tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699374882827039252024-03-13T11:26:15.140-07:00Ashley's AcresArticles, anecdotes, advice and random thoughts about gardening.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-51728047829616740272018-12-19T10:38:00.000-08:002018-12-19T10:38:18.314-08:00I started painting again. Here are some rainbow tulips. I think the crazy colors are what attracted me! The photo with people is me and my teacher/mentor. He's a proud papa! Enjoy!<br />
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Liz<br />
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<br />Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-64287937764495234392009-05-18T13:34:00.001-07:002009-05-18T14:12:34.157-07:00Sending Flowers to Loved OnesToday is my and my car's birthday! Yes, I bought my Saturn SL1 on my birthday - 16 years ago today. How old am I? That's another story (you can leave your guesses in the comments section).<br /><br /><div></div><div>When I arrived home late this morning from running errands, a delivery of flowers awaited me. They were from my relatives on the west coast. Two dozen red roses!!!!!! Thank you Imogene and Carl!</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337273727067696082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 409px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 480px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ShHOLTrlK9I/AAAAAAAABuc/U0IdG2iG7ZU/s400/roses+001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I love flowers! I love receiving them, sending them, buying and planting them, and even have flowers on my wedding china. My backyard is filled with lilacs and peonies. Obviously, writing a gardening blog, means I love flowers as well. Call me crazy - I even email pictures of flowers attached to quick messages to my friends! I am very predictable when it comes to flowers!</div><br /><div>Flowers are great gifts for people who have too much stuff and don't have any self control when it comes to chocolates (me!). I send flowers all the time because my family and friends from childhood are now very spread out across the USA (and many have too much stuff!). Thank goodness for the internet - finding a <a href="http://www.boothflowershop.com/">New York florist</a>, California florist, Texas florist, Colorado florist and Arizona florist is easy nowadays.</div><br /><div>I have several sources for sending flowers. For a friend who recently moved away, I use <a href="http://www.boothflowershop.com/">Booth Flower Shop </a>in New York. They deliver to quite a vast area and have no service fees which is great for a <a href="http://www.boothflowershop.com/">New York florist</a>. Actually, that's great for ANY florist!</div><br /><div>For my family and friends in the previously mentioned states, I use either 800-Flowers or Pro-Flowers. I visit their websites and see what I like best and then make my decision. I'm picky and want to see all my choices!</div><br /><br /><div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-47309516839069029052009-04-04T07:58:00.001-07:002009-04-15T11:28:18.951-07:00National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC<p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SdeLr-oEvvI/AAAAAAAABo8/dSkfofzcetU/s1600-h/ch+trees+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320875072423247602" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SdeLr-oEvvI/AAAAAAAABo8/dSkfofzcetU/s400/ch+trees+5.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><div align="left">Every year in early spring, Washington D.C. hosts the <a href="http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/">National Cherry Blossom Festival</a>. It's just over two weeks of activities, performances, events and shows during the blooming of the Japanese <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011_species.html">cherry trees </a>that are planted throughout the city. The average peak bloom date is April 4th. Every year the cherry trees are carefully watched and their buds measured to plan the festival's dates. Back in 1912, three thousand trees were given to the city by <a href="http://www.ndl.go.jp/portrait/e/datas/47.html">Yukio Ozaki</a>, the mayor of Tokoyo.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SdeLMTp4lsI/AAAAAAAABok/e5w0tzDSD7k/s1600-h/ch+trees+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320874528312170178" style="WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SdeLMTp4lsI/AAAAAAAABok/e5w0tzDSD7k/s400/ch+trees+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SdeLUKGHh7I/AAAAAAAABos/IXZCjOTkIX0/s1600-h/ch+trees+6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320874663185188786" style="WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 199px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SdeLUKGHh7I/AAAAAAAABos/IXZCjOTkIX0/s400/ch+trees+6.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><div align="left">There is a parade down <a href="http://dcpages.com/Tourism/Maps/Washington_DC_Map/">Constitution Avenue </a>complete with giant character balloons, marching bands and celebrities. There are fireworks, strolls and evening lantern walks among the trees, yacht rides, teas and dinner cruises along the Potomac River, a marathon, an art show, Japanese culture, and so much more. The Festival is a beautiful and fun way to kick off spring. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SdeLgeCW85I/AAAAAAAABo0/RMkmOzHfWlk/s1600-h/ch+trees+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320874874696561554" style="WIDTH: 426px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SdeLgeCW85I/AAAAAAAABo0/RMkmOzHfWlk/s400/ch+trees+2.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;">mm</span></div><div align="center"></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-88177690234567576262009-03-25T16:58:00.001-07:002012-11-30T16:46:27.403-08:00Evil Crabgrass and How to Banish It<div align="center">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScrOaOAH0oI/AAAAAAAABj8/r7fOD6FfZKE/s1600-h/crabgrass03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317289259894821506" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScrOaOAH0oI/AAAAAAAABj8/r7fOD6FfZKE/s400/crabgrass03.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 262px; width: 308px;" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScrOdwGa8ZI/AAAAAAAABkE/R4-enUHwjMY/s1600-h/crabgrass04.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317289320587653522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScrOdwGa8ZI/AAAAAAAABkE/R4-enUHwjMY/s400/crabgrass04.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 261px; width: 268px;" /></a></div>
Crabgrass is evil. You can mow your lawn all the way down to a quarter inch, killing it, and the crabgrass will survive. It's seeds can sit up to four years, waiting, waiting, waiting...I think it's related to cockroaches. They can survive anything, too.<br />
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My hubby says, "It's green, leave it alone," every single year and I, in reply, remind him that it's an annual, dies in the fall, leaves big bare dirt patches that turn into mud during the winter and spring and then require seeding.<br />
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I do everything I can to stop, kill and prevent it. Winning the fight against crabgrass requires a multi-plan attack.<br />
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I pull crabgrass by hand. It grows out sideways like a fanned out hand and has a slightly different color from my lawn grass. Every week end I walk in rows, scanning my lawn for crabgrass and pull. I usually check out the front and side lawns on Saturday and the back lawn on Sunday. I also check out the mulch beds. Sometimes crabgrass tries to be sneaky and start growing right next to the base of a bush. A few days after a rain when the ground is still soft but no longer muddy is the best time for pulling. In the summer, morning is best before it gets too hot outside. The best way to pull crabgrass is to use one of those hand cultivators (looks like a claw on a short handle) to pull up all the lateral branches. Then grab them with your hand and slowly pull. If you only pull on a few of the branches, there's the chance they'll break off, leaving the root and remaining branches behind.<br />
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In am in Pennsylvania. During the first two weeks of Spring, I put down a pre-emergent control. You might want to do this in January if you live in southern states. Out here they call it "Weed and Feed" - it's a granular mix of fertilizer and something that inhibits seed germination. Many different companies make crabgrass preventer. You can get a bag of this at the nursery - just make sure it says "pre-emergent" and "crabgrass." Most products allow you reapply it six weeks later, maybe at 4 weeks if you've received alot of rain. Note - it stops all seeds from germinating as well as bulbs. Don't use a pre-emergent if you've got crocus or other bulbs planted. They will become weakened and eventually die. Another note - use a hand or push broadcaster. Don't use your bare hands with chemicals.<br />
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There are also sprays for crabgrass. They come full strength and concentrated and can be found in the herbicide section of your nursery or hardware store. It will weaken your lawn, making it look a little yellow, but it should recover. Sprays are good for when the soil is too hard for pulling and when you have just a little bit of crabgrass here and there. I don't recommend sprays for large areas or if you live where the rain water in your yard runs off into the storm sewers or a creek. Don't want years of accumulation destroying the frogs, fish and other creatures that live near the water.<br />
