tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3134946569329610502024-02-02T08:14:21.525-08:00Design to Grow<center>A Shovel-full of Help for the DIY Landscaper</center>Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-72224581053551353702018-01-05T16:28:00.001-08:002018-01-05T16:33:04.851-08:00Winter of the Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp_RQb0mhQ0h64mczevQEdJAUgZSC7N2bOkLveHKWzxx7XMgr6wBWUYqMMw8cbPTkPfMnn7cJAw-iPS2LUr3Yb9Ps3-cfAmGKMgAQ00qUuywS6TaFGoNXq9E_Gdc9z_HWayAnehujkhQ/s1600/IMG_0149.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/AVvXsEiNp_RQb0mhQ0h64mczevQEdJAUgZSC7N2bOkLveHKWzxx7XMgr6wBWUYqMMw8cbPTkPfMnn7cJAw-iPS2LUr3Yb9Ps3-cfAmGKMgAQ00qUuywS6TaFGoNXq9E_Gdc9z_HWayAnehujkhQ/s640/IMG_0149.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">"</span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">W</span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">inter of the soul can be </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">an uncomfortable season as well, </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">but God is the King of Winter as well. </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Therefore, we should not complain for </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">losses, crosses, weariness, sickness, poverty </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">and a thousand other difficulties </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">are sent by the Lord and come to us </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">through his wise purpose. </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Remember, frost also kills deadly insects, </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">stemming agonizing diseases. </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">It softens the hardness of the soil as well </span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">and sweetens our souls.</span></h6>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit;"> - <span style="font-size: large;">C</span>harles <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>purgeon</span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-80919342133351275382015-08-12T06:40:00.001-07:002015-08-12T06:40:46.847-07:00Resurrection"Nice to meet you, Mollie. What do you do?"<br />
"I'm SO glad you asked. I'm a substitute-teaching freelance journalist with a degree in landscape design."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<wilted sigh></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
At age 39, I'm<span style="font-size: x-large;"> s</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">till</span> looking for my place in this world. August heralds the reminder that with no definitive career, I'll spend the next nine months wandering through yet another school year, the nomadic substitute. <br />
<br />
A little over a year ago I decided to put my A-L-L into becoming a certified teacher. Jumped through hoops, passed an exam, contacted places of higher learning. Turns out, it's just not in the cards. Unless a university president is reading this and wants to award me free tuition, that is. Wink, wink. Yes, I see you reading this blog.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkRli-FrtUQYc3N9FtVSzkgEnWiWsTulku6TqNomRDiNT-BTM8tDMyNHNskpPMouwhdDU16rc7Ua5YJde7j0WrraaM2Vq8CaFWDRFy3LdQ6G6lI9BiQ0v7yLpUg1C_OadQoj7fdt9x4E/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkRli-FrtUQYc3N9FtVSzkgEnWiWsTulku6TqNomRDiNT-BTM8tDMyNHNskpPMouwhdDU16rc7Ua5YJde7j0WrraaM2Vq8CaFWDRFy3LdQ6G6lI9BiQ0v7yLpUg1C_OadQoj7fdt9x4E/s640/IMG_2916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Indeed.com and I have spent a lot of quality time together. Indeed is a job classifieds site. It's filled fresh each day with positions for administrative assistants, nuclear engineers and registered nurses. If there's a job I'm not qualified for, they've posted it. <br />
If there's a job that doesn't fit my schedule, they've posted it. <br />
If there's a job that I would rock at but is over an hour away, they've posted it.<br />
<br />
And yet the glistening mirage of my career beckons eternal.<br />
I keep opening the app, hoping the perfect job will be there >>sparkling<< in all its digital glory.<br />
<br />
But the<span style="font-size: x-large;"> cynicism is creeping </span>in. It's hard to fend it off sometimes.<br />
<br />
It's not the money. You don't go into substitute-teaching freelance journalism with a degree in landscape design to rake in the big bucks, obviously. Although you do a lot of raking. <br />
Thank goodness for Tall Dark and Handsome. Or should I say Sugar Daddy? Without him, MasterCard would've locked me out long ago. <br />
<br />
Well, okay, if I'm being honest, it is a bit about the money. I'd like to make more than the girl handing out slurpees at Burger King, which is an increasing challenge. But there's a bigger bottom line on my mind: who am I?<br />
<br />
Goodness. Such a dark post. You check in here to read charming nibs about my exploits with lost pruners and naughty grubs, not to delve into the depths of my self-worth. <br />
<br />
Well, whether you made it this far, or gave up three paragraphs back, this airing of my thoughts is therapeutic. Even if my words echo hollowly back to me, there is something about posting them to the universe that scratches my mental itch. <br />
<br />
Thank you. <br />
I do feel better. <br />
<br />
And for those of you that hung in there, I have a point. A horticultural one, even.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc4pH9QnjLs8GYrREbo7X6QMNnGUI9apwPJpCmwoTwoLXlyV-p7XStbKYL6hezX6AikjAV2o444od7KodRfNARSDUqbgszs5F9ppxGqvpoN20x3GlKsYLmKoKc3i9GmRoV0KsyF6oXS4/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc4pH9QnjLs8GYrREbo7X6QMNnGUI9apwPJpCmwoTwoLXlyV-p7XStbKYL6hezX6AikjAV2o444od7KodRfNARSDUqbgszs5F9ppxGqvpoN20x3GlKsYLmKoKc3i9GmRoV0KsyF6oXS4/s320/IMG_2712.JPG" width="320" /></a>Remember this pic of my annuals-in-the-flat, left for dead by our house sitter? Mollie the Horticulturist labeled them past their PWP (Permanent Wilting Point). Translation: it's a goner, with a capital G. <br />
<br />
I splashed water on them anyway because Mollie the Eternal Optimist hasn't yet reached her PWP, even if she is <span style="font-size: large;">drooping</span> a bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">The next morning, I found this. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">A love note from God to one of his hope-thirsty seedlings. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlhxyH7CKq4a-mqpCau-3QdG6vZJakstjNM0TQfyKG4offfrmOWaoOxK1oaZPanL-g4_7BmP_X4auyz2wTViyfrV588NpnR9mroFyR-3Z4FCo2HMP8yMdzWtBLjmReDr_Py-khf43qOg/s1600/IMG_2837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlhxyH7CKq4a-mqpCau-3QdG6vZJakstjNM0TQfyKG4offfrmOWaoOxK1oaZPanL-g4_7BmP_X4auyz2wTViyfrV588NpnR9mroFyR-3Z4FCo2HMP8yMdzWtBLjmReDr_Py-khf43qOg/s640/IMG_2837.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>et the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for I have put my trust in you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Show me the way I should go,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for to you I entrust my life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 143:8</div>
Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-75436790038475724772015-07-25T08:26:00.000-07:002015-07-25T08:26:12.637-07:00A Forest of Contentment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ayW0lZzA2kORcqtPxw9jfcvYbDJm4ZxYZqngryjNNOM-lu18KXO9opfjCjySnY6WuOIAKxu6wClIxMI7od2ANNG7_XzUE9E0xMt3PNOlguv-Voq8ZfWUB9woDG8_wq70O588XbyebkU/s1600/IMG_2698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ayW0lZzA2kORcqtPxw9jfcvYbDJm4ZxYZqngryjNNOM-lu18KXO9opfjCjySnY6WuOIAKxu6wClIxMI7od2ANNG7_XzUE9E0xMt3PNOlguv-Voq8ZfWUB9woDG8_wq70O588XbyebkU/s400/IMG_2698.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">After a week's vacation</span>,<br />
I came home to find my garden changed. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sunflowers</span> had burst open<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">tomatoes</span> plumped up<br />
<br />
and of course<br />
<br />
the <span style="font-size: x-large;">weeds</span> had a field day in my absence.<br />
<br />
Not that my presence hinders them much,<br />
but maybe I just noticed their usually subtle advance more since it had a week's worth of progress.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My red pepper (notably singular) is looking small but rosy and ready to pick. For those of you that purchase a plant with a bloom or, <span style="font-size: large;">God forbid</span>, a fruit already forming, look to me as your example of what not to do. <br />
<br />
The soft-hearted amongst you, <span style="font-size: x-large;">observe the fruit of my empathy</span>. I could not pull it off when I brought it home. And this is what I have to show for my kindness: a thwarted plant. A dwarf. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOztTw0VNIja9mf_NqHh3vH3Cf03u_Fbl5pEtcIrsFioyDQ7Asi3iqjycCv7hbVe6SgWs0k-7aWIajGF2Qjf5vYQIPlbHLBFTiiIsE9RXCjiqUdbo39LS7V3K360faFfRI5v4Q_N7fmrw/s1600/IMG_2686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOztTw0VNIja9mf_NqHh3vH3Cf03u_Fbl5pEtcIrsFioyDQ7Asi3iqjycCv7hbVe6SgWs0k-7aWIajGF2Qjf5vYQIPlbHLBFTiiIsE9RXCjiqUdbo39LS7V3K360faFfRI5v4Q_N7fmrw/s400/IMG_2686.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
You've heard it before, but maybe this will bring the message home. Plants only have as much energy as their leaves can photosynthesize. <br />
<br />
If you bring a juvenile plant home with minimal foliage and it starts producing a fruit, that is all you will get. <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">One fruit. </span>It's like a pregnant teenager...it has precariously few resources to care for itself and a baby.<br />
<br />
Leaves are tireless little kitchens: They take their Mama's secret recipe, absorb essential amounts of sunlight, respirate oxygen and carbon dioxide, add in proprietary amounts of water and cook up some sugar. <br />
<br />
But if their kitchen pantry only has enough ingredients in it for one small, rosy-red pepper, then that is all you will get. <br />
<br />
More leaves equal more ingredient-laden pantries. <br />
<br />
Get it? <span style="font-size: large;">Got it?</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Good.</span> Even though I get it, I still made the mistake, and probably will again. <br />
If you do too, <span style="font-size: x-large;">don't feel bad</span>. No one will ever know as long as you don't post it online.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc4pH9QnjLs8GYrREbo7X6QMNnGUI9apwPJpCmwoTwoLXlyV-p7XStbKYL6hezX6AikjAV2o444od7KodRfNARSDUqbgszs5F9ppxGqvpoN20x3GlKsYLmKoKc3i9GmRoV0KsyF6oXS4/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc4pH9QnjLs8GYrREbo7X6QMNnGUI9apwPJpCmwoTwoLXlyV-p7XStbKYL6hezX6AikjAV2o444od7KodRfNARSDUqbgszs5F9ppxGqvpoN20x3GlKsYLmKoKc3i9GmRoV0KsyF6oXS4/s400/IMG_2712.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The house sitter kept <span style="font-size: x-large;">most</span> of the plants alive, even though I'm sure she thought her primary objective was to keep the dog alive. <br />
<br />
She clearly didn't think I was seriously <span style="font-size: x-large;">still</span> trying to maintain annuals in the flat (who would?).<br />
<br />
I came home to find them well past their permanent wilting point. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sad face. Sad face. Sad face. </span><br />
<br />
The eternal optimist/procrastinator inside me was still planning on plopping those near the birdbath <i>sometime</i> before frost.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">All of these changes - good and bad - were a sight for sore eyes. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
Only I didn't realize they were sore.<br />
<br />
Yesterday morning, I sat on a deck in Tennessee grieving my last moments in the Smoky Mountains. The <span style="font-size: x-large;">deep comfort of the forest</span>, the mist hanging low, the trickles and gushes of waterfalls, I connected with it all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntWL9gvWFWEr47hnVMha44YeIGs2hGnR1TEwyEwSvAMhu3eyr3z59LUqfc8tJjWKa53AfMXlwlq-xcYbMDcUvIcJhc8IhvvxlSGnWU4rVGF-mjh69Q66yIDrOsqPCaLOg7oOK6snNIuM/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntWL9gvWFWEr47hnVMha44YeIGs2hGnR1TEwyEwSvAMhu3eyr3z59LUqfc8tJjWKa53AfMXlwlq-xcYbMDcUvIcJhc8IhvvxlSGnWU4rVGF-mjh69Q66yIDrOsqPCaLOg7oOK6snNIuM/s640/IMG_2570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My children - removed mostly from their electronics - splashed and played, <span style="font-size: x-large;">clambered up and down waterfalls</span>, hunted for crayfish, salamanders, and the ever-illusive black bear. Given the option, I would never have left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYSaAi-Ha_gXQHlw0ckzkdqx52Fm9jYRXhE4_40jLPKKPzDx07vAfcJIJRBZ3TLpwHx-6aLQwDezMmA3F4v3twFWf7xIepI0ylqQmyfPWJhrzxnpPQDMIHzc9QLndjpWKZDnSmZzZ4H4/s1600/IMG_2607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYSaAi-Ha_gXQHlw0ckzkdqx52Fm9jYRXhE4_40jLPKKPzDx07vAfcJIJRBZ3TLpwHx-6aLQwDezMmA3F4v3twFWf7xIepI0ylqQmyfPWJhrzxnpPQDMIHzc9QLndjpWKZDnSmZzZ4H4/s640/IMG_2607.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw0uPb2aU8NXZwN54BfxquiSl9qocinSvaHviFEx79UKdOD8LmFOmb9FnvungArnY3OCQOC4cHFcIysrPvgfiyuzaguW3tneLnweqMJigxojSF-HfdabsG2Oni4Ns0awFWWU8W_mFJnU/s1600/IMG_2588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw0uPb2aU8NXZwN54BfxquiSl9qocinSvaHviFEx79UKdOD8LmFOmb9FnvungArnY3OCQOC4cHFcIysrPvgfiyuzaguW3tneLnweqMJigxojSF-HfdabsG2Oni4Ns0awFWWU8W_mFJnU/s640/IMG_2588.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIwMQpgT8NCeDwhTpDg1LOrHbP3tx5Zi03FIUgwSutnOe3lf1sxUrztGLbm72WdVolKCACTiOk6qOLcWEW8g3vEpMPsG1kFlNEIPDos90oGTs9Z2C_bH1m5xzTA0PseQEv-HSsJQ0TyY/s1600/IMG_2484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIwMQpgT8NCeDwhTpDg1LOrHbP3tx5Zi03FIUgwSutnOe3lf1sxUrztGLbm72WdVolKCACTiOk6qOLcWEW8g3vEpMPsG1kFlNEIPDos90oGTs9Z2C_bH1m5xzTA0PseQEv-HSsJQ0TyY/s640/IMG_2484.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W3KhVXLqa0uYhvLn-iZCl7TH-3OmqPlkAwypJt43op3ZSbwJqM6Lsue7gj2nGTKbJV7P0aw7BMjoBauj2yqeT8yGqjqIgPZWVsTF3veVQBOZc9jGgsyloi6EUehzGTx7S6T0T6BQu7E/s1600/IMG_2509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W3KhVXLqa0uYhvLn-iZCl7TH-3OmqPlkAwypJt43op3ZSbwJqM6Lsue7gj2nGTKbJV7P0aw7BMjoBauj2yqeT8yGqjqIgPZWVsTF3veVQBOZc9jGgsyloi6EUehzGTx7S6T0T6BQu7E/s640/IMG_2509.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-EKmHzRrMruUsyl6bVcz-prIDMnuaiA6d3P_UQQhEQ0fW6LWtnr-uBslUVezf9447oNp7D5pw-XrVeiDwSgsRjei1-5Ljvafr3AdersBfyy3tHxdLb0uFX1PZPgxjHIL_pF0ZRWEESM/s1600/IMG_2571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-EKmHzRrMruUsyl6bVcz-prIDMnuaiA6d3P_UQQhEQ0fW6LWtnr-uBslUVezf9447oNp7D5pw-XrVeiDwSgsRjei1-5Ljvafr3AdersBfyy3tHxdLb0uFX1PZPgxjHIL_pF0ZRWEESM/s320/IMG_2571.jpg" width="213" /></a>But the schedule and the budget demanded our return. And so with a very heavy heart, I pulled the door shut on our cabin at 8:30 yesterday morning and climbed into our Honda. <br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Eight hours later, I was desperate for home. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Trapped in an unholy traffic halo around Indianapolis, I <span style="font-size: x-large;">dreamed</span> of pulling into our driveway. Maybe that back-up was a bit holier than I had originally surmised. Maybe God was massaging my heart to long for home. It worked. </span><br />
<br />
We pulled up and our forest-less, mist-less, waterfall-less home looked perfect. The weeds, I loved them. The slobbery dog, I loved him. The flat cornfields, I loved them. <br />
<br />
Thankfully, these entities do not lie side-by-side with the Smokies for direct comparison. But a hypodermic shot of interstate madness was just what the Doctor ordered. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Home</span> looked heavenly.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NZOuJ4_968rBSpVCA9FyfUiOj4sFZc24_49GMqpNooNf_PUx-UGRbYMkC1C7A1jgbC9nsMzlH-XkGCRcYHRu1Xdc-BxQQjfLi2onhqSlWCiCbTzwCdiZZDB3e4IcfugL_FjkeLnjRCI/s1600/IMG_3211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NZOuJ4_968rBSpVCA9FyfUiOj4sFZc24_49GMqpNooNf_PUx-UGRbYMkC1C7A1jgbC9nsMzlH-XkGCRcYHRu1Xdc-BxQQjfLi2onhqSlWCiCbTzwCdiZZDB3e4IcfugL_FjkeLnjRCI/s640/IMG_3211.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-89993633073189514252013-08-15T20:23:00.000-07:002013-08-15T20:23:05.181-07:00Tomato Turmoil<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT7t_npu1U5AhnYBL7B3n8lXe4gGt9x6IEnaXlziziuFGcgqX3p6z4i5h19qQFGD7wTEsdl4WS91Q3lIU7JIpobN0i-YZR4msC_O6mVJTwwS05VUQV5UdjWXzVZbCkmZmvIlPTWo8yLE/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT7t_npu1U5AhnYBL7B3n8lXe4gGt9x6IEnaXlziziuFGcgqX3p6z4i5h19qQFGD7wTEsdl4WS91Q3lIU7JIpobN0i-YZR4msC_O6mVJTwwS05VUQV5UdjWXzVZbCkmZmvIlPTWo8yLE/s320/IMG_0911.JPG" width="240" /></a>Hovering over my treasure, I beamed as I revealed the latest
garden loot to my husband. “Know
what these are?” I asked. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tomatoes” he replied nonchalantly. Clearly, he wasn’t picking up on my infectious
enthusiasm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, but not just ANY tomatoes. These are {pause for emphasis} Our First Tomatoes.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He gestured towards a pile of rosy red spheres on the
opposite counter. “So what are
those?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Those are from Wanda’s garden.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And those?” he asked, pointing to a colander of bright
orange cherry tomatoes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Those are from Alicia.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mmm hmm.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What my husband failed to recognize is the monumental
significance of today’s garden haul.
