tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14644262534755083762024-03-08T11:52:30.070-08:00Heidi HorticultureGardening BlogHeidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-41994002736648385892019-08-18T18:54:00.004-07:002019-08-18T18:54:39.851-07:00When Sempervivums (Hens and Chicks) FlowerIt's a rare treat to see Sempervivums flower. When they do, unfortunately, the plant that flowers (the parent plant) - dies.<br />
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To show the progression of flowering, I've photographed this plant over a period of two months.<br />
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I have four different cultivars of Sempervivums in this container. I use it as a decorative planter for our patio table. It's been doing so well. I've taken many baby plants from it already and placed them in our garden and also given some away.<br />
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Early July - 3 flower stalks full with buds began their ascension upwards.</div>
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Flower buds tightly packed in. They are so incredible. Beautiful design.</div>
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Each bud reveals a lovely star shaped flower. Pollinators love them!</div>
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Two weeks later, they keep opening and ascending further.</div>
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Each flower lasts a long time.</div>
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Two more weeks later and they are still blooming!</div>
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Another two weeks later and you begin to see the flower stalk begin to fade and rot from the base.</div>
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I removed some of the rotted leaves from the base - so you can see what's happening. You'll see a ton of roots and stems, with little "chicks" still attached.</div>
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You could keep this flower stock going for as long as you'd like, but given this is on my patio table and because it's mid-August, I decided to take action and remove the parent plant so that I can deal with the empty spot. I want the warm months to help make sure this gap is filled so that it's good going into the winter.</div>
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It came free rather easily - few roots still attached. My trowel sliced through and the stock came away.</div>
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At the base, examine and look for baby "chicks" attached. Save these!</div>
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Tidy up the area and get rid of rotted leaves. Leaving these may cause further rot on little plants. We want to preserve as many as possible.</div>
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Take the little "chicks" and cut back some of the stem so that it can lay down and begin to set those roots. Arrange with some gaps between.</div>
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You don't have to plant them, but laying them firmly on top, will do.</div>
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Some will produce better roots by just laying on top of the soil. I've laid three "chicks" on their sides, to use in my rock garden. They will send out more roots on the side and then I can transplant them elsewhere.</div>
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Ready to start the process all over again.</div>
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Pretty simple.</div>
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One trick with Hens and Chicks - removed decayed base leaves. It helps prevent plants rotting at the base. This summer has been quite wet with regular rain. I just find: when you remove these leaves regularly, the plant-lets remain happy and set roots faster.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-49168545640427327562018-10-08T11:50:00.002-07:002018-10-09T02:00:36.500-07:00Beauty in Ashes: Our Trip To AlbertaAs I reflect this Thanksgiving season, I decided to post our trip to Alberta. We were on a mission this vacation. To visit family and spend time away from work. To focus on things of importance: peace away from our hectic work schedules, to visit loved ones and to spend time in nature.<br />
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Here's our experience; seeing what Alberta has to offer:<br />
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To start, the weather was dank and cloudy - raining off and on. Still remarkably beautiful.<br />
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I hadn't been to Alberta since 1990. I distinctly remembered lush green foothills and the base of the Rockies covered in evergreen forest. I was looking forward to seeing all that again.<br />
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As you can see, the view didn't disappoint! As we drove through Canmore, on route to Banff National park, the weather cleared.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ud-_Ef3VAhWoK-ySRK9_EsL8BB5rEPAQHWPj4McuONKvTvJjMHZhlDyEC2BJ48OH4njEdADq1G32Xke7Li3lBzVX9xD3Ylt_mDLX_hBW5RJ9CRBrpDCIhQCAjhfrxgv3eTn7e-9D4Dvk/s1600/2018_Oct_7_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1071" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ud-_Ef3VAhWoK-ySRK9_EsL8BB5rEPAQHWPj4McuONKvTvJjMHZhlDyEC2BJ48OH4njEdADq1G32Xke7Li3lBzVX9xD3Ylt_mDLX_hBW5RJ9CRBrpDCIhQCAjhfrxgv3eTn7e-9D4Dvk/s640/2018_Oct_7_03.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Photo by: renZo Cattoni, Lake Louise</td></tr>
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Quite chilly, yet totally breathtaking.<br />
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Lake Louise was busy - filled with folks from all over the world. Taking lakeside photos, you couldn't help but here all languages spoken in the background. <br />
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Walking off the beaten path here and there, we found so many beautiful vistas. I couldn't stop looking down and taking photos of the plant material too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK87h8D_DwfCpdFdnAf5pm8j6oxkMOtZWgKYyz0MaDk76J8Akevzr9YHo1LwpP7d039bZHwaj0b9Yyh0FZjerWUAV1I6O4Ikn9AcIdaeTMwsWiQZvt9lSPPbJ5h0ss2LmRmCkcG_KF5MI/s1600/2018_Oct_7_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1200" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK87h8D_DwfCpdFdnAf5pm8j6oxkMOtZWgKYyz0MaDk76J8Akevzr9YHo1LwpP7d039bZHwaj0b9Yyh0FZjerWUAV1I6O4Ikn9AcIdaeTMwsWiQZvt9lSPPbJ5h0ss2LmRmCkcG_KF5MI/s640/2018_Oct_7_31.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Photo by: renZo Cattoni</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6niaQ8cw0WNtMzeXUvPrRNzTo0wrSSmOfltWSUfzqKD7ABCrLN55aYEnKkeb01X8_Aeb9mgGbPcM6uK0rfUSlxBAqnqtJwk9P7ucIgfpPcIPBznpjpPoheT6-kOLW8ccVDkcbm9a1Bv02/s1600/2018_Oct_7_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1006" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6niaQ8cw0WNtMzeXUvPrRNzTo0wrSSmOfltWSUfzqKD7ABCrLN55aYEnKkeb01X8_Aeb9mgGbPcM6uK0rfUSlxBAqnqtJwk9P7ucIgfpPcIPBznpjpPoheT6-kOLW8ccVDkcbm9a1Bv02/s640/2018_Oct_7_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Wolly Pussytoes - Antennaria lanata</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop0q2GwdZwIlkgRI2Ls3_uT-551UHO8ODixDIwUdy2K-5b__Jc3Dz60WM5u3hE5Uaq6T-lmwgVJdsuCGxscOuKvYTjlVQjACKU869MuDb3BjHWgRi6TH5EOqR0fVJCVotYAN325cz1sPz/s1600/2018_OCt_7_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop0q2GwdZwIlkgRI2Ls3_uT-551UHO8ODixDIwUdy2K-5b__Jc3Dz60WM5u3hE5Uaq6T-lmwgVJdsuCGxscOuKvYTjlVQjACKU869MuDb3BjHWgRi6TH5EOqR0fVJCVotYAN325cz1sPz/s640/2018_OCt_7_14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Alberta Wild Sunflower</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnj_vNV3GGOq-pWvEHI2ukPclNRmh_wymbHE0wXaeLIVqsjcfotrgJJfg5ieQz8fHLtquncei7dAlTYOcHJ30MkxYu4MOJF2OzBvD7U8svqmKGudOZ_7CJ3XFA1kbY-bISoKl2fxlMowy/s1600/2018_Oct_7_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnj_vNV3GGOq-pWvEHI2ukPclNRmh_wymbHE0wXaeLIVqsjcfotrgJJfg5ieQz8fHLtquncei7dAlTYOcHJ30MkxYu4MOJF2OzBvD7U8svqmKGudOZ_7CJ3XFA1kbY-bISoKl2fxlMowy/s640/2018_Oct_7_10.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
My scope of appreciation stems from the differences between Ontario and Alberta. I loved seeing birch trees clustered - perfectly uniformed. In southern Ontario, you barely see healthy copse of birches in such numbers.<br />
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Our next stop was Writing on Stone Provincial Park. Deciding on where we would go, this park sounded so geographically intriguing, we had to make the trip south. You'd never know it existed until you approached the valley closest to the foothills. We felt we were entering another part of the world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxgLBVULA0b0hqSeQhJj8GW79Ma8o8LCtUDQ2a8XzEzA-XtEXOJLMH-8HybCneKBdxmrknlF-RHLEuSGcr32QIWJ6gMpnsm3nuKJAXgMmfmJDwTzJc9vKBtiuBOCQxeLBsZMRYjXZfMIc/s1600/2018_OCt_7_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxgLBVULA0b0hqSeQhJj8GW79Ma8o8LCtUDQ2a8XzEzA-XtEXOJLMH-8HybCneKBdxmrknlF-RHLEuSGcr32QIWJ6gMpnsm3nuKJAXgMmfmJDwTzJc9vKBtiuBOCQxeLBsZMRYjXZfMIc/s640/2018_OCt_7_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: center;">Photo by: renZo Cattoni</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfXdlyr7_sPrF8Mr819H45BdGz2I5S4wG9SDI149lLGvo-9sF7TuEKww18yW7O9kLK9Vqp6b15k4WN3MCPHG1TNIy-nAeUpQ5wG4uNJbDe08wQO8DOg_5OczC6vbve4312ryexEBCSI6h/s1600/2018_Oct_7_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfXdlyr7_sPrF8Mr819H45BdGz2I5S4wG9SDI149lLGvo-9sF7TuEKww18yW7O9kLK9Vqp6b15k4WN3MCPHG1TNIy-nAeUpQ5wG4uNJbDe08wQO8DOg_5OczC6vbve4312ryexEBCSI6h/s640/2018_Oct_7_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Photo by: renZo Cattoni</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81i8DuqXnjAoOuxv5pnLSnbZ8cdD4kgvhHhgPLFvFmcFLFdPYEdxaaRM1uz9337lUdienOQClRKN0f7GNJIqoEZV9uTOCASUJIb8nKRnA2tAQhUGByYnFhJgDy02KN9RbMlCmVDOTqZzm/s1600/2018_Oct_7_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81i8DuqXnjAoOuxv5pnLSnbZ8cdD4kgvhHhgPLFvFmcFLFdPYEdxaaRM1uz9337lUdienOQClRKN0f7GNJIqoEZV9uTOCASUJIb8nKRnA2tAQhUGByYnFhJgDy02KN9RbMlCmVDOTqZzm/s640/2018_Oct_7_16.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Every other step, you'd find Opuntia cactus. Watch your toes!!! It thrived here! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoqRk6KPAkcdpLCXDG3jJgyTiRLf6eW2ES7rpgFiHQ-rqMmrlftUo8Wq1cqNX-g0cQTMbxfiRcs-fSzPPfFXXF4eb2PWUSdkNXGp9sL4exdyUWO93b8LqWNA4cG0cMq0gj3WCKk6WKVAx/s1600/2018_OCt_7_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1019" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoqRk6KPAkcdpLCXDG3jJgyTiRLf6eW2ES7rpgFiHQ-rqMmrlftUo8Wq1cqNX-g0cQTMbxfiRcs-fSzPPfFXXF4eb2PWUSdkNXGp9sL4exdyUWO93b8LqWNA4cG0cMq0gj3WCKk6WKVAx/s640/2018_OCt_7_19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Salicornia europea Glasswort - unique soil/climate conditions make for unique plant material popping up out of no where.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD6wZv3MLu47-miBmCX0NGz9bsSt1e9loBI6Ynn55aLR9cQ0l5qoiYnHwrasfJCspwEgE1DjrSstdvyIAbbrvsG2TYIjnR9i-9yAGV3eJPs-Q2UAQbf4IuOUeovEAAO1YQOoiQ0cX0n0T/s1600/2018_Oct_7_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD6wZv3MLu47-miBmCX0NGz9bsSt1e9loBI6Ynn55aLR9cQ0l5qoiYnHwrasfJCspwEgE1DjrSstdvyIAbbrvsG2TYIjnR9i-9yAGV3eJPs-Q2UAQbf4IuOUeovEAAO1YQOoiQ0cX0n0T/s640/2018_Oct_7_20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As we were still in the south, we wanted to traverse the southern foothills. No better place to hike than <a href="https://mywaterton.ca/do/wat0CE86C54FA5100578">Waterton Lakes National Park. </a> As we approached the mountains, I was so excited.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-G71RcejlXiRVbNSn7-kye-pchkQdIVYtTFY8slwrbdIoNQe0Epv_z4Lg4BUBFIx54bt4W7k8-qxkLJcGNPNODfprqCnsZlW0oLLDbvPpFCxL3B2qcSihqlkB-I2CS75FEtHllm9l8kz/s1600/2018_Oct_7_32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="1600" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-G71RcejlXiRVbNSn7-kye-pchkQdIVYtTFY8slwrbdIoNQe0Epv_z4Lg4BUBFIx54bt4W7k8-qxkLJcGNPNODfprqCnsZlW0oLLDbvPpFCxL3B2qcSihqlkB-I2CS75FEtHllm9l8kz/s640/2018_Oct_7_32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was ready to ascend and take in the views. We started the hike from Cameron Falls to Bertha lake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGRUm-DUlICZABW5wQd7ktVl_H6R-Yw6EQOhdwiyDqg0sAXyqY5i6UdBp1WCwj0R2tet21qf75gleh-hGT0MS4eAvbSSzTjT6BK2Mq8VCcFuQ8AT_K4giY7TYUYbexIRgOCLt-PI-P2ry/s1600/2018_Oct_7_35.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGRUm-DUlICZABW5wQd7ktVl_H6R-Yw6EQOhdwiyDqg0sAXyqY5i6UdBp1WCwj0R2tet21qf75gleh-hGT0MS4eAvbSSzTjT6BK2Mq8VCcFuQ8AT_K4giY7TYUYbexIRgOCLt-PI-P2ry/s640/2018_Oct_7_35.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Cameron Falls</div>
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As we turned a corner to ascend to Bertha Falls, I went into shock and tears began to well up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOmI6oW7U2Ikp0rS5804tBMx1FUY9BEcNkOJcAwNwQvSf_DviLGnW3vPlk_0UeHPvBIp0VZpy87vfJYMcBo2S7GVYXB2u0Nj556qbKxpe8Wdv9-7tNo9_y7Y4ihfBnzy0RnzmUaqG8I1-/s1600/2018_Oct_7_41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOmI6oW7U2Ikp0rS5804tBMx1FUY9BEcNkOJcAwNwQvSf_DviLGnW3vPlk_0UeHPvBIp0VZpy87vfJYMcBo2S7GVYXB2u0Nj556qbKxpe8Wdv9-7tNo9_y7Y4ihfBnzy0RnzmUaqG8I1-/s640/2018_Oct_7_41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Photo by: renZo Cattoni</td></tr>
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There had been a devastating forest fire in Waterton Lakes National Park in the late summer of 2017. Living in Ontario, I heard various reports of forest fires in 2017 - only to hear of more BC forest fires this summer as well, but it doesn't really sink in until you see its impact close up.<br />
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<a href="http://Global News Footage of the forest fire damage at Waterton Lake National Park"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Amr-2NUdCzI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Amr-2NUdCzI?feature=player_embedded" width="600"></iframe></a></div>
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<a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/3765808/mother-nature-will-restore-waterton-forest-after-wildfire-but-it-could-take-decades-expert/" style="text-align: start;">Global News Footage of the forest fire damage at Waterton Lake National Park</a></div>
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This was the map we looked up as we left Waterton Lakes. So much of the park was closed off. We didn't realize the full impact of the fire.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;">
Courtesy of Parks Canada - Important Bulletins (Sept 2018)</div>
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Hiking over 10km to Bertha Falls and then on to Bertha Lake, we witnessed such damage and charred remains. I really had a hard time in absorbing the view. With every step looking up, all you saw was blackness.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Photo by: renZo Cattoni</td></tr>
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I pushed forward, only with the hope to see a great lake at the top. Thankfully we arrived at Bertha Falls - only to see it had been untouched by the fires. The water and falls helped to preserve the trees close by. We were relieved to see this pocket remain preserved through the charred devastation.<br />
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Bertha Falls</div>
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We continued to ascend, looking down with each step and within the ashes - LIFE appeared. It had been exactly one year since the forest fire ripped through ridge towards Bertha Lake. Reemerging through the soot and blackness was life. A different form of flora, but nonetheless green.<br />
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Fireweed, which only emerges after a forest fire.<br />