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If you have a patch that's kind of large, just dig the whole thing up with a shovel. Break the soil up and rake out all the grass. Break the clumps into smooth soil and even the ground out. If some regular grass clumps survive, replant them. Sprinkle some grass seed and water as directed.<br />
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If you have BIG areas of crabgrass, it's best to cook them. Yes, I said "cook." Get a black plastic garbage bag and lay it over the affected area. Hold the edges down with rocks and wait about two weeks. Heat will build up underneath and kill everything. Then you can break up the ground, remove the dead grasses, and start anew.<br />
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If your whole yard is a crabgrass festival, then go with using pre-emergent and making your grass as healthy as possible. Seed heavily in the fall as soon as you start getting cool nights. Crabgrass does not germinate in the fall.<br />
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Making my lawn as healthy as possible is the final part of my attack. A lawn that grows vigorously is a good defense. Regular feeding, deep watering, aeration/thatch reduction, weeding and seeding in the fall keep my lawn at it's best. I have a mulching lawn mower which is great - it breaks the blades of grass into powder-sized pieces that fall to the ground and decompose, feeding the soil. I know my soil is in good shape because I find worms whenever I dig. Yes, worms are a sign of good soil.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScrORrzJUzI/AAAAAAAABjs/Bi93PAvvLEU/s1600-h/crabgrass01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317289113274635058" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScrORrzJUzI/AAAAAAAABjs/Bi93PAvvLEU/s400/crabgrass01.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 257px; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-65454979042017119052009-03-20T04:13:00.000-07:002009-04-20T14:34:34.374-07:00Daffodils by William Wordsworth<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScN9ASiShlI/AAAAAAAABgM/BMEJFaMo3Xo/s1600-h/daffodils+01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315229429156447826" style="WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScN9ASiShlI/AAAAAAAABgM/BMEJFaMo3Xo/s400/daffodils+01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"Daffodils"</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />By William Wordsworth<br /><br /><br /><br />I wander'd lonely as a cloud<br />That floats on high o'er vales and hills,<br />When all at once I saw a crowd,<br />A host, of golden daffodils;<br />Beside the lake, beneath the trees,<br />Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.<br /><br />Continuous as the stars that shine<br />And twinkle on the Milky Way,<br />They stretch'd in never-ending line<br />Along the margin of a bay:<br />Ten thousand saw I at a glance,<br />Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.<br /><br />The waves beside them danced; but they<br />Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:<br />A poet could not but be gay,<br />In such a jocund company:<br />I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought<br />What wealth the show to me had brought:<br /><br />For oft, when on my couch I lie<br />In vacant or in pensive mood,<br />They flash upon that inward eye<br />Which is the bliss of solitude;<br />And then my heart with pleasure fills,<br />And dances with the daffodils. </span></div><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Would like to hear Jeremy Irons recite this poem?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </p><div align="center"><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rL7ysgRNAT0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rL7ysgRNAT0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br /></span><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScN9KcMlueI/AAAAAAAABgc/Gk3SCfPbdYk/s1600-h/daffodils+03.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315229603548477922" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScN9KcMlueI/AAAAAAAABgc/Gk3SCfPbdYk/s400/daffodils+03.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScN9Fzjsy5I/AAAAAAAABgU/T569tODin5A/s1600-h/daffodils+02.jpg"></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScN9QGNJGaI/AAAAAAAABgk/YY18BUSelLk/s1600-h/daffodils+04.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315229700724431266" style="WIDTH: 332px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScN9QGNJGaI/AAAAAAAABgk/YY18BUSelLk/s400/daffodils+04.png" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScN9QGNJGaI/AAAAAAAABgk/YY18BUSelLk/s1600-h/daffodils+04.png"></a> </div></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/ScN9QGNJGaI/AAAAAAAABgk/YY18BUSelLk/s1600-h/daffodils+04.png"></a> </div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-88063101464765996872009-03-15T10:31:00.001-07:002009-03-15T11:06:24.829-07:00Time To Ready Your Garden For Spring!<p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1BwSfkfrI/AAAAAAAABc8/x3wMJKnTx5w/s1600-h/camera+2007+066.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313475433220832946" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1BwSfkfrI/AAAAAAAABc8/x3wMJKnTx5w/s400/camera+2007+066.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1B29LavKI/AAAAAAAABdE/Fuc3ITRFA1M/s1600-h/camera+2007+069.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313475547758247074" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1B29LavKI/AAAAAAAABdE/Fuc3ITRFA1M/s400/camera+2007+069.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br />Winter is almost over. It's time to clean up the yard, replace broken and old/ugly items, and welcome the birds and butterflies into my garden!<br /><br />I need a new <a href="http://www.mailboxandbeyond.com/">mailbox</a> - it has been through two winters and is now a little too rusty looking plus the flag looks like it's about to break off. Dang those salted roads! Time for a new one. Rustoleum isn't going to save the flag, that's for sure!<br /><br />New <a href="http://www.mailboxandbeyond.com/">garden decor</a> is always great. I have a wreath on my fence that a bird likes to make a nest on, two birdhouses (but I want more), a gargoyle on the front porch, a welcome sign to the back yard, and three feeders. I need to get a new bird bath. The big, fat groundhog knocked mine over last year and the bowl part broke when it hit the hard patio below. Grrr!<br /><br />My house numbers are b-o-r-i-n-g. It would be nice to find new numbers or even an <a href="http://www.mailboxandbeyond.com/">address plaque</a> that is more quaint or at least has some style. It just has to fit the skinny porch post - that's my complication.<br /><br />I've been going over the incoming gardening catalogs but haven't found anything I like. Next I'll visit some websites for ideas. One of my fav's is <a href="http://www.mailboxandbeyond.com/">Mailboxes and Beyond</a>. I got my last bird feeder from them. I'll probably get one of their fancy bird baths this time around.<br /><br />If you go to M&B, use their coupon code "Mailbox 2009" to get a discount on your order.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1CBwX30CI/AAAAAAAABdU/KvF4LWPuQQ0/s1600-h/cats+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313475733299384354" style="WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1CBwX30CI/AAAAAAAABdU/KvF4LWPuQQ0/s400/cats+029.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1B879L-ZI/AAAAAAAABdM/j76dXqh-BPA/s1600-h/cats+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313475650509339026" style="WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1B879L-ZI/AAAAAAAABdM/j76dXqh-BPA/s400/cats+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1COAHurNI/AAAAAAAABdk/-IND6r1blwA/s1600-h/garden+July+07+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313475943685074130" style="WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1COAHurNI/AAAAAAAABdk/-IND6r1blwA/s400/garden+July+07+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1CH4y-cAI/AAAAAAAABdc/SS8j904xxj8/s1600-h/Cherry+Tree+01+Apr+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313475838639763458" style="WIDTH: 474px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 352px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sb1CH4y-cAI/AAAAAAAABdc/SS8j904xxj8/s400/Cherry+Tree+01+Apr+017.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-80059865807011247312009-03-13T05:33:00.000-07:002009-04-15T11:36:36.527-07:00Cardinals<p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SbswyABpD_I/AAAAAAAABcE/sHT3ZDTyPx4/s1600-h/cardinal+male.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312893820972109810" style="WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SbswyABpD_I/AAAAAAAABcE/sHT3ZDTyPx4/s400/cardinal+male.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sbsw3yV-eEI/AAAAAAAABcM/tgX44NTVe48/s1600-h/cardinal+female.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312893920378517570" style="WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sbsw3yV-eEI/AAAAAAAABcM/tgX44NTVe48/s400/cardinal+female.