I’ve spent the last two weeks wringing my hands over an entirely unripe
tomato crop. A plentiful harvest
that refuses to ripen is more insulting than one lost to bugs or disease. I should know…I’ve lived through all
three forms of frustration. With
August well underway, I was beginning to suspect that I was falling victim to
another green tomato tragedy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gardeners are cut from warm and generous stock; the orange
and red produce scattered throughout my kitchen bore testimony to that
fact. Unfortunately, they set off
a little alert in the gardening cortex of my cerebellum. “Why are everyone else’s tomatoes
ripe?” I had planted at least 5
different varieties, from two different sources, and spread them throughout the
backyard. None of them had shown
so much as a shy blush until this morning. Hence the hand-wringing.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomatoes, I am told, will ripen, given a long enough growing
season, which Illinois certainly has.
The complex biochemistry percolating in those plant cells can be a touch
sensitive, though. Tomatoes prefer
air temps below 85 degrees. Any
higher, and the plant shuts down its carotene and lycopene production, two
components essential to the ripening process. Resist the urge to fertilize: failing to ripen is not a
nutritional deficiency. Adding
fertilizer could actually force the plant into a vegetative state, further
slowing your fruit maturity. No,
the only solution is to wait. I
hate waiting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But none of this emotional rollercoaster registered with
Tall, Dark and Handsome. Aside
from enjoying a slice on his cheeseburger, he’s not a tomato enthusiast. For him, tomato season brings the
pleasant tidings of salsa kisses and dragon breath emanating from his sweetheart
and the onslaught of fruit flies in the kitchen. Considering these enticing prospects, his response may be
justified. There is not, I’m sorry
to say, much I can do about the salsa breath. I write it off as collateral damage. Homemade salsa for supper does
not fresh morning breath make.
Add to that, salsa for breakfast and lunch as well, and sweet exhales
are gone with the wind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.saskwastereduction.ca/images/vermi-trap2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.saskwastereduction.ca/images/vermi-trap2.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have, however, had some success in controlling fruit flies
this year. After a particularly
produce-laden purchase at Sam’s Club, I discovered a very effective homemade
fruit fly trap. In a cup, I put an
apple slice and some vinegar. I
cut a small corner out of a sandwich bag and secured it over the cup with a
rubber band. It didn’t take long
for the flies to find their new favorite restaurant. Only trick is, finding their way out was considerably harder
than finding their way in. There
are suggestions all over the internet for ‘fly enticements’. Apparently the little drunkards like beer or wine, and heated apple cider vinegar draws them effectively as well. This summer, don’t let those buggers
put a damper on your harvest.
Bring on the tomatoes!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-53799302777602356032013-08-06T15:20:00.002-07:002013-08-06T15:20:42.169-07:00Milky Spore<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ah, August. The
season of sharpened pencils, shiny shoes, and first-day jitters. And the harbinger of the collective germ
pool shared amongst all those willing learners. From the water fountain to the pencil sharpener, bacteria
has a hey day. With three
grade-schoolers, I’m in the thick of germ warfare. A daily lecture circuit escapes semi-unconsciously from my mouth: “Wash your hands.” “Use a tissue!” “Stop
licking your brother.” Does it do
any good? Do they listen? I don’t know. We get our fair share of stomach viruses and strep
throat. I always say what we don’t
pick up from the community basketball in P.E. we get from the shopping cart at Aldi’s. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But thank goodness I’m not a grub mama. As those little baby grubs wriggle off
from home into the pitch-black underworld, they’re exposed to every imaginable
germ. How they can see what
they’re eating? Who knows? And there’s clearly no hand-washing
before meals. One soil-borne germ
in particular, milky spore, is deadly to grubs. Oh, those poor mamas, the sleepless nights they must endure
with such dangers lurking. You may
be more familiar with the parents of grubs these days: our iridescent summer
visitor, the Japanese Beetle. What? Not feeling sympathetic? I can relate. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seedlibrary.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Picture-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://www.seedlibrary.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Picture-1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A creepy Grub family tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I suppose beetles can’t help their behavior. They’re just doing what comes
naturally. It isn’t their fault
that we’ve planted all these delicious Linden trees and hollyhocks, roses and
beans around our properties. After
all, if the tables were turned, would we behave differently? If Willy Wonka’s dream came true, would
we leave the candy grass, gumdrop flowers and chocolate river alone simply
because they looked lovely? One
whiff of that cocoa current and my self-restraint would be taking a hike. This, however, isn’t Wonka World, and
I’m not here to make excuses for Japanese Beetles. We have crops to grow and plants to protect from the
appetite of these destructive creatures, which brings me back to the milky
spore germ.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/699064/699064800109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/699064/699064800109.jpg" width="320" /></a>It’s important to clarify what Milky Spore (Bacillus
popillae) is not. It is not a
quick fix. Yes, I know you’re
worried about the marigolds the beetles are currently feasting on, but Milky
Spore is not that kind of a fix.
It does not instantly kill beetle like Sevin. This is a gradual population-control product. I know I lost most of you on the word
“gradual”, but hear me out. This
bacteria attacks the future generations that will be overwintering in and
emerging from your soil next spring.
It’s like taking out an airfield instead of just shooting bombers out of
the sky. You’re hitting them at
their population source. Milky
spore is applied in one season, and the resulting control can last upwards of
20 years. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The product works like so: after being eaten by a grub, the
bacterial spores have nothing short of a cataclysmic orgy. The resulting exponential growth results
in billions of new bacterial spores.
And we thought rabbits were
bad! The inner fluid of the grub,
or hemolymph, is so saturated with spores by the time it dies that it turns
white, hence the milky nomer. Therein
lies the catch-22: for the bacterial population to grow, it requires live grubs
to percolate it’s population. Meaning, if you don’t have a good
infestation of Japanese Beetle grubs, the product won’t flourish well.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Milky spore is available in a powder form in most garden
centers. Spread it on your lawn while
temperatures are still warm. Spore
development is optimized when the soil temperatures are between 60 and 70
degrees farenheit. I found a 40 oz
package of powder for $70 on Amazon.
Certainly not cheap, but if you divide the cost of the investment over
the span of 10-20 years, it’s a bit easier to swallow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-69011342960115976922013-07-31T07:30:00.001-07:002013-07-31T07:30:12.132-07:00Applesauce<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aside from zapping the occasional bag of frozen broccoli, my
microwave doesn’t see much action.
Today, however, it is buzzing along at warp speed as I crank out batch
after batch of applesauce. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three pails of transparent apples, fresh from Grandma’s
farmyard, kick-started this production.
In summertime, my family doles out garden currency like lottery winnings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After asking my folks for a favor last weekend, my typically
generous father replied, “It’s gonna cost you.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How much?” I asked.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Three buckets of apples.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ve heard of reverse mortgages? This is a reverse payment. My cost would be taking three buckets of apples off my
father’s hands. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB23rGe30o-m0CBul7j3qRINaZTTL9hqBlaFGmmmY1eLIk7NZAGHnZw57oUmWmqZtZ5vR0EtDDFrcOtGux7ckawQHEifoE1Mi3wrTqfOZFhEjth8cUQo07bfXEv4ub32vCMH7Pp8SGJ8/s1600/IMG_1146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB23rGe30o-m0CBul7j3qRINaZTTL9hqBlaFGmmmY1eLIk7NZAGHnZw57oUmWmqZtZ5vR0EtDDFrcOtGux7ckawQHEifoE1Mi3wrTqfOZFhEjth8cUQo07bfXEv4ub32vCMH7Pp8SGJ8/s640/IMG_1146.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
Everything my parents grow goes to excess. If I’ve inherited this trait, my
zucchini clearly can’t decipher the DNA analysis. Creeping Charlie, on the other hand… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each June, my mom and dad swim in strawberries, while July
ushers in the triple-threat of cherries, sweet corn and transparent apples. August through October is a tomato
tsunami, with some peaches and apples thrown in for variety. In most circles, excess is
desirable. Use what you want,
share what you can, compost the rest.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But at the top of this family tree hovers a 92-year-old wisp
of a workhorse. On the eve of
Grandma’s 9<sup>th</sup> birthday, the stock exchange crashed, plunging this
country into the Great Depression.
Her farm girl lifestyle was already one of frugal economy, but the state
of the country colored her perspective of ‘plenty’ for a lifetime. There is no sin or crime so great that
it can overshadow the wastefulness of an unused harvest. She pushes herself to make use of any
food that comes her way. Her
freezer is loaded with quart upon quart of fruits and vegetables, just waiting
to be handed off to a needy family.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What she can’t use comes our way. And the transparent apple tree is dropping its harvest in
her yard. So 84 years after the
Great Depression, I’m standing in my kitchen with an overflowing bowl of peels
and cores for proof of its effect.
Waste not, want not: a lesson our generation has yet to learn. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Transparent apples are the earliest of apples, and they look
it. Their green skin looks decidedly unripe and perfectly mature
fruits can be pretty small. Some
of the apples on my counter are the size of a small peach, although there are
plenty of big ones to compensate.
They sport an intense Granny Smith-esque tartness with a soft
texture. Not my favorite for fresh
eating, but incomparable for applesauce-making. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They are relatively unknown for two reasons. First, it’s hard to get them to
market. Once off the tree, they
age quickly and bruise easily. Secondly, their
unique properties (tart and mushy) set them apart for baking and cooking. For the majority of the population,
cracking open a jar of Mott’s is considerably easier than making your own
applesauce. However, the process
of making it is simple and takes less than a half hour. Most importantly, our tastebuds will
thank you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIsd6JzU0M2gFJpz3me-VXdnRFRvNhE5NRH8sJyn3SSp23fRogcBs5eZ07ymaNqaCrsjQ7Uiwg2nXUuVlnM2fve8yG1RVhwQZIS1bDkeYt7N5CZtwqp7SOMwDN_s3mF1ZsSAHis3GlzQ/s1600/IMG_2376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIsd6JzU0M2gFJpz3me-VXdnRFRvNhE5NRH8sJyn3SSp23fRogcBs5eZ07ymaNqaCrsjQ7Uiwg2nXUuVlnM2fve8yG1RVhwQZIS1bDkeYt7N5CZtwqp7SOMwDN_s3mF1ZsSAHis3GlzQ/s320/IMG_2376.JPG" width="320" /></a>Grandma’s Applesauce</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Fill a 2 qt.
container ¾ full of peeled, sliced apples.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Add 2 T.
water and cover with plastic wrap.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Microwave
for 5 minutes on high.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Stir. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. Cook 2-5
minutes more. The mixture can boil
over, so watch closely. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. Whip with a
whisk and add sugar (to taste) while sauce is warm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-9263529578979872302013-07-25T11:15:00.001-07:002013-07-25T11:15:40.894-07:00A Million Dollar View<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzHKY31Q1IAKaN4L8QlfJoXJo58qFlcwzKLYQuirKmYDxFpcGt0M3G2qS0gOvch1P9RuxYiCf_na0YryGanQkUQjqVK77cKVcxE8GUD6qe2oO_xH73_JPKBVdGSJCyswlpfoIArvnP8k/s1600/IMG_1128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzHKY31Q1IAKaN4L8QlfJoXJo58qFlcwzKLYQuirKmYDxFpcGt0M3G2qS0gOvch1P9RuxYiCf_na0YryGanQkUQjqVK77cKVcxE8GUD6qe2oO_xH73_JPKBVdGSJCyswlpfoIArvnP8k/s400/IMG_1128.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tassels emerging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Geographically speaking, cornfields aren’t considered a
highly desirable view to the general public. Travellers whiz obliviously past acres and acres of
this certifiable national treasure, eager to get on to more exciting
vistas. Realtors could attest to
the number of homebuyers seeking views of mountains, oceans, lakes and
metropolitan skylines, but cornfields?
Not even on the radar. Even
homegrown tourism commercials confirm this theory. A catchy phrase like “Visit Illinois!” is followed by video
clips of hiking trails, theme parks, waterfalls and of course, The City. The majestic crop that covers most of
our state, however, has been conspiratorially left out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neither the farmers nor the corn care, though. They don’t stage protests or launch lawsuits
for the acclaim they deserve.
They’re content to live quietly, fueling the cars and people that go
revving around in search of that million-dollar view. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe it’s because I’m a farmer’s daughter. Maybe it’s because I grew up eating sweet
corn like cookies. Maybe it’s
because green is my favorite color.
Who knows? But I love
cornfields. I love the potential they
hold when they’re empty, the hope exuded as they sprout, the lushness of the
deep green ribbon-leaves as they soak up the July sun, and the rustle of golden
stalks on a windy day in October. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But to truly appreciate this crop, one must understand
it. Growing corn is a complicated,
chancy venture. Having invested
huge sums of money, time, and labor into this agricultural gamble, farmers
monitor crop development closely. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When people go into a vegetative state, that’s not
good. Plants in a vegetative
state: completely different story.
It means they’re focusing all of their resources on growing. “As opposed to what?” one might ask. “Aren’t they always growing?” When corn reaches a certain level of
development, it turns its attention towards romantic ventures. This is known as the reproductive
state.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICMm9agQzJViyDRp_4P-6gZW9Ae3yho5JKGsrZ097Zh4AZ5atOkyCBw2EqKPgRE41MM7qjPg7YKkdh5ziUFpSyDpnDywm6YTgEsf2sKo3e0HDMlriWMKu3oC6M3900wQJpVOx3rWHM_k/s1600/IMG_1141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICMm9agQzJViyDRp_4P-6gZW9Ae3yho5JKGsrZ097Zh4AZ5atOkyCBw2EqKPgRE41MM7qjPg7YKkdh5ziUFpSyDpnDywm6YTgEsf2sKo3e0HDMlriWMKu3oC6M3900wQJpVOx3rWHM_k/s400/IMG_1141.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ear tosses out her golden hair (silks)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Corn growth is classified within these two states. The vegetative states are measured by
the number of leaf collars visible.