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The sadness I felt left. Evidence of renewal and adaptation was all around.<br />
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The park ranger we spoke when we left, mentioned botanists were taking records of plant species they had not seen on the mountain for over 50 years.<br />
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Makes me think about life. Our lives. We have ups and downs and through the mud and mire, we take the good and the bad. Sometimes, out of the bleakest and darkest times, hope springs eternal and a new beginning takes place.<br />
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The hike became a more and more healing for my spirit.<br />
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If it were not for the charred tree remains:<br />
<ul>
<li>I would not of seen Clark Range or any of the other valleys/ridges from our ascent. </li>
<li>I would not of seen the wildlife and butterflies that were dotting all about. </li>
<li>I wouldn't of paid attention to each tree trunk and it's beautiful bark peeling. </li>
<li>I would not of seen Fireweed in it's full glory. </li>
<li>I wouldn't of seen the various wild flowers popping out of no where. </li>
<li>I would of not seen animal tracks and birds flying around. </li>
</ul>
Life carried on and survived - flourishing in a different capacity. The evergreens may have gone, but it was far from dead. It was STARTING OVER.<br />
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Many words of wisdom flooded my memories and my faith gave me words to remember: "God takes our ashes and gives us Beauty". This was made abundantly clear. <br />
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There is hope.<br />
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The summit didn't disappoint. The best part: Bertha Lake and the surrounding trees escaped the fire and we saw nothing but preserved ground. It was euphoric and so wonderful to witness and see this untouched oasis.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: center;">Photo by: renZo Cattoni</span></td></tr>
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Alberta has a lot to offer:<br />
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From the Coulees...<br />
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to the foothills and snowy peaks...<br />
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Alberta is amazingly beautiful!<br />
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So grateful for the memories, experiences and photos to share.<br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-13892428697584196802018-07-15T07:28:00.002-07:002018-07-15T07:28:56.735-07:00Rose Gall - Diplolepis rosaeWatering my garden this morning, I noticed yellowing leaves on my Rosa glauca. A sign of heat stress. Yet, as I looked closer, I saw a mossy mass which I've only ever seen once before.<br />
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I knew this is a rose gall, but I wasn't sure what was causing this gall. Galls can 'grow' on all sorts of plants. Sometimes it's a sign that the plant is stressed.<br />
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I took my secateurs and cut the gall off with two sets of leaves at the base of the gall.<br />
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Mossy hard mass. Really cool.<br />
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Took my secateurs and cut the gall in half. Found several larvae in sections. Each within their own chamber.<br />
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They are in fact larvae from a wasp.<br />
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Non-native - an European introduction called: <i><b>Diplolepis rosae.</b></i><br />
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The most fascinating aspect is: how the heck did they get in there?<br />
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Adult wasps lay eggs on the plant and once a larva hatches, it begins to feed on leaf bud tissue, and an amazing process begins. The host plant is stimulated somehow with the feeding, where cells from the surrounding tissue multiply, adding layers of tissue - forming this gall. The larvae within, creates a microhabitat, where not only they are protected and housed, but the chambers they indwell also become their food source. A hotel with room service, if you will.<br />
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Pretty cool.<br />
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However, since it's an non-native intruder, I squished the gall and disposed of it. Removing and destroying it may sound harsh, but doing so before the gall dries out and the wasps emerge, will help to reduce the infestation. I fear if we don't handle these invaders properly, they will take over and cause major issues down the road. <br />
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Neat eh?<br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-83806600628483665872018-06-30T20:25:00.000-07:002018-07-01T07:15:13.838-07:00Creeping Jenny Eaten By Sawfly LarvaeWhat's eating my Creeping Jenny?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DjoUTnkPhyphenhyphenhHOCGsgcynB-1EwKj5ZexMiqB3gpQ27zcPNOkwoZufZYiZjtka7BPx2O8rELtW3i69YRBN22bCiyRx-TDc74KLn0vUlx_HhN8XGTDOST3UBEl8cyZUGqrxfPqb4TcSsal9/s1600/2018_June_30_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1200" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DjoUTnkPhyphenhyphenhHOCGsgcynB-1EwKj5ZexMiqB3gpQ27zcPNOkwoZufZYiZjtka7BPx2O8rELtW3i69YRBN22bCiyRx-TDc74KLn0vUlx_HhN8XGTDOST3UBEl8cyZUGqrxfPqb4TcSsal9/s640/2018_June_30_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'), is a staple in any garden. Used as a perennial ground cover or trailer for containers and hanging baskets - it grows in sun or shade.<br />
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So when I walked through the garden this morning, something was awry. I noticed foliage had been eaten; nearly every leaf was damaged.<br />
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On closer inspection, these <b><i>Monostegia abdominalis</i></b> larvae were happily munching away. Grrrr.<br />
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Great, here's another alien insect, reeking havoc in Ontario. Another introduction from Europe we don't need.<br />
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These "caterpillars" are in fact sawfly larvae. Check out this link by <a href="https://blogs.k-state.edu/kansasbugs/2015/05/01/caterpillars-and-sawflies/">Kansas State University</a> to see the difference. <br />
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In total, I collected 23 from this one spot.<br />
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They are known to feed on foliage within the Loosestrife family of plants, which Creeping Jenny Lysimachia is classified under.<br />
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No spraying necessary, it took me no more than 4 minutes to gather them. They are quite easy to find as their silver/grey coating is a great contrast to the lime green foliage. Do Note: once you touch them, they coil and drop off the leaves. They are known to have 2-3 life cycles per season. These came out in late June, so keep checking your plants for any other generation that may come 'calling'!<br />
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One bonus, they became a great snack for our Koi fish in the pond.<br />
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Here's Wikipedia's taxonomy description: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monostegia">Monostegia abdominalis </a><br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-83688966277671137272018-06-22T14:12:00.000-07:002018-06-22T14:12:38.634-07:00Tree Sweaters - Yarn BombingThis post may not have true horticultural content, but I felt compelled to share.<br />
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I usually have many distractions walking downtown Toronto. There's so much to take in. Like today, I couldn't help but notice colourful, eye catching sweaters adorning tree trunks. Well, not actually sweaters, but crocheted/knitted items that were wrapped around trunks.</div>
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I must say, they are quite creative.<br />
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Some are simply granny squares, colourfully designed...<br />
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...others are whacky characters.</div>
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They certainly took a lot of time and effort to make. They also made many a passer by smile.<br />
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Part of me giggled, enjoyed and appreciated the effort and the skill the artist(s) demonstrated.</div>
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Part of me worries about what may lurk under these yard bombing sweaters. You can be certain, many insects nest and hide beneath these crocheted items. I checked. I found earwigs, pill bugs and two egg sacks. That and moisture are not a good combination for the health of the tree. If the yarn stayed sopping wet, it would be the equivalent of wearing a bandaid around your finger all the time. Not the best way to preserve the tree's health.</div>
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I'm divided. I would say depending on the type of crocheted/knitted stitch, I think there could be a happy middle ground. The more air that a tree trunk receives the better. The more the community engages with trees, the better - as I hope this "art" achieves. </div>
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To the artist - well done, but make sure you keep the best interest of the trees in mind first before any other intention.</div>
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What do you think?</div>
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Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-75087617537366116452018-05-16T18:58:00.000-07:002018-05-16T18:58:12.235-07:00Living Walls - UpdateI was hoping to be pleasantly surprised when visiting this living wall again. It has been nearly 4 months since I last stopped to take a look. Here is my last post to refresh your memory: <a href="http://www.heidihorticulture.com/2018/01/living-walls-still-not-sure.html">Living Walls - Still Not Sure...</a><br />
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My hunch was correct. A slow state of decline is apparent.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiu9UBNVyzVLMx1g_IWxPkm38y1xLpv4OoJFtMkJ4ijR3RUdGOKs_52uKyZFmVJOVnVOhz6v_7egR94L-6hlYxdKBocaxXU8K0YL8oAl8n0SJ5z-UKZc9gbSRIKkwAx9Rm1EChkmjICSUr/s1600/2018_May_15_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiu9UBNVyzVLMx1g_IWxPkm38y1xLpv4OoJFtMkJ4ijR3RUdGOKs_52uKyZFmVJOVnVOhz6v_7egR94L-6hlYxdKBocaxXU8K0YL8oAl8n0SJ5z-UKZc9gbSRIKkwAx9Rm1EChkmjICSUr/s640/2018_May_15_01.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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Lots of yellowing foliage is seen in various spots.<br />
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Simple care plants like Philodendrons even yellowing is not a good sign.<br />
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Large pockets of missing plants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9BIo8k57gCl48_j0wdQyvHhm8wwcN51iUFzrRtAcpKgSSdFK3RL5H3IRCjQg7dqHOtbJDWcdOcKFPIPJjSQVe0TCuZ_bpsgE0z3HKtFkcjJaStVSU8jgZSCSgv-5k0_y-Tu6SoZGREhj/s1600/2018_May_15_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9BIo8k57gCl48_j0wdQyvHhm8wwcN51iUFzrRtAcpKgSSdFK3RL5H3IRCjQg7dqHOtbJDWcdOcKFPIPJjSQVe0TCuZ_bpsgE0z3HKtFkcjJaStVSU8jgZSCSgv-5k0_y-Tu6SoZGREhj/s640/2018_May_15_04.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBGMCl91vD5i_0cLpptH1u5NS7Vh2G8y5kcbRawN7TrzNOcTpYqVHqAQZg5syZCmLRiPitCTfoUCrM3nL_N3lWqE_P_067xjI-Ub5hSNAJkRBVtrVHllepaoBK9XWCg8-l_p0TeImKhvX/s1600/2018_may_15_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBGMCl91vD5i_0cLpptH1u5NS7Vh2G8y5kcbRawN7TrzNOcTpYqVHqAQZg5syZCmLRiPitCTfoUCrM3nL_N3lWqE_P_067xjI-Ub5hSNAJkRBVtrVHllepaoBK9XWCg8-l_p0TeImKhvX/s640/2018_may_15_05.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Dieffenbachia plants struggling...it's so sad.<br />
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Well, I hate to report such a sorry state, but like I mentioned in my original post: living walls require attention and constant care. Great idea - but to say it takes minimal maintenance, the evidence proves otherwise.<br />
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Be sure if you decide upon installing one, to invest in a maintenance routine that creates great results.<br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-5598436181923996472018-05-08T14:39:00.000-07:002018-05-08T14:39:53.338-07:00Evergreens Falling Over in Wind StormIf only my phone camera could have captured as many fallen evergreens as my eyes have seen in the last 4 days.<br />
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The GTA suffered from a serious wind storm that took shingles off roof tops, toppled limbs off of trees and uprooted many a tree within my neighbourhood.<br />
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This is our neighbour's Spruce. Two limbs went straight into their back window. It could of been so much worse!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r5-PQV7f4sk6_sK77Ta4zPJIIjRet-KHrFRqK_d_9-XL0QO1x6PUKTPdJzeRea7nxVCZLYsWWu-WiogJCzfM5EvkBM5BEYPDmkOfXcwy1BcchWjehC3VFujWAitd4JIaYfH21wjR826L/s1600/2018_May_08_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r5-PQV7f4sk6_sK77Ta4zPJIIjRet-KHrFRqK_d_9-XL0QO1x6PUKTPdJzeRea7nxVCZLYsWWu-WiogJCzfM5EvkBM5BEYPDmkOfXcwy1BcchWjehC3VFujWAitd4JIaYfH21wjR826L/s640/2018_May_08_01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A common denominator that I've noticed: each had their limbs lifted to quite a height off the ground.</div>
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I get it - folks want to have clearance and to enjoy perhaps shade or what not under the tree. But doing this practice isn't encouraging optimum plant health.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3C9eSuvyCgWK9a02V1ZRFMsscLzC7PZ6gR1V0v7CBIbfBa-eC7MXFEsZkJH2XU7jVAozCU6Q7U3s6_VYejGDgfSfgB_0EpFi12jOfWeGhL7yN-gBPtgS4dCMKLdD0oa8sY4FmM79JfHt/s1600/2018_May_08_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3C9eSuvyCgWK9a02V1ZRFMsscLzC7PZ6gR1V0v7CBIbfBa-eC7MXFEsZkJH2XU7jVAozCU6Q7U3s6_VYejGDgfSfgB_0EpFi12jOfWeGhL7yN-gBPtgS4dCMKLdD0oa8sY4FmM79JfHt/s640/2018_May_08_02.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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These evergreen trees aren't supposed to have growth and branches only on the top 1/2 to 3/4 of the tree.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv1IEdB_wGp9fCLK1IIoPb4lxYbKNN9wiedoCPDFds5obZ6ybRG3lL21AaMLZtOjdctrOKkBIhljyOm1IHuviXKpoqUT6kjY4p6tNCB2Re6RVzKpjR1gyqG0oienBjWL3cqKxiadd6LUA/s1600/2018_May_08_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv1IEdB_wGp9fCLK1IIoPb4lxYbKNN9wiedoCPDFds5obZ6ybRG3lL21AaMLZtOjdctrOKkBIhljyOm1IHuviXKpoqUT6kjY4p6tNCB2Re6RVzKpjR1gyqG0oienBjWL3cqKxiadd6LUA/s640/2018_May_08_03.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Removing the branches from the bottom half, makes the above growth act as a sail of sorts - which puts added pressure at the base of the tree. Once you remove the branches, foot traffic at the base of these pruned evergreens just compacts the soil and allows the base to dry out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoy4EfBSMmB1tn-Cqt4tgp9tjTSIzRM31DL-HUi2O22evvXhdvPOr-wDGKKCVUHQXWVJlbmuQw6x3j3g6aD6HFIgOY_nZJNtn6t319iuNPnw3UwkKgS-oo8pQi4LY2779J1iTpb90RPhcY/s1600/2018_may_08_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoy4EfBSMmB1tn-Cqt4tgp9tjTSIzRM31DL-HUi2O22evvXhdvPOr-wDGKKCVUHQXWVJlbmuQw6x3j3g6aD6HFIgOY_nZJNtn6t319iuNPnw3UwkKgS-oo8pQi4LY2779J1iTpb90RPhcY/s640/2018_may_08_05.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Evergreens should have a "skirt" to protect the root mass below and to shield the trunk from heavy winds.</div>