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>The Northern Cardinal is an 8 to 9 inch bird with a crest on the top of it's head, an orange beak and 11 inch wing span. The male is bright red with a little bit of black on his face, surrounding his beak. The female is grayish brown with slight flush of red on the wings and tail feathers. She looks like the immature males before they molt into their adult colors but there is a way to tell the difference - the youngsters have dark bills.<br /><br />Both male and female cardinals sing a "Cheer-cheer-cheer" song. <span style="color:#000000;">Sometimes the male will sit high up in a tree and </span><span style="color:#000000;">call out to his mate and she will answer in return. Then she'll join him and they'll fly off together. Cardinals tend to be shy, sometimes even around other birds. </span><br /><br />During courtship season, male cardinals are very territorial to the point of fighting their own reflections in windows and car mirrors. In the spring, I have a male cardinal that sits in the cherry tree outside my bedroom window. He calls and calls until his mate joins him and then they fly off together. During courtship, males will put a yummy bug or seed into the female's mouth to feed her. So romantic!<br /><br />Northern cardinals feed on seeds, leaf buds, flowers, berries, and fruit. During the summer, about one-third of its diet is insects-beetles, grasshoppers and snails. Cardinals love large seeds, especially sunflower and safflower seeds so keep those feeders filled!<br /><br />Their messy cup-shaped nests are loosely made from thin twigs and dried grass and are located low - on the ground or in bushes. They prefer park-like places within cities as well as the suburbs and countryside.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SbsxBVAWNyI/AAAAAAAABcc/hzkgrvOs5PQ/s1600-h/cardinal+nest+w+eggs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312894084301862690" style="WIDTH: 357px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 395px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SbsxBVAWNyI/AAAAAAAABcc/hzkgrvOs5PQ/s400/cardinal+nest+w+eggs.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br />Cardinals usually have two families each summer. The males feeds and takes care of the first set of babies while the female attends to the second one.<br /><br />Northern cardinals lay 2 to 5 eggs in each clutch. The eggs are off-white in color with brownish speckles and hatch in about 12 days. The babies fledge at 10 days.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SbsyHKAfSsI/AAAAAAAABck/kx5zxukdYNA/s1600-h/cardinals+baby.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312895283940510402" style="WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SbsyHKAfSsI/AAAAAAAABck/kx5zxukdYNA/s400/cardinals+baby.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sbsw9Oqr19I/AAAAAAAABcU/cOSJpBNksrs/s1600-h/cardinal+juvi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312894013880915922" style="WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sbsw9Oqr19I/AAAAAAAABcU/cOSJpBNksrs/s400/cardinal+juvi.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><br /><br />Cardinals do not migrate. They will, however, leave an area when the weather is too dry or the food supply runs out. They were originally limited to the south-east USA. Around the 1950's they started expanding north into Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. They've moved into the midwestern states, northern Mexico and parts of South America, too. Humans have purposefully introduced them to California, Hawaii and Bermuda. </p><p>Here's a video of a singing male cardinal:</p><p> </p><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P3vRwNpISO4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P3vRwNpISO4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-130684287465933182009-03-03T13:30:00.000-08:002009-03-11T22:08:10.672-07:00Seed Preferences of BirdsThe following is a listing of what kinds of seeds are preferred by several species of birds.<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Sunflowers and peanuts should be the nut meats, not the shells. Sunflower shells kill the plants that are below the feeder.</li><li>If squirrels are a problem, avoid sunflower seeds, corn and peanuts.</li><li>Thistle can cause a weed problem so I prefer nyjer which doesn't germinate. They look identical (to me)</li><li>If germinating seeds is a problem, microwave one batch of seeds to get them real hot, let them cool, then put them out once at a safe temperature. I do about 3 cups of seed on HIGH for 3 minutes.</li><li>Many mixed birdseeds are full of tiny seeds that the wild birds don't eat at all. It is "filler" and a waste of your money! It ends up on the ground, sprouting weeds.</li></ul><br />Blackbirds - sunflower, cracked corn, millet<br /><br />Buntings - millet, nyjer/thistle, sunflower<br /><br />Cardinals - sunflower, safflower, cracked corn, millet, peanut<br /><br />Chickadees - sunflower, suet, nyjer/thistle<br /><br />Doves - corn, millet, milo, nyjer/thistle, sunflower, safflower<br /><br />Finches - sunflower, safflower, nyjer/thistle, millet, peanut<br /><br />Goldfinches - sunflower, millet, nyjer/thistle, broken peanuts (if you want to feed goldfinches only, get an upside down feeder and use nyjer/thistle)<br /><br />Grossbeaks - millet, sunflower, cracked corn, peanut, safflower<br /><br />Jays - sunflower, cracked corn, milo, suet, peanuts, safflower<br /><br />Juncos - everything!<br /><br />Meadowlarks - cracked corn, millet<br /><br />Mockingbirds - sunflower, peanut<br /><br />Nuthatches - sunflower, safflower, suet<br /><br />Pigeons - cracked corn, millet, milo, nyjer/thistle, sunflower<br /><br />Sparrows - sunflower, cracked corn, millet<br /><br />Titmice - sunflower, safflower, suet, nyjer/thistle<br /><br />Woodpeckers - sunflower, suet, cracked corn<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sa2n48S7lbI/AAAAAAAABX0/bi68CT3rnhw/s1600-h/upside+down+feeder.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309084132439725490" style="WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sa2n48S7lbI/AAAAAAAABX0/bi68CT3rnhw/s400/upside+down+feeder.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">upside down feeder for goldfinches</p><p align="center"></p><p align="left">I put out safflower which attracts the cardinals but keeps the sparrows and squirrels away. I also put out two upsidedown feeders with nyger (not thistle) for the goldfinches.</p><p align="left"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.......</span></p>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-75423085393278523882009-02-24T17:41:00.000-08:002012-11-28T03:59:42.546-08:00Suet Recipes for Birds<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Homemade Suet Recipes for Birds</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Suet is one of the best foods you can use to attract insect-eating birds such as nuthatches, woodpeckers, wrens, titmice, creepers, kinglets, chickadees, thrashers, cardinals, and bluebirds.<br />
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If you want to discourage starlings, purchase a suet feeder cage that is covered on all sides but the bottom. Only those birds that can hang upside down will use this feeder. Starlings can't!<br />
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If the temperature outside is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and warmer, the fat can turn rancid and melt. It's best not to offer suet during the late spring, the entire summer and early autumn. Keep your suet hanging in the shade during warmer temperatures. During the winter, warm temperatures aren't so much an issue.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=569937488282703925" name="render"><strong>How to render fat into homemade suet:</strong></a><br />
1. Trim off excess fat from beef cuts and store in the freezer until enough fat is saved up. You can buy beef fat from the grocery store or your nearby butcher. You might even get it for free or a very small token price.<br />
2. Grind the fat with a meat grinder or finely chop the fat. Your butcher might grind it for you.<br />
3. Heat the fat gently on low or medium just until it's liquefied.<br />
4. Strain by pouring melted fat through a fine cheesecloth.<br />
5. Let cool in the refrigerator to harden.<br />
6. Repeat above steps one more time. If the fat is not rendered twice, your suet will not cake properly.<br />
7. Store in a covered container in the freezer until you are ready to make some suet cakes.<br />
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<div align="center">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sa2QgCs1YCI/AAAAAAAABXs/9WXV_jTUleA/s1600-h/suet+feeder.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309058415894814754" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/Sa2QgCs1YCI/AAAAAAAABXs/9WXV_jTUleA/s400/suet+feeder.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 400px; width: 325px;" /></a></div>
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<strong>Recipes:</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=569937488282703925" name="rec1">#1</a>:<br />
Ingredients - 1 lb. suet cut in small pieces,<br />
1 cup yellow cornmeal,<br />
1 cup oatmeal,<br />
1 cup chunky peanut butter,<br />
1 cup mixed wild bird seed,<br />
1 cup hulled sunflower seeds or chopped pecans.<br />
Preparation -<br />
Slowly melt suet over low heat.<br />
Stir in ingredients.<br />
Pour or pack into anything that can serve as a mold.<br />
Refrigerate until hardened or freeze.<br />
