Spring Has Begun Part II
Posted: February 13, 2019 Filed under: Gardening | Tags: Azaleas, Bartram's Oenothera grandiflora, Canna, Emilia coccinea, Evening Primrose, John Bartram, Tassel Flower, William Bartram 10 Comments
More early Spring bloomers include this red Canna.
A surprise blooming plant for this time of year is Oenothera grandiflora or Evening Primrose that was collected by William Bartram in 1775 in Alabama and grown in his Philadelphia nursery. Normally, this plant blooms in the late summer or early fall. I think some of the seeds germinated early during this warmer winter. I found it blooming in three locations and the plant was shorter than usual.
The orange Tassel Flower, Emillia coccinea, has been maturing all winter and is now blooming. I thought I read somewhere that it was related to a dandelion, but it does not reseed like one.
A true Spring ritual in this part of the country is the blooming of Azaleas. I was surprised to see some opening already. All our big Azalea Trails are usually the second week in March, so hopefully they can hold off until then.
February is the start of Spring around here and a time to trim back Crepe Myrtles, Roses and start cleaning out beds. The trees that lost their leaves are budding out. And best of all the days are getting longer and evenings on the patio can be enjoyed.
Spring Has Begun Part I
Posted: February 10, 2019 Filed under: Gardening | Tags: Australian Violet, Automatic Gardening, Fire Spike, Gardening, Gulf Coast gardening, leucojums, Mexican Knot Weed, Odontonema strictum, Paperwhites, Polygonum capitatum, snowflakes, Southern Gardening, subtropical climate, Subtropical Gardening, Viola hederacea, Wendy's Wish Salvia, Year-round gardening 26 Comments
Spring has started here along the Gulf Coast area. Snowflakes or leucojums are some of the first to bloom.
Wendy’s Wish Salvia has made a comeback from flooding rain and freezes. It didn’t bloom at all last year.
Paperwhites bloom along with Snowflakes. Both are bulbs that can survive our climate.
Fire Spike, Odontonema strictum begins its blooming in late winter. It is a hummingbird favorite. Most Fire Spikes are red like fire, but somehow I have pinkish purple one.
Violets, of course, are early bloomers and this Australian violet, Viola hederacea, is growing happily on rocks and the patio after relocating itself more than 5 feet from where it was originally planted. The first time I bought this plant, it was called Confederate Violet.
Mixed in with it, is what I have always called Mexican Knot Weed. As it turns out, the plant is from China not Mexico. Its proper name is Polygonum capitatum and its common names are Pink Button, Pink Knotweed, Pink Fleece, Pinkhead, Smartweed, Pink Clover and Punching Balls. I could not find the name Mexican Knot Weed, except on the single pot I bought over 20 years ago. This little plant came along when I moved by hitchhiking with another plant and it has popped up here and there all over the yard. In China it is used to cure many aliments.
Part II coming.
Toads Hunkered Down
Posted: February 3, 2019 Filed under: Gardening | Tags: Backyard Critters, nature photography, Southern Gardening, toads, Year-round gardening 15 Comments
While moving a pile of bricks, I came across six toads that were hunkered down for the cold days. The toads were tucked between the bricks and each had a mate by their side.
They were sleepy and slow moving. I carefully relocated the toads to a safe spot and put a broken clay pot over them.
I camouflaged the pot with bark and leaves to keep the toads safe for the time being. It will be interesting to see if they will stay in their new digs.
Sugar Bees
Posted: January 28, 2019 Filed under: Gardening | Tags: Backyard Critters, bees, nature photography, Southern Gardening 15 Comments
The sugar feeder has become really popular. Now bees have taken over.
I’m not sure where the bees came from, as it took months before they discovered the feeder.
The competition is high and the birds only have access to their sugar treat on cold and rainy days.
Birds and Sugar
Posted: January 21, 2019 Filed under: Gardening | Tags: Backyard Critters, birds, Chickadee, Gulf Coast birds, My Kitchen Window, nature photography, Orange-crowned Warbler, Southern Gardening 23 Comments
My Sugar Bird is back. This little bird is crazy for sugar and I do believe it is the same bird that has visited in previous years.
As it turns out, I identify this bird differently every year. This year I’m going to say it is an Orange-crowned Warbler. I can look at those bird pictures all day and not quite tell what this cutie is.
I was really surprised to see that a Chickadee had been observing Sugar Bird and decided to see what was so delicious.
When Chickadees feed, they go to the feeder and take a seed to a tree to eat. They are very quick.
I have the sugar feeder set up outside my kitchen window, so I can be entertained while I eat. I also took all the photos from my table, through the window that is about five feet away.
It took me weeks to get a shot of the fast moving Chickadee and I was thrilled when I got these four during one visit…and in focus.
Decision Made
Posted: January 13, 2019 Filed under: Gardening | Tags: Automatic Gardening, Gardening, Gulf Coast gardening, roses, Southern Gardening, subtropical climate, Subtropical Gardening, Year-round gardening 19 Comments
A rose bush I bought many years ago was mislabeled and turned out to be a climbing rose. As I did plant it under a Bottle Brush tree, it took full advantage and made its way to the top.
I had been debating on whether or not to cut it back as it is probably stressing the tree. A recent windy thunderstorm made the decision for me and knocked the long cane from the tree.
I haven’t cut it back yet, as I’m enjoying the roses dripping down from the tree and the pollinators like the winter treat.
Winter Salad
Posted: January 7, 2019 Filed under: Gardening, Gluten Free, Recipe | Tags: Easy Gluten Free Recipes for New Celiacs, Gulf Coast gardening, lettuce, Naturally Gluten Free, Southern Gardening, Year-round gardening 13 Comments
This is the second year I used my very tall rabbit- proof greens garden.
I planted the seeds, went on a trip putting Mother Nature in charge and came home to a full bed of lettuces.
My rabbit- proof garden does not grow much, but it makes a nice small salad to go with lunches. Here is a quick recipe for dressing made from ingredients you probably have around the house.
1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
1 TB of olive oil
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
4 garlic cloves minced or jarred garlic
The dressing has a bite to it, so I use it sparingly. Store in a small jar in the refrigerator.
