will lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and will prevent or slow osteoporosis.

As with all exercise, it is important to begin gradually and it does seem, rather appropriately, chores in the garden seem to increase in intensity as the weather warms. In a study of heart attack risk assessment using 21,000 male Harvard alumni, it was reported that sedentary individuals had a 100 times greater chance of suffering a heart attack during strenuous activity than individuals who exercise moderately several times a week. Most of the active men listed gardening as their major form of exercise and it is amazing how many people in their nineties are still gardening. Our own Poet Laureate, Stanley Kunitz, still gardened until his death in 2006 at one hundred!

Everyone from small children to senior citizens may enjoy the garden making it a perfect family activity. It is claimed that the sensory pleasure of scented and colorful flowers reduces stress and will also provide a psychological benefit by giving one a fulfilling sense of accomplishment. Gardening is the best health secret on the planet… it is, however, addictive.

A very nice winter read~

My walkway project

While downsizing I added a path!

Early last Spring... the paths first year.

Late in the season.. spilling over the brick work.

Finished raking!

Snow, Snow and More Snow!

This is my road...
Needless to say, we're not going anywhere today, but it is beautiful~

Noxious Weeds... a reminder

The Musk Thistle

Gardening fads come and go with the popularity of plants and this years lovely garden or foundation plant may become, over time, an ecological nightmare. As is the case of Purple Loosestrife, which was an exceedingly popular choice for every landscape of the 1980’s. Still sold today in many states, including ours, the plant produces showy magenta-colored flower spikes for much of the season. Unfortunately, it has a nasty habit of overpowering its neighbors, impolitely taking much more than is allowed. It is the Loosestrife’s habit of producing 30 to 50 stems from a single rootstock that has been the cause of the current problems. Escaping from the garden setting, it has been guilty of overtaking pastures and woodlands where it chokes and eliminates the competition while providing no substantial benefit to livestock.

The same is true of the wildly popular Butterfly Bush. Often sold through magazines in the 1980’s, it was unknown at the time this native of China would escape cultivation. It has traveled to roadsides, bar ditches, and pastures, invading natural areas, competing with native vegetation. It does attract butterflies, but cannot be used for butterfly reproduction and unfortunately competes with native plants that do. The bush produces large quantities of seed, up to 3 million per plant, which are dispersed by wind or water. The seeds can remain dormant in the soil for years until conditions become favorable to germinate.

The hideous Musk Thistle has arrived in our pastures as well. Oddly, this thistle has adorned the national emblem of Scotland since the reign of Alexander III (1249-1286)and was used on silver coins issued by James III in 1470. Legend has stated that Norse invaders stepped on them and the thorns pierced their leather foot wear. The invaders cried out in pain, thus alerting the sleeping Scotsmen and assuring them a battle win. As can be seen in the photograph, the base of this dreadful plant is sturdy and incredibly thorny, topped by a pretty pink blossom that is lethal in her production of seeds. A single flower head may produce 1,200 seeds and a single plant up to 120,000 seeds, which are wind dispersed. The seeds may remain viable in the soil for over ten years, making it a difficult plant to control.

Invasive Species web sites for each state list many of the plant species we are to avoid, and they are certainly worth visiting before purchasing an addition to the garden. Some of the plants listed were quite surprising.

*Photo credit J.N. Stuart

Make your path sparkle!

I began to notice little packets of colored glass 'stones' at garage sales a few years back. Often used for baby showers or weddings, they were sold for pennies on the dollar and were well worth picking up to sprinkle on my pea gravel pathways... they sparkle in the sunlight!

Plan a Children's Garden... of Food!

Maybe this will be another 'Year of the Frog'! (Note the cape!)

With snow and ice on the ground and temperatures cold enough to chill one to the bone, it is difficult to imagine that spring is just around the corner. However if in doubt, check the potato bin for it is impossible to slow the internal clock that is telling them to sprout for spring. Even though it is still barren, the garden is hearing the same call as the spuds and action is occurring underground. Quite suddenly when one can not bear it a moment longer, spring will arrive with a whisper of tender green… winter never lasts forever, it simply seems so.

To occupy ones thoughts this month perhaps plan a place in the garden which includes vegetables for children. With poor eating habits a national concern, encouraging a love of fresh food begins with toddlers and habits established in childhood will last a lifetime. Besides providing sunshine and exercise, a garden inspires by giving children the joy of accomplishment as they plant, pick and eat what they have grown. The trusty radish is perhaps the most rewarding for first time child-gardeners because of its rapid maturity. Often called ‘quick grows’, they easily germinate within three to five days and are ready for harvest by three weeks!

Since children enjoy ‘grazing’ while playing outside plan to include some English peas. Among the oldest cultivated plants, peas found in a cave in Burma have been carbon dated back 9750 years indicating they have been used by mankind for quite some time. Rich in vitamins, they arrive at the garden party early and not only withstand cooler temperatures, they require them. With their cute little pod which resembles a ’carrying case’ and sweet little lines of baby peas, their appeal to youngsters is universal.