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<br />
#2:<br />
Ingredients - 1 cup Chunky Peanut Butter<br />
2 Cups Cornmeal<br />
2 Cups Instant Oatmeal<br />
1 Cup Suet<br />
1/3 Cup Sugar<br />
1 Cup Flour<br />
Preparation:<br />
Melt suet and peanut butter together and stir.<br />
Stir the remaining ingredients.<br />
Pour the mixture into a square container about 1-1/2 inches thick.<br />
Allow it to cool, then cut it into squares and store in the freezer.<br />
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#3<br />
1/2 Pound Suet<br />
1/3 Cup Sunflower Seeds<br />
2/3 Cup Mixed Wild Bird Seed<br />
1/8 Cup Chopped Peanuts or Chopped Pecans<br />
1/4 Cup Raisins<br />
Preparation:<br />
Follow instructions for rendering suet.<br />
While suet is cooling, stir ingredients together in a large bowl.<br />
Place the suet into the mixture and mix thoroughly.<br />
Put into anything that can serve as a mold.<br />
Refrigerate until hardened or freeze.<br />
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#4<br />
1 Cup Fresh Suet<br />
1 Cup chunky Peanut Butter<br />
3 Cups Yellow Cornmeal<br />
1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour<br />
Preparation:<br />
Follow instructions for rendering suet.<br />
Over low heat, melt suet and add peanut butter. Stir until well blended.<br />
Mix ingredients together in a large bowl.<br />
Pour suet into the bowl mixture and mix thoroughly.<br />
Pour into anything that can serve as a mold.<br />
Refrigerate until hardened or freeze.<br />
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#5<br />
2 Pounds Fresh Ground Suet<br />
1/2 Cup Chunky Peanut Butter<br />
1/2 Cup Shelled Sunflower Seeds or Chopped Pecans<br />
Preparation:<br />
Melt suet in a saucepan over low heat.<br />
Add peanut butter, stirring until melted and well blended.<br />
Stir in the sunflower seeds. Mix thoroughly.<br />
Pour into anything that can serve as a mold.<br />
Refrigerate until hardened or freeze.<br />
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#6<br />
3 Cups Rendered Suet<br />
1 Cup dried, crumbled bread, no-salt crackers, or sugarless cereal<br />
1/2 Cup Shelled Sunflower Seeds<br />
1/4 Cup Millet<br />
1/2 Cup Chopped Dried Apples<br />
Preparation:<br />
Melt suet in a saucepan over low heat.<br />
Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a large bowl.<br />
Allow the suet to cool until slightly thickened.<br />
Stir suet into the bowl of mixture. Mix thoroughly.<br />
Pour into anything that can serve as a mold.<br />
Refrigerate until hardened or freeze.<br />
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<br />
#7<br />
1 Cup Suet<br />
1 Cup chunky Peanut Butter<br />
3 Cups Cornmeal<br />
1/2 Cup Flour<br />
Preparation:<br />
Melt suet in a saucepan over low heat.<br />
Add peanut butter, stirring until well blended.<br />
Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a large bowl.<br />
Allow the suet to cool until slightly thickened.<br />
Pour cooled suet into the dry mixture and mix thoroughly.<br />
Pour into anything that can serve as a mold.<br />
Refrigerate until hardened or freeze.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=569937488282703925" name="rec8"><br />#8</a><br />
3 1/2 Cups Oatmeal<br />
1 Quart Water<br />
1 Pound Suet<br />
1 1/2 oz chunky Peanut Butter<br />
3 1/2 Cups Cornmeal<br />
3 1/2 Cups Cream of Wheat<br />
Preparation:<br />
Melt suet in saucepan over low heat.<br />
Cook oatmeal in water for 2 minutes and remove from heat.<br />
Stir in suet and peanut butter and blend.<br />
Add cornmeal and cream of wheat.<br />
Pour into anything that can serve as a mold.<br />
Refrigerate until hardened or freeze.<br />
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#9<br />
4 1/2 Cups Ground Beef Suet<br />
3/4 Cup dry bread crumbs, no-salt crackers or sugarless cereal<br />
1/4 Cup Millet<br />
1/2 Cup Hulled Sunflower Seed<br />
1/4 Cup Dried and Chopped Berries, Raisins or Currants<br />
Preparation:<br />
Melt suet over medium heat.<br />
Mix together remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl.<br />
Allow suet to cool until lightly thickened.<br />
Pour into bowl with other ingredients and mix well.<br />
Pour into anything that can serve as a mold.<br />
Refrigerate until hardened or freeze.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-28199796649842410002009-02-24T16:57:00.000-08:002009-02-24T17:13:57.917-08:00Birdhouse Plans for Wrens, Chickadees and Nuthatches<div>Free plans to build a birdhouse for House Wrens, Black-Capped Chickadees and White-Breasted Nuthatches plus tips for building birdhouses:</div><div></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaSaDzIpuGI/AAAAAAAABTU/NUE13eebU_M/s1600-h/black_capped_chickadee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306535651006068834" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaSaDzIpuGI/AAAAAAAABTU/NUE13eebU_M/s200/black_capped_chickadee.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaSZ_Anl8jI/AAAAAAAABTM/mrZZPu3Al-8/s1600-h/wren1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306535568726159922" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaSZ_Anl8jI/AAAAAAAABTM/mrZZPu3Al-8/s200/wren1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaSaKO7ce4I/AAAAAAAABTc/2t0lQAECw8A/s1600-h/white-breasted_nuthatch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306535761546083202" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaSaKO7ce4I/AAAAAAAABTc/2t0lQAECw8A/s200/white-breasted_nuthatch.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaSXoOD8tkI/AAAAAAAABTE/vs45W0vMoPY/s1600-h/wren+chickadee+nuthatch+house.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306532978174506562" style="WIDTH: 330px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaSXoOD8tkI/AAAAAAAABTE/vs45W0vMoPY/s400/wren+chickadee+nuthatch+house.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">(click on diagram to make it bigger and easier to read)</p><div align="center"><br />*****************************************</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div>Helpful hints for all birdhouse constructions:</div><div><br />1. Make a hinged roof or one wall so you can easily clean the house each spring — before April is a good time. Use rust-proof hinges to make this task easier. Nimble-fingered raccoons can open a hook and eye!</div><div><br />2. Drill at least four 1/3-inch holes in the floor for drainage, and two 5/8-inch ventilation holes near the top of each wall of the house.</div><div><br />3. Provide a roof with at least a two-inch overhang on the front to protect the entrance hole from wind-driven rain, and to prevent cats and racoons from reaching in from above.</div><div><br />4. The walls of the house should enclose the floor to keep rain from seeping into the house and nest. Recess the floor ¼ inch up from the bottom of the sides to discourage rotting.</div><div><br />5. Don’t put perches on any bird house. The only birds that prefer them are starlings and house sparrows.6. On songbird houses keep entrance holes 1 3/8 inches or smaller to keep out starlings and house sparrows.</div><div><br />7. Space nest boxes at least 25 feet apart (300 feet for bluebird houses) to reduce conflicts. Most birds are territorial and protect the area around their nest. Sparrows and Martins are the exceptions.</div><div><br />8. The inside wall, just below to entrance hole, needs some deep horizontal scratches or grooves. When the birds are ready to come out, they can grab these edges with their toe nails to help them climb up and out.</div><div><br />8. Wood is the best material to use. Avoid pressure-treated lumber because when it gets wet it can give off vapors that are poisonous to birds. Preservatives, such as paint or stain, should never, ever be used on the inside. Do not use creosote.</div><div><br />9. Do not use tin cans, milk cartons or metal for nest boxes. They can absorb heat in the summer sun which kills the eggs and young birds.</div><div><br />10. Other animals may take up residence in your boxes, including mice, squirrels, bees and wasps. Do not use sprays. You can either very carefully remove them or put up a few more boxes to make room for everybody.</div><div><br />11. Most houses should be attached to a post, building or tree. Bluebird boxes should not be placed on trees because of cats and raccoons. They are best mounted on poles up high. </div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-6653459393669352372009-02-22T09:24:00.001-08:002009-02-22T09:31:46.695-08:00Plans to Build a Birdhouse for Eastern Bluebirds & Tree Swallows<p align="left">Free plans to build birdhouses for Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows plus helpful hints for general birdhouse construction:<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGKrth0S1I/AAAAAAAABP0/0X5zAhgYvFA/s1600-h/tree-swallowwtmk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305674319579597650" style="WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGKrth0S1I/AAAAAAAABP0/0X5zAhgYvFA/s320/tree-swallowwtmk.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGKl1gHDkI/AAAAAAAABPs/oK3Qy1IdzPw/s1600-h/eastern+bluebird.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305674218640707138" style="WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGKl1gHDkI/AAAAAAAABPs/oK3Qy1IdzPw/s320/eastern+bluebird.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGKza9LqGI/AAAAAAAABP8/HpJyTjwXoGw/s1600-h/tree+swallow+easter+blue+birdhouse+01.