But once the male tassel emerges, Al Green starts crooning and the stalk
starts setting the mood. The first
reproductive state is silking, which occurs a few days after the tassels
appear. Translucent, feminine
strands of seduction emerge from the cornhusk, waiting expectantly for the
tassel to notice them. They are
receptive to pollen for 10-14 days, but the tassel is not as easily turned
on. If it is too hot, or too cold,
too wet or too dry, the tassel will not release its pollen. Most people assume that planting and
harvest are the most anxious times for farmers, and they are. But pollination’s crucial time and
elemental requirements cause many rural blood pressures to rise as well. Without successful pollination, their
yield will be poor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After silking, comes the blister stage, in which the ear
will be loaded with white kernels resembling - you guessed it - blisters! Then comes my favorite phase: the milk
stage. Kernels, plump with a milky
liquid, develop their characteristic golden hue. This is the stage at which sweet corn is harvested. Frosted with melting butter and
sprinkled with salt, those milky kernels make a tasty July delicacy. Sweet corn’s developmental stages end
here, on my dinner plate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For field corn, though, the adventure continues for three
more phases. Field corn is
sometimes referred to as yellow gold.
It is used to make ethanol, animal feed and corn starch, oil and syrup,
just as you would suppose. But did
you know that it is also used to make soap, paint, linoleum, pharmaceuticals,
insulation and batteries? And
that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Corn is an incredibly valuable plant. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In its dough phase, the inner liquid thickens to a pasty
consistency. Then, as fall
approaches, the fields enter the dent stage. The drying kernels now exhibit their characteristic
dimple. Physiological maturity -
corn’s final stage - arrives when an abscission layer has formed at the base of
the ear. This essentially loosens
the ear and prepares it to be released from the stalk. Farmers wait for kernels to dry to approximately
20% moisture before revving up their combines. When the moisture meter hits the magic number, the
harvesters roll out, reaping thousands of bushels of yellow gold. In this country girl’s opinion, that’s
a million dollar view. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-12201790393555785492013-07-17T09:22:00.000-07:002013-07-17T09:22:49.778-07:00Outdoor Bouquets<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Crystal vases brimming with long-stemmed roses never did
much for me. Tall, Dark, and
Handsome figured that out in the early years of our marriage, tucked his wallet
back in his pocket, and saved a bundle at florists.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1NediQkp7HCiiad2LAZYUiJ1JhfxRckdarQM4r9sBVH1oIuiYH5ZqUblM2b1ypY4JvsNESFKpKzCZDeUQ4J6VQ71cgweb7NREt6EVKCHXcWBvmFNV4UCRNjRucf425mtUf4IQDhwL24/s1600/100_9738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1NediQkp7HCiiad2LAZYUiJ1JhfxRckdarQM4r9sBVH1oIuiYH5ZqUblM2b1ypY4JvsNESFKpKzCZDeUQ4J6VQ71cgweb7NREt6EVKCHXcWBvmFNV4UCRNjRucf425mtUf4IQDhwL24/s320/100_9738.JPG" title="Mom's Springtime Farm Snippings" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's Springtime Farm Snippings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I grew up around Mason jars chock full of hand-snipped
blossoms, fresh from my mother’s extensive garden. From the glass rim, a riot of colors burst forth, celebrating
nature with carnival flair, Daylilies and Beebalm hawking for attention in all
directions. 4-H offered a floral
design course, and I spent summer afternoons in Marilyn Tanner’s basement, learning
the ins and outs of floral foam and frogs. She taught a handful of girls to create line and mass
designs with accessible plants such as Hosta, Chives, Iris and Peonies,
arranging them into fleeting objets d’ art. We soaked our creations in homemade floral preservative, a
solution of hot water, sugar and a splash of Clorox. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few years later, as a cash-strapped college student, I
gladly took a job in the U of I floral design lab. I prepped gallons of floral preservative, cleaned and
trimmed thousands of mums from South America and picked bushels of Alstroemeria
in the university green house. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After years of picking and snipping, prepping and arranging,
I haven’t a single bouquet in my house. Our sweet daisy of a daughter is allergic to nearly all
things bearing pollen, a twist of irony for her horticulturist mama. So, for now, the bouquets lie on the
other side of the window, dancing in the breeze and soaking up the sun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Container plantings, with their artistic bones, are the
perfect candidate for outdoor bouquets.
Each May, I make my annual hunting expedition to Sunrise Nursery in
Grant Park. I wander for hours
through the greenhouses, tracking container companions with just the right
marriage of color and texture. This
year, shortly after arriving, a cloud of blue and purple caught my eye. An ethereal mix of petunias and lobelia
had been artfully arranged in a hanging basket. My frugal nerve twitched. Pre-planted containers are pricier than building your
own. I mentally added up all the
Andrew Jackson’s my husband had saved at florists and justified this as a
reasonable expense. It was, after
all, a long-lasting bouquet I would enjoy for months, rather than weeks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hung my cloud of glory just outside our dining room
window, and sighed with delight at each glimpse, as the purple and blue blossoms
mingled together and drifted down from the basket. Within a couple of weeks, however, I noticed my cloud
evaporating a smidge. I pulled it
off the hook and set it on my porch table. It cheered a bit, and I concluded the wind had been too
harsh on the hook. But over the
next month, the basket continued to dwindle. I watered it more.
Then I watered it less. I
fertilized. I moved it to
different locations. Nothing
helped. By July, the ragged remnant
was clearly on life support. I
bumped it as I moved it to yet another location and got a shock. A small army of earwigs dropped like
paratroopers from a helicopter. My
Earwig Assault Training kicked into action and I immediately began performing a
robust tap dance on the fleeing pincher bugs. (Don’t you wish you were my neighbor?) Public humiliation be damned, this was
war. I bumped it again, and the 2<sup>nd</sup>
Armed Division of Pincher bugs erupted.
A third bump, and I was beginning to wonder if there was an earwig
factory inside my fading cloud of glory.
Good thing Tall, Dark and Handsome built a sturdy porch for his family,
because I stomped up a storm all over it.
Sammy Davis Jr. would’ve been impressed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No bouquets inside.
Buggy bouquets outside.
What’s a gardener to do? I
can rationalize that I enjoyed my hanging basket longer than a typical bouquet,
but I still feel the inclination to pout.
After a little pity party, I’ll pick myself up, brush the earwigs off,
and go plant some fall pea seeds. I’ve got to keep my little bug buddies well fed!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-25835134688020527252013-07-11T10:46:00.000-07:002013-07-11T10:46:05.976-07:00Night Lights<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Summer bedtimes are an oxymoron in the Uftring
household. The 9 p.m. standard
quickly gets stretched to 10 and beyond as the summer sun drags its feet across
the western sky. After nine months
of marching to the rigid beat of the school bell’s cadence, this lax lifestyle
is just what the doctor ordered. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it wasn’t with much surprise that I found my daughter
playing in the sandbox well after sunset.
It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re building a sandy
empire. As I opened the door to
call her in, I noticed the night air was lighting up hypnotically with
incandescent flashes. Firefly
season had arrived. No point in
calling her in with all that magic buzzing around. A few minutes invested in an old-fashioned firefly hunt
would get her to bed faster than an argument over the time. I headed to the china cabinet where we
store such valuables as Mason jars with hole-punched lids. In less than ten minutes, she had two
fireflies bedded down with some grass and parked on her dresser, summer’s
natural night light. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/188/img/photos/2012/08/11/73/46/fireflies_618520a_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/188/img/photos/2012/08/11/73/46/fireflies_618520a_1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Fireflies aren’t flies at all. They’re winged members of the glowworm family. Don’t feel bad, I thought glowworms
were just a figment of Hasbro’s imagination too. Their ability to light themselves up, known as
bioluminescence, is a talent they share with many marine animals. In fact, 80 percent of the world’s
bioluminescent creatures live underwater.
In their darkly aquatic world, the ability to glow serves to attract
mates and meals, and shed a little light in a darkly aquatic world. Each June and July, we get a
glimpse of the world fathoms below as our little flashing friends light up the
night. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fireflies swish together a cocktail of oxygen and luciferin
in a complex reaction to crank up their taillights. Scientists still don’t know how lightning bugs are able to
turn their lights on and off on command, but they do know why they flash. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those flashes are a buggy Morse code, transmitting love
notes from one firefly to another.
Surprisingly, there are 2,000 different types of lightning bugs, each
blinking a different ‘language’. The
males cruise through the air, zigzagging here and there, looking for a
lightning hot mama. The girls wait
patiently from a perch. When they
see the bug of their dreams, they blink back to him and the romance begins,
most of the time. But life amongst
fireflies is not all fun and games.
In some cases, the blinking pattern is a diabolical subterfuge. Photuris, a larger species, commonly
mimics the lighting pattern of Photinus, a smaller species. They aren’t in search of a love
connection. They’re looking for
their evening meal. When the
smaller male or female responds to their call, dinner is served. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems that all fireflies would be easy prey, considering
their high visibility in the night sky.
But predators, such as bats and toads, learn quickly that fireflies
aren’t palatable. Some species can
‘reflex bleed’, a process which allows them to shed a few drops of blood when
in danger. This taste-test of
their toxic blood sends predators looking for a meal elsewhere. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fireflies buzz around on some interesting equipment. They actually utilize a double set of
wings. The outer pair is held out
rigidly, like plane wings, while the softer inner set beats to power their
flight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fireflies are a seasonal treat here in Illinois. If you haven’t seen them yet, you may
need to shut off some exterior lights, or take a field trip to a dark country
field. Fireflies can’t communicate
with each other effectively where there are night lights, so they tend to avoid
well-lit areas. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-11968998166739962122013-07-11T10:42:00.000-07:002013-07-11T10:42:23.041-07:00BlueberrypaloozaI get a little anxious around blueberry time. Blueberry
delirium would be an apt diagnosis. Once July hits, I start preparing for
blueberry season mentally, which is a nice way of saying my salivary glands hit
overdrive. Several years back, on a particularly anxious July morning, I
invited two friends and headed toward the nearest blueberry oasis, seven kids
in tow. Bruce Tammen, the owner, greeted us as we pulled in and delivered
the news: I was a week early. The regret I felt for dragging my
friends out of town needlessly was nothing compared to the blueberry angst
throbbing in my cerebellum.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
If you’ve ever visited Tammen’s Treeberry Farm in Essex, you’ll be
well aware that I’m not the only blueberry addict around. Long after all
the shaded parking lots are full, cars keep rolling through Tammen’s gates.
They line the dirt lane leading back out to Essex road, a quarter-mile hike for
the last troopers in. Pickers slather on sunscreen and bug spray, load up
bags with blankets, hats and picnic lunches for a day amongst the blueberry
bushes. The hayrack ride out to the field affords plenty of opportunity
to strike up conversations with fellow pickers. It’s a diverse crew.
I’ve sat beside octogenarians, teenagers and newborns on their mama’s backs.
Most that I’ve met have driven two to three hours to pick there. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/5696_105659802411_800017_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/5696_105659802411_800017_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Bruce and Becky Tammen have been up to their eyeballs in the berry
business throughout their marriage. Bruce’s father planted the first
bushes when Bruce was just 13 years old. A ‘few’ years later, the bushes
stretch out for 40 miles of row. That might be enough even for me.
They currently grow four varieties: Spartan, Blue Crop, Blue Ray and Nelson,
each averaging 15-20 pounds of indigo deliciousness per plant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
But growing blueberries isn’t all fun and games. Bruce and
Becky work hard to protect the plants from pests such as Blueberry Maggot flies
and Japanese Beetles. Beyond bugs, wild brush threatens to overwhelm
their fields each year. Keeping their crop pest free requires a lot of
hands-on attention. And then there’s the Illinois weather…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Last year’s broken climate threw most fruit crops into a tailspin.
Blueberries were no exception. The Tammens watched helplessly as
thousands of bushes flowered much too early, only to shrivel beneath the
predictable frost, taking most of their crop with it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
The blueberry fast of 2012 drove me to consider planting my own
stock of bushes. While acres and acres of plants are too much to protect
from Mother Nature, three to five would be manageable. Cloaked in old
sheets, blueberry promises would have a fighting chance against unseasonable
cold. I duly added them to my garden wish list. Knowing blueberries
have some special requirements, I asked Bruce for some advice before I
made any purchases. He assured me that blueberries will grow in many
different soil textures, as long as they’re acidic. The Tammens fertilize
with ammonium sulfate, a nitrogen source that also acidifies soil, and keep
malathion on hand to control the blueberry maggot flies and Japanese beetles.
When asked if he had a favorite variety, he replied, “I wish I had more
Nelsons.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This
year’s crop is running late, so don’t make my mistake and show up too early.
It looks like picking will begin the third week of July, but check before you
make the drive. You can reach them by phone at (815) 458-6264. The
Tammens also keep their fan base informed and up-to-date on their Tammen
Treeberry Farm Facebook page and their website, <a href="http://www.tammentreeberryfarm.net/">www.tammentreeberryfarm.net</a>. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-69417762129042663572013-07-11T10:38:00.001-07:002013-07-11T10:38:55.570-07:00Surrender...Not an Option<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a little obsession with all things Everest. I read climber biographies, watch
documentaries, and peruse climbing websites. The gutsy insanity and perseverance required to summit
Everest – even to attempt it – defies explanation. Long after their fingers and toes are blackened with
frostbite, climbers trudge onward into thinner air, further from warmth and
medical attention. They are
fanatically dedicated to accomplishing their goal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not one of those people. I succumb to hypothermia in air-conditioned
restaurants. I’ve chickened out on
several cross-country skiing trips.
Cross-country is, as you know, <i>horizontal</i> skiing<i>.</i> I haven’t got a
dare-devilish bone in my body. I’m
like the little pillbugs we dig up in the garden. Braver insects try to escape, or bite, or poop, but the
pillbug curls up in a ball and hopes for the best. We just don’t deal well with obstacles or conflict. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGE3TIPnvlLUTKhPTk3rdlBHMYETDMmJXJqr055zGOoVclY0yhueXktk6gThcIwjtma0hQD3fbJQFS6wAFUpT_Sc9sT4C1bJzT1SHy9gFdr1gydBMtYN4cvwUcdn8OwNM8PZNFY9GW4w/s1600/IMG_0910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGE3TIPnvlLUTKhPTk3rdlBHMYETDMmJXJqr055zGOoVclY0yhueXktk6gThcIwjtma0hQD3fbJQFS6wAFUpT_Sc9sT4C1bJzT1SHy9gFdr1gydBMtYN4cvwUcdn8OwNM8PZNFY9GW4w/s320/IMG_0910.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beans under attack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And weeds pose a constant conflict. Up until last week, this little pillbug
was kicking some weed butt. Then
the rain came, and I didn’t work in my garden for a few days. By the time I returned, the hostile
takeover was in full swing. The weeds
had the upper hand, snaking through the strawberries and clutching at the
cabbage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve seen similar ambushes played out a hundred times in
movies. Imagine with me, if you
will, a small band of patriots traveling across a plain. Suddenly they are surrounded by squadrons and legions and
hordes of the enemy. Depending on the genre, it could be war-painted
Comanches hoisting tomahawks, Ninja warriors hurling shooting stars, robotic
droids sporting laser cannons, or prickly thistles going to seed. Okay, the last one hasn’t hit the big
screen yet, but every other genre of war movie features this plotline. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what horticultural war looks like at my house. The weeds bring the big guns. Their seedheads are loaded with multiple
rounds. Their root systems are
primed for survival behind enemy lines.
They go about their work twenty-four hours a day, regardless of
weather. And they’re not
alone. Insects come from miles
around to feast on my smorgasbord.
My defensive maneuvers are limited to my tools (good), range of motion
(diminishing) and my free time.