Carrots are good as well and provide a multitude of antioxidants and minerals. The old adage about eating carrots to improve vision is true as they are a rich in vitamin A, which is necessary for good eyesight. Besides possessing an attractive lacy top while the babies grow below, tender baby carrots have a sweet delightful flavor that includes a crunch!

Onions are a wonderful cool weather crop as well and watching sets come alive and grow is exciting. They have been a global sensation for over 5,000 years and have been consumed by all cultures. Onions have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and lower cholesterol. They may be boiled, with the strained water used to effectively reduce fever. The list of medicinal uses is endless, making them a very important addition to the diet.

When our last son was almost four, he was patiently watching a large onion grow. Each day he asked to pull it and each day we responded with ‘not yet‘. One evening we carefully dug it and replaced it with a nine inch, three pound onion we had purchased at the Farmer‘s Market. The next morning we told him ‘now’. The entire family was ‘in’ on the joke and gathered to watch as he tugged and struggled. He finally managed to pull our imposter, falling backwards in the process. He was totally surprised and delighted by his ‘big ol‘ onion‘! Nothing is better than watching a child’s joy over the discovery that food need not come from the store... it may be grown!

The award winning novel Holes by Louis Sachar features the curative powers of onions~

And what will poor Robin do then, poor thing?

As the weather continues on the downward spiral, feeding the birds becomes serious business for without our help, many may not survive the current temperature plunge. True bird aficionados feed year round, but I feel it is best to insist they forage until the weather no longer permits or food is no longer easily obtainable.

We all remember the haunting nursery rhyme:
“The North wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
And what will poor Robin do then,
Poor thing?”

The illustration accompanying this little ditty often displays a pitiful Robin lying on its back in deep snow with fixed eyes, twig-like claws, a beak barely opened… clearly dying from either starvation or hypothermia! Notwithstanding the implied cruelty of presenting such images to small children, the visualization of this “Poor Thing” easily instills enough guilt to encourage one to purchase a high quality bag of wild bird feed immediately!

Most birds like the commercial mixtures but if you want to splurge purchase additional sunflower seeds and thistle. Many beautiful songbirds spend the winter indulging in entertaining antics and now that the trees are bare, it is possible to see and hear them far better. Once you begin feeding you will discover the reason so many people find great enjoyment in bird-watching, for every bird has personality traits characteristic to their individual species.

With the onset of cabin fever this week, the birds have taken on substantial significance, providing a most welcome respite on seemingly endless boring days. The Blue Jays are excitable, boisterous, rather the bullies and always traveling in a gang. The Cardinals are polite, laid back and lacking in aggression. All species of the Woodpecker family demand and receive respect; their beaks are daunting and presence can clear the feeder immediately. The darling finches squabble and tumble about while the Black Capped Chickadee and timid Titmouse dart for sunflower seeds. The wonderfully enthusiastic Sparrows are mentioned in the Bible as one of God’s favorites.

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 fluff of noisy competition while other times the filled feeder stands alone. The word spreads quickly among the bird community and bird feeders will find themselves at the height of popularity this time of year.

Lovely books which identify bird species are available at all of the public libraries and it is exciting to identify old favorites and new friends who visit your feeder. And since we have many more weeks of winter, plan to enjoy the bird show… from the warmth of your easy chair!

The Herb Garden.... The Basics

Planting an herb garden is immensely satisfying for besides providing visual beauty as the plants flower, they will provide seasoning for culinary delights, flowers for relaxing baths, and often offer medicinal properties as well. Either used while fresh, or dried for future use, herbs are among the most ancient plants to be utilized by mankind. And the satisfaction of planting and growing your own knows no bounds.


Mint has traveled everywhere~ interloped to fraternize with the Oregano... and the Larkspur was not invited~

The Mint family encompasses an enormous selection and a summer glass of iced tea is naked without a sprig. Spearmint, chocolate mint, peppermint and many other varieties are traditional garden constants. All are fond of warm climates, and may be found in most parts of the world. Most of the mints with the exception of ‘Apple Mint’ tend to travel along the edge of the bed so plan on their wayward wandering when planting them. Containment can become a taxing full time job unless they are allowed to roam. Apple Mint stays where she is planted and will remain lovely and carefree for years.

Apple Mint Below~


Lemon Balm is both an ancient herb and a favorite of bees. It was used among bee keepers in Greece where it was rubbed on hives to keep the bees from swarming by calming them. Taken as a tea, it has been touted to ensure longevity, ease fear, and cure headaches or fatigue. Very easy to grow, it is a native of southern Europe and North Africa, where it has been cultivated for over 2000 years. Today it enjoys continued popularity and brushing by it on an evening stroll through the garden brings a sensory delight.

Perhaps add the beautiful perennial Garden Sage for it has long been a staple in southern culinary. No turkey is complete unless stuffed with sage dressing and sage picked from your garden has a taste more flavorful than any which may be found in processed products. Following blooming slightly prune then allow the plant to recover before cutting stalks to dry. Wait to cut until the morning dew has dried and hang the stems in a dark closet until they have thoroughly dried. A garage or out building is the best place to dry so the leaves are not subject to accidental air conditioning. Once the leaves are crisp, strip them from the branch and seal in an air tight plastic bag.