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305674452033054818" style="WIDTH: 329px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGKza9LqGI/AAAAAAAABP8/HpJyTjwXoGw/s400/tree+swallow+easter+blue+birdhouse+01.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">(click on plans to make them larger and easier to read)<br /><br /></p><p align="left"><br /><br />Helpful hints for all birdhouse constructions:<br /><br />1. Make a hinged roof or one wall so you can easily clean the house each spring — before April is a good time. Use rust-proof hinges to make this task easier. Nimble-fingered raccoons can open a hook and eye!<br />2. Drill at least four 1/3-inch holes in the floor for drainage, and two 5/8-inch ventilation holes near the top of each wall of the house.<br />3. Provide a roof with at least a two-inch overhang on the front to protect the entrance hole from wind-driven rain, and to prevent cats and racoons from reaching in from above.<br />4. The walls of the house should enclose the floor to keep rain from seeping into the house and nest. Recess the floor ¼ inch up from the bottom of the sides to discourage rotting.<br />5. Don’t put perches on any bird house. The only birds that prefer them are starlings and house sparrows.<br />6. On songbird houses keep entrance holes 1 3/8 inches or smaller to keep out starlings and house sparrows.<br />7. Space nest boxes at least 25 feet apart (300 feet for bluebird houses) to reduce conflicts. Most birds are territorial and protect the area around their nest.8. The inside wall, just below to entrance hole, needs some deep horizontal scratches or grooves. When the birds are ready to come out, they can grab these edges with their toenails to help them climb up and out.<br />8. Wood is the best material to use. Avoid pressure-treated lumber because when it gets wet it can give off vapors that are poisonous to birds. Preservatives, such as paint or stain, should never, ever be used on the inside. Do not use creosote.<br />9. Do not use tin cans, milk cartons or metal for nest boxes. They can absorb heat in the summer sun which kills the eggs and young birds.<br />10. Other animals may take up residence in your boxes, including mice, squirrels, bees and wasps. Do not use sprays. You can either very carefully remove them or put up a few more boxes to make room for everybody.<br />11. Most houses should be attached to a post, building or tree. Bluebird boxes should not be placed on trees because of cats and raccoons. They are best mounted on poles up high.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">....</span> </p>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-57209605192901170252009-02-22T09:00:00.000-08:002009-02-22T09:16:16.697-08:00Birdhouse Plans for Robins and Barn SwallowsFree plans for building houses for robins and barn swallows plus general tips for all birdhouses: <div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGHFdIfgOI/AAAAAAAABPc/U3A04G0pIDs/s1600-h/barn+swallow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305670363808497890" style="WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGHFdIfgOI/AAAAAAAABPc/U3A04G0pIDs/s320/barn+swallow.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGHJWeKXxI/AAAAAAAABPk/up6xqaqrTN4/s1600-h/ROBINS.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305670430739816210" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGHJWeKXxI/AAAAAAAABPk/up6xqaqrTN4/s320/ROBINS.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGE9GiTbjI/AAAAAAAABPU/Nl_F9THbkmc/s1600-h/robin+swallow+house+01.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305668021280534066" style="WIDTH: 335px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 426px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaGE9GiTbjI/AAAAAAAABPU/Nl_F9THbkmc/s400/robin+swallow+house+01.gif" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center">(click on the plans to make them larger and easier to read)<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br />Helpful hints for all birdhouse constructions:<br /></div><p>1. Make a hinged roof or one wall so you can easily clean the house each spring — before April is a good time. Use rust-proof hinges to make this task easier. Nimble-fingered raccoons can open a hook and eye!</p><p>2. Drill at least four 1/3-inch holes in the floor for drainage, and two 5/8-inch ventilation holes near the top of each wall of the house.</p><div>3. Provide a roof with at least a two-inch overhang on the front to protect the entrance hole from wind-driven rain, and to prevent cats and racoons from reaching in from above.</div><div><br />4. The walls of the house should enclose the floor to keep rain from seeping into the house and nest. Recess the floor ¼ inch up from the bottom of the sides to discourage rotting.</div><div><br />5. Don’t put perches on any bird house. The only birds that prefer them are starlings and house sparrows.</div><div><br />6. On songbird houses keep entrance holes 1 3/8 inches or smaller to keep out starlings and house sparrows.</div><div><br />7. Space nest boxes at least 25 feet apart (300 feet for bluebird houses) to reduce conflicts. Most birds are territorial and protect the area around their nest.8. The inside wall, just below to entrance hole, needs some deep horizontal scratches or grooves. When the birds are ready to come out, they can grab these edges with their toenails to help them climb up and out.</div><div></div><div>8. Wood is the best material to use. Avoid pressure-treated lumber because when it gets wet it can give off vapors that are poisonous to birds. Preservatives, such as paint or stain, should never, ever be used on the inside. Do not use creosote.</div><div></div><div>9. Do not use tin cans, milk cartons or metal for nest boxes. They can absorb heat in the summer sun which kills the eggs and young birds.</div><div><br />10. Other animals may take up residence in your boxes, including mice, squirrels, bees and wasps. Do not use sprays. You can either very carefully remove them or put up a few more boxes to make room for everybody.</div><div><br />11. Most houses should be attached to a post, building or tree. Bluebird boxes should not be placed on trees because of cats and raccoons. They are best mounted on poles up high.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">,,</span></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-27538334700172959432009-02-22T06:53:00.000-08:002009-02-22T09:17:46.869-08:00Plans to Build A Peterson Bluebird House<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaFq557995I/AAAAAAAABPM/yr0NllKPSBQ/s1600-h/peterson_-_blue_bird.jpg"></a></p>Free plans to build a Peterson style Bluebird House. A slanted front wall and oval entrance hole are the hallmarks of a Peterson style house. Bluebird prefer this style while other species actually avoid it. It also deters cats and racoons a little better.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaFq557995I/AAAAAAAABPM/yr0NllKPSBQ/s1600-h/peterson_-_blue_bird.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305639379056588690" style="WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaFq557995I/AAAAAAAABPM/yr0NllKPSBQ/s320/peterson_-_blue_bird.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaFpbbYF_mI/AAAAAAAABO8/shx8WAEt_LQ/s1600-h/bluebird+house.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305637755945352802" style="WIDTH: 445px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 568px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaFpbbYF_mI/AAAAAAAABO8/shx8WAEt_LQ/s400/bluebird+house.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaFphCk6DYI/AAAAAAAABPE/PokrHPwFvoE/s1600-h/bluebird+house+02.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305637852367424898" style="WIDTH: 446px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaFphCk6DYI/AAAAAAAABPE/PokrHPwFvoE/s400/bluebird+house+02.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">(click on the plans to make them larger and easier to read)</p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><div align="left">For all houses, here are some general guidelines:</div><p><br />1. Make a hinged roof or one wall so you can easily clean the house each spring — before April is a good time. Use rust-proof hinges to make this task easier. Nimble-fingered raccoons can open a hook and eye!<br />2. Drill at least four 1/3-inch holes in the floor for drainage, and two 5/8-inch ventilation holes near the top of each wall of the house.<br />3. Provide a roof with at least a two-inch overhang on the front to protect the entrance hole from wind-driven rain, and to prevent cats and racoons from reaching in from above.<br />4. The walls of the house should enclose the floor to keep rain from seeping into the house and nest. Recess the floor ¼ inch up from the bottom of the sides to discourage rotting.<br />5. Don’t put perches on any bird house. The only birds that prefer them are starlings and house sparrows.<br />6. On songbird houses keep entrance holes 1 3/8 inches or smaller to keep out starlings and house sparrows.<br />7. Space nest boxes at least 25 feet apart (300 feet for bluebird houses) to reduce conflicts. Most birds are territorial and protect the area around their nest.<br />8. The inside wall, just below to entrance hole, needs some deep horizontal scratches or grooves. When the birds are ready to come out, they can grab these edges with their toenails to help them climb up and out.<br />8. Wood is the best material to use. Avoid pressure-treated lumber because when it gets wet it can give off vapors that are poisonous to birds. Preservatives, such as paint or stain, should never, ever be used on the inside. Do not use creosote.