Between my gig as a kiddy chauffeur, sous chef, and laundress, that
doesn’t amount to much. Three kids
make summertime a Honda-driving, sandwich-stacking, towel-washing
extravaganza. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiJ48UPJNQKT4W2Nc_20YIB07-mz8dJS0iZpu2AgC3NDXgo_TowP2mkZkxv1h_BOd3chQmyfyrnoA5ia1cXDWMWsRJXOwJC4pJFtF0HjKdhP-IdWrA92phnDOh5_0heRHq3XYDhpxL_4/s1600/IMG_0915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiJ48UPJNQKT4W2Nc_20YIB07-mz8dJS0iZpu2AgC3NDXgo_TowP2mkZkxv1h_BOd3chQmyfyrnoA5ia1cXDWMWsRJXOwJC4pJFtF0HjKdhP-IdWrA92phnDOh5_0heRHq3XYDhpxL_4/s320/IMG_0915.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reinforcements have arrived</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In years past, my vegetables disappeared behind a grassy
curtain by the Fourth of July.
I still managed to pluck produce from their grasp, but that kind of
harvesting is best done with combat boots and a machete. But this year, I want to pick tomatoes in my flip-flops. I want to see zucchini from a
distance. And Hollywood makes me
believe this is possible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
In the movies, the underdogs always emerge from the carnage
with<br />
just a few well-placed, appearance-enhancing scars. They manage to make nearly-dying look
good. I’ve never had a near death
experience in the garden, but its not uncommon for me to come out looking like
I was buried alive in there. Soil
is just attracted to me.
Magnetically, maybe, I don’t know.
It’s a gift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It may be staged, but the sermon preached from the pits of
the cinematic battlefield is a valuable one: never surrender. How will I ever know the sweet savor of
victory until I’ve stood my ground and pushed against the enemy? It might not be Mt. Everest, but its
challenge enough for me. And so I
plunge in and start pulling purslane, dandelions and grass. In the words of historic non-pillbug
John Paul Jones, “I have not yet begun to fight!”</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-23879332536288748992013-07-11T10:05:00.002-07:002013-07-11T10:05:37.198-07:00Out of Sight, Out of Mind
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Uftring Moving Co. headed north last week to help my
sister and her family shift their belongings a few miles down the road to a new
home. We packed filing cabinets
and canned corn, bug spray and snowboards. What a kaleidoscope of material fills our homes. I shudder to think of the inventory our
garage alone contains. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of my time was spent in her kitchen, wiping out
cabinets and setting up the pantry.
I gravitated more than once to the window overlooking her kitchen
sink. Outside, lay situated the
ideal location for a kitchen garden.
I think of kitchen gardens as vintage Americana, but in truth, they’ve
grown from French roots. The French
term is “potager”, which when pronounced ala American sounds terrible, so by
all means, resist your natural tendency to do so. The French pronunciation, of course, drips with chic: pote
uh zhay. Like protégé, minus the r. Just saying it makes me want to start
digging. Potager gardens come in a
range of styles, from cottage chic to geometric vogue, but they have one end
goal: to be equally attractive and useful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEjtThe4jImtOiCUBE4pv5O4PWkEcLlIs4zONgnQFAIjM_zYp7lKNsWx9ExOe5eE7uu4nXxP-96BwYkfLwck_lP6VPkIc__O0g6VHJ7vJoVSZ06jWXtLH2FDmFZs0MdWFUsXUObGxCPG7lI/s1600/IMG_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtThe4jImtOiCUBE4pv5O4PWkEcLlIs4zONgnQFAIjM_zYp7lKNsWx9ExOe5eE7uu4nXxP-96BwYkfLwck_lP6VPkIc__O0g6VHJ7vJoVSZ06jWXtLH2FDmFZs0MdWFUsXUObGxCPG7lI/s400/IMG_1110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini tucked amongst catmint and larkspur.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>When I was in college, the prevailing design rule for
vegetable gardens was concealment.
Behind some trees, behind a fence, behind a hedge: the key word being
‘behind’. For some reason, they
were considered unattractive. My
own vegetable garden has been concealed, since its inception, behind the
garage. The purpose for putting it
back there was one of practicality: every square foot of our main yard is prime
real estate for kid and dog traffic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we bought our first house, the realtor droned on about
“Location, location, location.”
Fifteen years later, his nasal inflection is still tattooed on my
auditory nerve. Annoying as he
was, there was truth in his hard sell.
I attribute at least part of my vegetable garden’s history of
hideousness to “location, location, location”. Hidden vegetable gardens quickly fall victim to two vices:
poor water access and loneliness.
Out of sight, out of mind adds up to overgrown weeds and
under-cultivated plants. Add to
the equation a distraction-prone mind, and a hidden garden falls off the radar with
ease. Dirty clothes, dirty dishes,
hungry offspring, Pinterest, HGTV, bags of Chips Ahoy, and yes, even the husband
are all front and center with their needs/temptations. The ‘behind’ garden just can’t compete.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the literary classic, <u>The Secret Garden</u>, hidden
horticulture made a wonderful escape for two bored children trapped in 19<sup>th</sup>
century England, but in my whiz-bang
21<sup>st</sup> century world, it makes for good intentions gone bad. Which brings us to a horticultural
catch-22: are vegetable gardens hidden because they are ugly, or are they ugly
because they are hidden?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day, when my kids have moved away to universities or
yards of their own, I’ll have a full blown potager of my very own. But for now, I hope to live vicariously
through my sister’s landscape.
When I shared my plan with her, she was hesitant, wondering if it was
too late to plant. With a garage
full of boxes, I’m sure a potager was not at the top of her to-do list. But I was undeterred. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course it’s not too late to start your kitchen garden!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plenty of vegetables come to full production within a short
season. Look for seed packets listing
maturity dates of less than 75 days.
If you planted today, you could be harvesting cucumbers, beans, peas,
summer squash, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, beets and radishes throughout
August and September. Some cool
season seeds, such as peas, benefit by being planted later for a cool fall
harvest. By purchasing nursery
plants, you can still enjoy homegrown tomatoes as well. And that makes your first French
potager, tres bien! </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-86448827260800546862013-06-11T19:22:00.000-07:002013-06-11T19:22:09.677-07:00A Tweet Retreat<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<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/AVvXsEik6gu83rqrwHrpM2lTvjQYG1AYlGE5w6u9n87fjfgAAFvri1A-g9Hsnk7ntJ5hILwnVeK-aPiB1Q6sqzeE8REoaf-qt8DhxVNdgjiOxlx3zdy1eYUtltiDo6ulG6nWUBZPYsxWWkA-aw8/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6gu83rqrwHrpM2lTvjQYG1AYlGE5w6u9n87fjfgAAFvri1A-g9Hsnk7ntJ5hILwnVeK-aPiB1Q6sqzeE8REoaf-qt8DhxVNdgjiOxlx3zdy1eYUtltiDo6ulG6nWUBZPYsxWWkA-aw8/s640/IMG_0203.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little House Wren</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Outside our dining room window thrives a small nature
preserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All things wild flourish
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My attempt at growing
domesticated plants in the same soil and microclimate requires considerably
more effort: fertilizing, watering, mulching, pruning, dividing and
weeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shwew…I’m tuckered out
just making the list.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapUjUJJz3CmEU4JfQuG84KHdZXsFahhOXNbcTq4CajycnstSPmtNl2zwqwbZEa_b7-MzWlEVNI9Se-piYCZehB5k6z_Lh5ugjNYBcnufEDcfbwaSz1d_-gdetNumlBpx7f1e-JQ77iME/s1600/100_9504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapUjUJJz3CmEU4JfQuG84KHdZXsFahhOXNbcTq4CajycnstSPmtNl2zwqwbZEa_b7-MzWlEVNI9Se-piYCZehB5k6z_Lh5ugjNYBcnufEDcfbwaSz1d_-gdetNumlBpx7f1e-JQ77iME/s200/100_9504.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shielding Brownie's eyes from the sun, <br />
Ryan 'The Parasol' Uftring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Domestic creatures can be so demanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside our home, roosting in a bed of
pine shavings, lays Brownie, our elderly guinea pig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For four years, she has relied utterly on our care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This refined rodent exhibits the
discerning palate common to many species of domestics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any diversion from her preferences
results in a chorus of loud, squeaky oinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serving her from the bargain 8-pound-bag of hay pellets is considered
treason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she can’t detect a
dehydrated carrot or corn kernel in her food dish, she sounds the alarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all those carrots and corn kernels
create a lot of output, which must then be cleaned up, which brings me to my
favorite low-maintenance pets: wild birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not sure which of my personality defects is most
inclined to bird-watching: laziness or frugality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no cages to clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No pine shavings to purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I forget to feed them, they simply fly somewhere else for
lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t berate me with
squawks and pecks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And the view! </span>We literally have a rainbow of birds in our yard throughout
the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red Cardinals and purple Finches, orange-bellied Robins and flaming Baltimore Orioles, yellow
Gold-finches, green iridescent Hummingbirds, bossy Blue Jays and sweet Indigo Buntings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdrCv2wlwif0bG8IEUZH5vLmowZv_xrVfKJ-2TX0lILk1WK1nANgRZknk9N1_rHs0cxUzT35sdDyH0A1OTXmV8koM2pzWlQx022u3SmJQi4g9IJiyXszuJpnm53OzPoTNp_6WZloXEUk/s1600/IMG_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdrCv2wlwif0bG8IEUZH5vLmowZv_xrVfKJ-2TX0lILk1WK1nANgRZknk9N1_rHs0cxUzT35sdDyH0A1OTXmV8koM2pzWlQx022u3SmJQi4g9IJiyXszuJpnm53OzPoTNp_6WZloXEUk/s320/IMG_0540.JPG" width="213" /></a>A few years ago, I couldn’t tell a chickadee from a
sparrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children would ask me
to identify birds in the garden, and I was at a loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I purchased a small bird book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may have a similar manual in your
house, just your run-of-the-mill bird field guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But yours isn’t the same as ours; not exactly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ours has been ‘accentuated’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you turn to our Eastern Bluebird
page, you’ll find a picture of a dutiful mother, bringing breakfast to her
young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bubble extending from
her bug-bearing beak says, “This tastes gross.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 2<sup>nd</sup> grade handwriting is one of several
glaring clues that this commentary is not original to the book, but it does add
a certain something to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the Osprey’s
page, a predatory bird glares down with the eyes of a skilled killer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A curly mustache extends from either
side of his beak, granting a little comic relief in the face of his clearly homicidal
intentions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But just to make sure
you don’t take him too lightly, the mustachio-maker scrawled “I will eat you”
beside his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re now
feeling a little underwhelmed with your lackluster ‘conventional’ bird book,
I’m sure my adolescent artist would be willing to embellish it for a nominal
fee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aside from giving your children graffiti-prone material, why would you want birds around?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First and foremost, they’re fun to watch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hollywood’s red carpets don’t have anything on these flashy
personalities. Decked in beautiful colors, they bear vivacious attitudes to boot. There
are cowards and daredevils, lovebirds and bullies, selfless parents and selfish
seed stealers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A set of binoculars
reveals miniature soap operas unfolding throughout our nature preserve. Place feeders close to windows so you can watch the drama unfold all year long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Secondly, they eat bugs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summertime in Illinois is the ideal environment to throw a
BBQ party for bug-eaters (<b>B</b>ring <b>B</b>irdseed <b>Q</b>uick).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blue Indigos, barn swallows and purple
martins will feast on the #1 summer pest: mosquitoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also on the bird menu: grasshoppers, beetles, flies, grubs
and aphids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They won’t eradicate
them completely from your yard, but they lend a threatening atmosphere that
encourages pests to go elsewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Third, they educate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This self-proclaimed birding blockhead can now differentiate between a Brown
Thrasher and a House Wren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
92-year-old grandma stays sharp by trying to learn something new everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping our minds engaged and involved
in the environment benefits us as well as the wild world we live in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-78602847149121866312013-06-04T18:19:00.000-07:002013-06-04T18:19:11.478-07:00Glove Love<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9Xdu3S_YSE0ab9KlmxFpmBJLw0orPhjxP2lzwFcrun4SJhFCXRSYib4z1gaIfLfONqE1VzcUTSrGw24YHs47K6rFiQvqgQSvTjTezMqa6dB-t0qRAfc1_l7T8N9iseLFAHFEDbwbe3g/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9Xdu3S_YSE0ab9KlmxFpmBJLw0orPhjxP2lzwFcrun4SJhFCXRSYib4z1gaIfLfONqE1VzcUTSrGw24YHs47K6rFiQvqgQSvTjTezMqa6dB-t0qRAfc1_l7T8N9iseLFAHFEDbwbe3g/s320/IMG_0451.JPG" width="213" /></a>My gloves are shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The seasons have not been kind to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor have I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’ve sloshed through mud in May and scraped up clay in July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After countless fencing matches with
thistle, barberry and roses, they’ve succumbed to a well-deserved retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there were such a thing as a spa resort
for gardening equipment, I would give them an all-expenses paid trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve earned it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hand-eye coordination not being one of my strengths, these gloves
have saved 10 precious appendages from many a misdirected slice of the soil
knife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They braved interior demolition
zones as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if they had a
choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wardrobe doesn’t
differentiate between gardening and remodeling; overachieving accessories do
double duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve kept my hands
splinter and tetanus shot free after hours of hauling lath, plaster, glass and
drywall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not sure which job is more treacherous, frankly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This isn’t, as I’ve said before, a
botanical oasis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our garden dirt
surrounds a 95-year-old home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An
afternoon cultivating vegetables is synonymous with ‘archeological dig’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, burying your garbage was
the thing to do some years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
pull of the tiller, dig of the shovel and spring thaw unearths new treasures:
mostly broken glass and slate, but we do stumble upon the occasional vintage pop
can, rusted metal tool, and broken ceramic bowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gloves and boots earn their keep around here in a hurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of these days I’ll dig up an old
Folgers can with a fortune in it and buy 10 unblemished acres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime, I’ll just keep my
safety gear handy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK9Cld1lWVdIDKHg-oY1kwRi5Jh1LduLUGVUmaNm1H082-dxFmNEv5z8kTanGu8IsMRxo_NkY9071NXh3z3Uodi3T-FmdkDC3fpyt-smu7aOImJpLl_j-esK1LjdJPWacYcG9LNRCSSY/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK9Cld1lWVdIDKHg-oY1kwRi5Jh1LduLUGVUmaNm1H082-dxFmNEv5z8kTanGu8IsMRxo_NkY9071NXh3z3Uodi3T-FmdkDC3fpyt-smu7aOImJpLl_j-esK1LjdJPWacYcG9LNRCSSY/s320/IMG_0469.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmm1kquTfJwSxLKPj7h7C_KhMG76fK2Zewu-w7RryrRwaKiI9rgy8CMucsaioX8Frc9DcfrIaOazqan2HKMZirxQ3dCo7-SDkJvWf8aInVlnyds1L9U9oF1yC4gYjDcqy8IF2gM0l4pA/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmm1kquTfJwSxLKPj7h7C_KhMG76fK2Zewu-w7RryrRwaKiI9rgy8CMucsaioX8Frc9DcfrIaOazqan2HKMZirxQ3dCo7-SDkJvWf8aInVlnyds1L9U9oF1yC4gYjDcqy8IF2gM0l4pA/s320/IMG_0471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60AV7v-YKvCw9QYLVg9Ua6p_aoXhtIDm1-4XgRwaZ5xLcXYJpRzySRr3Mm9u1Aqnh0Q7NKBITSvDOBa89XkZc-FFSBto1Ss8z7RqD83urgQGnfRfLUmuI0gFnH7KOYZ8C3NmXZXRXIwA/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60AV7v-YKvCw9QYLVg9Ua6p_aoXhtIDm1-4XgRwaZ5xLcXYJpRzySRr3Mm9u1Aqnh0Q7NKBITSvDOBa89XkZc-FFSBto1Ss8z7RqD83urgQGnfRfLUmuI0gFnH7KOYZ8C3NmXZXRXIwA/s320/IMG_0472.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I first received these - my favorite gardening gloves
in the universe - I set them aside in a drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Compared to my heavy-duty leather and canvas sets, they
seemed ridiculously thin and impractical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Smooth, white goat leather with a flimsy woven green hem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They looked like something Martha
Stewart might display on a shelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t know how long they languished in the drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember the first time I decided
to use them, but I do know that no glove ever matched up afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a person who needs bifocals, I needed
two sets of hand protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
constantly taking my bulky gloves off to handle the intricate plucking
necessary in weeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The au
natural manicure was staining my fingers and clogging my nails with Illinois
topsoil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m no princess, but I
can do without the green fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These gloves changed all that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The thin goatskin allowed me to pinch and needle into the dirt like I’d