Love my Sage~


Lavender is not to be forgotten, especially since this Mediterranean native adores our western Oklahoma climate. Dry, sunny, even rocky gardens appeal to this perennial favorite making it easy to grow here. It has been continually cultivated for over 2,500 years and its ability to dispel odor made it useful in Egyptian mummification. In Greece and Rome it was used to scent baths and ease fatigue and by Medieval times it was used as a deodorant and a way to ward off Black Death. Legend has Cleopatra using lavender’s sensual properties to seduce Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, which no doubt accounts for its time-tested popularity... which continues today.

Add Some Chives too~
Chives are not only beautiful, but provide sweet early snippets to add to salads, baked potatoes, and anything else that needs a zing!

Monet's Garden... and Adapting to Change

February is a time for planning what to do in the garden and often visiting famous gardens of the past provides inspiration. Viewing a book on Claude Monet, the French painter and father of the Impressionistic Painting Movement will provide inspiration for he was a gardener extraordinaire. His paintings of flowers and water lilies are legend and his own gardens were inspiration for them.

In 1883 he moved with his family to Giverney France where he rented an acreage complete with a ramshackle home and out buildings in various stages of neglect and decay. He enlisted the enthusiastic energy of his eight children and the family worked tirelessly for years to create an oasis of beauty. Over time various gardens were enclosed to have a certain view and therefore many gardens contain ‘flower arrangements’ throughout. Often captured in his paintings, his 'arrangements' became immensely popular. As his wealth increased, he purchased the land and adjacent acreages and the gardens continued to evolve.

Eventually the children grew and lost interest in the projects so an undaunted Monet simply hired seven gardeners to help him. His fantastic gardens contain a central walk (allee) with rose covered hoops. There is one section with seven two-tiered pergolas containing roses with Clematis hanging above, draping like lace curtains. A meandering pebble path overflows with nasturtiums which were an 'accidental mistake' Monet loved and repeated each year. Both rare and common species of flowers dance in magical tandem throughout the gardens. In his later years, he used much of his money to purchase rare and expensive species of plants and became ardently interested in botany.

His final project was a water garden complete with a traditional Japanese bridge and although he never traveled to Japan, woodcuts inspired him and the bridge is of his own design. The covered bridge absolutely drips with white and mauve wisteria providing a stunning seasonal effect. Monet endlessly painted his gardens, capturing light and motion, the flowering and falling of petals, the ripple of water… from every angle, through every season. His overwhelming passion for gardening, for art, for living has made his home a French national treasure with over a million visitors a year. (Second only to Versailles).

There is a virtual treasure trove of information about his gardens available both online and in libraries. Why not research the genius of Monet to stave off the house-bound boredom which is bound to emerge in February? Without doubt, even Monet was pleased February is a short month!


Our (Former) North Garden:
View from N. to S.~ preparing to plant the garden below~ Pictured from S. to N.




Footnote:
*I can relate to the enthusiasm of his eight children. Our own eight adored projects and our acreage continually evolved with their interests. The north field which was once a massive vegetable garden became a horseback riding ring, a go-cart track, a baseball diamond, and finally a golf course! However, as Monet discovered, children do grow into adulthood and leave home. Since hiring a staff of seven was impossible, Michael and I realized replanting two acres to gardens was too much for us alone... thus the downsizing article. Adaptation is the secret and the garden will evolve... bringing new joy in unexpected ways. Smaller ways~

Horseback riding was a passion for years!

Snow, Snow and More Snow... A Benefit for the Garden

Japanese gardeners refer to the snow formation above as sekka... snow blossoms. I had never seen them before our snowfall last winter... they are lovely.

Gardeners have long cherished snow as it forms a natural insulation for premature thawing. Since moisture in the soil expands as it turns to ice, a premature thaw followed by a freeze can cause the bed to heave disturbing the roots of small plants nestled there. It has been scientifically proven that a small layer of light fluffy snow can insulate the flower bed completely allowing for a tolerable temperature beneath it. Amazingly, a bone chilling temperature of minus 14 degrees Fahrenheit and a nine inch layer of snow can ensure the soil at the surface remains a relatively cozy 28 degrees. Snow also provides protection from drying winter winds and allows the bacteria in the soil to continue the work of decomposing organic matter leftover in the garden.

An odd benefit of pollution is the fact that snowflakes collect the airborne particles of automobile exhaust and add it to their composition as they fall. Most exhaust is composed of nitrates, which are the principal component of well balanced fertilizers. Today’s snow may be a noxious cocktail of chemicals that make for poor tasting ice cream, but its benefit to the garden is boundless.

The Japanese, famous for their dedication to gardening, have long revered snow and consider it integral to their garden displays. They have garden tours during the snow and even use yukimi (snow viewing lanterns) strategically placed about the garden for maximum effect. Snowflakes collected on tree branches are called sekka (snow blossoms). Trees are carefully pruned and supported with stakes to allow the canopy to collect the snow without collapsing.