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Trees pruned like the ones above have no defence mechanism to bear the weight and force of wind.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC63pXSFWH9VHnUOubzDcZrc1jZ2_BACZ_DpLAYSaIXqlPnYpOTvpnDY_GMDyOtobACu7KyYYQ6NXkPhdRkFe41U_5aN5GMY25SA2O46XpX5uMQAtIYx7Yyvc_4Aet5QEHEM2VNBjwqi66/s1600/2018_May_08_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1167" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC63pXSFWH9VHnUOubzDcZrc1jZ2_BACZ_DpLAYSaIXqlPnYpOTvpnDY_GMDyOtobACu7KyYYQ6NXkPhdRkFe41U_5aN5GMY25SA2O46XpX5uMQAtIYx7Yyvc_4Aet5QEHEM2VNBjwqi66/s640/2018_May_08_06.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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The skirt protects the base of the tree from drying out. Needles, fall cast and cones are nature's own mulch. They help keep moisture locked in, enabling the tree to flourish despite drought conditions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8NaEYfz6njZdeIoYFz3IDdpZmsLOEmoDignNP-8Qwu0VZBSekGFVoJK3GgJ4elhKdSvsEYZ3KsF0-tqgGxMRIpvrsSwbGcFcK8ETAWGLgmnQhiGO7j0x29j_IMSGoGFKKZOf4YvwPiZG/s1600/2018_May_08_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8NaEYfz6njZdeIoYFz3IDdpZmsLOEmoDignNP-8Qwu0VZBSekGFVoJK3GgJ4elhKdSvsEYZ3KsF0-tqgGxMRIpvrsSwbGcFcK8ETAWGLgmnQhiGO7j0x29j_IMSGoGFKKZOf4YvwPiZG/s640/2018_May_08_08.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
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The wind flows all the way around the tree as apposed to through it when trees have a skirt. This stabilizes the tree and keeps it at bay.</div>
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So if you're interested in planting an evergreen, give it ample space to sprawl out and allow it to spread to its natural width and breadth. Don't limb it up and park your car close by.</div>
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Or, you'll have a hefty arborist bill awaiting the next time we have one of these storms.</div>
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Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-66512650376592696932018-04-15T12:37:00.001-07:002018-04-15T12:37:23.282-07:00Spring Ice Storm 2018 - Garden WoesThis isn't the first time I've experienced snow/ice in mid-spring.<br />
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I have recollections of snow falling in May. Global climate change may be a factor but I think this is just a strange meteorological blip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBYzlPp3PXEeFWKivv94_h41_yrgjSYuCOQuDaTg94J1GKVLWMKpj6oAfg8rdCWMmWAK52lc9IP54Mp9keZNBUm1tWfU9T3N7QKu0sv4Q3bbzL9Z-WGADnr8E0qck1ZFLU6lCZY6jsAon/s1600/2018_ApriL15_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="1600" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBYzlPp3PXEeFWKivv94_h41_yrgjSYuCOQuDaTg94J1GKVLWMKpj6oAfg8rdCWMmWAK52lc9IP54Mp9keZNBUm1tWfU9T3N7QKu0sv4Q3bbzL9Z-WGADnr8E0qck1ZFLU6lCZY6jsAon/s640/2018_ApriL15_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our gardens are covered in little ice pellets.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG__AXOm8qX_BTfT_3mCSr7QrPPGfeEkvDlINBekh8keOBA5Bi-kYjkCSq1LhGewogo1RO9FIKDKn4cLEUZ14AZaysV9FDIPbMLzGzfGySuw5QomQOp56RtbqWYep7fvHNIvmWMUDDs00Y/s1600/2018_april_15_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1500" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG__AXOm8qX_BTfT_3mCSr7QrPPGfeEkvDlINBekh8keOBA5Bi-kYjkCSq1LhGewogo1RO9FIKDKn4cLEUZ14AZaysV9FDIPbMLzGzfGySuw5QomQOp56RtbqWYep7fvHNIvmWMUDDs00Y/s640/2018_april_15_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nonetheless, not to fret. I post this as friends have contacted me worried about what they should do with the garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4acexLlR6pqg3RSNwysFZ93F7xK6awVFnzb8myEFphxoSEkhnYJrF-y_Dox0W37b7UlTJbiI8BsO17XpeTEBWw71KxLgBVyCgVXplKZiEFzsSozSXu1oxBRU_YBck1YhnZLaBu8m_0zx/s1600/2018_April_15_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4acexLlR6pqg3RSNwysFZ93F7xK6awVFnzb8myEFphxoSEkhnYJrF-y_Dox0W37b7UlTJbiI8BsO17XpeTEBWw71KxLgBVyCgVXplKZiEFzsSozSXu1oxBRU_YBck1YhnZLaBu8m_0zx/s640/2018_April_15_01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The interesting fact is: snow and ice are great insulators as long as the ice coating around the foliage and flowers will thaw in a day or so. It's the CO<sub style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">2 </sub>concentration that remains in the cell structure of the plant that is more worrisome.<br />
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Citrus growers and fruit farms use sprinkler systems to ward off heavy frost damage.<br />
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Ice is a good thing. Frost isn't.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj742WyOmXFNt_W2pFlPaN5gJfm3SJm1AsP3slz6DuqPX8B4rfQYetAgRzebph4zj_hkg2og0P9lHy2wC_6makajpLM7Ikw9WmmY14LmBj3TxSnWql4tr24KJAZXkp4P2abjmNZeAji00c1/s1600/2018_April_15_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj742WyOmXFNt_W2pFlPaN5gJfm3SJm1AsP3slz6DuqPX8B4rfQYetAgRzebph4zj_hkg2og0P9lHy2wC_6makajpLM7Ikw9WmmY14LmBj3TxSnWql4tr24KJAZXkp4P2abjmNZeAji00c1/s640/2018_April_15_06.jpg" width="610" /></a></div>
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Ice insulates as it prevents cell tissues from bursting or getting damaged from frost - frigid below -0°C temperatures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxISNGzhmdxVAW9qYhBJyBBv5pwYtDiIzAAPjlYx2tZqr0PHqIDhCjbLT7MZV5-izMBezk3AHHwuk0URURGHJCR_zqWXFBTvnMmwa-8LC_sZHdsg-P-WpXl8nVVY-Tf1KwGrWXrkDdwObs/s1600/2018_April_15_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1296" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxISNGzhmdxVAW9qYhBJyBBv5pwYtDiIzAAPjlYx2tZqr0PHqIDhCjbLT7MZV5-izMBezk3AHHwuk0URURGHJCR_zqWXFBTvnMmwa-8LC_sZHdsg-P-WpXl8nVVY-Tf1KwGrWXrkDdwObs/s640/2018_April_15_05.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
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As the ice rain pelts down, I continue to read the weather reports indicating the ice rain will turn into just rain later this evening. That's a good thing. Temps are to go up to 7°C. It will melt quickly. Hoping for the best and looking forward to seeing how resilient my bulbs/plants are.<br />
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#whereareyouspring ?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" /></a></div>
<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-61086025150338425552018-03-31T13:36:00.000-07:002018-04-02T07:05:30.131-07:00Garden Inspiration - Collaging Sometimes the length of the winter just drags on....all I want to do is dig in the garden.<br />
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Over the years I have collected many gardening magazines and if I were to have kept them all, I'd have to buy a bigger house to store them. Instead, I cut out memorable snip-its of what caught my attention for the moment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYlCPFzRZoAmupTAwqMjlpkdnLbgkWv4XsPD1_UqYiPcXeqU8hpRHs-HUfIiZEK74qzF8YJpDRbMKE-UMaOCj6IqonsuLVhh0KNAWRMDCgIHDmAp_fwoKx0m8kg7LoKkne1ihZUIvj9Ho/s1600/2018_March_30_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYlCPFzRZoAmupTAwqMjlpkdnLbgkWv4XsPD1_UqYiPcXeqU8hpRHs-HUfIiZEK74qzF8YJpDRbMKE-UMaOCj6IqonsuLVhh0KNAWRMDCgIHDmAp_fwoKx0m8kg7LoKkne1ihZUIvj9Ho/s640/2018_March_30_01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Collecting them for ages, I have seen how my tastes have changed and how much I have learned over the years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszQGg_TKZ6PnL0UqDp4LfXjBPhNK8YPkkgkXg64v6qDM9f3XZaI9cmlze__ABfOBdIIrL2ql2U7HJqCZkC20LvnHCZHbEwlVg_ilRa1PMQ9OW6hDnpzA3uC1u_XzGver-tw3RChpR8DKW/s1600/2018_March_30_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszQGg_TKZ6PnL0UqDp4LfXjBPhNK8YPkkgkXg64v6qDM9f3XZaI9cmlze__ABfOBdIIrL2ql2U7HJqCZkC20LvnHCZHbEwlVg_ilRa1PMQ9OW6hDnpzA3uC1u_XzGver-tw3RChpR8DKW/s640/2018_March_30_02.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsn5DCCwyU6ImkkzXVpJY8fVlAlHE55688mVyt25GYmDk-BgF1BOvqRmB4a27T7VPSO3bWzKXzU9_e9oUexzCXR-V9L4eXSs5ow6KqF0oLK8ln4iumX0yZ2BKtZilx_g05Tfl9H2GYqxvg/s1600/2018_March_30_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsn5DCCwyU6ImkkzXVpJY8fVlAlHE55688mVyt25GYmDk-BgF1BOvqRmB4a27T7VPSO3bWzKXzU9_e9oUexzCXR-V9L4eXSs5ow6KqF0oLK8ln4iumX0yZ2BKtZilx_g05Tfl9H2GYqxvg/s640/2018_March_30_03.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The easiest way to get started is being organized. I have categorized items based on colour and based on my knowledge of plant requirements. Groupings: sun vs shade conditions, garden designs, specific cultivars and contrasting colours. This way arranging photos is simplified.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukxceW65bDp5EaiIuE_CJ_zjXpRkCX5jI4LLzi_K3m1hi4NbZHU7_yxe-X-6oLgJbN1tjtWtoWDXGHsPjyUXCAxfdNOHMCD3k_0FohbyeCeFW12wZkjX3heaMQjkZacvq6ezbG25ND-VY/s1600/2018_March_30_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukxceW65bDp5EaiIuE_CJ_zjXpRkCX5jI4LLzi_K3m1hi4NbZHU7_yxe-X-6oLgJbN1tjtWtoWDXGHsPjyUXCAxfdNOHMCD3k_0FohbyeCeFW12wZkjX3heaMQjkZacvq6ezbG25ND-VY/s640/2018_March_30_10.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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Beginning with a blank canvas, I just arrange plant photos, laying them out on the page - rearranging until they click. I have come up with many plant combinations this way. Complete garden inspiration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNtqCpuJ9ePclKdArMh8S-1n8iY2wIikYgEXxH7_2KRvfhxBVozCy_Ss6ji0Pr2WDXL8fNODEcObIogb4R9mB1aukNFGSTXzsh9v-sAkx6gXKe8ObxEYrRBL7OwSMgNQTyngzFEZkb91B/s1600/2018_March_30_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNtqCpuJ9ePclKdArMh8S-1n8iY2wIikYgEXxH7_2KRvfhxBVozCy_Ss6ji0Pr2WDXL8fNODEcObIogb4R9mB1aukNFGSTXzsh9v-sAkx6gXKe8ObxEYrRBL7OwSMgNQTyngzFEZkb91B/s640/2018_March_30_04.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I go back to the collage scrapbook each winter and engage in arrangements, plant variations and it refreshes my love for gardening every time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjmzET4lGBc-uTeu2eogfTM1T-HlB2-PLQDx5PV-orsfEsdv4SUAj6GUfClS_1hSOiBOM3D2znT-MhkEM7IiLFR3DNbXps-UX9Qxz3-02xflV_gwxuvxZ0FlOmRXqmZed7FTzHcNwG98X/s1600/2018_march_30_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1200" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjmzET4lGBc-uTeu2eogfTM1T-HlB2-PLQDx5PV-orsfEsdv4SUAj6GUfClS_1hSOiBOM3D2znT-MhkEM7IiLFR3DNbXps-UX9Qxz3-02xflV_gwxuvxZ0FlOmRXqmZed7FTzHcNwG98X/s640/2018_march_30_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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By doing this, you find plant cultivars that catch your eye and help you remember them for any future gardening plans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcVRhheRCfCp8OMdAsAoTxcqxeAbkIPxxR6zGLKe4jWBuJB-UvMQYfMReMzWzsO-mSli9HjU81yoWS-Wm3WiU0MjE1Rdu115HHyLFHIFzRlsTou2morswWH6SkMNMnzOHXeZoAX8RL4Sa/s1600/2018_march_30_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1193" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcVRhheRCfCp8OMdAsAoTxcqxeAbkIPxxR6zGLKe4jWBuJB-UvMQYfMReMzWzsO-mSli9HjU81yoWS-Wm3WiU0MjE1Rdu115HHyLFHIFzRlsTou2morswWH6SkMNMnzOHXeZoAX8RL4Sa/s640/2018_march_30_09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pure eye candy for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi096MP1t_peI7IH6LVmCHdecjNDtpdxQUP1uSszA9Ac85eFDRImVr2qiFw2itmXWmKjqGI4gk79T8sj2FJ6drlXQpsDxquDq0zKn2JaJqHogmQoUA2fm17wvAtbrAggcbL6JQhm8YFRGkK/s1600/2018_March_30_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1573" data-original-width="1173" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi096MP1t_peI7IH6LVmCHdecjNDtpdxQUP1uSszA9Ac85eFDRImVr2qiFw2itmXWmKjqGI4gk79T8sj2FJ6drlXQpsDxquDq0zKn2JaJqHogmQoUA2fm17wvAtbrAggcbL6JQhm8YFRGkK/s640/2018_March_30_07.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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I get so engulfed in arranging that I lose all track of time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aEUS7odQMnSi_s2Y90GFeIjPGdxg5FrQO7jMpKMaj4QUbNMHZuOpzdOqLf9XBUaZOV3_5ZPyd4Rcqz4sfmgqrwLURPvK_zWAdehGPq1uZyfVr8OksWhIk2PEJh_I2bGgHXRbAtiZEaH5/s1600/2018_March_30_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aEUS7odQMnSi_s2Y90GFeIjPGdxg5FrQO7jMpKMaj4QUbNMHZuOpzdOqLf9XBUaZOV3_5ZPyd4Rcqz4sfmgqrwLURPvK_zWAdehGPq1uZyfVr8OksWhIk2PEJh_I2bGgHXRbAtiZEaH5/s640/2018_March_30_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the spring, I keep it as a invaluable resource for gardening ideas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU6Zsfhz4hMLm4afCXW5SyKX2foVg4KXMpZh0IwBrARWTUE7znzFoPbR_ZTMWzetb_b-FU00tktJa3vzQJroX_YddyCUDJVixI5KAWjWtnris6Tvt8ap3om9R9jwSTDb_6gJlMGSnQ-VZ/s1600/2018_March_30_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU6Zsfhz4hMLm4afCXW5SyKX2foVg4KXMpZh0IwBrARWTUE7znzFoPbR_ZTMWzetb_b-FU00tktJa3vzQJroX_YddyCUDJVixI5KAWjWtnris6Tvt8ap3om9R9jwSTDb_6gJlMGSnQ-VZ/s640/2018_March_30_06.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
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It's a great way to recycle old gardening magazines and it keeps me inspired. Try it yourself!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" /></a></div>
Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-43490150332374286382018-01-27T13:28:00.002-08:002018-05-16T18:59:57.655-07:00Living Walls - Still not sure...When I first came across a sample of an indoor living wall 2 years ago, I thought - that's awesome! But now... well, I'm still not sure of their environmental value. I truly like the concept, but reality hits when you see the project months later after it's been installed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPYTtoB3io4bSgRO9XSSN6EQrMS350FYZugGIIqLUs12lSKvE1ba9fhopBl8sHLJlQydCjS4owTjPwVmlJqccmSgOkRODpahjfahDvmk_T5peSY_g51ubbcJigihRUOImkWCx_Y-YVnPh/s1600/2018_Jan_27_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1292" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPYTtoB3io4bSgRO9XSSN6EQrMS350FYZugGIIqLUs12lSKvE1ba9fhopBl8sHLJlQydCjS4owTjPwVmlJqccmSgOkRODpahjfahDvmk_T5peSY_g51ubbcJigihRUOImkWCx_Y-YVnPh/s640/2018_Jan_27_01.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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This week, whilst waiting for a colleague, I had the privilege of being able to examine this living wall up close. For a few minutes or so, I examined how the plants were arranged and even helped them along, with some TLC; removing dead leaves and repotting two that were popping up from the trough container. To say the plants were thriving, well, some were and others not. I couldn't help but intervene on the behalf of those plants struggling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIqo56dPDr7-kMeLJuOdQ8ImyhlswM7m7NOm-sf7SynJ26CNp5OmYBmefel0JFLxr_OgRu51_uPCSP_7_iIS40qVE15hH0EikoDmziDt4Wcv_X1rUSxCghCvy1TPZPrpS7lhXuHgTkpIw/s1600/2018_Jan_27_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIqo56dPDr7-kMeLJuOdQ8ImyhlswM7m7NOm-sf7SynJ26CNp5OmYBmefel0JFLxr_OgRu51_uPCSP_7_iIS40qVE15hH0EikoDmziDt4Wcv_X1rUSxCghCvy1TPZPrpS7lhXuHgTkpIw/s640/2018_Jan_27_02.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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From what I have read about living walls, they range in cost of $95-300 per square foot. I wonder if living walls will gain more popularity, given their expense. I guarantee, maintenance is key to their success and that won't come cheap either. I can foresee many plants will need replacing time and again. Then there is the cost of the water pump, grow lights and growing mediums...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gT0qGwFr_myNF3iEvVf7v_f2q0GmXtz5wWnIMh7z8NxChvjvJUNPT2aB8n6QN6KSzlweFPl2NapERuYOWOeCne-_MPRUThyphenhyphenWiWAER4-ZLtvd4E-x_HEoiA7KsQZyyxzcJE4XgeMHbbqh/s1600/2018_jan_27_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1022" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gT0qGwFr_myNF3iEvVf7v_f2q0GmXtz5wWnIMh7z8NxChvjvJUNPT2aB8n6QN6KSzlweFPl2NapERuYOWOeCne-_MPRUThyphenhyphenWiWAER4-ZLtvd4E-x_HEoiA7KsQZyyxzcJE4XgeMHbbqh/s640/2018_jan_27_04.jpg" width="408" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Each plant is situated in a trough container, angled towards the light. A mixture of gritty compound is placed in each trough where roots feed off of water and nutrients/fertilizer.</span></td></tr>