never been able to do before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Years of watching nature videos and visiting petting zoos
have taught me that goats are tough old biddies, even the young ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I mistakenly thought their brawn
was concentrated in their rock-hard craniums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently other goat parts are tough too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their leather may be thin, but it’s
like a forcefield for fingers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
stood up to the aforementioned thorns, sharp tools and hazardous ‘discoveries’
like a champ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the seams
finally started popping, I doctored them with duct tape sutures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No way was I tossing these on account
of a few holes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
irreplaceable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJoRrlyUU0XskHht8DPERiElLVjKpWglgEFHnUprtwgF7AJNNJzpp4idvDxesXcYLujWJ6ZxnnEjthptidoR4dWa9AfiuDpYHE_UkeisobK67JuzyKXshn8pEAPS6d0fjsk7HY8SvUtc/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJoRrlyUU0XskHht8DPERiElLVjKpWglgEFHnUprtwgF7AJNNJzpp4idvDxesXcYLujWJ6ZxnnEjthptidoR4dWa9AfiuDpYHE_UkeisobK67JuzyKXshn8pEAPS6d0fjsk7HY8SvUtc/s400/IMG_0455.JPG" width="400" /></a>Last week, we were killing time at Menards while our gallon
of satin latex was tinted ‘Sheet Metal’ gray (old houses = endless projects).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a whim, I swung past the glove
department to contemplate the next generation of hand protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The duct tape was beginning to give up
and I knew the inevitable end was in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hanging beneath a $10 price tag was a glowing white pair of
goat gloves with a flimsy green woven hem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blinked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was
I dreaming?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sound of my
children arguing over cart-pushing privileges confirmed that this was indeed
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swooped my ten dollar
prize into the cart and broke up the squabbling offspring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no time for arguing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was barely enough time to pick up
the paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The archeological dig
was calling and I was ready for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-90287843925743682832013-06-03T08:09:00.001-07:002013-06-03T08:15:01.626-07:00This Week in Our Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cilantro seeds sprouted.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWmrgWtwdEY1YVgie2pAA-E134Ihh7gBxUO5i77CKDb2kcw2D3Lg76Wp3wIgOyLET2JgZsRSrPM0Pmaawv6WjKOixr2XdQyElAJYxWNhQpxh38M3aD8N9eEV4C8hl_EKxBNNdylhkbm4/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWmrgWtwdEY1YVgie2pAA-E134Ihh7gBxUO5i77CKDb2kcw2D3Lg76Wp3wIgOyLET2JgZsRSrPM0Pmaawv6WjKOixr2XdQyElAJYxWNhQpxh38M3aD8N9eEV4C8hl_EKxBNNdylhkbm4/s320/IMG_2056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Basil babies went from cotyledons...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX0uw9b8ktxC31YmqKz58MmIl0A34xI2MOK8YMd_bvgU64qdnIKhGahpTdXgrlZyNliYJWcsnxZ6CGprWgVIO-nngQvD4DYdz2Npd2JG1DlERBe__ZuPiePRbQP8EZJckIpnNJ-Yh43c/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX0uw9b8ktxC31YmqKz58MmIl0A34xI2MOK8YMd_bvgU64qdnIKhGahpTdXgrlZyNliYJWcsnxZ6CGprWgVIO-nngQvD4DYdz2Npd2JG1DlERBe__ZuPiePRbQP8EZJckIpnNJ-Yh43c/s320/IMG_2050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
...to true leaves. I can almost taste the pesto.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2XgJoWyi2UnmHAVInNpf0fX_HfBor1pL5ge9hugL-GEoXR-w_EnzRdQRQoCkEZE3jGCA-Sjbm9Oi9beXma0l0JolWzowe3dVsctJzo0CzZh337_PLi7fzU3FcX9tCf57KF4zkotEfG4/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2XgJoWyi2UnmHAVInNpf0fX_HfBor1pL5ge9hugL-GEoXR-w_EnzRdQRQoCkEZE3jGCA-Sjbm9Oi9beXma0l0JolWzowe3dVsctJzo0CzZh337_PLi7fzU3FcX9tCf57KF4zkotEfG4/s640/IMG_0268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tall, dark and handsome edged</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgx2dxDjZpMbIWjpKlJ9YCwXhAWY44w_cFVmOLE4-ps3hzZis9VU7Hd9Dwc5iC_DZmU1-0c7oEUcq8Tr_DVAtDsKjHLSSoPCVxLT6eL8CJffheQHLH1iHQGjeVR6gcgves8eLT8DKgTQ/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgx2dxDjZpMbIWjpKlJ9YCwXhAWY44w_cFVmOLE4-ps3hzZis9VU7Hd9Dwc5iC_DZmU1-0c7oEUcq8Tr_DVAtDsKjHLSSoPCVxLT6eL8CJffheQHLH1iHQGjeVR6gcgves8eLT8DKgTQ/s320/IMG_0251.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xRkHWPOSW_eew_ZoL1qOkcyE3LfpkiUE3vklrCU8usrJkq3Oy2yDVLD4F7qNGmgjBtItMAEQaDagiySLGV9nFOZLutuPizDtyy6XJvZiTCXPw1nanAOFRe3CAbqu5CaC46FvGLa3jG0/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xRkHWPOSW_eew_ZoL1qOkcyE3LfpkiUE3vklrCU8usrJkq3Oy2yDVLD4F7qNGmgjBtItMAEQaDagiySLGV9nFOZLutuPizDtyy6XJvZiTCXPw1nanAOFRe3CAbqu5CaC46FvGLa3jG0/s200/IMG_0260.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY8LYkiauXYy9AmXI76Ci9F8e9Lgxe0zq6csBhi4P9cEpm8xIPhohMaxrgNkzfB0-4rx6E1cY3HDO0vsbhxIxMIUVpLRU9_GRISPvedrc5vzvBKm1LzaHCh-gA2kC3UobXqckFPyHyMY/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY8LYkiauXYy9AmXI76Ci9F8e9Lgxe0zq6csBhi4P9cEpm8xIPhohMaxrgNkzfB0-4rx6E1cY3HDO0vsbhxIxMIUVpLRU9_GRISPvedrc5vzvBKm1LzaHCh-gA2kC3UobXqckFPyHyMY/s200/IMG_0255.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1RnqrChpGjqGfTH3vdkaVvhmrtWkimrEZHIXxyOKbBHPdhTYVJ3u03w379TQpOQ3YfOv0oYHiTnW1yY3nr0HOqdXlCfX8m6z7Gatm148QubanOdyejQewT9aKmkOLHms300_EAUGOWo/s1600/IMG_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1RnqrChpGjqGfTH3vdkaVvhmrtWkimrEZHIXxyOKbBHPdhTYVJ3u03w379TQpOQ3YfOv0oYHiTnW1yY3nr0HOqdXlCfX8m6z7Gatm148QubanOdyejQewT9aKmkOLHms300_EAUGOWo/s200/IMG_0256.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Along with his canine sidekick...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChyphenhyphenpuNNyTF_LJF7vnPo6qttm9UTAdAtN2h75pRNrYV6CslwoWLBn83jTqj_FbBSjVSiuf2CkkL6ay55Y3mRYSSuG1EmqATbKCmQmnAmUBCfGXehRVoO0NAfQ3o6IMnJViOpcigih_2pM/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChyphenhyphenpuNNyTF_LJF7vnPo6qttm9UTAdAtN2h75pRNrYV6CslwoWLBn83jTqj_FbBSjVSiuf2CkkL6ay55Y3mRYSSuG1EmqATbKCmQmnAmUBCfGXehRVoO0NAfQ3o6IMnJViOpcigih_2pM/s640/IMG_0275.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mama sported her mohawk. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nothing like a crimson tinge to show it off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG_DjZXLZh3JP-9qqvTlnFrDCt-AdDUy56xNpfCju9cV-qtQcDKcFlszzvTEddel7A_MQXztw4BhJKowci9wxrsh3okVsTbwbcK2wUdsEDQC0BEYlsXoXr9jHzgUmrp3yDDHdvG9UqAU/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG_DjZXLZh3JP-9qqvTlnFrDCt-AdDUy56xNpfCju9cV-qtQcDKcFlszzvTEddel7A_MQXztw4BhJKowci9wxrsh3okVsTbwbcK2wUdsEDQC0BEYlsXoXr9jHzgUmrp3yDDHdvG9UqAU/s400/IMG_0337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I rolled back a carpet of Creeping Charlie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUXzq7L2i_9k95b0Y6KqWjESpePa5nvtbVTely1pU5Mbi7gLhKiR6mTjwdToLNLMIJJSe6Xm-ZaHjlfcVaCq1MgLBBWlc89r8jUCgr8OTkCzj2s72qhqtrw5ZUS4pF-U73sgt8a2Kess/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUXzq7L2i_9k95b0Y6KqWjESpePa5nvtbVTely1pU5Mbi7gLhKiR6mTjwdToLNLMIJJSe6Xm-ZaHjlfcVaCq1MgLBBWlc89r8jUCgr8OTkCzj2s72qhqtrw5ZUS4pF-U73sgt8a2Kess/s320/IMG_0360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the mulching is almost done.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks to Snider's nursery!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnx0PYEqHbOaDjl030IiFmX2KnxUZ_FttbdEEVtGhl5FvkgJpz1TlAlD5Jmh_L4zA4zxTgbBpZIOfbkVxnYyG6r-gOg1CfSpV1F_0Y9mT7RR2UvkgxV4uzJsC1jDSr7GBPe8hqKkJpGc/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnx0PYEqHbOaDjl030IiFmX2KnxUZ_FttbdEEVtGhl5FvkgJpz1TlAlD5Jmh_L4zA4zxTgbBpZIOfbkVxnYyG6r-gOg1CfSpV1F_0Y9mT7RR2UvkgxV4uzJsC1jDSr7GBPe8hqKkJpGc/s400/IMG_0404.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few happy bloomers</div>
<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/AVvXsEjTlDsMvXCW42B8CGRL4h51L03P7oBoRagMglCUQol2DVxi30aAmbDOW-QHr7ZDiuQHDbrlsWHCQuRgHd5vqcWTpKJ87VOcqGu9KdsGCoyuClXB0mdpD_OUKEuB6JJofG_rUpkxubH8dEc/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlDsMvXCW42B8CGRL4h51L03P7oBoRagMglCUQol2DVxi30aAmbDOW-QHr7ZDiuQHDbrlsWHCQuRgHd5vqcWTpKJ87VOcqGu9KdsGCoyuClXB0mdpD_OUKEuB6JJofG_rUpkxubH8dEc/s320/IMG_0375.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolina Lupine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgEwY__rEmdboCiyBVyItBb9BNo9lKW9BXkgDK_CLvJ0b8sbByiZfEJdqkV27zuQbFQY-FJ0ZZNQHFrbqZdZE0INNl_O18oUO5VlMgeYwlW-u3Qup3KcvykEMFg0ocISP92Fte8pT4oPuI/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwY__rEmdboCiyBVyItBb9BNo9lKW9BXkgDK_CLvJ0b8sbByiZfEJdqkV27zuQbFQY-FJ0ZZNQHFrbqZdZE0INNl_O18oUO5VlMgeYwlW-u3Qup3KcvykEMFg0ocISP92Fte8pT4oPuI/s320/IMG_0385.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Lemonade Honeysuckle,<br />
Siberian Iris and Catmint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhQl-UKtxCeaALCtJATgrI-eCIdWLjTqBFNbHzsm0Rfham7rZ88f-aSdgxrMgQ6tA-w8n0HbwSMdbNXJqkCRCXE8U050Xoix44jiqIhdO3U31q54RuUzA7pLTLgsfNwftKdwpvULwMhuA8/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl-UKtxCeaALCtJATgrI-eCIdWLjTqBFNbHzsm0Rfham7rZ88f-aSdgxrMgQ6tA-w8n0HbwSMdbNXJqkCRCXE8U050Xoix44jiqIhdO3U31q54RuUzA7pLTLgsfNwftKdwpvULwMhuA8/s320/IMG_0412.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chives</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the hummingbirds FINALLY discovered our Centranthus. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WsIsi18OvDHY6osAWYr5LSvKydFnKd6Hit8GKAbvRZxIyx2enE0rsxomOXNj_RqSPgrZN1WoUUgrQ5Ac1RkjCC6_IJmZAnX6ZifoOG9i7HUVEHUPbAXW0poRJ9ffP-jOEDFLm9PHzPs/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WsIsi18OvDHY6osAWYr5LSvKydFnKd6Hit8GKAbvRZxIyx2enE0rsxomOXNj_RqSPgrZN1WoUUgrQ5Ac1RkjCC6_IJmZAnX6ZifoOG9i7HUVEHUPbAXW0poRJ9ffP-jOEDFLm9PHzPs/s640/IMG_0346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-22632439815338649472013-05-28T12:52:00.002-07:002013-05-28T12:52:59.151-07:00Delicate Daredevils<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to spice up your next fiesta, try discussing the
topic of immigration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing
breaks through the crust of dry conversation like a political hot potato.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immigration has been simmering and
spouting on America’s back burner since the Statue of Liberty bid the tired,
poor, huddled masses to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
didn’t become a ‘melting pot’ without a little heat, after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not looking to light a fire in
this column, but I do want to draw your attention to another population of
undocumented immigrants that is literally flying past border security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5dyfxwAG-YOGbfdnki7L3X5hbfs7BjEEgkDIT86ayLsXl_yQ6QWFEbnxz1tUp_fc_PnZwBhMiWr7tEov0LFXIgTsnlU8zUE4oCuvOrVE1wcTqAcqCCs3uO1TXKKT70t37cKPL8Jgc3g/s1600/100_8274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5dyfxwAG-YOGbfdnki7L3X5hbfs7BjEEgkDIT86ayLsXl_yQ6QWFEbnxz1tUp_fc_PnZwBhMiWr7tEov0LFXIgTsnlU8zUE4oCuvOrVE1wcTqAcqCCs3uO1TXKKT70t37cKPL8Jgc3g/s320/100_8274.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monarch sipping Zinnia juice. <br />Note the tattered wings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monarch butterflies flash their tiger-colored wings over the
Rio Grande with nary a thought to green cards or governments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are embarking on a journey no
reasonable, safety-conscious human would attempt: 1,600 miles on parchment-thin
wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without so much as a map or
American Express card, these delicate daredevils take off into the vast
unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What could tempt them to throw
caution to the wind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Appetite, of
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’re coming for a North American delicacy: Milkweed
(Asclepias sp.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When mama Monarch
finally rests her weary wings on a Milkweed plant, she has more than nectar on
her mind: she’s been carrying a load of progeny and it’s time to deliver
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lays her eggs (up to
400!) directly on the leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s
catering to her finicky offspring: milkweed is the only food they’ll eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flattering as this singular affection
may be, the plant does not take larval nibbling lying down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Milkweed/Monarch saga is a twisted plot worthy of a James
Bond flick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Milkweed, loaded with booby-traps,
carries a license to kill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flowing
through its veins is a thick, latex sap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One poorly placed larval bite can open a veritable floodgate of white
glue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monarch larvae are easily
overwhelmed by the surge of goo: those that don’t drown in the flux, often find
their mouths glued shut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less than
one third survive the namesake sap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those that live to die another day, learn to carefully deliver a kill
bite: they drain the main vein, leaving the foliage defenseless to their
feasting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVk1hx6SgY-4qzzT5T6hQjKl7Jj3bNmPJmBgOdJoSRLAfqcy-XfYTIONsn9KcoB3El5Kl83Cml-tkq_bQwHmiHQ-CVVbvFYGer_Q3A1NyZlbqlsVAf1c_UMFEAyUklcVDQ2P4nqhzu4f5i/s1600/Monarch+on+milkweed,+web,+6+June+2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVk1hx6SgY-4qzzT5T6hQjKl7Jj3bNmPJmBgOdJoSRLAfqcy-XfYTIONsn9KcoB3El5Kl83Cml-tkq_bQwHmiHQ-CVVbvFYGer_Q3A1NyZlbqlsVAf1c_UMFEAyUklcVDQ2P4nqhzu4f5i/s320/Monarch+on+milkweed,+web,+6+June+2008.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monarch vs. Milkweed. The battle begins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sap is not Milkweed’s only line of protection: its stems and
leaves are laced with cardiac glycosides, a toxin capable of killing small
vertebrates, like our twitch-whiskered, cottontail friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This protection does not slow the
Monarch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it acts as a
backhanded blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The toxins,
while not lethal to the butterfly, accumulate in its body, making it
unpalatable to predators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After months of indiscriminant pruning by ravenous
caterpillars, the plant gets the last laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fresh-from-the-cocoon Monarchs waltz through pollen as they slurp
sugary nectar through their proboscis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fluttering from blossom to blossom, they jumpstart seed production for the
Milkweed’s next generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last summer I watched a flock of migratory Monarchs settle
into the neighbor’s Maple for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The sun had set, but the branches flared to life as orange and black
wings flexed open and closed in the dusky light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to catching a glimpse of it this year, but Monarch
populations are declining as their wild milkweed habitats are
disappearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and I can have a
directly impact on their survival:<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Being careful not to destroy stands of Milkweed
is essential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they are gone,
the butterflies will be gone as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Incorporating host plants in our landscapes,
like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Asclepias tuberosa,</i> Butterfly
Weed, provides new habitat for Monarchs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With its bright orange flowers and drought tolerant nature, it’s an
Illinois natural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Avoid pesticide use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Insecticides kill butterflies and herbicides kill
milkweed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pretty pollinators make gardens doubly beautiful and keep
those flowers and fruits a-coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s do our part to keep these south-of-the-border beauties floating
through Kankakee County. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; 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/AVvXsEix0HB1Ha41xkX2Y_hseBgG-zbOhhATcTF7cFH6UzHBzqHpeD8ba2IK6R5YhucWPIYf5JqFXZL9Nqb4inCXUmdktIXiNHXuDb1I97IEhHbrEZFmR2Weh4a0r4RvGThIS0Z1yOBB4luFoCIJ/s1600/June+15th+140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0HB1Ha41xkX2Y_hseBgG-zbOhhATcTF7cFH6UzHBzqHpeD8ba2IK6R5YhucWPIYf5JqFXZL9Nqb4inCXUmdktIXiNHXuDb1I97IEhHbrEZFmR2Weh4a0r4RvGThIS0Z1yOBB4luFoCIJ/s400/June+15th+140.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monarch caterpillar on Butterfly Weed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-10333262404554005882013-05-21T19:32:00.000-07:002013-05-21T19:32:07.138-07:00Outsmarting Peter Cottontail<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOMQ3r1CgHApwf3IqxXXQM78e-sg32UJYQ7IoLGRWE_63qAyGZCoaHuN0u4TDqw3TlWF7KMxRzKHpm_ZrSCbTb581fJ3KjNqMA7949RWCwLdm06Q40yT-bnNJmSyzo92VB6yNE9iyTK0/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOMQ3r1CgHApwf3IqxXXQM78e-sg32UJYQ7IoLGRWE_63qAyGZCoaHuN0u4TDqw3TlWF7KMxRzKHpm_ZrSCbTb581fJ3KjNqMA7949RWCwLdm06Q40yT-bnNJmSyzo92VB6yNE9iyTK0/s320/IMG_2041.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. McGreely discovers his gnawed sprouts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before my boys were sucked into the literary black hole of Star
Wars comic books and Captain Underpants novels, we used to snuggle up on the
reading couch and read cleverly written, beautifully illustrated picture books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of our favorites was <u>Muncha, Muncha,
Muncha</u>, the tale of Mr. McGreely, a heartless horticulturist with anger
management issues and rabbits aplenty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To prevent the bunnies from eating his yummies, the grumpy gardener
erects a prison structure around his vegetables, complete with floodlights,
barbed wire, and a moat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Readers
understand immediately who to cheer for: each bunny is cute-as-a-button,
complete with floppy ears and twitchy whiskers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The illustrator is not so kind to the gardener.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Angry eyebrows hover over McGreely’s
beady eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He swims in an oversized
pea-green hat, hinting at his small-mindedness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end, the cottontails’ determination and perseverance
are celebrated, as McGreely gives up and reluctantly shares his produce with
the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
resourceful rabbits.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was photographing rabbit damage for last week’s column,
and contemplating how to prevent further destruction, that book came to
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several minute’s reflection
later, I arrived at the horrifying conclusion that I was Mrs. McGreely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The initial disappointment in myself
gave way to indignance towards the author and illustrator of <u>Muncha! Muncha!