In spite of the obvious inconvenience, our friends to the east may remind themselves that snow provides a multitude of benefits for the garden. It also gives stunning visual continuity and provides an unsurpassed aesthetic beauty during boring winter months... Snow is indeed a miraculous feat of nature.

January Thoughts

Force some Redbud!

There are telltale and unmistakable signs that January is upon us for the garden appears to have collapsed upon itself, imploded if you will. Every bit of last year’s efforts left behind, either on purpose or by mistake, seems but a flattened pile of mish, begging to be hauled to the compost bin or the canyon. Walking the beds, scouting for the promise of spring, only a few daring green bulb-tips have appeared to push their way above the frozen soil. Such fortitude is admirable, but hardly fool hardy for they know the secret… the emerging green contains the equivalent of antifreeze. They are unafraid and determined to arrive at the garden party first!

Everyone who gardens considers weather watching a hobby and this year is an anomaly as one of the strongest La Nina events since record-keeping began is taking place in the Pacific Ocean. La Nina's global influence is the cause of heavy rains in Brazil where conditions are disastrous with flooding reaching apocalyptic proportions. Mudslides are common in former forests which have been clear cut for urban expansion and more than 500 people have died in flooding last week alone, making it their worst natural disaster in decades. Poor Australia has suffered with a terrible drought for years and the old adage ‘be careful what you wish for’ applies to the entire Continent. Described by the Prime Minister as ‘epic’, the continued flooding will have an impact upon major cities for decades. China is having a disastrous drought which is threatening their wheat crop and our own North East is being pounded by dipping temperature and heavy snow. Here we are experiencing a drought with barely any precipitation in months. An elderly Oklahoma farmer once mused, “With what is spent on science, why don’t we have a year round temperature of seventy two degrees and half inch of rain every week?” Unfortunately weather is not the domain of science so we must resolve to carefully pray for rain… but not too much.

Since we are so dry, it is important to water on days which reach above freezing. Even dormant plants need a drink, for although they are resting above ground their roots are still busy below. The addition of mulch is helpful since the ground has finally frozen for will keep it from thawing on mild days. Mulch is not to keep plants warm, but rather to keep them cold and inhibit any premature action from a thaw which may be followed by more freezes. When watering remember to turn it off at night… it is rather embarrassing but on more than one occasion, we have forgotten and awoke to a shocking ice palace!

Oops!


To remind yourself that spring is coming, cut a few branches of flowering shrubs to force inside. Choose branches from any of the fruit trees and ornamentals such as Redbud, Flowering Quince, Forsythia, Spirea, and Viburnum are also favorites. Cut carefully so as not to disfigure the shape of the tree. Bring the branches inside, cut a three inch slit upwards at the base to allow the branch to ‘drink’ and place them in warm water for several hours to break dormancy. Recut an inch from the end, place them in fresh water in a cool room, and wait. It may take from two to four weeks for them to bloom, but watching and waiting is part of the joy of forcing… and the room will be filled with the scent of spring!

Horticultural Knives... for Your Valentine!

The next holiday for gift giving is Valentine's Day and the ideal gift for the gardener you love might well be an often overlooked time-saving device... the gardening knife. Available in many styles for many differing chores, the merit of a fine gardening knife is immeasurable. As we all know, the most important thing for success in the garden are tools of the trade and yet many gardeners use tired, rusty, and antiquated tools which make the job much more difficult.

Yes, there is such a thing as a gardener’s knife and it is a luxurious necessity. The many styles and chores for which they were designed make it possible to give this marvelous gift on every occasion until the gardener has an entire collection of them. There are knives for grafting and pruning, cutting and trimming, and the horticultural knife by Tina may be even be purchased for lefties.



The blade is of utmost importance and variations in design represent the practical and accumulated experience of hundreds of generations who have gone before us. The ancient Romans had a pruning knife, falculae arboraire, which was remarkably similar to grape pruning knives of the early 1930’s. The use of the same design for 2,000 years is surely not an accident making it a well tested product. Obviously the type of work it is to perform is also taken into account but the important thing to remember is the necessity of the single blade. Swiss Army knives, with their many blades and promises of versatility, are not ideal in the garden. The single blade has strength unto itself and will out perform any multi bladed knife tenfold. The more blades on a knife, the weaker it becomes.

The next factor is a blade which sharpens easily, stays sharp, and keeps a keen cut through many uses. No matter how attractive the knife, it is only as good as the hardness of the steel from which it was made. Carbon steel, while strong and used for hundreds of years, will rust if not oiled and put away after use. Prior to the 1950’s, and the process of ‘chill-quenching’, the tempering of stainless steel was hit or miss making it impractical for gardening use. It has been perfected and now has an edge comparable to carbon steel and is virtually rust-proof.

It is important when considering the purchase of a gardening knife that one ignores any product originating in China. As any one who has purchased a hammer from China knows, the steel is not correctly hardened and it will not stand the test of time. One of the premier manufacturers of gardening knives is a German company, Tina, who maintains the tradition of knife making and still uses the carbon steel and completes the process by placing the blade firmly in a walnut stock.