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On the positive side, I will admit - it certainly is a conversation starter. It is a welcomed sight to those of us that have green thumbs working in confined spaces. It does have a tranquil sound coming from the oscillating water. For this, you cannot quantify its beneficial attributes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF5N7FUiYgtk6nPYzTOgEeGa3oSceSXZX_vCGF_5e8GyBjXFTacHSs4aMM0ipFGjNrBRaOiVfY1OWk9hfSvg1Kne4QgvWHKpTv5G43BLYOtCoT2yJggePDlaoxP8Jp2OHnkdf8UVGnwB6/s1600/2018_Jan_27_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1018" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF5N7FUiYgtk6nPYzTOgEeGa3oSceSXZX_vCGF_5e8GyBjXFTacHSs4aMM0ipFGjNrBRaOiVfY1OWk9hfSvg1Kne4QgvWHKpTv5G43BLYOtCoT2yJggePDlaoxP8Jp2OHnkdf8UVGnwB6/s640/2018_Jan_27_03.jpg" width="406" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ferns placed at the bottom, as they require less light.</span></td></tr>
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The fact that this wall requires added grow lights, makes me wonder if it's in the right location or whether it should be moved closer to a better natural light source. It can't be that cost affective. And what happens when the walled unit parts break down or material needs replacing? Is this something we have to think about for the future? Is it recyclable? At least regular flower pots are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4fsQfO22QcwtC629rhCWqHC9KOPCURNggt9zjeMkyodhmTJc_BXqOJTvdDC-CXckBedu49aj-NczGjrrllbjBLjLV_YhAHm6PyEDRO5cRrCswTsOyWVSS0YGj1kGLYqJ7l7Gd3Z8VFju/s1600/2018_Jan_27_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="1579" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4fsQfO22QcwtC629rhCWqHC9KOPCURNggt9zjeMkyodhmTJc_BXqOJTvdDC-CXckBedu49aj-NczGjrrllbjBLjLV_YhAHm6PyEDRO5cRrCswTsOyWVSS0YGj1kGLYqJ7l7Gd3Z8VFju/s640/2018_Jan_27_05.jpg" width="632" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mixture of Philodendron vines, dwarf Spathiphyllums, Hoyas, Ferns and Dieffenbachia make a textured green wall of interest. </span></td></tr>
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Nonetheless, I realize I camp too often on practicality. I have to remember: it is a far better view a living wall like this, rather than a brick wall.<br />
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Hopefully people will be drawn to it and be encouraged to grow plants at home or in their office.<br />
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Will update later in the year, to see how this living wall comes along.<br />
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Please see my updated post: <a href="http://www.heidihorticulture.com/2018/05/living-walls-update.html">Living Walls - Update</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-80404563212167782232017-12-31T14:15:00.001-08:002018-04-02T07:05:31.241-07:00In The Bleak MidWinter - Not Bleak At All...Yes, IT'S COLD! But let's be thankful!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialIZn4iAyBv8aZgbh6ciGpUEgLsEyG4l3xGylSE2e2_lisKCCnpwhGqcT-8clGsu_AJ7XssSJ305H2ynT8j8lYWh7bMC-LDbt1EFpq9nJX7ga7dknqF0JfW_pksjEwvmgBxVBJ1w9QU7m/s1600/2017_Dec_31_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1269" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialIZn4iAyBv8aZgbh6ciGpUEgLsEyG4l3xGylSE2e2_lisKCCnpwhGqcT-8clGsu_AJ7XssSJ305H2ynT8j8lYWh7bMC-LDbt1EFpq9nJX7ga7dknqF0JfW_pksjEwvmgBxVBJ1w9QU7m/s640/2017_Dec_31_10.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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We had a true white Christmas! You can hardly tell we made up our winter planters with greens - the snow depth has been really great!<br />
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Southern Ontario and pretty much all the northern portions of Canada are experiencing a deep freeze.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQS_UYilgbvZrA1c78OWA9_d_5qbxgibSOhaTPRllQNcoOFjgwR-PThRHLUbZUCGbFZRzKBGeyCurz0fOAI-OMTrR8UZ6GMu0MYwLHezrdCE2_uu87gi_YBT073YWb4aABnIwKkCv4hIQV/s1600/2017_Dec_31_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1358" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQS_UYilgbvZrA1c78OWA9_d_5qbxgibSOhaTPRllQNcoOFjgwR-PThRHLUbZUCGbFZRzKBGeyCurz0fOAI-OMTrR8UZ6GMu0MYwLHezrdCE2_uu87gi_YBT073YWb4aABnIwKkCv4hIQV/s640/2017_Dec_31_02.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
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Many are groaning over the extreme cold temps. I agree, it's been hard not to be outside for very long without your finger tips getting frost bitten. God help the homeless among us!<br />
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Plants are showing the effects too. Several broadleaf evergreens are curling their foliage to keep in whatever moisture they can.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2Vv_-lQY5-l6DC0BtwUMQqi9H6H_LQ8e31rQB7Kr-Agz0UK2nCVrHle0NkXDnzOaq3IwU_AkyHlRDjGwU1LV0682GDvDPVM3vivjGjH6CjXChMRA0l2-Tqsal58kCMpdlRCluevOblGA/s1600/2017_Dec_31_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1424" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2Vv_-lQY5-l6DC0BtwUMQqi9H6H_LQ8e31rQB7Kr-Agz0UK2nCVrHle0NkXDnzOaq3IwU_AkyHlRDjGwU1LV0682GDvDPVM3vivjGjH6CjXChMRA0l2-Tqsal58kCMpdlRCluevOblGA/s640/2017_Dec_31_03.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
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Seed heads and winter interest are stunning against a deep embankment of snow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsM7kyi3MxUaZRuYaAD-d6yXd3Hs4IcyRgWLVgP3HlCi3f4Y6R5ZmYyGqtYZlU2ZdVOyqnoEF4NOqd1XIbDMClvxgGDufRUMC8lIZ0-xzrl6jTt85mPyqjfujBSYY_RmeSbPZlYyPsJa6/s1600/2017_Dec_31_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsM7kyi3MxUaZRuYaAD-d6yXd3Hs4IcyRgWLVgP3HlCi3f4Y6R5ZmYyGqtYZlU2ZdVOyqnoEF4NOqd1XIbDMClvxgGDufRUMC8lIZ0-xzrl6jTt85mPyqjfujBSYY_RmeSbPZlYyPsJa6/s640/2017_Dec_31_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I shutter to think of what plants in the garden may succumb to the deep freeze. At least we have a good depth of snow to blanket and insulate them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZtCdfxiF7XZXW9YZViQLCVL8GuZGWXuxtWOUnY6J3XkxPnvRsrEwtFTgK-9NJf70EHoTnc95lTi59u2Kl3bf3RShKVHUeU2GH1v_S4BVE_Sd_dvIRkkTN5Y_NRKlbjva7CYehyIMimKF/s1600/2017_Dec_31_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1313" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZtCdfxiF7XZXW9YZViQLCVL8GuZGWXuxtWOUnY6J3XkxPnvRsrEwtFTgK-9NJf70EHoTnc95lTi59u2Kl3bf3RShKVHUeU2GH1v_S4BVE_Sd_dvIRkkTN5Y_NRKlbjva7CYehyIMimKF/s640/2017_Dec_31_05.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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The GOOD NEWS: this deep freeze is a GIFT. YES, a GIFT!<br />
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The increase of foreign invasive insects and diseases that are slowly pervading our landscape, will be hampered in this frigid winter. Many insects, like Tics and Japanese Beetles will be reduced in number. Molds and mildews will be less come spring. A true gift to the gardener.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUygQFcO-6zezpfFi33vgm8WxJ1XFfOrrBRpdFs2bi_-59kOceU0icv6p4sAxH7SQuFVMsqzAuiExj9I9fxaLwdWOKjMfsqSjUgCGXOKweXchC9ACqTzvX7HsUVCp3R95uuJ0yrpfbjuz/s1600/2017_Dec_31_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1600" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUygQFcO-6zezpfFi33vgm8WxJ1XFfOrrBRpdFs2bi_-59kOceU0icv6p4sAxH7SQuFVMsqzAuiExj9I9fxaLwdWOKjMfsqSjUgCGXOKweXchC9ACqTzvX7HsUVCp3R95uuJ0yrpfbjuz/s640/2017_Dec_31_06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's to hoping this deep freeze will benefit the garden in more ways than one.</div>
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Looking forward to the 2018 growing season.</div>
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Happy New Year, everyone!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" /></a></div>
<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-9832199287981082822017-12-16T12:56:00.000-08:002018-04-02T07:05:31.770-07:00Christmas Flower Show 2017 - Centennial Conservatory (Centennial Park)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had the great privilege being asked to work at <a href="https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/gardens-and-horticulture/conservatories/centennial-park-conservatory/">Centennial Conservatory</a> a few weeks ago.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNzR8gIrQbgLEVPnudsmlBmLYpPD3wWGaExs0zR11CF4QWSAczS0sS2ZH9YT-hn_JB1M38mh2UPpZcEgEXWy4VHz2iA9vhEhtkcdCY7vSueiF0zPWlDMsAqjlYx7X3lsMteX4atN0uJs1/s1600/2017_Dec_16_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1180" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNzR8gIrQbgLEVPnudsmlBmLYpPD3wWGaExs0zR11CF4QWSAczS0sS2ZH9YT-hn_JB1M38mh2UPpZcEgEXWy4VHz2iA9vhEhtkcdCY7vSueiF0zPWlDMsAqjlYx7X3lsMteX4atN0uJs1/s640/2017_Dec_16_09.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Fantastic staff and plant material = a wonderful </span><a href="https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/festivals-events-calendar/?start=2017-12-10T05%3A00%3A00.000Z&end=2017-12-11T04%3A59%3A59.999Z&search=&venue=&categories=&themes=&free=false&accessible=false&ongoing=false&view=fecList&id=D8Q5qy6r0mNHp3uMat1XPw&oindex=6" style="text-align: left;">Christmas Flower Show</a><span style="text-align: left;"> display filled with delight. I had such a great time and was so thankful for the opportunity.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDQw7XHVV41L2s7zetJUc56A8P-nLbyZv70mmSOP2NRhk2KPPf3-O01maHl187RmJ957mUHsAG9I5unOxobmig9xG33mVnaqCf-m6z9KB2Qlvw-yzGgAKGobCgkZOnxou8tKTtcmJUNK-/s1600/2017_Dec_16_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDQw7XHVV41L2s7zetJUc56A8P-nLbyZv70mmSOP2NRhk2KPPf3-O01maHl187RmJ957mUHsAG9I5unOxobmig9xG33mVnaqCf-m6z9KB2Qlvw-yzGgAKGobCgkZOnxou8tKTtcmJUNK-/s640/2017_Dec_16_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was a wonderful experience seeing a house full of poinsettias that were grown from cuttings - being transferred into such creativity. Over 30 varieties of poinsettias were grown on site.</div>
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From Christmas trees designed with various poinsettias...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Jj8dId2LGhUzpTqBqoB6Uo0VdhWx4s3zPgD-5fuXe9RD2RgOJVrWomL4ie-H4wXFc0XHl0vXgO1-V50k9vXCk8KyNtt2EUQCDLHPNq-gpEnn6WgkbdvBzh5DmtcPNn54J__Kg_iGxuxh/s1600/2017_Dec_16_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1600" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Jj8dId2LGhUzpTqBqoB6Uo0VdhWx4s3zPgD-5fuXe9RD2RgOJVrWomL4ie-H4wXFc0XHl0vXgO1-V50k9vXCk8KyNtt2EUQCDLHPNq-gpEnn6WgkbdvBzh5DmtcPNn54J__Kg_iGxuxh/s640/2017_Dec_16_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_IEBxw93VH7dBfg1G6Btysv3pz7epzZxklsjmbh_ayf3bkhA8gNQwgTQtQVuhPhaKTDRuNy6diV6JuXIrK-MhF6xXz7tDcwvgTy7VWjyD6r69t32tXKlDgbNIsMWh1dzGZcGj-EiSIrs/s1600/2017_Dec_16_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1500" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_IEBxw93VH7dBfg1G6Btysv3pz7epzZxklsjmbh_ayf3bkhA8gNQwgTQtQVuhPhaKTDRuNy6diV6JuXIrK-MhF6xXz7tDcwvgTy7VWjyD6r69t32tXKlDgbNIsMWh1dzGZcGj-EiSIrs/s640/2017_Dec_16_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk1CNmBlzXLH1nhv02SGsVpOUTa1o9XrmY0664bgUSNzCaYS8xvJ5o1xHA9DpyWxpaeNrM5P4rajwoBomXD4afOWdNzrnlIxJSMajero-OAwf5cz5853bDjSFwpKXzE34zYIJ4eWGS6Tb/s1600/2017_Dec_16_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1233" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk1CNmBlzXLH1nhv02SGsVpOUTa1o9XrmY0664bgUSNzCaYS8xvJ5o1xHA9DpyWxpaeNrM5P4rajwoBomXD4afOWdNzrnlIxJSMajero-OAwf5cz5853bDjSFwpKXzE34zYIJ4eWGS6Tb/s640/2017_Dec_16_07.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSxD_y1o1fdJjyeWxIvzPStn6aTkLTMmgj_c25wbsKM7-ZpCy64sJCDtiZgNoVlvpnH0sYzpAbmV2VG59dMCOJe9iYQ3yPTN4SJ18AQuu2mjvfxmD8cOhU6aLmGn039WWeRTjoVjI1g8O/s1600/2017_Dec_16_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSxD_y1o1fdJjyeWxIvzPStn6aTkLTMmgj_c25wbsKM7-ZpCy64sJCDtiZgNoVlvpnH0sYzpAbmV2VG59dMCOJe9iYQ3yPTN4SJ18AQuu2mjvfxmD8cOhU6aLmGn039WWeRTjoVjI1g8O/s640/2017_Dec_16_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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....to arrangements....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E_AWERoH7j2XoESGtO9MwJ9CUUtsIL5tw9oe37gDBeJm63KahWDPV6EjmqfzJHnb9n7Zq4BG0PPDGWnboG_ROTUwkhVQ5EtLZznc5u9SK6MBa3tv2yR3aiXe27xQHW9fQbqoOty2DxSY/s1600/2017_Dec_16_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="969" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E_AWERoH7j2XoESGtO9MwJ9CUUtsIL5tw9oe37gDBeJm63KahWDPV6EjmqfzJHnb9n7Zq4BG0PPDGWnboG_ROTUwkhVQ5EtLZznc5u9SK6MBa3tv2yR3aiXe27xQHW9fQbqoOty2DxSY/s640/2017_Dec_16_04.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yV6xOmNMGaRjXa8sd7T8OzTfvkojiJbncAvWiCNwEftxv77IQuCkuOCg41okDvPkXNgRCF2OSea4Vp5P_qPxBDZzZlLUvi1-QkT52nKHovH-yy7_Jhr_ZN6uDxbltjZEJkKb_TPYtEtd/s1600/2017_Dec_16_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yV6xOmNMGaRjXa8sd7T8OzTfvkojiJbncAvWiCNwEftxv77IQuCkuOCg41okDvPkXNgRCF2OSea4Vp5P_qPxBDZzZlLUvi1-QkT52nKHovH-yy7_Jhr_ZN6uDxbltjZEJkKb_TPYtEtd/s640/2017_Dec_16_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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....succulents...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_Nr7eW7xqt2L6xrqPcouO31XEpKo1y_Am0_KGhZJh-rUsZwwlLUlpics06UpXhgjWi5WIR0CmW8dyqbnZ-TUgkF6xAlK0xxZ_Y0bW8JaQ5ScjJg2Tr9kIBTrao6u7AkhQfocm9gim1mU/s1600/2017_Dec_16_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1190" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_Nr7eW7xqt2L6xrqPcouO31XEpKo1y_Am0_KGhZJh-rUsZwwlLUlpics06UpXhgjWi5WIR0CmW8dyqbnZ-TUgkF6xAlK0xxZ_Y0bW8JaQ5ScjJg2Tr9kIBTrao6u7AkhQfocm9gim1mU/s640/2017_Dec_16_06.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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...there's something that sparks your attention at every corner.</div>
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For those who can't make it, here are some videos for viewing:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dA8wxXEy46A/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="566" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dA8wxXEy46A?feature=player_embedded" width="720"></iframe></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Xv6wTg0OjFk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="566" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv6wTg0OjFk?feature=player_embedded" width="720"></iframe></div>
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Merry Christmas and I hope you get a chance to view the show!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" /></a></div>
<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-53605014674573461732017-12-09T15:22:00.000-08:002018-04-02T07:05:29.829-07:00This Year's Christmas ContainersMy outdoor Christmas Containers were rather varied this year.<br />
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....From making some for retail:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uVih1jgy6VzouIFC1fBP06OYAPLsij2uTYQ6n991HtrPmgNEeTYpP7p2oKyyq3bRxVbMeWq2065idPoHfeevyaQIuuJ6bhGQRHkx_mWhl9vksntKPJJhKTMzB8jTV5tK84OPOeXRJvJ4/s1600/2017_Dec_9_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uVih1jgy6VzouIFC1fBP06OYAPLsij2uTYQ6n991HtrPmgNEeTYpP7p2oKyyq3bRxVbMeWq2065idPoHfeevyaQIuuJ6bhGQRHkx_mWhl9vksntKPJJhKTMzB8jTV5tK84OPOeXRJvJ4/s640/2017_Dec_9_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even though I have been making these for ages, I never tire of it (until you make the 50th + :) ! The best part about making these, the choices for accents and greenery are always lush and full.<br />