Muncha!</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why must rabbits
always be portrayed as innocents?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
far back as I can remember, they’ve been cast as the darlings of the great
outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bugs Bunny was my
favorite cartoon character and the Velveteen Rabbit was a treasured childhood
read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Easter Bunny certainly
doesn’t get much bad press, and what kid doesn’t like Nesquik Bunny’s chocolate
milk?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPCJXoRDhGoUgJHGRAyPbKEg2u58YEkX_aY-N_vQpiVSBPZoO_oiE-ecF6uKjWGMO1bJwMy3iyyJuuke-j_F4aWtnBy-RFRgeqGmjJSNSRcsTl-n6c5_LKZBaLR7jd9d2IgB3J_s4sSo/s1600/100_7553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPCJXoRDhGoUgJHGRAyPbKEg2u58YEkX_aY-N_vQpiVSBPZoO_oiE-ecF6uKjWGMO1bJwMy3iyyJuuke-j_F4aWtnBy-RFRgeqGmjJSNSRcsTl-n6c5_LKZBaLR7jd9d2IgB3J_s4sSo/s400/100_7553.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rabbit refugee saved from a run-in with John Deere. <br />
A weak moment of compassion...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brace yourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here’s the truth: rabbits are wolves in sheep’s clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We mustn’t be swayed by their twitching
noses, big brown eyes, or downy-soft fur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s all camouflage to distract us from their evil end-game: plant
pillaging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how do we handle
these bunny bandits?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elmer Fudd
was probably on the right track with his trusty shotgun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A shotgun in my hand, however, would
not be so trusty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I’ll have to
outwit those waskily wabbits with my superior intellect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some options to consider:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Fencing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A physical barrier would work for a vegetable garden, as long as it is
completely enclosed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since rabbits
can chew through plastic barriers, sturdy fencing is a must (chicken wire works
great).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fence 3’ high should
keep the hoppers out, but consider burying a few inches below grade in case
they try to burrow in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Plant selection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always been a picky eater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pass by the pickled beets at the salad bar and go straight
for the bacon bits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rabbits, too, have
a selective palate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They prefer
some plants over others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had I simply
planted daffodils instead of tulips, they wouldn’t have been gnoshed down to
nubbins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few plants
rabbits avoid: Columbine, Black-Eyed Susan, Bleeding Heart, Poppy, Lamb’s Ear,
Astilbe, Begonias, and Impatiens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
an extensive list, check out <a href="http://www.imustgarden.com/rabbit-resistant-plants">http://www.imustgarden.com/rabbit-resistant-plants</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Spray them away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Havahart produces several spray repellents effective on
rabbits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Havahart-DO32RTU-Rabbit-Squirrel-Repellent/dp/B000A0VOD2/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1369161927&sr=1-1&keywords=deer+off" target="_blank">Deer-Off</a></u> utilizes
repugnant smells (rotten eggs and garlic) and flavors (capsaicin – hot
peppers).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/DeFence-Ready-Rabbit-Repellent-5600/dp/B000WEOSKC/ref=sr_1_5?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1369161991&sr=1-5&keywords=de+fence" target="_blank">DeFence</a></u> is
approved for organic gardens and only uses rotten egg smell to repel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One application of either spray should
last up to 90 days through moderate rainfall, but I’d be prepared to apply more
if it looks like they’re moving in again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Take the spraying up a notch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re at your wit’s end with those
fuzzy nibblers, you could consider investing in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Contech-CRO101-Scarecrow-Activated-Sprinkler/dp/B000071NUS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369161679&sr=8-1&keywords=scarecrow+water+sprinkler" target="_blank">ScareCrow</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a motion-activated sprinkler that
will douse intruders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Time for a trim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sprinkle human hair around the garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure your local stylist would be
happy to share some of her clippings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Meow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lock a cat up in your garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then again, it might be safer to just spread some used kitty litter
around the perimeter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If all else fails, move to the Antarctic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While rabbits have managed to find a
way to exist there, gardens have not, so you’ll have nothing to fight
over!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-4737748399840500102013-05-14T16:05:00.000-07:002013-05-14T16:05:59.039-07:00Reality Bites<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My garden is flickering with life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Plump mourning doves, normally docile, have been dive-bombing both the competition and their ladyloves: flirting, flying, and fighting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Asparagus spears are poking their
pointy heads up through the earth and fresh lilac blooms are exploding like
fragrant purple popcorn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
And just off
my porch, Dicentra’s delicate branches arch with single-file lines of rosy
hearts.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITepHOppiza4PH7ZcahHoom821B0wMQftC8q27EtmHSKn7e3pzclSBqSXalBwPsrMfZcjZMMsU3r4oS9bUqyX8MT-rTmAjcj7ANdTi6wKjZgjblVxqB0tk1zFjzRQvMJiY9XrRStq9Ps/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dicentra spectabilis" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITepHOppiza4PH7ZcahHoom821B0wMQftC8q27EtmHSKn7e3pzclSBqSXalBwPsrMfZcjZMMsU3r4oS9bUqyX8MT-rTmAjcj7ANdTi6wKjZgjblVxqB0tk1zFjzRQvMJiY9XrRStq9Ps/s640/IMG_1971.JPG" title="Bleeding Heart" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V-poUKSrMCGLzUrQTAwNEFi-t665eO8e3cIIyGr-TgN_MuQl1_BoXqruUVPJNsKbX3hyphenhyphenUdMzZb85IovGPmvSCmrU5Hi5Z6pzGJHJrjxhRRTuaCAdtYFT7tQ0Xn2GRZCTRYBnB06FgRE/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V-poUKSrMCGLzUrQTAwNEFi-t665eO8e3cIIyGr-TgN_MuQl1_BoXqruUVPJNsKbX3hyphenhyphenUdMzZb85IovGPmvSCmrU5Hi5Z6pzGJHJrjxhRRTuaCAdtYFT7tQ0Xn2GRZCTRYBnB06FgRE/s400/IMG_1951.JPG" title="Creeping Charlie" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creeping Charlie's attempt at seducing this gardener....it won't work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And the grass needs a good mow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reality is never far removed from the magic in my garden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Creeping Charlie was one of the first plants to emerge here
this spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weedy DNA pumping
through his roots gave him a jump-start on mischief making.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was immediately up to his old
tricks, trying to gain square footage on the law-abiding citizens of my garden
before they could shake off their wintry slumber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing that lies between prized perennials and a weedy
eviction notice is the sharp edge of my trusty soil knife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there were a legal system in the
garden, Charlie’s criminal record would be a mile long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would, no doubt, be serving a life
sentence in a maximum-security prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Too bad it’s only the dream of a deluded and desperate gardener.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWvHH-pi70Nu16R4zCOgdIR9Vm2AaHjnqT6hzVdz7s5hOypUAMMsE_Dlswu4r1JF26mUtCARTqbjyCc_pjaPn2aUjj-4EanwrQ7UqX1XCmZOoio0QXHsn9Vzuh4iADFRBOqFnjaW48OQ/s1600/IMG_2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWvHH-pi70Nu16R4zCOgdIR9Vm2AaHjnqT6hzVdz7s5hOypUAMMsE_Dlswu4r1JF26mUtCARTqbjyCc_pjaPn2aUjj-4EanwrQ7UqX1XCmZOoio0QXHsn9Vzuh4iADFRBOqFnjaW48OQ/s400/IMG_2001.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie visiting Centranthus...this is no social call.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iMy4tXgec6BS_WFqw6bYsPQlDk9xGgrnvY15CFjeR_kdNP4UIuuVfKZT1VOueGBptr0a-OgLfGsnnoFEolQRf4xw9w1bwPhoBDEmBMcDzoD1Eex8x_j3CIz7Suu-7UN06FXt9hdPJ-E/s1600/IMG_1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iMy4tXgec6BS_WFqw6bYsPQlDk9xGgrnvY15CFjeR_kdNP4UIuuVfKZT1VOueGBptr0a-OgLfGsnnoFEolQRf4xw9w1bwPhoBDEmBMcDzoD1Eex8x_j3CIz7Suu-7UN06FXt9hdPJ-E/s400/IMG_1998.JPG" title="Creeping Charlie" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie dividing the Daylilies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>
If it weren’t, I’d also press charges against the
Snow-on-the-Mountain currently infiltrating my lawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, I’d most likely be named as a co-conspirator
on that charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, it was
I who stupidly introduced it to the landscape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weary of pulling weeds beneath the serviceberry, I thought Snow-on-the-Mountain
would solve the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dandelions and crabgrass couldn’t
compete with its dense foliage and underground stems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, having subdued that competition, it’s heading out to
conquer the grassy ocean of Kentucky Blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this rate, it will meet Creeping Charlie halfway across my
forlorn yard by August and we’ll have a showdown of nuclear proportions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2tkPUBznicsbdAHGEu0cCL46ECT1mDqJMXJL3r0gn01Xz8zOHhURmxBGjqJGmajBx1BE3w5etypp5JjC8fqLW2XXo2JZINRqwm73oBuAInc42nZ0I2KycYZI1aKgcf7tNL8QEKCsjCA/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2tkPUBznicsbdAHGEu0cCL46ECT1mDqJMXJL3r0gn01Xz8zOHhURmxBGjqJGmajBx1BE3w5etypp5JjC8fqLW2XXo2JZINRqwm73oBuAInc42nZ0I2KycYZI1aKgcf7tNL8QEKCsjCA/s640/IMG_1948.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another drop of reality rests beneath our catalpa tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year, I was determined to infuse
more early spring appeal into our scenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ideal place to bury bulbs was beneath catalpa’s limbs: it’s
right outside our picture window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a wise idea to consider window views when planning your
landscape:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you can enjoy the
site from within </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as well as from out, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you’ve doubled your pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
However, it’s also good to consider the local wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I failed to remember how my dog loves to stomp through there, and the rabbits love to congregate there, and the birds prefer to peck there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tattered remnants of tulip leaves and grape hyacinth is all I have to show for my horticultural determination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AWDw_bESLs4EHjK74Yffrthum2rEOdwunH9Tampb19yvD16tI4G2UFvWc72dYqozTxKN7vEjbHUTz9dNAhheGWYthJ7bM-2bgTrfSeRfCNiK12sY1YiuTsY5mi3BgZDjoCyNOHJf5G4/s1600/IMG_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AWDw_bESLs4EHjK74Yffrthum2rEOdwunH9Tampb19yvD16tI4G2UFvWc72dYqozTxKN7vEjbHUTz9dNAhheGWYthJ7bM-2bgTrfSeRfCNiK12sY1YiuTsY5mi3BgZDjoCyNOHJf5G4/s400/IMG_2005.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not what I had in mind for spring color.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE6Lm98D5s21-jlcU5uf4NuyRYC7f2lmrXQCgdv04LJnyyiwkLBfL31P-M_x0isDuncIMcPGQ_1jye4V893Yn7Ko0uvLV5dv4GFgC3OKERIQXE-ffLUF_ItoaSMmaX4gy4NFfKd-Q6_I/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE6Lm98D5s21-jlcU5uf4NuyRYC7f2lmrXQCgdv04LJnyyiwkLBfL31P-M_x0isDuncIMcPGQ_1jye4V893Yn7Ko0uvLV5dv4GFgC3OKERIQXE-ffLUF_ItoaSMmaX4gy4NFfKd-Q6_I/s400/IMG_2011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd like to thank all the little cottontails that made<br />this picture possible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have managed to overachieve in one Springly accomplishment:
bug bites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have three
already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seems a bit premature,
but a morsel as tempting as my knee couldn’t be ignored for long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some lucky buzzer managed to squeeze an
appetizer, entrée and dessert out of my leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t seen so much as one mosquito, but clearly, they have
seen me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The gnats discovered me long before the mosquitoes did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the first glorious afternoon of 60
degree weather, I stepped out of the house and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*THWACK*</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bug in the eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not fifteen feet from my front door
before the reality of spring hit me smack dab in the cornea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they’re not getting plastered to
my eye, those feather-weight fliers are being sucked into my nose. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel bad for the both of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly I bemoan my circumstance
more: their misery is over long before mine (so what if their misfortune has
some permanent ramifications).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
truly, there are no winners here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At least the mosquito got a meal out of the deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-54590069975815243702013-05-07T15:49:00.000-07:002013-05-07T15:49:36.737-07:003 Goals for 2013<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVlcoNiC5yhXs_siXBYYH2Bmr61qflgRKmvC9cMYix6mhjYMPwQn10sJjaiuOdu-cRonELmW0T7rEeeDu2Sr2FbhKDQZYitgRSTRH4xbjlgS37wVNcAe8g08rk6TJ8GfIp7QM6FiaWT4/s1600/100_9820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVlcoNiC5yhXs_siXBYYH2Bmr61qflgRKmvC9cMYix6mhjYMPwQn10sJjaiuOdu-cRonELmW0T7rEeeDu2Sr2FbhKDQZYitgRSTRH4xbjlgS37wVNcAe8g08rk6TJ8GfIp7QM6FiaWT4/s320/100_9820.JPG" width="320" /></a>The rubble of last year’s vegetable jungle has been cleared
out, thanks to the diligence of my twelve-year-old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bribed him with nothing whatsoever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves a good bonfire and was
scraping up kindling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boys can be
so handy that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, I plan to grow a quaint and refined, yet wildly
productive garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been told
more than once that failure to plan is planning to fail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t necessarily call last year’s
garden a failure, but it wasn’t anything I would’ve allowed refined gentlefolk,
such as yourselves, to rest your eyes upon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, that was a sight only for those bound to me by blood or
property line, both relationships being rather bothersome to dissolve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In spite of its disheveled appearance and torrid bug
affairs, our little vegetable plot was very fruitful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It provided bushels of fodder for this column.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It taught me more about cucumber
beetles and humility than I thought I needed to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helped me sweat off my summer Dairy Queen indulgences and
soak up some vitamin D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the
produce?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tastier than money can
buy, cheaper than the lowest loss leader and seasoned with a depth of flavor
that can only be realized when you have watered the soil with your own
sweat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I’m excited to see what I’ll discover in the dirt this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goals for 2013 are: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Squeeze
blueberries in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have NO idea
where I will fit these large shrubs into our outdoor square footage, but it
must be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year’s
snap-happy spring was a coup against fruit production, and my annual blueberry
binge was overthrown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Major, major
bummer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually put away 14+
pounds of those sweet indigo morsels, and I don’t mean ‘put away’ as in
‘freezing’ or ‘canning’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If my skin
is tinged blue at the end of July, it isn’t because I’m hypothermic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Managing unpredictable frosts is a huge
challenge for commercial growers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The home gardener, however, has a fighting chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one thing to toss some blankets on
3-4 shrubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Protecting 300-400
poses a serious dilemma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobwzap_QQAK0YcQGncBoQaMNtKjpi0KUcp2inu-QRBsrbUmQnNPSTivtebe5-IqT78D0IuVpaRsae7HWuY5GSDCMK8MEV7h2dRX2XZEJ6MwYSQ7tlq3_ymjk-436jS9UgAwSUzHKCdd4/s1600/IMG_1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobwzap_QQAK0YcQGncBoQaMNtKjpi0KUcp2inu-QRBsrbUmQnNPSTivtebe5-IqT78D0IuVpaRsae7HWuY5GSDCMK8MEV7h2dRX2XZEJ6MwYSQ7tlq3_ymjk-436jS9UgAwSUzHKCdd4/s400/IMG_1885.JPG" title="strawberry plants" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry magic waiting to happen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
#2: Kick my strawberry procrastination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a landscaper, I found people always
wished their trees were planted twenty years previous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a remedial gardener, I’ve always
wished I planted my strawberries two years previous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This defeatist attitude has led me to plant none, and each
June rolls around to find me berry-less once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve mooched off of family and friends and paid for
U-Pick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to give myself a
fruity savings bond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In two years,
I’ll cash it in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Goal #3: Give my tomatoes room to breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tomato debacles of 2008-2012 will
not be repeated this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
spirit of change, I was researching fresh, new ideas for tomato structures. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One site recommended planting them along
a wall of livestock panels, which I thought was brilliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their spacing, however, sounded a
little problematic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along a 16’
panel, <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/tomato-cages-zm0z11zphe.aspx#axzz2SZV5HhyH" target="_blank">their plan</a> called for 18 plants, 9 on each side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe this worked for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe they pruned their tomatoes every
4 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No maybes for me: that
won’t fly in our garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m planning