If a Tina is too expensive, there is a lovely Florist’s knife from the American company Schrade, and although the company went out of business just shy of their 100th anniversary, one may still find their knives through the Internet. A wonderful Budding and Grafting knife is made by Victorinox, a Swiss company and would be greatly appreciated by any gardener.

Short of giving a ton of exquisitely composted cattle manure, a versatile knife would be the next-best gift for the gardener you love.

A Victorinox may be ordered at http://www.swissknifeshop.com/shop/victorinox

Fiddle and Faddle... my silly Parakeets

Fiddle and Faddle

I recall the very first time I discovered caged birds. I was about six and shopping at a five and ten when a cage of young Parakeets caught my eye. I was totally fascinated by the utter joy and excitement of the twenty or so adorable little birds. Then I noticed the price... they were only $3! I almost had enough and excitedly asked Mother if I could borrow a dollar. When I answered her query ‘what for’, she responded as though I was asking for a pony (which I also wanted). No...

By the time I was twelve I owned one and he lived in my room. He was my companion and friend and continued living with Mother and daddy when I left for college. As an adult, I have always had a parakeet in the house and find their noises very comforting; I miss them when they are not part of my ’background’. My oldest friend had passed away a year before and the silence in my home had become deafening when suddenly, by happen chance, I came upon Fiddle and Faddle.

It was early June and Elizabeth, Michael, and I were spending a Saturday morning looking for a treasure at garage sales. We stopped in front of a large two story home and began shopping the contents of tables lined on the lawn. The family were Latino so of course Lize was eagerly checking out the clothes and shoes... Latin ladies have a fabulous sense of fashion which is as festive as their music! (No ‘church lady’ clothes at that sale!) There was a small sound system on the expansive porch playing vibrant tejano music and in the background the joyful sounds of the forty or so Parakeets hanging from various cages on the porch!

Oh my...I was in heaven; I immediately wanted one... or two. Some cages had nest boxes, some very young babies with their mothers, while some held youngsters ready for homes. I picked one with a very distinctive blue band above is beak and another with a pale lavender one above hers… I bought a pair. The lady put them in a pet box and I rushed home to drag out my old cage and deposited my new friends on my porch.

Silence. The babies were totally disinterested in my world... they acted depressed. After several weeks I decided they were in culture shock so I took my radio to the porch and found a radio station playing Banda and cranked up the volume. It was as though Fiddle (he) and Faddle (she) woke from a long slumber. They began dancing then talking, first to each other, then to me! Since my birds are from two cultures they are truly bi-lingual, with Fiddle speaking both Spanish and English! They expanded their musical taste to hip-hop, ‘rock, and even Vivaldi on occasion! I’m so proud of them!

They are nine years old now and several years ago decided they are quite fond of each other. Every morning after the night-cover is removed, they make love... to our utter delight because it is so unusual. Their cage is next to the television so we side wise watch in awe as we have morning coffee and catch the news. Fiddle sidles up to her and 'talks' in a low series of tweets, kissing her beak and neck. Some days Faddle is very enthusiastic, others I fear she has a headache because she will bonk him hard on the head muttering ’No means NO’! On good days however she answers with a series of low tweets meaning 'Alright, let's'.

Afterwards she fluffs and he shudders and then they kiss and murmur sweet nothings for an hour or so before getting to the daily business of living. I love my slightly raunchy, silly, old Parakeets!

Gardeners Will Garden...

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 18th and 19th 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.

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.

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 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.

The Blue Wood Louse and Morphing Bagworms

Infected wood louse

I have always depended upon observation to alert me to changes in the garden. Over the course of years it becomes apparent that some changes are subtle, while others are seasonal and appear quite suddenly. Thus it was with the blue wood louse and the morphing bagworms.

The Wood Louse (Armadillidium)
Children have always been fascinated by the wood louse (roly-poly) and observing and collecting them is a timeworn garden hobby. They have battleship gray segmented ’armor’ with multiple sets of transparent legs and boast the interesting habit of endlessly rolling into a tight marble-like ball. However they are not at all passive for they dine on wood in any hidden and damp spot in the garden, eventually causing massive destruction.

Last summer I observed a portion of them were a lovely sapphire blue. At first I thought perhaps it was the blue/green pellets in miracle grow they had eaten, however research indicates they are infected with a fatal Iridovirus named for the Greek goddess of the Rainbow, Isis. In March of 1954 Mr. Claude Rivers discovered crane fly larvae glowing with patches of blue and is credited with discovery of the phenomenon. Apparently Mr. Rivers was unacquainted with the work of Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1862) who had noted it in his poem entitled The Blue Wood-Louse…
‘Bite, frost, bite!
You roll up away from the light
The blue wood-louse, and the plump dormouse,
And the bees are still'd, and the flies are kill'd,
And you bite far into the heart of the house,
But not into mine.’