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Yet they come with a price. The materials do cost quite a bit. Unless you have a wholesale savings option.<br />
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.....To making some personally for us:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnddhrpr-5aWpf5zSLheRKLfC6TpGmnD3up4tBDX2M6Og2YJTCKxBeDpCEUudS-ztUjvja-IEnLVN40YAtiihyphenhyphenHGvHB1Nsvvqr7jLMUKeEAmVY2OWrvAqMkE7AMEW3BcF4u8_z9uuEg8h/s1600/2017_Dec_09_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnddhrpr-5aWpf5zSLheRKLfC6TpGmnD3up4tBDX2M6Og2YJTCKxBeDpCEUudS-ztUjvja-IEnLVN40YAtiihyphenhyphenHGvHB1Nsvvqr7jLMUKeEAmVY2OWrvAqMkE7AMEW3BcF4u8_z9uuEg8h/s640/2017_Dec_09_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made a conscious decision to keep reusing accent materials and finding sustainable resources for greenery. All the accents were reused from several years worth of collecting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz0z5vJPg1l9tUeG2KZAAle8OiurewE1IpD_iYz0M-mIJWo_QJNCvwmwtUKg20-8a02FlN7ZYQWcxHPD3pXbhCWoYpyP-EWseQoULKR-TFpnwCLNtj645tQlycCIavnPWG7u1kgnRqmCf/s1600/2017_Dec_9_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz0z5vJPg1l9tUeG2KZAAle8OiurewE1IpD_iYz0M-mIJWo_QJNCvwmwtUKg20-8a02FlN7ZYQWcxHPD3pXbhCWoYpyP-EWseQoULKR-TFpnwCLNtj645tQlycCIavnPWG7u1kgnRqmCf/s640/2017_Dec_9_02.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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I clipped Sumac Pods from the roadside, Dogwood stems, Yew bush and Juniper clippings from our property. The rest are all accents purchased years ago. The birch stems are from a tree we lost two years ago to Cytospora canker :( At least we can benefit from using its branches well after the tree has been taken down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqU8fp5R8Ewfug_gGwJddvS_p5KjAOQfDZxerJVybuKJVGScKI1P9BO4kXYHUueIujdB-GPfRt4R9NRTSuCAKdXAih5LVbGrJHxao84bz8Dq60AR_phDx2RkOh4eJKzSm1nHhiCBe9G71/s1600/2017_Dec_9_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1442" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqU8fp5R8Ewfug_gGwJddvS_p5KjAOQfDZxerJVybuKJVGScKI1P9BO4kXYHUueIujdB-GPfRt4R9NRTSuCAKdXAih5LVbGrJHxao84bz8Dq60AR_phDx2RkOh4eJKzSm1nHhiCBe9G71/s640/2017_Dec_9_03.jpg" width="576" /></a></div>
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I even saved thin stems from the birch to add to even this smaller door greeter and tiny cast iron urn below...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScUpZ2YDFZLXe9NwEVKCycq8qczVP71yK1vbv-Tk4R3zzOJKzeK9atxMmoeftm45xIf0xZf9e6NnvAHBiufFTeHsx8iGVG2_R0yFVHwS3h7D-HjfluJUN9eDsRf5e-4hS-o-Ul2ri4yVf/s1600/2017_Dec_9_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1062" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScUpZ2YDFZLXe9NwEVKCycq8qczVP71yK1vbv-Tk4R3zzOJKzeK9atxMmoeftm45xIf0xZf9e6NnvAHBiufFTeHsx8iGVG2_R0yFVHwS3h7D-HjfluJUN9eDsRf5e-4hS-o-Ul2ri4yVf/s640/2017_Dec_9_07.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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For the tiny cast iron urn, I made a square frame from (4 bound together) small birch stems and placed it on the rim of the urn and just layered some cones and boxwood clippings in between.<br />
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For these next two (below), I actually bought some artificial boughs. My front area by the garage is in full sun for the entire afternoon and facing north. Evergreen boughs just brown out by January; no matter how much snow I heap on top to melt. I decided to try artificial boughs and plan to reuse them time and again to keep the planter green.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbwEde5d6fX6Byoc7RllfLauwhOZukCFxHmE3Q3055MU3UQHuN0jE8q0eLmeVVm2k4WbLqw9ET9z7FrUuROoIRM5z46RlazF-O6rOTscN3aGpHVIkB1y2ti7Gk0D6QwP5f1WGUvbWxpUc/s1600/2017_Dec_9_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbwEde5d6fX6Byoc7RllfLauwhOZukCFxHmE3Q3055MU3UQHuN0jE8q0eLmeVVm2k4WbLqw9ET9z7FrUuROoIRM5z46RlazF-O6rOTscN3aGpHVIkB1y2ti7Gk0D6QwP5f1WGUvbWxpUc/s640/2017_Dec_9_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's one I made for work below. I gathered <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzeDOnyx9y6UVRtcJ98tDsuXCo8zDZhIMX8CDLIWnD7WhLHzt6">Teasel dried seed pods.</a> You can find Teasel seed heads everywhere in Southern Ontario. You could easily spray paint them different colours for a bit more impact. Just be careful handling them. They are prickly!</div>
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If you have a hard time coming up with inexpensive live green choices, my neighbour had a fantastic idea. She went to the local grocery store and saw fresh cut Fraser Fir Christmas trees for $20. Great deal. She brought one tree home and then cut all the boughs from the entire tree and managed to make 4 containers worth. Saving her a bundle! Isn't that a great idea?!!!<br />
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What ever you do.... be creative and enjoy the process! If you're new to making them, here's a <a href="http://www.heidihorticulture.com/2013/12/christmas-outdoor-container-how-to-diy.html">post I made a while back on the step-by-step DIY.</a><br />
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Merry Christmas!<br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-13092040455229354062017-11-12T09:18:00.001-08:002018-04-02T07:05:28.280-07:00Drying Herbs For PantryThe cold came fast in the GTA. Real fast. Minus -10º C overnight. Once weather reports warned of this onslaught, I took quick action and cut back our herbs growing in containers.<br />
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We love cooking with herbs and although, I do enjoy fresh, dried home grown herbs suffice over the long winter haul.<br />
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Here are just some of the methods I use to dry.<br />
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1. Wash thoroughly. Even though we grew these organically, living in an urban environment (construction close by) I washed the cut herbs thoroughly.<br />
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2. Laid the cuttings down on a clean towel.</div>
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3. Covering them with another.<br />
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4. Gently wringing them, by rolling towels together.<br />
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(Be forewarned - this can get quite messy when you take cuttings from Rosemary and Thyme. They drop a lot of foliage if you squeeze too hard)<br />
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5. Tie them with an elastic on top and clip on to a drying rack. This is optional, but I find the best results are to dry the herbs over a gentle heat source - like a radiator. Here, I just used a spare oven rack and leaned it on the window, on top of the radiator. I've seen folks use <a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61Yb95hE8aL._SX425_.jpg">Sock Rack</a> dryers, which work great!<br />
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(Note: Thyme and Rosemary can drop leaves when drying, so use a baker pan/sheet beneath to catch any fallen foliage.)<br />
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I left a few tougher herbs that I know weather the cold better, but not leaving them in their current position.<br />
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We tucked them in a vestibule, under cover, away from heavy frosts.<br />
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Results: Within 5 days, the herbs are nearly completely dry.<br />
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You must thoroughly dry them to store. Slight dampness can cause mould developing in what ever container you use for storage.<br />
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Be creative. When I ran out of room, I started to dry Peppermint and Lemon Balm by the window curtain rods!<br />
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Next step is gingerly removing them from the wrack and placing the cuttings in large paper bags and squishing them free from the stems till they become small bits.<br />
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Great for the spice cabinet in the pantry.<br />
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Some herbs can easily be chopped up fresh and kept frozen in freezer bags. I do this for parsley, dill and chervil.<br />
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Easy and simple.<br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-52523486127862927032017-11-06T07:14:00.001-08:002018-04-02T07:05:29.762-07:00Calendula - Collecting Seeds and a Simple Trick To Have Them Come Back Year After YearGrowing Calendula since a child, I never tire of this amazing plant. Whether you grow it for medicinal purposes, or just for it's blooms....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7DkoaucMP05rx9WLpkr1LHeGTPgmKw6fo97D-G20F8sKYYuVmZh3as9BnKuRgNNvL5Dlxs02beVxuz3EKgdv4dRGRw5VmgzEr0E4Gu77DJCVIFc1zjNiT2YWpDz14bf1NQGpT6K3aKpb/s1600/2017_Nov_06_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7DkoaucMP05rx9WLpkr1LHeGTPgmKw6fo97D-G20F8sKYYuVmZh3as9BnKuRgNNvL5Dlxs02beVxuz3EKgdv4dRGRw5VmgzEr0E4Gu77DJCVIFc1zjNiT2YWpDz14bf1NQGpT6K3aKpb/s640/2017_Nov_06_03.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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...it's one of the self seeding annual plants that every garden should have.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VjOQkW0cnV-s7Uc790rzFXpghYg2apTnySD-QYQMbqc35hraoqfBaVMdtjT6QragWh4QJNgRGOB4k0IeeER1bWBriNW959YpTDPfbseJwK9ZakBkkZTQAwPwitN6B6VfEPrMLvDs8D_J/s1600/2017_Nov_06_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1500" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VjOQkW0cnV-s7Uc790rzFXpghYg2apTnySD-QYQMbqc35hraoqfBaVMdtjT6QragWh4QJNgRGOB4k0IeeER1bWBriNW959YpTDPfbseJwK9ZakBkkZTQAwPwitN6B6VfEPrMLvDs8D_J/s640/2017_Nov_06_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I grow both the single and...</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0sitNqWHHsmUAfPEOLhqqNjywc8QJ0lY8t-kSY5-7jue6owqcQczJRcaWi5OFPw8CXv59OttsrxAE-TunqaWcz6zs-YCXNbHDhODOuMO_rvZWnKswDniXV6vyzQKiK1J7rtZBmzRf20G/s1600/2017_Nov_06_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0sitNqWHHsmUAfPEOLhqqNjywc8QJ0lY8t-kSY5-7jue6owqcQczJRcaWi5OFPw8CXv59OttsrxAE-TunqaWcz6zs-YCXNbHDhODOuMO_rvZWnKswDniXV6vyzQKiK1J7rtZBmzRf20G/s640/2017_Nov_06_02.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">....double flowering C. officinalis.</span></td></tr>
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When I was a kid, we rarely collected seeds. Mom just kept a few seed heads in case. We just let the plant do the self seeding process for us because we had the space and full sun.<br />
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However, I don't have the perfect conditions to grow the plant to allow it do its natural process. Unfortunately we don't have full sun on our current property. We have about 4-5 hours of direct sun and when establishing them, I need to foster them along. Our neighbour asked how we get ours to return every year, as they have struggled to have theirs return.<br />
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I think I know why...<br />
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This year it's been a fairly warm autumn in Southern Ontario. I've been deadheading spent flowers up until the 2nd week of September. Repeat blooms are a result of thoroughly removing wilted flowers.<br />
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Now that the weather is finally getting colder, I have been leaving several seed heads to go brown. Leaving them on the stem too long, however (especially now with our current damp/rainy conditions) can be a bit tricky to make sure you have viable seed.<br />
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Usually it's best to allow the seed heads to dry to a dark brown, so that the seeds fully ripen and mature. But with the wet cooler weather and no chance of heavy frost in the next few days, some seeds can begin to germinate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHVb8x6zFRQ-Dnim4MkGjC_Ahg7J7cc7MdYrtREKaoY2UrNJ5LfJf-bascjTGkd6RXxjUHGMA1xYl86kxscNttndmDLpDQBnuaLYjmsaZWWeh54r1KD6okLdnvkjMKUYto6ra6xS6qvI4/s1600/2017_Nov_6_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1313" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHVb8x6zFRQ-Dnim4MkGjC_Ahg7J7cc7MdYrtREKaoY2UrNJ5LfJf-bascjTGkd6RXxjUHGMA1xYl86kxscNttndmDLpDQBnuaLYjmsaZWWeh54r1KD6okLdnvkjMKUYto6ra6xS6qvI4/s640/2017_Nov_6_07.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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Take a close look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ojeiVXrOJOfpw0fp1xAgd52FfNwKIYro-3X-kWQ6Lq7TmGe1gXtrBNenQ3IYvvQQNZDTeq2zbvAwm0Yjbojh-2XEw2vopMwbyMnHPfgoVyTKaBrBesxvKqTaZaIl0EgTdQyp0B4Jx2zH/s1600/2017_Nov_06_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1390" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ojeiVXrOJOfpw0fp1xAgd52FfNwKIYro-3X-kWQ6Lq7TmGe1gXtrBNenQ3IYvvQQNZDTeq2zbvAwm0Yjbojh-2XEw2vopMwbyMnHPfgoVyTKaBrBesxvKqTaZaIl0EgTdQyp0B4Jx2zH/s640/2017_Nov_06_07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Noticing some seeds are beginning to have the primary root (radicle) poking out. When this happens, I scatter the seeds on the ground where I wish them to establish for next year and place some compost on top. You could dry them and bring them indoors, but several times I've noticed the seeds don't germinate when seeding in the spring.<br />
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When the radicle pokes through, sometimes the frost and the long winter can cause those seeds to die off.<br />
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One trick I was taught by my mom, was to harvest the seeds when they were still green, just slightly turning brown at the tips. To test, just take the seed head and touch them gingerly to see if the seeds begin to fall off. Like in the one below...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDot4O8m3G7RfBVMnFFHs4bJXeyjPuzfkwuAD4jb5wxuWcWO8lbN8iGfxlFoTX4GbJ33TDzNYPjXNlgM8yQbESzyYcI3TG43HOU7IHvioKwTMURal6jXL_Z9bSTFxA-EE-BE7QZijdoggd/s1600/2017_Nov_06_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1354" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDot4O8m3G7RfBVMnFFHs4bJXeyjPuzfkwuAD4jb5wxuWcWO8lbN8iGfxlFoTX4GbJ33TDzNYPjXNlgM8yQbESzyYcI3TG43HOU7IHvioKwTMURal6jXL_Z9bSTFxA-EE-BE7QZijdoggd/s640/2017_Nov_06_04.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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They pop off rather easily when the timing is just right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxqO15eJJeE7HKFGbX0Ync38ywV9msFnRu-7yAVW0_2nN-Y8Y9rB1a9b8WC9ToRndQIVKIFzXhrNKSrrDlCV4jvDS-55IGs3FrYysoD0NUXcJ6CDFr-mkbiqJ8kEKaZI8-zLXR25jb9sD/s1600/2017_Nov_06_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1427" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxqO15eJJeE7HKFGbX0Ync38ywV9msFnRu-7yAVW0_2nN-Y8Y9rB1a9b8WC9ToRndQIVKIFzXhrNKSrrDlCV4jvDS-55IGs3FrYysoD0NUXcJ6CDFr-mkbiqJ8kEKaZI8-zLXR25jb9sD/s640/2017_Nov_06_05.jpg" width="570" /></a></div>
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I clear out any chaff or dead bits and dry the seeds in a paper bag, by the window so they thoroughly dry out and save for spring seeding.<br />
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After 3 weeks or so, they dry brown and you can tell how viable they are, by squeezing some between your fingers to feel the seed.<br />
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In the spring, when you see the seedlings like the one above, you know you can hang on to the seeds, in case. Or, you can begin the seedling process indoors in March, so that the seedlings are advanced before the ones that are outdoors. This will lengthen the bloom time in the garden.<br />