on spacing my tomatoes 8’ apart, which sets me wildly at odds with their
schematics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have I gone off the spacing deep end?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Possibly, but I am trying to assure the
twelve year old that we won’t be scuttling through a tomato jungle to harvest
this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s already spoken
with me about the number of tomatoes I’m ‘allowed’ to purchase, etc, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little does he know, his grandma gives
me most of my tomato plants for free, and this week she unloaded a few (three
times his quota) on my porch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gardening
insanity runs in the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
day, he will understand (it’s a genetic certainty), but for now, he can look
forward to a humdinger of a bonfire next spring!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What’s on your list this year? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell me on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Design-to-Grow/280447368651022" target="_blank">Design to Grow Facebook page</a> or at <a href="http://www.designtogrow.blogspot.com/">www.designtogrow.blogspot.com</a>. </div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-31929253812460701172013-04-30T13:49:00.000-07:002013-05-04T19:35:24.494-07:00The Ground Crew<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s been a tad soggy around here
lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the old ‘April Showers’
adage holds true, we may need kayaks to navigate May’s floral output.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
One sure sign of excess precipitation
is the exodus of worms across my driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a slow-motion version of the Oklahoma Land Rush,
waterlogged wigglers slithered by last week, hoping to find dry ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I spotted this slimy phenomenon,
I smelled it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One step out the
door and my sniffer caught the unmistakable whiff of moist invertebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the smell of rain with sweaty
overtones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must’ve spent too
many hours in the sun growing up, because I find this wormy aroma a strangely pleasant
sign of spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFDu8bQJVMxLpDDtXcDIpX12iWzq4DzR1fQSQ0372k3efL5olaDsywVeSVgjvRDLv5nj3uX9fcBZmhWT1WMfE5yLuqbU2jd2RWLdw0HVeSZvnNrN8fdetCgSa_6rpgCgWkW87q_5RWEo/s1600/IMG_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFDu8bQJVMxLpDDtXcDIpX12iWzq4DzR1fQSQ0372k3efL5olaDsywVeSVgjvRDLv5nj3uX9fcBZmhWT1WMfE5yLuqbU2jd2RWLdw0HVeSZvnNrN8fdetCgSa_6rpgCgWkW87q_5RWEo/s400/IMG_1832.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The worms, I’m sure, find it less so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all, worms don’t have noses, so
they probably can’t pick up the same whiff I’m sniffing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if they could, there’s no doubt:
they would associate it with terror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before arriving on my driveway, they very nearly drowned in underground
tunnels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only shelter they
could find was this large expanse of unprotected concrete, a blank canvas
announcing their predicament to Robins with all the subtlety of flashing
neon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now I was preparing to
drive a two-ton vehicle across it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not their best day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did
avoid stepping on them, but navigating the Honda around them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only hope the end came swiftly for the unlucky ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vehicular death might actually be
preferred to the environmental dangers the remnant faced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A worm exposed to sunlight for more than an hour will become
paralyzed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If their slimy skin
dries out, they’re toast (literally).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve all seen the roasted remnants of sunburnt worms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seems like a slow, painful way to
go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Worms have a tough life from the
get-go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are essentially blind
quadriplegics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have no eyes,
arms or legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what they lack
in appendages, they make up for in stomach, and they don’t let their
limitations hamper their appetite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Worms can eat the equivalent of their weight each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dream of feasting unhindered, whilst
maintaining a slender form, is one I share with countless women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if we were forced to choose between
the lifestyle of a worm and our own, I’m sure we’d all be willing to submit to a
little dietary restraint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The worm’s day consists of chewing
moldy, muddy morsels and slithering up and down through a dank dominion of darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no light, no music, no Facebook,
no Starbucks caramel macchiatos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
can’t even stop to smell the roses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is only the business of tunneling and eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the process of satiating their hunger,
they set the stage for gardening magic above ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As food percolates through a worm’s
digestive track, it magically transforms into a plant smorgasbord of nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even the slime they secrete contains nitrogen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A worm’s excavations create passages that allow air and
water to penetrate heavy soil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This increases water-retention, which is essential for droughts and
forgetful waterers, such as myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also improves drainage, which prevents excess water from overwhelming
sensitive roots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
An acre of land can support up to a
million earthworms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means my
humble plot of ground could potentially have over 300,000 miniature excavators
rumbling through the dirt, digging fertilizer-laced tunnels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, thanks to these wormy workhorses, thirsty
roots can now stretch out into loose, moist, fertile ground, and begin shooting
beauty above grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that hard
work pays off for this gardener, whose contribution - at most - was not to step
on them in their time of need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small
thanks indeed.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-40101128852025894112013-04-23T13:29:00.000-07:002013-05-04T19:36:15.242-07:00And Then There Was Spring<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The snow boots have been banished to the attic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I have to lug them back downstairs
before November, I will require liberal amounts of consolation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, Easter delivered a
blizzard of my favorite emotional sedative, chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lone surviving Hershey’s bunny sits
perched atop the fridge, his milky brown eyes keeping a keen watch out the
window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows the heavy price
he will pay for an April snowfall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most years, I battle my children in the First Day of Spring
debate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like clockwork, one of
them pops off the bus in mid March, triumphantly enters the house and proclaims
the arrival of (insert trumpeters trumpeting) The First Day of Spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some years, they trudge through nine
inches of snow to make said proclamation, and sometimes they skip in wearing
flip-flops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The United
States Department of Education has trained them to believe that Spring begins
every year at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnvGxD_zdrx3QA62tkSvMsDwBhOEEFnCaitc-6Av7uc_Q4eHQg3YGK6IuWq1cp7f3FK64h_Twihyzimt6PqmG_4Uo-ncgK_Np5xnwK1-PLHZr-PVOseuEMnukv8VpdDTujyff9tVOE1g/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnvGxD_zdrx3QA62tkSvMsDwBhOEEFnCaitc-6Av7uc_Q4eHQg3YGK6IuWq1cp7f3FK64h_Twihyzimt6PqmG_4Uo-ncgK_Np5xnwK1-PLHZr-PVOseuEMnukv8VpdDTujyff9tVOE1g/s320/IMG_1816.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do my best to unlearn them of this fallacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Calendars do nothing to help my plight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They mark it in as reliably as Memorial
Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was shocked to discover
that even the Farmer’s Almanac acknowledges this title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look, I bear no ill will toward this
holiday in general, just its nomenclature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day in question is known as the Vernal Equinox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the half-year observance of equal
day and night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I welcome it with
open arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Winter bears several charms that I look forward to each
year, but short nights isn’t one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As Fall closes up shop, I feel the night closing in, like a python
tightening its grip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of
riding bikes and playing with the neighbors, my kids are cooped up indoors,
squabbling over petty arguments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their eyes become glued to the unnatural glow emitting from electronic
screens throughout the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
beloved after-dinner walk in the sunset necessitates fluorescent clothing and
flashlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The occasional seven
o’clock jaunt to the grocery store involves a dip into the seamy underworld of
dimly lit parking lots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly, the
Vernal Equinox bears nothing but good tidings for these cabin feverish eyes of
mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it isn’t the First Day of Spring.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spring doesn’t come on a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t like Aunt Sally, who makes travel arrangements and
arrives at your doorstep on schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nor is it a holiday, such as Labor Day, here today and gone
tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring is an essence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FORxeEw5qE1j6GY9w_iUaVp0IhV6J5PYBHW-skh4yOHJdOQ2kiZmk8IfAY47j5CgeLljOKOI2rEB_iXylbw8HaSKsQjn7BtdcbWByg3xJ7AlJcTUwOXsPw4Ip0X-iR1mKgdnbUcIHgg/s1600/101_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FORxeEw5qE1j6GY9w_iUaVp0IhV6J5PYBHW-skh4yOHJdOQ2kiZmk8IfAY47j5CgeLljOKOI2rEB_iXylbw8HaSKsQjn7BtdcbWByg3xJ7AlJcTUwOXsPw4Ip0X-iR1mKgdnbUcIHgg/s320/101_0714.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Hint of Spring: Unfurling Columbine Foliage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It comes in whispers with the first 40-degree day and muddy
paw-prints on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it
hints a little more boldly, as Robins begin plucking at worms and lilac buds
swell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally it tears through
with lighting blasts, storm clouds thundering away at the retreating
winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no guaranteed
formula, as we learned so cruelly last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring has a mind all its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best we can do is watch for the signs, collecting them like
lucky pennies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few weeks ago, my youngest came and tugged on my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom, you’ve GOT to see this!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With three children, I hear this
statement an average of four times a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It usually leads to the forcible viewing of a commercial
touting a neon-colored piece of plastic or bottle of goo for the low, low price
of $19.99 (shipping and handling not included).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So without turning my head, or even tuning in consciously, I
replied, “Can you just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tell</i> me what
it is, honey?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Nope, you’ve gotta
SEE it for yourself!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then,
with a conspiratorial smile, she whispered, “It’s a sign of Spring!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My heart melted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A fellow convert!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed
her hand and we headed off to admire some fresh tulip foliage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring was dropping hints.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-76051747114836047912012-09-04T14:23:00.001-07:002013-05-04T19:39:33.087-07:00The Ugly Yard<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCKt0_5TCD2VpTQF4IG1RKLoc7jY2pAVhKwr8-W_R80oNlyBidthWUevZO5lXjcfZ8J_owJyqaoWjFgeIw_z-Vuhoz3gFtL9_0vAQ-8Bd3KTyhh2z7qJxAwcnOTeKxJzC-zhGwgPvfPY/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCKt0_5TCD2VpTQF4IG1RKLoc7jY2pAVhKwr8-W_R80oNlyBidthWUevZO5lXjcfZ8J_owJyqaoWjFgeIw_z-Vuhoz3gFtL9_0vAQ-8Bd3KTyhh2z7qJxAwcnOTeKxJzC-zhGwgPvfPY/s320/IMG_0986.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunflowers....toasted.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
“It’s an ugly year.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So said I to Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome one evening as we
were sitting out on our porch, gazing over our thriving crop of brown
grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What did you expect?” he
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re at the end of a terrible
drought.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But...still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s ugly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is where the conversation ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently
my need to state the obvious and commiserate about it is lost on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good thing I have you folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week, I picked up one of my season-by-season gardening
books and turned to the ‘Late Summer’ section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first line says, in bold print, “The garden is at its
best now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was this book written by a native
English speaker?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely he
couldn’t understand what he was saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve never lived through a late summer in which my garden was ‘at its
best’, but this year is the banner child for ‘Blech’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My soft heart hasn’t helped the look of our garden one
bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a sucker for volunteer
plants, which are rather like cats: captivating in juvenile form, and rather
regrettable as adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The birds
transferred some of my carefully selected SongBird Seed Mix to the front border
of our bed, where a smattering of 3-4’ sunflowers now reside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had they been transplanted to the back
of the bed in a timely manner, they might’ve looked halfway decent, but a
little procrastination left them right where they were sown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With browning leaves and drooping
heads, they are now well past their glory days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The meticulous gardener would remove them, but not I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, the cardinals and finches are still
working on the seed heads, and I love getting double the return on my SongBird
Seed Mix. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I paid extra, after all.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSooQ33sU-4NbVdJ08uAC6K-taehFahTNRzGTABTyU6GeDqhZvY62iK9LkIfiRNyhiTPQUd-gdPzXIVqIyYQcx9CJiMVl660l2jC2DD7ZIzTVXaA46sTiQXvD41CIYuAmWnPhF6vE60Rs/s1600/101_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSooQ33sU-4NbVdJ08uAC6K-taehFahTNRzGTABTyU6GeDqhZvY62iK9LkIfiRNyhiTPQUd-gdPzXIVqIyYQcx9CJiMVl660l2jC2DD7ZIzTVXaA46sTiQXvD41CIYuAmWnPhF6vE60Rs/s640/101_0478.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting double the pleasure from a bag of birdseed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My weakness for volunteers is especially susceptible in the
tomato department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have several
sprouting<br />
in and around the compost pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One particularly enormous specimen has overtaken my back steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That soft heart of mine is touched by
their tale of bravery, a hypothetically epic story of bitter cold winter
nights, greedy birds looking for an easy meal, and parched July afternoons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who am I to quash their chance at
life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, I cling to the
hope that one volunteer might reward me with an incredible new tomato variety
and a million dollar plant patent, or just really amazing salsa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuqEzxekhdvWGXVRi7xZRQUu836ZJO6wmWlcalkTh3YavL9ODHE9qCdgug4eJ_PzafatYonogbdPUqF_pbw-WCCUxNf7h5hRPBtuxQJe-QpeRaRk2V82RLUKDsgPdYH2IUKwPH-BhE0k/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuqEzxekhdvWGXVRi7xZRQUu836ZJO6wmWlcalkTh3YavL9ODHE9qCdgug4eJ_PzafatYonogbdPUqF_pbw-WCCUxNf7h5hRPBtuxQJe-QpeRaRk2V82RLUKDsgPdYH2IUKwPH-BhE0k/s320/IMG_1054.JPG" width="320" /></a>The monstrous tomato swallowing up my back steps is not that
plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tomatoes are mediocre
at best, and still I’ve accommodated its zest for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My reward?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A steadily shrinking stairway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now less than a foot wide, and I’m not talking about
the 12 inch foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m talking one
Nike wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s getting ridiculous
over here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soft heart be danged,
I’m going to get the pruners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next
year, I’ll be a tough old biddy on those volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned my lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve half a mind to retire this column on the simple basis
that a visual overview of my property raises serious inquiries as to my
qualifications to be doling out any sort of gardening advice, be it ever so
humble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other half of my mind confirms
that it’s time I return to the ultimate path to riches: substitute
teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it is with a fond
farewell that I bid you adieu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will miss our little chats. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is going to have to up his
conversational skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-78556025167454058042012-08-28T08:59:00.000-07:002013-05-04T19:38:39.006-07:00Miss Diagnosis<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I picked up a hitchhiker yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clinging to my windshield as the Honda
hurtled toward Herscher was a small, yellow cucumber beetle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what his hurry was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps he was late for football