<br />9. Do not use tin cans, milk cartons or metal for nest boxes. They can absorb heat in the summer sun which kills the eggs and young birds.<br />10. Other animals may take up residence in your boxes, including mice, squirrels, bees and wasps. Do not use sprays. You can either very carefully remove them or put up a few more boxes to make room for everybody.<br />12. Most houses should be attached to a post, building or tree. Bluebird boxes should not be placed on trees because of cats and raccoons. They are best mounted on poles up high.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">,,,,,,</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SaFphCk6DYI/AAAAAAAABPE/PokrHPwFvoE/s1600-h/bluebird+house+02.gif"></a></p>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-3882794557403023432009-02-17T05:17:00.001-08:002009-02-17T20:31:59.961-08:00The 2009 Mischel's Greenhouses Flower Catalog is HereI just received my catalog in the mail. I buy a few things from Mischel's every year. They offer plants I can't get at my nursery during the Spring. It's mostly flowers, but there are also some green foliage plants and a few veggies.<br /><br />All plants are one unit price of $3.75 for the first dozen. Each time you are into the span of another dozen, the unit price goes down. Shipping starts at $5.50 for the first dozen plants.I love how Mischel's codes the plants for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. They also group the plants according to light requirements and heat tolerance. Very, very helpful! I have a shaded front porch and I have a west-facing very hot patio to deal with. If that weren't enough, the inside back cover groups the names of the plants by color.<br /><br />What looks interesting are the mango colored mini-petunias, all of the begonias, and the hot pink & white striped geraniums.Check Mischel's out at <a href="http://www.mischelsgreenhouses.com/">http://www.mischelsgreenhouses.com/</a> or call them at (800)830-8447.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SZq49YNIxDI/AAAAAAAABNc/2zYzc9Tdiqk/s1600-h/mischels+catalog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303754875791262770" style="WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SZq49YNIxDI/AAAAAAAABNc/2zYzc9Tdiqk/s400/mischels+catalog.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-78636068606511184142009-02-05T09:32:00.000-08:002009-02-05T14:35:58.648-08:00Early Spring Bulbs - Crocus, Aconite, Snowdrops & Siberian Squill<p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYsuXweGUzI/AAAAAAAABEQ/Wa4tV7vGG54/s1600-h/crocus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299380372214534962" style="WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYsuXweGUzI/AAAAAAAABEQ/Wa4tV7vGG54/s320/crocus.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>CROCUS</strong></div><br />Crocus are native to central and southern Europe, the islands of the Aegean, North Africa, the Middle East, and middle and western China. They are part of the iris family and can grown in many different kinds of habitats. There are about eighty species of crocus. Crocus flowers and leaves are protected from the cold by a waxy outer layer. It's exciting to see early-flowering varieties of crocus blooming in the snow.<br /><br />Did you know that the spice saffron is obtained from the stigmas of Crocus Sativus, an autumn/fall-blooming species? See <a title="History of saffron" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_saffron">History of Saffron</a>.<br /><br />You may have heard of Autumn Crocus or Meadow Crocus which isn't really a crocus at all - Cochicum is actually part of the lily family. However, there are some true crocuses that do bloom in the fall. Some bloom before their leaves appear. Autumn/fall flowering species include: Crocus banaticus (syn. C. iridiflorus), C.cancellatus, C. goulimyi, C. hadriaticus, C. kotschyanus (syn. C. zonatus), C. laevigatus, C. ligusticus (syn. C. medius ), C. niveus, C. nudiflorus, C. ochroleucus, C. pulchellus, C. sativus (saffron crocus), C. serotinus, C. speciosus, C. tournefortii. Crocus laevigatus has a very long flowering-period which can span late autumn or early winter and into February!<br /><a id="In_cultivation" name="In_cultivation"></a><br />The first crocus in the Netherlands came from corms brought back from Constantinople by the Holy Roman Emperor's ambassador in the 1560s. A few corms were forwarded to Carolus Clusius at the botanical garden in Leiden.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">************************************************ </div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYsub8Jcf0I/AAAAAAAABEY/MtIIPyoM7c4/s1600-h/aconite.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299380444068609858" style="WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYsub8Jcf0I/AAAAAAAABEY/MtIIPyoM7c4/s320/aconite.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><div align="center"><br /><strong>WINTER ACONITE</strong> </div><br /><p align="left">Winter Aconite is a member of the Ranunculus family, native to southern Europe and east toward Asia to Japan. The frost-tolerant flowers are yellow or white and are among the first to appear in spring. Their leaves show up when the flowers are finished.</p>Warning - All parts of aconite are poisonous, though the nasty taste discourages anyone wanting to eat them.<br /><br />In Greek and Roman mythology, Medea tried to kill Theseus by poisoning him by putting aconite in his wine, thought to be the saliva of Cerberus, the three-headed dog who guarded the Underworld. Hercules dragged Cerberus up from the Underworld, while the dog turned his face away from the light, barking and depositing saliva along the path. The saliva hardened in the soil and produced its lethal poison in the plants that grew from the soil. Because it was formed and grew on hard stones, farmers called it 'aconite' meaning 'whetstone'.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">**********************************************************</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYsugNPkLWI/AAAAAAAABEg/yRbp2r6R-EY/s1600-h/snowdrops.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299380517377158498" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYsugNPkLWI/AAAAAAAABEg/yRbp2r6R-EY/s320/snowdrops.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>SNOWDROPS</strong></div><br />Snowdrops are part of the amaryllis family. They are among the first bulbs to bloom in spring but there are some varieties that flower in late autumn and early winter.<br /><br />Various types of Snowdrops are native to different areas of the world. Some originate from Europe, stretching from the Pyrenees Mountains in the west, through France, Germany and Poland. Others came from Italy, Northern Greece and Turkey as well as in the eastern Mediterranean, South Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Still others came from Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Israel. Some snowdrop species have become threatened in their wild habitats and it is now illegal to collect bulbs from the wild.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">**************************************************</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYsukUxRVtI/AAAAAAAABEo/bEtRH9f8M8M/s1600-h/siberian+squill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299380588117055186" style="WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYsukUxRVtI/AAAAAAAABEo/bEtRH9f8M8M/s320/siberian+squill.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYtpnZ77ZkI/AAAAAAAABEw/VMwpjZ5eJTs/s1600-h/siberian+squill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299445512229578306" style="WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYtpnZ77ZkI/AAAAAAAABEw/VMwpjZ5eJTs/s320/siberian+squill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a id="Description" name="Description"></a><strong>SIBERIAN SQUILL<br /></strong></div><br />Siberian Squill is also called known as the Wood Squill and Spring Beauty. It is a tiny, delicate intensely-colored bluish purple flower, native to Siberia. It spends the winter as a small bulb, perhaps as big as the end of a little finger. It puts up short, somewhat grassy foliage very early in the spring, produces one or more tiny blue flowers, goes to seed, and disappears by summer. Siberian Squill are great for naturalizing and in between rocks. They are very cold-tolerant.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">*************************************************<a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Galanthus_nivalis_close-up_aka.jpg"></a></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-29815565934632304312009-02-02T06:54:00.001-08:002009-04-20T14:13:47.873-07:00The History of Tulips & Video<p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYcWCzldhsI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/IQCrLMydDQk/s1600-h/tulips-BIG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298227724087559874" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 321px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYcWCzldhsI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/IQCrLMydDQk/s400/tulips-BIG.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>There are 150 different species of tulips, being a member of the lily family. They originated from the mountains of southern Europe, north Africa, western Asia and northeastern China. They were especially abundant in the Pamir and Hindu Kush Mountains and the Steppes of Kazakhstan.