The Bag Worm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)
Now that the trees are leafless, it is apparent the extent of last summer’s bagworm infestation for they appear in extraordinary numbers hanging on bare branches. First observed last July, the bag worms reached epic proportions and for the first time they attacked the Elms… as though the poor Elm’s don’t already have problems enough with various diseases. In recent years bag worms were seen predominately on the Bald Cypress and Evergreens, but not in enough numbers to actually kill the tree. However last summer many Cedars as well as the Elms were stripped of all life-sustaining foliage and died in the summer’s heat.

Lengthy scientific explanations aside, the bagworm is a particularly nasty pest for it kills its host by sucking the life out of it as foliage is consumed by these camouflaged eating machines. Bagworms begin to build their signature case shortly after hatching and their only purpose is to grow within the case, pupate, mate, then reproduce in the thousands before dying.

In winter many cases seem empty, however in some Mother has laid eggs and the young are growing within the bag. As recommended last July hand-picking is best and cutting the bag in half with scissors is immensely satisfying. Perhaps continuing the summer’s challenge could stave off winter boredom a bit… fatally wounding baby bagworms seems a fine hobby indeed!

Herbs for Tea

This year consider the legendary uses of herbs and perhaps select a few to include in the scope of your garden. Selection should include herbs for making tea. Tea is second only to water as the most consumed beverage in the world. Herbal teas made from dried fruit, flowers or herbs that have been collected from the garden are lighter and more flavorful than traditional tea.

Legend says the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was boiling drinking water one day in 2737 B.C. when some leaves from a tea plant fell into the water. The emperor drank the mixture and declared it gave one "vigor of body, contentment of mind, and determination of purpose." In 400 B.C. the Greeks included herbal teas in their regime of wellness. By 50 B.C. the Romans were collecting and cultivating herbs and by 200 A.D., Galen wrote the first classification system that paired common illnesses with their herbal remedy. By 800 Monks had taken over the care of the sick and had herbal gardens at most monasteries. By 1500 herbalists were promoted and supported by Henry VII and the Parliament as apothecaries (drug stores of the time) were accused of giving substandard care. Charles Wesley gave his endorsement in 1700 when he advocated sensible eating, good hygiene and herbal treatments for healthy living.

In 1800 pharmaceuticals become popular and herbal treatments were designated for the poor. However as the side effects of drugs began to be documented, herbal remedies came into favor again. The National Association of Medical Herbalists was formed, and later renamed the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH.) By 1900 and the first World War, lack of availability of drugs increased the use of herbal medicines again. After the war pharmaceutical production increased and penicillin was discovered. Herbal practitioners had their rights to dispense their medications taken away and then reinstated. The British Herbal Medicine Association was founded and produced the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. People began to express the concern over the large number of side effects and environmental impact of the drugs of the 1950s so herbs once again gained importance. Herbs are an outdoor pharmacy provided to us by the Almighty. Simple to grow and easy to make, an herbal tea from the garden is a natural health drink.



Spearmint (shown above) would be a lovely addition to the herb bed. Used in ancient Rome, the ensuing drink made from dried leaves was said the ‘stir up the mind’. Since it is caffeine-free, an afternoon cup could be savored as valuable ‘pick me up’ that has no side effects.

Chamomile is another lovely plant. Originally from the Nile region of Egypt, it was believed to cure almost any ailment. It has remained a favorite as its true properties relieve anxiety and promote calm. It was the tea Mrs. Rabbit made for Peter as she gently tucked him into bed following his harrowing escape from Mr. McGreggor. In these stressful times a sweetly scented evening cup would be a wonderful way to end the day. The list of herbs and their medicinal qualities is endless… and as close as your garden.


Credit: Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter

Weather Prediction and Mr. Squirrel

Weather Prediction and Mr. Squirrel

Every now and then, something totally unexpected occurs in the garden. Last summer, following a rather fierce thunderstorm accompanied by high winds, a substantial branch of the Mulberry broke, yet not completely. It remained halfway attached, stubbornly resisting all efforts to remove it, eventually becoming a rather irritating eye sore. It lost leaves and became brittle yet still remained loath to all efforts to tug it down. Someone had borrowed our ladder and our chainsaw, and most certainly we were not foolish enough to imagine climbing the tree, handsaw in hand. So there it remained, hanging lifeless adjacent to the bird feeder.

With attention diverted from the sleeping garden, the bird feeder has now become center stage. And so, as with so many serendipitous accidents, the branch has become the accidental welcome mat to the feeder. All the birds have found the branch a delightful perch, landing and then leaping in winged flurry to the dinner table. Over the weekend, Mr. Squirrel discovered it too. From safety of the Mulberry he first tested the branch and then, with tail-twitching caution, he slowly made his way to the feeder. By afternoon his confidence abounded and he could scurry back and forth with ease, happily sharing while enjoying the company of Goldfinches and Cardinals. So it must be noted that often what appears to disrupt tidy order, over time may afford a delightful new course in the garden. And so it is with our branch.