practice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We certainly were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On second thought, I’m not sure that it was a cucumber
beetle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t trained to
identify bugs by their undercarriage, which is mostly what I could see from my
vantage point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, upside
down or right side up, I’m no genius at identifying bugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled an A in Dr. White’s
Entomology 280, but it’s been a few years since I sat under his esteemed
tutelage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I must confess, my
interest level in the insect world was marginal at that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a 20-year-old, I was hopped up on
hormones and cramming for 4 other courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My personal interest in the life cycle of a cucumber beetle
was about a 2 on a 10 scale, and that was only because my GPA was directly attached
to my knowledge of their love life and appetite. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With no cucurbits of my own to protect, I didn’t have a
vested and pressing interest in understanding the complexities of the cucumber
beetle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was studying purely for
the grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five minutes after the
final exam, all the hard-won memorization evaporated from my brain
synapses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poof!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<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/AVvXsEi6T6RS62UaqmNzcftcTsivcCnlKprA5-pE82R5f7OGbvP7m73NM3ccX_s60YjPUz0SuIrq-w0vseBgrbBac1wEj6cWTxxNZ_LPk4F-WeBbIG3FS4mL7m_wu6xnl3CUseXvHYdWsyGkIOw/s1600/101_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6T6RS62UaqmNzcftcTsivcCnlKprA5-pE82R5f7OGbvP7m73NM3ccX_s60YjPUz0SuIrq-w0vseBgrbBac1wEj6cWTxxNZ_LPk4F-WeBbIG3FS4mL7m_wu6xnl3CUseXvHYdWsyGkIOw/s640/101_0366.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cucumber beetle....I think.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, in the sunset of my thirties, the distractions have
expanded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hormones of my
twenties resulted in offspring that litter my house with nerf bullets, legos
and empty yogurt containers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
dishwashing and loads of laundry have certainly increased from the free-style
life of my college days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But one
significant difference has changed everything between me and Mr. Cucumber Beetle:
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it’s personal now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The insect attack is no longer theoretical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have tilled the soil (okay,
technically the husband did that, but I supplied the lemonade), planted the
seeds, watered the soil, weeded the weeds, watered, weeded, watered, well…let’s
just leave it at this: I’m invested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And now my zucchini are drooping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the life cycle of my zucchini: sprout,
flourish, flower, produce 6-7 fruits, then wither, shrivel and die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have I mentioned that I love my little squash?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slice them thin, fry them in butter,
season them with salt, pepper and indecently gooey amounts of parmesan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only one of my children inherited my
passion for zucchini, which is fine by me, because there are fewer people with
whom I must share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, the
two of us alone can eat four medium-sized zucchini in one sitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re serious about squash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<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/AVvXsEg9CL96buVM5oADwwjPRawkgc92mzVV6HFnRCDkCDHV2WrBICb0vopufBjlin27NjJ6_hbR8LGVmoHtGIgW8ZDEgue0Hpt3H9Ahi4stDyZTdE2xPngOZVGYW9a9N4CAh_Fa5CFyK1T5GLc/s1600/IMG_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CL96buVM5oADwwjPRawkgc92mzVV6HFnRCDkCDHV2WrBICb0vopufBjlin27NjJ6_hbR8LGVmoHtGIgW8ZDEgue0Hpt3H9Ahi4stDyZTdE2xPngOZVGYW9a9N4CAh_Fa5CFyK1T5GLc/s640/IMG_0998.JPG" title="Zucchini" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No question about it....that's zucchini. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now I’m feeling the sting of my lack of focus so many
years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Ortho book suggests
the cucumber beetle is not guilty of this serial squashicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like a doctor who is unable to
diagnose her own child with the chicken pox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good thing I didn’t go into medicine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Research suggests I may</span> have an
infestation of squash vine borers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And they don’t just attack zucchini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember my fruitless pumpkin patch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A week after I wrote to you of my
woeful lack of jack-o-lanterns, I discovered baby pumpkins growing on the
vine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two days after that, the
vines wilted and died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cucurbits
and I are just not meant to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Give up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t garden without zucchini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be like celebrating a birthday
without cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to burn down all the plant
debris this fall and ammo up with some Bug-B-Gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear it controls cucumber beetles and squash vine borers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just in case I’ve misdiagnosed
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-23734665936526473162012-08-22T12:22:00.000-07:002012-08-22T12:22:53.648-07:00Calisthenics for your Cultivation<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my wavering pursuit of physical fitness, I dipped my toe
in the waters of yoga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having observed
that yoga fanatics always appear slim and trim in spite of the sedentary nature
of their sport, I was intrigued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If a toned physique could be acquired by simply stretching and holding a
few poses, count me in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scurried
out and purchased a yoga DVD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Several sessions later, the verdict was in: yoga was too slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It required a certain level of focus,
which my undiagnosed (but raging) case of ADHD undermined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As luck would have it, aerobic exercise
is too fast for me, so I am forced to drift further from my ideal blue jean
size until someone develops an exercise program that is neither too slow nor
too fast, but nevertheless, incredibly effective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My short rendezvous with yoga revealed some surprising similarities
with gardening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both practice the
art of slowing down: you can’t rush the lotus position, nor can you hurry along
the flavor forged in a ripening tomato.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yoga and gardening test your inner endurance (and patience), as anyone
who’s ever tried to maintain a half-moon pose or grow a red pepper can attest
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both challenge you to find
balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yoga tried (and failed,
for the time being) to conquer my lack of focus, a contributing factor to the unbalance
in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But finding balance in the garden is a mission I haven’t
given up on yet, and that destination is reached with a GPS (gardening
perfection system) known as design theory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This framework of rules provides a structure on which to drape
your original ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find them
freeing, but I always was the rule-follower as a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goody-two-shoes, that’s what the other
kids called me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ADHD and
rebellion didn’t set in till much later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nowadays I enjoy breaking rules when the mood strikes, and gardening
is the perfect outlet to assert my defiance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is, after all, design theory, not design
commandments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take, for example,
the rule of odds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In design, odd
numbers of groupings are visually pleasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recognize the validity of this, and most of the time I toe
the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But sometimes the square
footage doesn’t cooperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
hideously even number of hydrangeas congregate in front of my porch, because
that is what fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would’ve been
docked in design class, but in real life, someone has to foot the bill for the
extra, and extraneous, Hydrangea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My checkbook said "</span>No thanks".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having given you free reign to break the rules, let me
insert one addendum: the occasional departure from a rule is one thing, whereas
complete ignorance of its existence is another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t have to follow all the rules all the time, but you
should be aware of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
listed several essentials, along with a question to help you gauge its
relationship to your yard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sequence: Is there a sequence of activity (foliage, flower
and fruit) in your landscape that keeps it interesting all year long? From the
early blooming Hyacinth to the late blazing Burning Bush, the riotous colors of
Geraniums to the stoic attention of Blue Spruce, no season need go
unnoticed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scale: Are your plants in scale with the structures on your
property and with each other?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consider the mature size of plants when locating them around your
yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dwarf Alberta Spruce is not
interchangeable with Blue Spruce, and a dwarf Japanese maple should not be
featured near a giant stand of Miscanthus grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Views:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are the
most important views from the street and the home maximized?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The perspective from that big picture
window is every bit as important as the view from the curb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spend the bulk of your budget where it
will be seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Color: Have you selected colors, both in foliage and flower,
which blend and accentuate each other and your home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider studying complementary and adjacent colors on the
color wheel to find the best partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little focus and stretching and your yard will be
ship-shape in no time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wish I
could say the same for my abs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313494656932961050.post-22906674375945405812012-08-14T11:46:00.001-07:002013-05-04T19:42:19.624-07:00Sweet SuccessAfter two entire seasons of columns dedicated to my gardening
mishaps, you may be asking yourself a reasonable question:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why does this woman continue gardening? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In spite of all my frustrations and failures, I
actually find a lot of peace in the garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The growing season coincides conveniently with the timeline
of school break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the chaos of
mothering three summer-struck monkeys, I sometimes (often) feel the urge to
scream “Serenity now!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
disappearing for a bit into the garden, the blessedly mute plant life soothes
my frazzled nerves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emotional
assistance aside, those mistakes in the garden serve a purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They make the rare success that much
sweeter.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<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/AVvXsEg-q0CxtL00yPtr5aM8XPu7aqPB1zt-x1HZVTz2VYGNOx2GKTR-kZ_iIMoqCGcmCU0uO9wqTCC5detsACjllKtRmC2D5pP1dor3BeX0jNjCGfGrPPH7m3l7AXUeXtQI0H35QhWd96A0BtU/s1600/100_9945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-q0CxtL00yPtr5aM8XPu7aqPB1zt-x1HZVTz2VYGNOx2GKTR-kZ_iIMoqCGcmCU0uO9wqTCC5detsACjllKtRmC2D5pP1dor3BeX0jNjCGfGrPPH7m3l7AXUeXtQI0H35QhWd96A0BtU/s640/100_9945.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gateway to Serenity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One such success this year was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Centranthus</u> <u>ruber.</u></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The occasional hummingbird hovers into our yard, but being
the greedy naturalist, I want more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I’m also a lazy naturalist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too lazy, I’m afraid, to keep up with those sugar water
contraptions, so I purchased Red Valerian (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">C.
ruber</i>) last fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew its
long, rosy, tubular blossoms were just the ticket for my hummingbird habitat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I planted it in the ground, planted
myself beside the window, and kept my eyes peeled for the much-anticipated
squadron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring turned to summer,
and still no sign of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through
the mist of my disappointment, I accepted the obvious: for whatever reason, the
hummingbirds flew the coop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were probably miles away, well outside the range of Red Valerian’s wooing
power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later, while visiting with a fellow Irwinian, she complained
about a family, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a family,</i></b> of hummingbirds that were destroying her hanging pots,
trying to nest in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is no
long distance neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her front
porch is less than 10 seconds away, as the crow flies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, clearly, not as the hummingbird
flies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must accept that I am not
in tune with discriminating hummingbird palates - and this is sounding
suspiciously like another one of my gardening failures - but wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Centranthus</i>
may have been snubbed by the bird world, but it turned out to be a surprising
treat for this old girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through
all the heat of this impossible summer, and in spite of my dog’s best effort to
trample them, those rosy blossoms have out-bloomed every other flower in my
garden including the King of Longevity himself, Catmint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never thought anyone could usurp his throne, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Centranthus</i> has done it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had I known all that I know now, I’d
have bought three Red Valerians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too
bad for the hummingbirds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
don’t know what they’re missing.<br />
<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/AVvXsEjsi2mT0n0YFU96cPSP0wzrgrxuR9bnOdIDAWa5EVgl-LwpBtNRbG2_MxDlfWjspPyVuMjQ4X3OM9_eYR0ffOjVj0UYtUFeLiQw1bqLYgLg7MZEmmVRoyHINnmZerVlZ6pp9asidpc_jSI/s1600/100_9902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsi2mT0n0YFU96cPSP0wzrgrxuR9bnOdIDAWa5EVgl-LwpBtNRbG2_MxDlfWjspPyVuMjQ4X3OM9_eYR0ffOjVj0UYtUFeLiQw1bqLYgLg7MZEmmVRoyHINnmZerVlZ6pp9asidpc_jSI/s640/100_9902.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centranthus erupts behind King Catmint. (Don't be mislead by Penstemon poking in there. <br />
Centranthus has blue-green foliage.) Carolina Lupine wraps up her tall spiky blooms in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
In the spirit of the Olympics, I proudly set a new PR
(personal record) this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally conquered that raging case of
Red Pepper Ineptitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year,
I did harvest a red pepper – my first ever - although I wouldn’t call it a
raving success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was, after all,
October.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, we cock-eyed
optimists must celebrate even the smallest of triumphs, particularly those five
or more years in the making.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
year, however, I didn’t have to stretch far to reach my accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came right up and bit me in the
biscuits this July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>July, did you
say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why yes, yes I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it wouldn’t have been possible
without the support of my dear friend, Gypsy Pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know the Olympic committee isn’t going to add Pepper Cultivation
to the competitive events anytime soon, nor could I compete even if they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be no podium to climb, no
medal to wear, no media frenzy to manage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But as I kneel in my humble soil, picking my sweet Gypsies, I may hum a
bar or two of the Star Spangled Banner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zWont-7s25Sg6HVKbrwycGzKFPCCiemkSpUvRfO5jGGn2fo4NfNjQI4Awm4dosaeo-NA-5ME87O4Ek8NQxncEGRENZWJF_S6kk7aD0IWcIWE-PNoqZvQFNCAHRLwK-2NoG3POFC7Drc/s1600/IMG_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zWont-7s25Sg6HVKbrwycGzKFPCCiemkSpUvRfO5jGGn2fo4NfNjQI4Awm4dosaeo-NA-5ME87O4Ek8NQxncEGRENZWJF_S6kk7aD0IWcIWE-PNoqZvQFNCAHRLwK-2NoG3POFC7Drc/s400/IMG_0853.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After being trampled by 90 pounds of raw canine
determination her first year at Casa del Uftring, my Carolina Lupine
(Thermopsis carolina) looked depressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suicidal may be a more apt description.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next season, I employed a tomato cage security guard to
protect her from our heavily pawed pooch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She recovered from the trauma of the previous season enough to reward me
with her first set of 3’ butter-colored blooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like a ray of sunshine peaking from beneath the cloud
of yesteryear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This spring though,
she stretched up even higher, until she was able to look me straight in the eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point, she burst out with an
explosion of yellow firecracker blooms that continued to fizzle for two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Victorian era is renowned for its
development of the language of flowers, but I needed no translator for my sweet
Caroline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sentiment was clear:
“Thank you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for saving me from that four-legged
steam-roller!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably not what the Victorians had in
mind, but it warmed my heart nonetheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sweet success will do that for you.</div>
Design to Growhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04465463217650696049noreply@blogger.com2