<br /><br /><p>The word "tulip" originally comes from "tulbend" which refers to the gauze and cotton fabric of turbans worn by the Ottoman Turks rather than directly to the flower itself. The Persian word for this flower is "Lale" (laleh) and so the Europeans first called it "Turkish Lale." The word "tulbend" later switched to "tulipe" and "tulipa" in Europe.</p><p>The most widely accepted story on how tulips first arrived in Europe is that of Oghier Ghislain de Busbecq, the Ambassador from Ferdinand I to Suleyman the Magnificent of the Ottoman Empire in 1554. He wrote in a letter about "an abundance of flowers everywhere; narcissus, hyacinths, and those which in Turkish Lale, much to our astonishment, because it was almost midwinter, a season unfriendly to flowers." </p>After introduction of the Tulip to Europe, it gained much popularity and was seen as a sign of abundance and indulgence in the Ottoman Empire. The era during which the Ottoman Empire was wealthiest is called the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Tulip era" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip_era">Tulip era</a>, or Lale Devri in Turkish.<br /><br />The beautiful mulitcolored varieties admired during the Dutch <a class="mw-redirect" title="Tulipomania" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulipomania">tulipomania</a> were actually victims from an infection with <a class="mw-redirect" title="Tulip Breaking potyvirus" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip_Breaking_potyvirus">Tulip Breaking potyvirus</a>, the Mosaic Virus, that was carried by the green peach aphids, Myzus persicae. These aphids were common in European gardens of the seventeenth century. The virus caused weakened plants that eventually died. Today the virus is almost eradicated from tulip growers' fields. Today's multicolored tulips are natural occurances and are healthy.<br /><br />"The Black Tulip" was the title of a historical romance by Alexandre Dumas, in which the city of Haarlem has a reward on offer for the first grower who can produce a truly black tulip. <a class="image" title="Acap.svg" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Acap.svg"></a><br /><br />Charles de L'Ecluse (Clusius) is largely responsible for the spread of tulip bulbs in the final years of the sixteenth century. He was the author of the first major work on tulips, completed in 1592. Clusius had already begun to note and remark upon the variations in colour that made the tulip so admired and his admiration of them quickly spread to others.<br /><br />Tulip Festivals are held in the northern hemisphere every May and in the southern hemisphere every September and October. Click <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip_Festival">HERE</a> for a listing of festivals throughout the world. The world's largest permanent display of tulipsis in Keukenhof, in the Netherlands.<br /><br />Sit back and enjoy this video of tulips in Holland, set to beautiful music:<br /><br /><object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qd9WWtrb7Ak&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qd9WWtrb7Ak&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYcWCzldhsI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/IQCrLMydDQk/s1600-h/tulips-BIG.jpg"></a></p>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-54071136149412458192009-01-31T18:09:00.001-08:002009-01-31T18:41:43.680-08:00High Altitude Gardens - Seed and Plant Suppliers<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><br />For a listing of plants suitable for high altitudes, see <a href="http://ashleysacres.blogspot.com/2009/01/high-altitude-gardening-perennial-plant.html#links">http://ashleysacres.blogspot.com/2009/01/high-altitude-gardening-perennial-plant.html#links</a><br /><br />The below listed websites either specialize in high altitude plants and seeds or sell them along with their other products...<br /><br /><strong>Seeds:</strong><br /><br />American Meadows <a href="http://www.americanmeadows.com/WildflowerSeeds/WildflowerSeedsfortheWest.aspx">http://www.americanmeadows.com/WildflowerSeeds/WildflowerSeedsfortheWest.aspx</a><br /><br />Burpee Seed Co. <a href="http://www.burpee.com/contentarticle.do?itemID=100037">http://www.burpee.com/contentarticle.do?itemID=100037</a><br /><br />Seeds Trust <a href="http://www.seedstrust.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=ST&Category_Code=2has">http://www.seedstrust.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=ST&Category_Code=2has</a><br /><br />High Country Gardens <a href="http://www.highcountrygardens.com/catalog/browse/seeds/">http://www.highcountrygardens.com/catalog/browse/seeds/</a><br /></div><p align="center">******************************************</p><p align="left"><strong>Plants:</strong><br /></p><p align="left">Burpee <a href="http://www.burpee.com/ancillary/sitemap.do">http://www.burpee.com/ancillary/sitemap.do</a><br /><br />High Country Gardens - Hardy Perennials & Ground Covers <a href="http://www.highcountrygardens.com/catalog/browse">http://www.highcountrygardens.com/catalog/browse</a><br /><br />Spring Hill Nursery <a href="http://springhillnursery.com/">http://springhillnursery.com/</a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYULulGmqQI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/RkNPGJRrq9Y/s1600-h/alpine+wildflowers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297653431532955906" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYULulGmqQI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/RkNPGJRrq9Y/s400/alpine+wildflowers.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><br /></div><p align="center">*********************************************</p>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-90807327940423255802009-01-31T13:48:00.000-08:002009-01-31T18:44:59.522-08:00High Altitude Gardening - Perennial Plant List<div>For a list of suppliers of seeds and plants suitable for high altitudes, click <a href="http://ashleysacres.blogspot.com/2009/01/high-altitude-gardens-seed-and-plant.html#links">HERE</a>.<br /><br />This list below is a general guideline. Click on each plant's link to find details and a photo. Double check with your supplier of plants and seeds to be sure the variety you have chosen is suitable for your elevation.<br /><br /><strong>Plants hardy to approximately 7000 feet:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/astib_pum.htm">Astilbe - Dwarf Pink</a> Astible chinensis 'Pumila'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/echin_man.htm">Coneflower</a> Echinacea purprea 'Mangus'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/osteo_mis.htm">Sun</a> Daisy / African Daisy Osteospermum 'Lavender Mist"<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/frnsgras/html/grs_calam_kar.htm">Feather Reed</a> Calmagrostis arundinacea 'Karl'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/teucr_cha.htm">Germander</a> Teucrium chamaedrys<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/frnsgras/html/grs_panic_met.htm">Heavy Metal Switch</a> Grass Panicum virgatum<br /><a href="http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/honeysuckle.shtml">Japanese / Hall's Honeysuckle </a>Lonicera japonica<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/iris_pal.htm">Iris - Variegated</a> Iris pallida 'Variegata'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/bears-breech.htm">Lady's Mantle</a> Alchemilla mollis<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/frnsgras/html/grs_misca_yak.htm">Maiden Grass</a> Miscanthus sinensis<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/cerat_plu.htm">Plumbago</a> Ceratostigma plumbaginoides<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/frnsgras/html/grs_sacch_rav.htm">Plume Grass </a><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/euony_for.htm">Purple Leaved Winter</a> Euonymus fortunei<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/prune_gra.htm">Self Heal</a> Prunella grandiflora<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trumpet_vine">Trumpet Vine / Trumpet Creeper </a>Campsis radicans<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/frnsgras/html/grs_misca_zeb.htm">Zebra Grass</a> Miscanthus sinensis<br /><br /><strong>Plants </strong><strong>hardy to7500 feet:<br /></strong><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/lysim_aur.htm">Creeping Jenny</a> Lysimachia nummularia<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/catan_cae.htm">Cupid's Dart</a> Catananche caerulea<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/frnsgras/html/frn_athyr_nip.htm">Fern - Japanese</a> Athyrium niponicum<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/delos_sut.htm">Hardy Ice Plant</a> Delosperma<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/polem_cae.htm">Jacob's Ladder</a> Polemonium caeruleum<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/conva_maj.htm">Lily of the Valley</a> Convallaria majalis<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/penst_red.htm">Penstemon - Mexican</a> Penstemon mexicale<br /><a href="http://www.ppws.vt.edu/scott/weed_id/phlox.htm">Creeping Phlox /Moss Pinks / Mountain Pinks </a>Phlox subulata<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/scabi_mis.htm">Pincushion Flower</a> Scabiosa clombara cultivars<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/callir_inv.htm">Poppy Mallow</a> Callirhoe involucrata<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/oenot_bla.htm">Primrose</a> Oenothera most