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I've collected enough for our needs and will give some to the neighbours if need be.<br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-71025270421393659902017-10-23T16:55:00.002-07:002018-04-02T07:05:30.660-07:00Nippon Daisy - Spotted Cucumber BeetleUsually our Nippon Daisy has glorious large flowers which last forever. The warm autumn we are experiencing in Southern Ontario has made our Nippon Daisies a huge attraction to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTCP7CDQ2AmXomg2NOO5amv0SrK3NlB_mDzAFZiA9NLhS7ZKr2f-7np6bVKcCQciaxADx6hqiIYu-zyFLawlWmtlu8BGzmETaJpRiLLpMPt4PWfZILlFIwI9yH-CdXAH1gOzEpk6qXOwH/s1600/2017_Oct_23_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="661" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTCP7CDQ2AmXomg2NOO5amv0SrK3NlB_mDzAFZiA9NLhS7ZKr2f-7np6bVKcCQciaxADx6hqiIYu-zyFLawlWmtlu8BGzmETaJpRiLLpMPt4PWfZILlFIwI9yH-CdXAH1gOzEpk6qXOwH/s640/2017_Oct_23_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Photo taken in 2013</span></td></tr>
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But when you see leaf petals and flower centres begin to look like this...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WbdWcY5F1aNc39g7PEG-kwLYP2ysYyW4ZLuO_FFVm8LwjR-hYts7JAhq1u8M_5BDkkbQ47oeJKZ_OHaMQsC8HTixd8pqtpU1o2bf49lFdwEU9sc-QHa57UQcBJPJDYcGBCa5MjyA8UTr/s1600/2017_Oct_23_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WbdWcY5F1aNc39g7PEG-kwLYP2ysYyW4ZLuO_FFVm8LwjR-hYts7JAhq1u8M_5BDkkbQ47oeJKZ_OHaMQsC8HTixd8pqtpU1o2bf49lFdwEU9sc-QHa57UQcBJPJDYcGBCa5MjyA8UTr/s640/2017_Oct_23_05.jpg" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This flower is about a week old. They usually last about 3 weeks, with vibrant white petals. So sad....</span></td></tr>
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...well - something's up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmqZQ6cPe4Xa-_z3nPX7GRIynzod_UMQMHAts2of9w_8GwitTs5jqXbt00dsT_y3BWANHSpKDlWD4PpZ1TOgm4oWicVpajQCpyZEMEB9TbKmKfQCi7pnvtUZdFGnlnQ08sYalJCMPjmaJ/s1600/2017_Oct_23_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1421" data-original-width="1600" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmqZQ6cPe4Xa-_z3nPX7GRIynzod_UMQMHAts2of9w_8GwitTs5jqXbt00dsT_y3BWANHSpKDlWD4PpZ1TOgm4oWicVpajQCpyZEMEB9TbKmKfQCi7pnvtUZdFGnlnQ08sYalJCMPjmaJ/s640/2017_Oct_23_06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I tried looking for signs early in the morning, thinking slugs or some beetle, but didn't see any. Then Saturday, I waited until the sun was shining bright. Ah, ha! Do you see the beetle?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99vaIGslM5QO9hQufKt43qkbO3tTGCOsCMRzJ0slYfID4gHTgKUe7FQOu2uknYp75h_8CB1hokZP7uqUgqfAS9KzJuDawgZsKk46gX9tJ-Qg9My2TRfVKwDOgYSYDzXV757dOujBdncyS/s1600/2017_Oct_22_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="1600" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99vaIGslM5QO9hQufKt43qkbO3tTGCOsCMRzJ0slYfID4gHTgKUe7FQOu2uknYp75h_8CB1hokZP7uqUgqfAS9KzJuDawgZsKk46gX9tJ-Qg9My2TRfVKwDOgYSYDzXV757dOujBdncyS/s640/2017_Oct_22_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Grrr.... It's the spotted Cucumber Beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbwC1z6SugdxLReGPeSLCWElPA0c-7JQsULBHqQ6PmGi48gAdSdxlb9chyRFfDLxzI7ayfD303Zpua2esjpGuHlabj76kyZnzV2D_7jbP3zTItuYq7QdGou5s3Vg0UqGx_vcRTVsoQNmR/s1600/2017_Oct_23_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="1600" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbwC1z6SugdxLReGPeSLCWElPA0c-7JQsULBHqQ6PmGi48gAdSdxlb9chyRFfDLxzI7ayfD303Zpua2esjpGuHlabj76kyZnzV2D_7jbP3zTItuYq7QdGou5s3Vg0UqGx_vcRTVsoQNmR/s640/2017_Oct_23_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Feeding off both the petals and the central disk of florets. </div>
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Every single flower had at least one.</div>
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The worst part: when they feel you are about to approach them, they quickly hide to the underside of the flower. To make sure I collected each one, I grabbed the base of the flower and tapped/shook the flower over my hand. In hindsight, I would recommend that you use a bucket or something to catch them, as several flew out of my hand before I could squish them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB8REO8fLTrzjJHz2xlbcwNuD3GbMjl9FZCv8CAhGbJdO4NhmpdZTW6pgYhsrKgAT4Ii6r-1mEBIvU3Ml6sx3JggIIx3Imz7h5-Lbl0ZPg5t_G34nWyUqwlpk7AoSe1TGDvkGlhxxOK9e/s1600/2017_Oct_23_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1576" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB8REO8fLTrzjJHz2xlbcwNuD3GbMjl9FZCv8CAhGbJdO4NhmpdZTW6pgYhsrKgAT4Ii6r-1mEBIvU3Ml6sx3JggIIx3Imz7h5-Lbl0ZPg5t_G34nWyUqwlpk7AoSe1TGDvkGlhxxOK9e/s640/2017_Oct_23_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are several pictures to see their 12 spots up close. Six black dots flanked on either side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEViKTRl1YjBd7IMhrTD0IARU8c8jwkVZxW2Q8cLTQkD6-bxutnVBzAZlMX9hQOBB66IiAxoT3mu_Qvkep1SYoj3Dw81NaoBnZmjEDsQAYl88cGZMT04aqJ6VlHioGB73PEfaNPRS6gIs/s1600/2017_Oct_23_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEViKTRl1YjBd7IMhrTD0IARU8c8jwkVZxW2Q8cLTQkD6-bxutnVBzAZlMX9hQOBB66IiAxoT3mu_Qvkep1SYoj3Dw81NaoBnZmjEDsQAYl88cGZMT04aqJ6VlHioGB73PEfaNPRS6gIs/s640/2017_Oct_23_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKVRW3csUwYZFaYbukDXVucUyy8TvJvBWylB91MsbBNVMdi5voK_fu2UIHE7NauGJ3yvG9kGzfTJWMvEkuaFpYT0bgkEZiNqc9786sRV93af0W6eHPnAiRIjz9PYrWw3c-U7wmjN7iRbI/s1600/2017_Oct_23_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKVRW3csUwYZFaYbukDXVucUyy8TvJvBWylB91MsbBNVMdi5voK_fu2UIHE7NauGJ3yvG9kGzfTJWMvEkuaFpYT0bgkEZiNqc9786sRV93af0W6eHPnAiRIjz9PYrWw3c-U7wmjN7iRbI/s640/2017_Oct_23_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like the Scarlett Lily Beetle, they too can "act" dead and roll over. But, don't be tempted to dispose of them looking like this, within seconds they flip back. Best to squish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2aZhT_5YBz5cbQoO1I_aTMtsieUqIYj_npRuxrkc-vnUNuUkz1hrAJfbnoU85sxdC1SJdlfLBXPq5zOk478bidh6uzAyzMcyvIsaQY12K3a60FJxlUz1jUDBfL9C0wYLiVEojwGHFn0O/s1600/2017_Oct_23_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1093" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2aZhT_5YBz5cbQoO1I_aTMtsieUqIYj_npRuxrkc-vnUNuUkz1hrAJfbnoU85sxdC1SJdlfLBXPq5zOk478bidh6uzAyzMcyvIsaQY12K3a60FJxlUz1jUDBfL9C0wYLiVEojwGHFn0O/s640/2017_Oct_23_07.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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Since it's October, I believe this is the 2nd or 3rd generation of beetle. Neighbours two doors down from us grow zucchinis. I suspect these beetles have come over to our garden and are partaking in one of their last meals before they hibernate in leafy debris.<br />
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Do the best you can to remove as many of these adults. They overwinter in organic leafy bits at the base of plants. Here is a great <a href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/bean/spotted_cucumber_beetle.htm">article on the beetle's life cycle.</a><br />
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If they eat Nippon Daisies, I wouldn't be surprised if they eat Chrysanthemums or other late flowering plants. Keep a look out.</div>
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After picking 4 different times during weekend, I managed to find over 21 beetles. Hopefully ridding them from our plants. Let's hope we significantly reduced numbers for next year.</div>
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One note: Take a look at the base of this Nippon Daisy:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXNLcx-_ImwnDO888CIcaAxd3aHPSxdWl4VaXUJXjxUfrw2GWcxn2KJ9bxbL5Ht5DsLZafhjeMG95RSWD9XoHA1xwADR4CUpRakC2QuiJ_V-gFTUJUDUvArIbAGuhFWr1JJjPbWkE9fnL/s1600/2017_Oct_23_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1370" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXNLcx-_ImwnDO888CIcaAxd3aHPSxdWl4VaXUJXjxUfrw2GWcxn2KJ9bxbL5Ht5DsLZafhjeMG95RSWD9XoHA1xwADR4CUpRakC2QuiJ_V-gFTUJUDUvArIbAGuhFWr1JJjPbWkE9fnL/s640/2017_Oct_23_09.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
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This past spring I was tempted to divide and re-situate. I regret not doing that. It needs dividing desperately. Probably one of the reasons the beetles were on the attack. Weakened plants attract pests. Lesson learned. </div>
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In the next week or so, a good autumn clean up and another check of the flowers when it's sunny out, should reduce the numbers of beetles. Let's hope we have a really good cold spell this winter - to help kill overwintering insect pests like these.</div>
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Next year, we'll divide the plant and re-establish with some amendment.</div>
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Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-84308023603617470042017-10-17T15:29:00.002-07:002018-04-02T07:05:31.349-07:00Foraging: Shaggy Mane MushroomsI have fond memories of my Aunt (Tante) teaching me how to make hunter sauce with mushrooms (Jager Pilzsoße). She used fresh Chanterelles, but what I gleaned at the time, was the beauty behind foraging for mushrooms and the gift of learning how to cook them!<br />
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One in particular that I find quite often this time of year are: Shaggy Mane (Corprinus comatus) also known as a Shaggy Ink Cap. One of my colleagues pointed them out to me many years ago and I am very thankful for that introduction. <br />
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This is the best way to forage. Garnering knowledge and true ID of the mushrooms before picking them. There have been so many cases of folks eating wild mushrooms and becoming very ill. So I too will warn you - <b>make sure your first go at identifying mushrooms is done with someone who can positively inspect them. You need vast knowledge of IDing the specimens before you ever consume them. </b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"></span>I'm blessed to have a job where sometimes I just have to look down to find mushrooms. They truly "pop-up" out of no-where. Foraging for them can come quite easily.<br />
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The best time to find Shaggy Mane's are in autumn. Especially after a wet bought and during a cool weather change.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WyioZlLvVWQOCpid-L4jsqsuBsmTfu2rKxKEykmAOwyBCHa_QELveoLV_lV6xuzMYNGyPSgQnSfu58cGox65xYkvqnh9FpPu5NkwCx0G3LRQaVO2hbpZ0-ft2K0eToxHkI3QJhjmY9iV/s1600/2017_Oct_17_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1500" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WyioZlLvVWQOCpid-L4jsqsuBsmTfu2rKxKEykmAOwyBCHa_QELveoLV_lV6xuzMYNGyPSgQnSfu58cGox65xYkvqnh9FpPu5NkwCx0G3LRQaVO2hbpZ0-ft2K0eToxHkI3QJhjmY9iV/s640/2017_Oct_17_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These were in a grassy area, surrounded by trees. I usually find them in groupings. The odd one, here and there, but generally - when you see one, you see a bunch.<br />
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They stand straight up and range in sizes.<br />
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One of their identifiable features is white to brown flakey skin - eyelash flakes that curl upwards.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLgz5TzqjTmqWhbjQizdNE1df714ZlW1xYLRwB5bLyN9802tBezngZ1ug4tYJzrJtENAaRQpRHtN1qv9ZLLLtGmE_Qo89CaHFZmVl2q9h3MC7B07OJcfBj83I73ElDMEJfCO8mTIjBicQ/s1600/2017_Oct_17_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLgz5TzqjTmqWhbjQizdNE1df714ZlW1xYLRwB5bLyN9802tBezngZ1ug4tYJzrJtENAaRQpRHtN1qv9ZLLLtGmE_Qo89CaHFZmVl2q9h3MC7B07OJcfBj83I73ElDMEJfCO8mTIjBicQ/s640/2017_Oct_17_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another way to determine that they are the edible kind, is finding older mushrooms that bear the blackening "ink"staining at the base of the cap. Shaggy Mane's almost look as though they are melting into tar.<br />
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Below, I have taken a sequence of photos showing the progression of inking that takes place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv0W-5oH2XLq_hBUWXSnwnead4o2XPMEkHY6j40gPTJyQ5bM-h03152rRDLAy178xCCXGnutFTZI56jjTsEnRUD7F-t2qk4B-ntT6CgENYl3gdLcXDHSYizYCE9uI0R53XP62VrOMKKi8/s1600/2017_Oct_17_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1500" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv0W-5oH2XLq_hBUWXSnwnead4o2XPMEkHY6j40gPTJyQ5bM-h03152rRDLAy178xCCXGnutFTZI56jjTsEnRUD7F-t2qk4B-ntT6CgENYl3gdLcXDHSYizYCE9uI0R53XP62VrOMKKi8/s640/2017_Oct_17_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Here the cap is nearly separated from the stipe (stem). Think of an umbrella about to open.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozzT_6vEiPpCChpeF1diMShY-VPl2mMqK1jEnuf8i_Rs7miqpu_xEkq0fdote2S5Y081ike4xiwbXD3yb3t_YQD3k377l2oJJgVICRBLiKB2N1Hne0Iz6LUTEUu1hOAPFoxq5DcClIlcW/s1600/2017_Oct_17_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1328" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozzT_6vEiPpCChpeF1diMShY-VPl2mMqK1jEnuf8i_Rs7miqpu_xEkq0fdote2S5Y081ike4xiwbXD3yb3t_YQD3k377l2oJJgVICRBLiKB2N1Hne0Iz6LUTEUu1hOAPFoxq5DcClIlcW/s640/2017_Oct_17_07.jpg" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then the base starts to blacken at the very bottom of the cap.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bHudjNTbQe3k5JXt78z-j6L_MYlFT4mtVd4G2SYhU2v-MIkaWak8JXhfsmCxIq7VG4AYaLXgFHzobTk98Ki_tHTxrDojsRhsvB3Dsj3NYndRqu3vWCaxg5Socw8U2cvkBDAZrFdFVJiF/s1600/2017_Oct_17_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="1600" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bHudjNTbQe3k5JXt78z-j6L_MYlFT4mtVd4G2SYhU2v-MIkaWak8JXhfsmCxIq7VG4AYaLXgFHzobTk98Ki_tHTxrDojsRhsvB3Dsj3NYndRqu3vWCaxg5Socw8U2cvkBDAZrFdFVJiF/s640/2017_Oct_17_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The appearance of melting takes place, as the mushroom starts to deteriorate.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbMVvQRQeGVI1jSnX80CHIqT90MYkcUCna3h9QJOdFw_Rntsnb7ejcsrDrWth2-aBdW00RjK7eF_ItOmJEGeQ3n3ZbXY84D-a-zsr-iJfIE968zzAddm7lA-RaBmq5FOitPenzmVDqJUW/s1600/2017_Oct_17_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbMVvQRQeGVI1jSnX80CHIqT90MYkcUCna3h9QJOdFw_Rntsnb7ejcsrDrWth2-aBdW00RjK7eF_ItOmJEGeQ3n3ZbXY84D-a-zsr-iJfIE968zzAddm7lA-RaBmq5FOitPenzmVDqJUW/s640/2017_Oct_17_05.jpg" width="606" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oozing black ink begins to almost drip.</span></td></tr>
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Shaggy Mane's have no shelf life. It's best to eat them as soon as you pick them. They don't store well. When foraging, gently place them in a container lined with paper towel and cook within a few hours.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYMHtXJEXvJ60tcnKARlJH9RyI14PtFlRIRDn46A5ZCslcPh0Uj2jFyVyFc7VtatReL8Ptmtq5jr__IOKGPgV7700D4MHWpaByPLesQq1t2CXzdPPSufBVGH9h5_rsscF0MTopakSwUfz/s1600/2017_Oct_17_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="1500" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYMHtXJEXvJ60tcnKARlJH9RyI14PtFlRIRDn46A5ZCslcPh0Uj2jFyVyFc7VtatReL8Ptmtq5jr__IOKGPgV7700D4MHWpaByPLesQq1t2CXzdPPSufBVGH9h5_rsscF0MTopakSwUfz/s640/2017_Oct_17_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Plenty - just enough for a dinner is all I need.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBu-G59eVaRV3vmY67CDiT7fbhUCNxdvRS8iXHi-I_485qIGTQ94NVSn1Vr0UNWPrHedLDlMzoWI_etr8tlaVLK-ct7_Z76uEveuzs0jl5PBWwY0bnH2kkHUwzzHug1xeqPezg50KwuNS/s1600/2017_Oct_17_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBu-G59eVaRV3vmY67CDiT7fbhUCNxdvRS8iXHi-I_485qIGTQ94NVSn1Vr0UNWPrHedLDlMzoWI_etr8tlaVLK-ct7_Z76uEveuzs0jl5PBWwY0bnH2kkHUwzzHug1xeqPezg50KwuNS/s640/2017_Oct_17_10.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