For winter reading, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is a source of much useful information for the gardener. (Computer savvy gardeners may view it at http://www.almanac.com/) The Almanac has been an annual publication since 1792, and for the month of January the Farmer’s Calendar discusses forecasting the weather. Now days we tend to watch or listen to weather predictions made by professionals who rely on the latest technology. In days past, people would have simply looked outside the back door, made a few observations, and noticed the ‘signs’ which indicate change and predict weather patterns. The blizzard which hit the east coast with such velocity was easily predictable if one had noticed the ring of haze circling the Moon the evening before; it was so unusual that we noted it as we looked at the sky. The directions of the wind and cloud patterns all indicated last weeks temperature plunge before the ‘artic blast’ actually arrived. It would be an interesting winter project for both children and adults to learn the folklore surrounding weather patterns and then make a game of prediction without technology. And according to the 2011 Almanac, we are advised to hang onto our hats for the next few months, for it is expected to be quite a ride!

*Remember: We are in a drought, so plan to give the garden a drink whenever we have a day which promises to remain above freezing. Even dormant trees and plants need moisture in winter to produce in the spring.

Baby Sitting Julia~

I have committed myself to babysitting my first grand baby twice a week, so I keep four month old Julia every Wednesday and Friday. After raising my eight, it seemed such a small undertaking. And I had done the full nine yards with mine… it was very serious business raising environmentally conscious, compassionate, well-rounded individuals. How hard could one baby be?

I came to my marriage to Michael with a two year old and then had our seven from 1975to 1987; our only daughter arrived last. With careful planning and cutting corners, I was able to stay at home with them, a luxury few young people today are able to have. The duties and work were rewarding yet time consuming and nothing escaped my thoughtful, yet overzealous, intent. Gardens were planted to provide home grown organic food which was consumed both fresh and home-canned. Six loaves of bread were made every other day and jellies were made from fruits in season. The cloth diapers I used were line dried… disposable diapers contain formaldehyde and who would want such a chemical touching baby skin? Plus line dried diapers absorbed vitamin D from the sunlight, which was an added boost for house-bound infants. All of my children were nursed, and since mother’s milk contains a tranquilizer, they were relaxed and happy babies. Each time we added another, I would place the baby in the middle of the fray with the only instruction, ’don’t let the baby cry’. The current baby would be passed from child to child, with no one ever feeling taxed and the little one felt incredibly loved.

Marie Winn’s groundbreaking book 'Children Without Childhood' was published in 1983, and mirrored my concerns about the loss of traditional childhood. A researcher, Ms. Winn had noted that the brain activity of monitored children went into ’sleep mode’ while watching television! Naturally my children had limited exposure… instead they were sent to the yard to play!

Enter Miss Julia! To make a long story short, I realize that Julia is my granddaughter, not my daughter, so I have no real input into her life style… she has her own parents for that. Friday morning, we worked on her vocals, (she will learn to say ‘Grandma‘), played pat-a-cake, this little piggy, and took intricate notice of her feet before feeding her a bottle and putting her down for a nap. She dozed a few minutes and woke up fussy! Really fussy… like I had to dance with her for almost four hours! As I was nearing collapse, I noted she was looking at the TV. Perhaps, perhaps… no it was so so wrong! But I was tired… dancing for hours was much harder than weeding a 60 foot flower bed!

So, I did it; I took the giant leap into the moment... which included high definition! I pulled her little bed to the television, put a pillow behind her propping her upright, turned the channel to Disney and watched as she began chortling to her animate ‘friends'. She was delighted! It’s a new world and who am I to hang onto the past? Why would I? I am now a thoroughly modern Grandma… and I shall embrace the moment!

The Mature Garden...

A Repost Dedicated to all of us who overdid this Christmas~

An interesting thing about the mature garden is the fact it usually has at its helm a mature gardener. Sometime during the evolution, major changes are in order as the passion of unbridled youth becomes somewhat diminished with the passing of decades. Rows and rows of carefully planted and tended perennial and annual beds plus standard vegetable patches must make way for a garden friendlier to the capacities of the gardener as age approaches. Obviously once the knees, back, and hands become aged, crawling around toiling and transplanting, hand weeding, pruning, and hoeing looses much of its charm.

Almost overnight, particularly after a year of too much rain and too much grass and weed-growth, it becomes perfectly clear that 'downsizing' is not only desirable, but a necessity. It is now that flowering shrubs and wispy grasses, once looked upon as simply 'filler' in the garden, begin appear in the forefront of the gardener's mind.

If the lovely selection of shrubs is reviewed, it becomes evident that one can have scented and flowering beauty all season with very little effort. One of the nicest things about shrubs is after flowering they continue to look splendid for the duration of the season, some with berries which appear from the flowering, some with simply exquisite foliage.


Spirea~

The Viburnum species are a marvelous addition. They flower early and fill the garden with the first breath of spring and following flowering they still appear attractive dressed in their verdant finery of bold and interesting leaves. For a late spring bloomer, some Spirea would be a nice addition. With her sweet little clusters of flowers and the tendency to survive extreme temperature, this gem survived the Oklahoma dust bowl and makes a lovely focal point. Later, the Heavenly Bamboo or Nandina would bloom and look divine. With the cream-colored flowers replaced by berries which turn scarlet by Christmas, they have long been a staple in Southern gardens. A few Crape Myrtle would add texture, color and a stunning flowering display for all of August through September. If cut back in the early spring, they will bloom as a shrub rather than become a tree. If the tips are trimmed after the first flowering, they will flower again. Pyracantha makes a perfect Halloween display. The list is endless!