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Because these are from an urban environment, I wash them. Yes, I know, I too have read many cook books that state washing mushrooms is a no no. But these were not in the wild. I'm not going to take any risks when collecting from an urban landscape. The key is: as soon as they are clean I dry them with paper towel. Mushrooms must be completely dry to fry well.<br />
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I prefer simple sautéing with butter and garlic. One trick: my Tante taught me that if you want fried mushrooms with a crispy edge....NEVER let them touch each other. Give them space in the frying pan.</div>
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Delicious!</div>
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Well worth the effort.</div>
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Please Note: as you forage, <b>DON'T take all the mushrooms</b>. Leave several behind to start the life cycle over. Leaving some behind will allow spores to spread and inoculate the ground for next year. Mushrooms are the earth's life-giving force of decay and renewal. Depleting them for the frying pan doesn't help one bit. You deplete the natural ecosystem process and prevent ever getting a second chance to forage again.<br />
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For better ID info on Shaggy Mane mushrooms: <a href="http://mushroom-collecting.com/mushroomshaggy.html">Mushroom Collecting Website</a><br />
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Hope you find some!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" /></a></div>
<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-10931015213591214682017-10-01T13:58:00.001-07:002018-04-02T07:05:28.246-07:00Why I Collect Slugs In AutumnI always try to find alternative methods of insect control. This wet spring and early summer made for a wonderful breeding ground for slugs. But alas, we still have way too many slug holes.<br />
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I've been having wonderful success in reducing slugs in the spring in my little garden, by collecting them in the autumn. Reducing their numbers in the fall will help reduce numbers in the spring. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzlBm61oEkhNmqJ-Asg3ZgEqBqqm-VYxO-f9yTz_eHTkNf1m5cR056Y9e7BSn_UbXKNOFK4IQHZR6c9g-4g9gkfNxfez953PcLXpB-YODu6he4tENeOuQlqx1hCoWMYVRkHP-DR6f97Qc/s1600/2017_Oct_01_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1340" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzlBm61oEkhNmqJ-Asg3ZgEqBqqm-VYxO-f9yTz_eHTkNf1m5cR056Y9e7BSn_UbXKNOFK4IQHZR6c9g-4g9gkfNxfez953PcLXpB-YODu6he4tENeOuQlqx1hCoWMYVRkHP-DR6f97Qc/s640/2017_Oct_01_01.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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As the days get shorter and the daytime temps are cooler, I found slugs congregate under stones that absorb the heat during the sunny parts of the day. I prefer using stones to orange or grapefruit peels, or even beer traps, as these can attract unwanted raccoons.<br />
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In my boyfriend's garden, I strategically placed larger stones/rocks close to plant material that slugs love. Within hours the slugs gather beneath and even stick to the base of the stones. One other trick is to water the rocks in the evening and place some organic matter beneath. Make the stones wet enough to keep the slugs moist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq9dog1CsppiY_TjWx9AQne2BX6RQ1Zt-GiNrF51WWNwbi0uB0R1LVYd1RKZdZQ_SuWV1sgTxbiEqEtN2lCwnWZrqcsZ5iFBqovCC9OkXamFyYpdnPvS5nMFjT6jWi6d1v8nC1UMJ-e8p/s1600/2017_oct_1_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1500" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq9dog1CsppiY_TjWx9AQne2BX6RQ1Zt-GiNrF51WWNwbi0uB0R1LVYd1RKZdZQ_SuWV1sgTxbiEqEtN2lCwnWZrqcsZ5iFBqovCC9OkXamFyYpdnPvS5nMFjT6jWi6d1v8nC1UMJ-e8p/s640/2017_oct_1_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkYSvpQmcVw8KGCQwSBud0vcmfmifyeH00x8ElmQye6zSy_XMFsG8ZnHylZa7nD4DjX5SuVQ5sgdqedqvVZ3ZmCqRx7s3EYzRum4xv10YhjeT5BhO8qwTIMjGQVO_hLv2CWX5YRVB-2z2/s1600/2017_Oct_01_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1254" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkYSvpQmcVw8KGCQwSBud0vcmfmifyeH00x8ElmQye6zSy_XMFsG8ZnHylZa7nD4DjX5SuVQ5sgdqedqvVZ3ZmCqRx7s3EYzRum4xv10YhjeT5BhO8qwTIMjGQVO_hLv2CWX5YRVB-2z2/s640/2017_Oct_01_05.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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We placed some more rocks last night and today, within 5 minutes of lifting 4 stones, I found a big handful of slugs. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn9XgJXIZ4xoD0pjcFYmfPl_WAfifwKPeE4sVSQFyBZjeWM0E9MGXfdTGbUq7Ys8fp_MjORsNPvAGr51d9OrXeHOiJ2HqNgyzZpYbK6ZWl7J5dLuhK4YiuEYXi8bL-7NwALeyG582LJ4l/s1600/2017_Oct_01_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1151" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn9XgJXIZ4xoD0pjcFYmfPl_WAfifwKPeE4sVSQFyBZjeWM0E9MGXfdTGbUq7Ys8fp_MjORsNPvAGr51d9OrXeHOiJ2HqNgyzZpYbK6ZWl7J5dLuhK4YiuEYXi8bL-7NwALeyG582LJ4l/s640/2017_Oct_01_03.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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Great treat for the Koi who devour them feverishly.<br />
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If you don't have Koi, just place the slugs on the driveway and wait until the birds come to feed. Or just put them into a hot pail of soapy water and dispose.<br />
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Less slugs overwintering, means less eggs and less damage come spring time.<br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-82746509088773125392017-09-23T08:39:00.001-07:002018-04-02T07:05:31.314-07:00Why I Remove All Hemerocallis Leaves In Early AugustI get frustrated when folks complain about how their Daylilies look once the heat of the summer roles in. Especially when they want to remove and get rid of the plant because of it's poor appearance in the late summer.<br />
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There's a way to avoid all that....<br />
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This year, the summer heat may have come later than normal, but the effects of the heat were first noticed on Hemerocallis, Daylily plants. Lush green grassy leaves adorn the plant in the early part of the summer, ushering flowers all throughout June and July. Then this happens:<br />
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As shown above, the Daylily at the top of the photo shows the grassy foliage turning yellow. I left this one alone to demonstrate the difference. The old foliage flops over and looks weak. Depending on the type of Hemerocallis you have, this usually happens after their big floral display or during a drought laden period.<br />
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To avoid this and you may find it odd, but I just yank out all the foliage - yes ALL. That is what I did to the Daylily at the bottom of the photo. If you look carefully, underneath all the droopy leaves, the plant begins to send new foliage out from the roots. Leave those and pull out the old-yellow ones. If you don't see any, pull them all out.<br />
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Make sure you don't cut back the leaves, but instead, <i>pull</i> them out. They come free so easily. Leaving dry stalks at the base can cause rot sometimes. It's best to just yank them out.<br />
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Within two weeks, you'll see new, vibrant green foliage emerging from the roots and within 3-4 weeks, you'll have a great mound of lush growth that will extend all the way into late October. It just extends your perennial border. Yes, you'll have to be patient and wait few weeks with a look of bareness, but in the end it's so worth the effort.<br />
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I've had great success in even getting the re-blooming varieties to extend their bloom even further with this leaf removal. If you've ever transplanted or divided Hemerocallis plants, you may have noticed they have large thickened roots (like a mini potato). These thickened roots store up water and nutrients. This is the plant's way to store up reserves. When the leaves are removed, the plant can regenerate from that stored energy. The renewed growth, can then start the process to replace those reserves again before the onset of winter.<br />
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All of the varieties in the picture above are Stella D'oro. A repeat bloomer. I find these among some of the most valued in mass plantings. They extend the flowering season and bear a hardiness and vigour some of the more cultivated ones do not have.<br />
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Try repeat blooming varieties like:<br />
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Stella D'oro<br />
Red Hot Returns<br />
Bonanza<br />
Dragon's Eye<br />
Happy Returns<br />
Janice Brown<br />
My Ways<br />
Pardon Me.... there's many more, I'm certain!<br />
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When you leave sad looking Daylilies with spent flower heads and yellow foliage, it just takes the spark out of the garden in late summer. Try removing all the leaves once you see them yellowing and find out the difference it can make in your garden. <br />
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These photos were taken September 21st and the leaves and foliage will remain green until frost.<br />
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So much prettier and worth the effort!<br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-10304131759748249252017-09-15T14:25:00.000-07:002018-04-02T07:05:28.140-07:00500,000 Views!Feeling blessed!<br />
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There's been many times I nearly quit - so here's hoping the garden continues to teach me things that I can pass along to you!<br />
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Thanks for visiting and making comments!<br />
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Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-6276818775842280762017-09-09T05:28:00.002-07:002018-04-02T07:05:30.164-07:00Jewelweed: A Natural Treatment For Insect BitesThis time of year, there isn't a day where I don't get stung or bit by some insect. Whether it be from accidentally disturbing an ant colony hill while weeding a bed, or pruning shrubs that harbour mosquitos - there's no escape. As autumn approaches, yellow jacket wasps are in a frenzy looking for something sweet or for protein. I dread the wasp season, as I get stung quite often too.<br />
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We usually carry After-Bite with us where we work, but in one garden area, we don't need to use it. Instead, nature has provided us with a wonderful annual plant called Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). It's worked so well for me that I had to share.<br />
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I am thankful for a natural resource that enables us to find a quick solution without running to the first-aid kit.<br />
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I specifically took photos of this plant in the early hours of the morning, because the dew droplets covering the leaves is why the plant was named Jewelweed. If the sun hits those leaves just right, you get an eye-catching shimmer.<br />
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Used medicinally by indigenous people for years, Impatiens capensis leaves contain a compound called <a href="http://www.knowyouroots.com/ijustgottashare/tag/lawsone/">Lawsone </a>- which has anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Just take a few leaves in between your fingers and squish them until the "juice" exudes. Rub the juice and leafy mush onto bites and within a few minutes the sting/bite pain/itch will diminish. <br />
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It's that simple.<br />
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Further, Jewelweed can be used as a natural topical treatment for poison ivy! Great for nature lovers, bird watchers and hunters who may come upon poison ivy in the wild. It's ideal to use when you have no lotion or ability to wash off the urushiol oil that gives us rashes. The lawsone in the Jewelweed leaves, acts as a barrier for the skin not to absorb the urushiol oil.<br />
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Please look at the link here ---> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22766473">medical info regarding Jewelweed</a> which describes the plant's ability to treat poison ivy, when you have no soap or water around to clean your skin.<br />
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Where to find Jewelweed: they like moist, wetland areas. If you see Cattails, then you'll probably find Jewelweed.<br />
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They are an annual plant which self seeds readily. You never really find just one plant here and there. Instead, a mass - which makes them easy to find.<br />
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I love it when plants provide an antidote to other noxious plants.<br />
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The flowers look orange from afar, but here you can see it's a combo of red and yellow that make a clear ID.<br />
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Try it for yourself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" /></a></div>
<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-88152333150019960902017-08-29T15:21:00.000-07:002018-04-02T07:05:31.629-07:00Mutant Rudbeckia<br />
I like to introduce you to a two headed Black Eyed Susan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KSNuYWHS2a7IczlOXIjeLeL8IfAKhGFktpfzTiKvKMKmicnL7dEE_q3o7_QOZcufmma2JkQEUUXf0507oNwf_80a1fbSBRJDWYne9MxOgM2n5rN9UlALJq8Tz2pxSTUdzBdCR5XvxdfQ/s1600/2017_Aug_29_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KSNuYWHS2a7IczlOXIjeLeL8IfAKhGFktpfzTiKvKMKmicnL7dEE_q3o7_QOZcufmma2JkQEUUXf0507oNwf_80a1fbSBRJDWYne9MxOgM2n5rN9UlALJq8Tz2pxSTUdzBdCR5XvxdfQ/s640/2017_Aug_29_01.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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Rudbeckias (Black Eyed Susan) are part of the Asteraceae family, typically the daisy group of plants. They are known to have these anomalies now and again.<br />
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Sometimes these rare form of flowers are created due to a disease called Aster Yellows, some virus, physical damage, or just a random natural mutation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKgFAH7Opa8cyV-LddwY08U9x-t7NIR7uLmPed0iqHMMTT_q4a4mSiWaBLZNdLnZw6efnA8n43BOaUzJWvLu2JBj59LmlvY8qqNAxEe19h6U9WjFmyzvY7gWCGoV9FPmyC_DrgKEakVh1/s1600/2017_Aug_29_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1437" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKgFAH7Opa8cyV-LddwY08U9x-t7NIR7uLmPed0iqHMMTT_q4a4mSiWaBLZNdLnZw6efnA8n43BOaUzJWvLu2JBj59LmlvY8qqNAxEe19h6U9WjFmyzvY7gWCGoV9FPmyC_DrgKEakVh1/s640/2017_Aug_29_02.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
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For some reason, these are conjoined at the base of the flower. Held taller than the other flowers, it was quite noticeable. Once the petals begin to fall, I will update and show what the seed heads look like.<br />
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Pretty cool. They remind me of a sunflower held this way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="64" data-original-width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxpU_GlV5HLWk-3_2cvnm_2bvtiE4xNI1VUPD4J1C6LHO032-_fAkkFALMXrfVhXnJ0dLZineVL7zamUWoO-q130BeH6TcNm_iXmqiDcdqmQuHJnfGvZhALl5r6QbKi5pKk-SZjMl58G/s1600/0_Background+Gone_Signature_2.png" /></a></div>
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Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-51621121907308697282017-08-07T07:06:00.000-07:002018-04-02T07:05:29.726-07:00Apiosporina morbosa - AKA Sh*t on a StickPlease excuse the crudeness of Sh*t on a Stick, but that was the first coined term I was taught 25+ years ago. It stuck and I will never forget it. lol<br />