If one decides to downsize and rethink the gardening efforts, look around at the gardens that have already done it for inspiration. In many gardens
flower beds have given way to a host of shrubs, grasses and easy-maintenance lawn and yet the level of sophistication is striking. Friends of ours with a fabulous Koi pond inspired us. Situated within a patio setting, their pond is full of fish, blooming water lilies and outstanding grasses, surrounded by shaded places to sit... and relax. With the gentle splash of the waterfall, they have created a serene and peaceful air within their garden. It feels unhurried, appears self-maintaining to a degree... and compared to weeding and hoeing, how hard can fish be?


My Fish~ very easy maintenance!

The Birds, The Cats, and the Mastiff... The Game

I’m watching something hilarious unfold in the yard; Jenny Guinea and Rajah have decided to protect the little birds. Apparently they have enlisted the help of Bruno, the Mastiff, to chase the cats away from the hedge row. The cats are hanging out, hiding in the hedge adjacent to where the little birds eat, hoping to snag a snack.


Jenny is telling Bruno...wake up Bruno!

So now we have the nervous little birds in a flurry of winged flight rushing enmass away from the feed when the cats leap out to chase them. Bruno hears the ruckus and actually wakes from his nap to race like a freight train to the bottom yard. Barking and dancing his way to the feeder he scares the bejeebers out of the cats, who have just scared the bejebbers out of the birds!

As he arrives the cats jump to the tin roof of the shed and rattle their way across to the over hanging trees. He jumps and baritone-barks as they leap to the safety of the trees... and the birds seem pleased by their plight. The cats sway in the branches until Bruno loses interest and lumbers off to nap on the back stoop again. Everything settles down for a bit before it happens all over again…this is like the instructions on shampoo. (Wash, rinse and repeat)


Rajah and Bruno resting after the fray!

Additionally the squirrels are in cahoots with the cats and have made it their job to bedevil the Corgi, who goes berserk as they steal bird feed. They chatter and toss walnuts as he races from tree to tree... barking and jumping as though he could climb!





There is so much going on here... there is never a dull moment!

After Christmas Thoughts

The daring Titmouse!

This time of year our feathered friends need help until the first insects of spring emerge and their antics will stave off boredom as the winter progresses. In full summer the leaves on the trees tend to muffle the excited calls of the Jays, the squabbles of the Sparrows, the hyper twitters of Chickadee, Titmouse, and Goldfinch. Even the rapid-fire drilling of the Woodpecker is lost by insulation. However with the stark and leafless trees, the birds become center stage and will provide hours of house-bound entertainment for those who feed them.

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. As I watch the feeder, I am always amazed at the unspoken respect the Woodpecker receives. Perhaps it is his funky feet or daunting beak that intimidates the others for when he arrives every bird exits in a rush. The only exception is the daring Titmouse who will zoom in to snatch a seed without stopping to rest. Once the Woodpecker leaves, the other guests return to dine in a boisterous group, unafraid.

They tend to eat at specified times much as we eat breakfast lunch and dinner so often the feeder will be abandoned only to be full within the hour. A bird feeder is a marvelous way to enjoy the winter from the warmth of your living room.

Since the garden is resting and many are sequestered inside, thankfully the catalogues have begin arriving. Gardening catalogues are our ‘dream books’ and it is always exciting to see what has been newly discovered or hybridized. And since all we can do now is plan for the coming season, stroll the garden and begin making plans where to add something new and exotic, something you have never tried to grow yet. It will add excitement to the season to watch its progress each day.

For those gardeners who enjoy action, perhaps include an Easter Egg plant which promises to delight the children. A member of the potato family, it sports lush green potato-like foliage and produces absolutely adorable clusters of ‘eggs’. As the clusters mature the white eggs gradually change color and become a deep cream, pastel yellow or orange, with some even changing to a light green. This odd specimen is an annual but produces enough seeds in the ripened ‘eggs’ to collect and share with friends. The requirements of normal or loamy soil and full sun make it an easy choice as an ornamental and with a mature height of only twelve inches, it may be planted almost anywhere. It blooms from early to late summer with as many as twelve ‘eggs’ per plant making it a long lasting delight for the garden.

For the Gothic gardener or to please the family teenagers, there are a variety of ‘dark’ choices to plant. Black Mourning Bride, of the Scabiosa family, is a perfect choice. A native of the Mediterranean, it has been in Europe since 1629 and grown here since colonial times. Called the pincushion flower and prized by Victorians, it is still used in Portugal and Brazil as a funeral flower. Its showy and fragrant little blossoms last up to three weeks when cut making it a prize for those who make arrangements. Its flowers also attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, further enhancing its continued popularity.

The internet is a wonderful tool which can enable the gardener to plan and order now… while the garden is sleeping. Happy New Year and stay warm!


*Rajah dines during the 'off' hours.
Other photo credits: Sharon Bastianelli with permission