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It certainly depicts poop on a stick, doesn't it? Apiosporina morbosa (even known as Dibotryon morbosum) is also called Black Knot. It is a rather noxious, pervasive fungus that attacks the prunus species of plants. Cherries, Plum, Chokecherry, Apricot, Almonds and ornamental cherry trees and shrubs fall victim to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Gz5iMku_yf4PtHODoSL4CKI5W9JWuMtTGiDJpFYU52Kq7Ui7sE3z9r0yC2V_Pyc6YklbM1_h-mi2x4Da9KL_ywx1dMDlbLnGYbyEpoVPBUZYwKDT2ABF5FHWD1RVeLG6DjATmw4saCQk/s1600/2017_Aug_7_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1411" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Gz5iMku_yf4PtHODoSL4CKI5W9JWuMtTGiDJpFYU52Kq7Ui7sE3z9r0yC2V_Pyc6YklbM1_h-mi2x4Da9KL_ywx1dMDlbLnGYbyEpoVPBUZYwKDT2ABF5FHWD1RVeLG6DjATmw4saCQk/s640/2017_Aug_7_04.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
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This wet spring and rainy summer has made it more visible than ever. I usually see it more in the winter, when no leaves cover the knots.<br />
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Here, I found it on a Chokecherry tree. Matter of fact, I think every Chokecherry tree in the vicinity had it.<br />
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When the lesions first appear, they are much smaller. Just a callous and swelling bark - usually green-brownish-black in colour. Hardly noticeable at first, and only enveloping one side of the stem. Each following growing season, the callous gall grows in diameter and becomes black and gnarly. Can get as long as 30cm. The knot is woody and will eventually encase the entire stem/branch. Eventually girdling the branch and causing die-back. Once black, the infection has been around for about 2-3 years already. If there are several knotty turd like lesions on the tree, you'll definitely notice brach die back before you see the black knot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWERun3aHzPn0ADP31B8RZ5aTjOx19oISc5G1FD7yi79BsL-KIktGdAmM065kVtGBfT_SO9OEb4J8qbreMA-jNvxaBhbHLZA4A74Gx8S237m5FrO_1P9Fsy7Are95R5buKirNHbW1unac9/s1600/2017_Aug_7_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="1500" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWERun3aHzPn0ADP31B8RZ5aTjOx19oISc5G1FD7yi79BsL-KIktGdAmM065kVtGBfT_SO9OEb4J8qbreMA-jNvxaBhbHLZA4A74Gx8S237m5FrO_1P9Fsy7Are95R5buKirNHbW1unac9/s640/2017_Aug_7_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "agaramondpro";"> The Black Knot becomes active during warm, wet weather. "Ascospores" are forcibly released from the ascostromata of the fungus. On this sample, it had rained a lot overnight with strong winds. </span></span><span style="font-family: "agaramondpro"; font-size: large;">You can see the knot has white masses. Beginning a new life cycle on the blackened gall.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "agaramondpro";"> Those white spots contain the acospores. </span><span style="font-family: "agaramondpro";">These spores are spread by air currents and rain
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When wet weather persists, the fungus acospores disperse and an injury or susceptible spot on the branch bark is like an open wound. The inoculum spores of the fungus invade the wound and start the whole process. More Black Knot galls on the tree = eventual total die back = dead tree.<br />
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<u>Treatment</u>: <b>Removal is key.</b><br />
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1) Remove during the dormant season. When the spores and tree are not active.<br />
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2) Cut back at least 10" below the knot. Better yet, if possible, remove the branch further back to a secondary stem, so that no stubby ends are left. Cut back to a collar or side shoot. Make the cuts on an angle so that no water sits on the newly cut area.<br />
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3) With EACH cut, <b>disinfect </b>your pruners/loppers. This <b>prevents </b>any contamination on newly cut ends and spreading it from host to new host.<br />
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4) Destroy the pruned branches. DO NOT COMPOST. Burn or discard in garbage. Black Knot can still release spores several months after being removed from the tree.<br />
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<b>Prevention: </b><br />
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1) Stressed out trees are susceptible to Black Knot. Love on them a bit more. Water during drought periods. Mulch trees, accordingly.<br />
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2) Prune regularly. One of the biggest issues is overcrowded canopies. No air circulating between the branches or branches banging into each other, causes perfect conditions for the fungus to adhere and spread throughout the tree.<br />
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3) Don't plant a Prunus species tree within a area close to a tree with Black Knot.<br />
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Here's proof:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgP6rLWFF3SBdUh8SUUieG_cMYytNoVyP3J3s0gsVz_6MKXH2zewqWwgnwNsRZhrCJa3ueY70vHD2Kx6-Te5ntiJdSHKey8NLBh6XwxlWPINxmy4bLOwyV7N4NRZGe9VaxTAzi48FboSCe/s1600/2017_Aug_7_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1247" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgP6rLWFF3SBdUh8SUUieG_cMYytNoVyP3J3s0gsVz_6MKXH2zewqWwgnwNsRZhrCJa3ueY70vHD2Kx6-Te5ntiJdSHKey8NLBh6XwxlWPINxmy4bLOwyV7N4NRZGe9VaxTAzi48FboSCe/s640/2017_Aug_7_05.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
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At the base of this Chokecherry are visible signs that the tree had been suckering from the base. This is very common for older Chokecherry trees. A true sign of stress.<br />
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With TLC and extra monitoring, the Prunus species of trees can survive Black Knot.<br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-22277763059284365712017-07-18T12:47:00.003-07:002018-04-02T07:05:28.487-07:00Plant Profile: Calycanthus floridus / Carolina AllspiceThere's nothing more enjoyable than spotting a beautiful, not so common shrub among the familiar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcyymWyVFPUhE8EjuRJt3-wQEXYar50DH_eNrjoZLUUsiy9rmNY0biB00We-Sn5ki6b28p3typ6ryUy2oCRRe8IXjcj49qF5orGrwcztKymX_cZILI4eMTUNQvtY5qGiHzN5YVSSNmyEr/s1600/2017_july_18_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1317" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcyymWyVFPUhE8EjuRJt3-wQEXYar50DH_eNrjoZLUUsiy9rmNY0biB00We-Sn5ki6b28p3typ6ryUy2oCRRe8IXjcj49qF5orGrwcztKymX_cZILI4eMTUNQvtY5qGiHzN5YVSSNmyEr/s640/2017_july_18_06.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
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Having visited the Toronto Botanical Gardens today, I had the privilege to take some photos of the grounds and I stumbled on one of my most favourite flowering shrubs: the Carolina Allspice. Calycanthus floridus has such lovely, unique blooms which catch your eye and thankfully I came for a visit just when they were at their peak.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iCNBZX31whV6FRSW9-NutMTzZpAchO7Ba7Iz8RCgxiyPrjiv_XuDCDUYxfwcCrjM2E3SbF-UWXjZ3fPjq8KFAufsY77x0c9OrpycTbXZjasKIIHLoqkx2MlWAXZYuWVm4EAdIJxxCjmV/s1600/2017_July_18_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="1500" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iCNBZX31whV6FRSW9-NutMTzZpAchO7Ba7Iz8RCgxiyPrjiv_XuDCDUYxfwcCrjM2E3SbF-UWXjZ3fPjq8KFAufsY77x0c9OrpycTbXZjasKIIHLoqkx2MlWAXZYuWVm4EAdIJxxCjmV/s640/2017_July_18_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rich, maroon red flowers that are held in tight buds to begin - reaching to at least 10 cm in diameter when fully opened. Depending on the light, sometimes the flower colours can range to dark pinks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfYrA29TEtg_qnxkEvUZSR-Gwlj_pzzV55P2gURlcHBy9ZXcfO97C9SD74pvKi4eO8opavOhfGCD9nv4tqLyF7YnwV9BvjtULswoTg-fR1dPopqqTgYyOfxlQ3254fLmjTS27RBwPmbpR/s1600/2017_July_18_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfYrA29TEtg_qnxkEvUZSR-Gwlj_pzzV55P2gURlcHBy9ZXcfO97C9SD74pvKi4eO8opavOhfGCD9nv4tqLyF7YnwV9BvjtULswoTg-fR1dPopqqTgYyOfxlQ3254fLmjTS27RBwPmbpR/s640/2017_July_18_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As the name suggests, allspice and or a strawberry like fragrance is emitted when smelling the flower and crushing the foliage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tk7oaqnm4bR0qEQpiSpe5oFaomSXHi6I7fp6wEyQ7fcZQxIdR4cd5aPaRjPAFrD_DXybRWxILdIwLKdvH9I9tg3Dr1x-rGnhrumRvGTL6nINMFoDbteFfNHtYZlGj-uF4lL54JCq6tVe/s1600/2017_July_18_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1500" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tk7oaqnm4bR0qEQpiSpe5oFaomSXHi6I7fp6wEyQ7fcZQxIdR4cd5aPaRjPAFrD_DXybRWxILdIwLKdvH9I9tg3Dr1x-rGnhrumRvGTL6nINMFoDbteFfNHtYZlGj-uF4lL54JCq6tVe/s640/2017_July_18_02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In my experience, I've seen them grow to at least 8-10 feet tall and about the same in width. Growing both in full sun to quite a bit of shade. In shadier areas, they can get a bit leggy - stretching for what ever light they an reach.<br />
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Zone hardiness is between 5-9. Flowering time, between May-July. Yellow fall leaf colour. Great seed pods that provide winter interest and craft making opportunities. I used to play with the seeds which often smell a bit like red wine.<br />
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When we have brutal, harsh winters here in Toronto, they are known to die back some, but rebounding really well if they are situated in rich, loamy soils. In warmer climates, they can sucker and self-seed quite a bit. Easily remedied by pruning and removing the seed pods in August.<br />
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If I had the space, this would certainly be in my garden!<br />
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<br />Heidi-Hoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931924843932936700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1464426253475508376.post-10692819882846737922017-07-08T09:43:00.001-07:002018-04-02T07:05:28.177-07:00DIY - Making Your Own Potting Soil for Herb ContainersIf you want herbs to grow well in containers, then I can't stress it enough - making your own potting soil can't compare with store-bought bags.<br />
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The old adage: you are what you eat. It bears a lot of truth, especially when it comes to container planting. To have success, plants need to draw up water with nutrients and minerals. Most potting soils available on the market are soil-less mixtures. Peat mainly, with added vermiculite and or perlite. With soil-less mixtures, you will have to add synthetic or composted fertilizers to keep nutrients available to the roots, before several waterings will leach them out. Ah, no thanks... I rather use more nutrient retaining soils.<br />
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In my experience, a mix of several elements is key. Herbs have significant properties we rely on and you want the plant to thrive and bear the flavours and medicinal goodness and flavours that we need. So why plant them in soil-less mixtures and expect good results? That just doesn't add up.<br />
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I compost. Not all kitchen scraps, but a LOT. Coffee grounds, veggie skins...egg shells, anything that will break down relatively quickly - for next year's batch. I also compost all my plant cuttings, autumn leaves and grass clippings. This makes a fabulous compost mixture that is fortified. But, I also balance other aspects too.<br />
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This is my potting soil recipe:<br />
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First: grab a wheel barrel or large vat (if you're lucky, you may even have a potting bench). Start by adding 1/3 compost, 1/4 sand, 2 cups perlite, 1/2 cup mycorrhizae for herbs and vegetables, and an 1/4 cup organic vegetable fertilizer. If you're like me, and plant herbs in a pot year to year, I reuse about 1/3 of the pot's original soil. Beneficial living organisms from the year before are still contained in there. You want to keep that cycle going by inviting them into the new mix.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IEyLSxFvbdeTO8QrHD5tOxi2AHzEwFrWskV2iypvjXk0zdk1xJd-SB1X2EswmZZPOqISHu0zSOYYn-IvzmFjdfEvBmoIz3Y2wi2Fo5SLPyDfly-9xtg-OSm4pbiLOKIfd6sklfNllpYw/s1600/2017_july_8_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1363" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IEyLSxFvbdeTO8QrHD5tOxi2AHzEwFrWskV2iypvjXk0zdk1xJd-SB1X2EswmZZPOqISHu0zSOYYn-IvzmFjdfEvBmoIz3Y2wi2Fo5SLPyDfly-9xtg-OSm4pbiLOKIfd6sklfNllpYw/s640/2017_july_8_09.jpg" width="544" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Last year's old plant material. Removed all the roots, and dead bits, but kept half of the soil in the wheel barrel. NOTE: if you had diseases and problems with your planters last season, then DON'T reuse last year's soil. Begin with new soil.</span></td></tr>
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This is how the various additives look:<br />
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Mix thoroughly together.<br />
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One key aspect of growing herbs, if you're going to plant several together, plant similar sun/hot to shade/moist selections together. I like planting "hot herbs" in terra cotta pots. Terra cotta pots heat up in the sun. You want a dry, Mediterranean conditions, and they will heat up if you keep the pots on hard landscaping surfaces.<br />
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Plastic pots work well to retain moisture and I use them for "cool herbs".<br />
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Here are some groupings that grow well together:<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Hot/Dry:</span> Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Oregano, Marjoram - these all like drying conditions and less waterings.<br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Cool/Part Sun</span>: Basil, Chives, Parsley, Coriander - these all like moist conditions and can tolerate a bit of dappled shade.<br />
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With the hot/dry loving plants, you may want to even add more sand, to promote drainage. The amount of sand may vary, depending on your compost. The more organic material that hasn't broken down, the more sand you will need. These hot plants hate roots standing in water.<br />
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Place pots in a sunny position. Place water trays beneath to catch water from leaching out too much fertilizer when you water.<br />
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Every 3rd watering I add compost tea that I make (<a href="http://www.heidihorticulture.com/2012/04/compost-tea-organic-fertilizer.html">here's the link to that post</a>) for an added boost.<br />
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Pinch segments back for your culinary needs and try not to let the plants bolt - meaning, not let them go to seed.<br />
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If you have noticed, I have several other little plants that have hitch-hiked their way into my soil. This year I had morning glories, tomatoes and bidens germinate from seed. Hey, why not! They add some colour and joy to this little spot by the kitchen entrance.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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