cultivars<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/aubri_lei.htm">Purple Rock Cress</a> Aubrieta deltoides </div><div><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/salvi_ver.htm">Salvia - Purple Rain Sage</a> Salvia verticillata<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/artem_sch.htm">Silver Mound</a> Artemisia schmidtiana<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/agast_rup.htm">Sunset Hyssop</a> Agastache rupestris<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/veron_rep.htm">Veronica - Creeping</a> Veronica repens<br /><br /><strong>Plants hardy to 8000 feet:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/ajuga_bro.htm">Ajuga - Carpet Bugle </a>Ajuga reptans<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/aster_mon.htm">Aster - Monch</a> Aster alpinus<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/artem_fri.htm">Artemesia</a> Artemisia frigida<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/platy_hak.htm">Balloon Flower</a> Platycodon grandiflora<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/berge_bre.htm">Bergenia - Pigsqueak</a> Bergenia cordifolia<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/cimic_rac.htm">Black Snake Root</a> Cimicifuga racemosa<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/bolto_ast.htm">Boltonia - Starflower</a> Boltonia asteriodes<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/vines/html/parth_qui.htm">Boston Ivy</a> Parthenocissus tricuspidata<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/nepet_won.htm">Catmint</a> Nepeta faassenii<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/heuch_sno.htm">Coral Bells</a> Heucheria sanguinea<br /><a href="http://springhillnursery.com/subcategory.asp?c=5&sc=13">Pink Coreopsis </a>Coreopsis rosea<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/brunn_mac.htm">False 4 Get Me Not</a> Brunnera macrophylla<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/liatr_spi.htm">Gayfeather</a> Liatris spicata<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/geran_joh.htm">Geranium</a> Johnson's Blue<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/hosta_wil.htm">Hosta - Francis Williams</a> Hosta sieboldiana<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/persi_aff.htm">Himalayan Border Jew</a> Persicaria affinis<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/zausc_gar.htm">Hummingbird Flower</a> Zauschneria garrettii<br /><a href="http://springhillnursery.com/search.asp?t=xx&eid=092906SHY&ss=Ice+Plant&sid=409554&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=iceplant&utm_campaign=sh_either">Ice Plants </a>Delosperma nubigenum<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/stach_byz.htm">Lamb's Ear</a> Stachys lanata<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/santo_cha.htm">Lavender Cotton</a> Santolina chamaecyphrissus<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/liliu_star.htm">Lily - Stargazer</a> Lilium x 'Stargazer'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/pulmo_lon.htm">Lungwort</a> Pulmonaria longifolia<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/frnsgras/html/grs_misca_grac.htm">Maiden Grass</a> Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/lychn_cha.htm">Maltese Cross</a> Lychinis chalcedonica<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/thali_aqu.htm">Meadow Rue</a> Thalictrum aquilegifolium<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/duche_ind.htm">Mock Strawberry</a> Duchesnea indica<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/aconi_lam.htm">Monkshood</a> Aconitum napellus<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentstemon">Pentstemon / Beard Tongue</a><br /><a href="http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Wildflowers_Kimonis_Kramer/PAGES/GARDENPHLOX_PAGE_FINAL.html">Garden Phlox </a>Phlox paniculata<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/ratib_col.htm">Prairie Coneflower</a> Ratibida columnifera<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/physo_vir.htm">Obedient Plants</a> Physostegia virginiana<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/kniph_spe.htm">Red Hot Piker</a> Kniphofia uvaria<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/frnsgras/html/grs_phala_pic.htm">Ribbon Grass</a> Phalaris arundinacea<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/armer_spl.htm">Sea Pinks</a> Armeria maritima<br /><a href="http://www.cactus-mall.com/sedum/">Sedum </a>most cultivars<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/sapon_ocy.htm">Soapwort</a> Saponaria ocymoides<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/trade_and.htm">Spiderwort</a> Tradescantia x andersoniana<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/eupho_pol.htm">Spurge - Cushion</a> Euphorbia polychroma<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/fraga_lip.htm">Strawberry - Lipstick</a> Fragaria 'Lipstick'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/helia_wis.htm">Sun Rose</a> Helianthemum nummularium<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/lamia_flo.htm">Yellow Archangel</a> Lamiastrum galeobdolon<br /><br /><strong>Plants hardy to 8500 feet:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/anemo_can.htm">Anemone-Northern</a> Anemone canadensis<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aster_alpinus">Alpine Asters </a><br /><a href="http://www.americanmeadows.com/Perennials/Astilbes/AstilbejaponicaMontgomery.aspx">Astilbe </a>- False Spirea Astilbe x japonica<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/gypso_pan.htm">Baby's Breath</a><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/gypso_alb.htm">Baby's Breath </a>Gypsophilia<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/herbs/html/beebalm.htm">Bee Balm</a> Monarda didyma<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/heuch_leu.htm">Coral Bells</a> Heuchera sanguinea<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/coreo_bab.htm">Coreopsis - Baby Sun</a><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/coreo_moo.htm">Coreopsis - Moonbeam</a><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/centa_mon.htm">Corn Flower</a> Centaurea montana<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/hemer_rel.htm">Daylily</a> Hemerocallis hybrids<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/lamiu_bee.htm">Dead Nettle</a> Lamium maculatum Hybrids<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/delph_gra.htm">Delphinium - Dwarf</a> Delphinium grandiflorum Hybrids<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/diant_gra.htm">Dianthus</a> Dianthus gratianopolitanus Hybrids<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/lavan_ang.htm">English Lavender</a> Lanandula angustifolia 'Munstead<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/fallo_rey.htm">Fleece Flower</a> Fallopia japonica<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/gaill_bur.htm">Gaillardia</a> Gaillardia Hybrids<br /><a href="http://www.diggingdog.com/pages2/plantpages.php/P-1410">Chrysanthemums<br />Globe Flower </a>Trollius chinensis<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/hosta_std.htm">Hosta - Gold Standard</a>, <a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/hosta_wil.htm">Francis Williams</a><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/vinca_min.htm">Periwinkle</a> Vinca minor<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/scabi_cau.htm">Pincushion Flower</a> Scabiosa caucasica<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/poten_atr.htm">Potentilla - Himalayan</a> Potentilla atrosanguinea<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/oenot_cam.htm">Primrose - Ozark Sun</a> Oenothera macrocarps<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/frnsgras/html/grs_helic_sem.htm">Oat Grass - Blue Avena</a> Helictotrichon sempervirens<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/salvi_nem.htm">Salvia - Dwarf Blue</a> Salvia nemorosa<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/galiu_odo.htm">Sweet Woodruff</a> Galium odoratum<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/herbs/html/thymegard.htm">Thyme - Garden</a><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/herbs/html/thymus_grnlem.htm">Thyme - Lemon</a> Thymus vulgarisThymus citroides<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/veron_spi.htm">Veronica - </a><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/vines/html/parth_qui.htm">Virginia Creeper</a> Parthenocissus quinquefolia<br /><br /><strong>Plants hardy to 9000 feet:<br /></strong><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/anemo_can.htm">Anemone-Windflower</a> Anemone canadensis<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/camp_coe.htm">Bellflower</a> Campanula persicifolia<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/rudbe_ful.htm">Black-eyed Susan</a> Rudbeckia fulgida<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/dicen_lux.htm">Bleeding Heart - Dwarf</a> Dicentra x 'Luxuriant'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/frnsgras/html/grs_festu_gla.htm">Blue Fescue</a> Festuca glauca<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/erige_azu.htm">Fleabane</a> Erigeron 'Azure Fairy'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/gazan_col.htm">Gazania - Hardy Colo</a> Gazania lineraris 'Colorado Gold"<br /><a href="http://www.siberianirisusa.com/">Siberian Iris</a> sibirica<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/centr_alb.htm">Red Valerian</a> Centranthus ruber cultivars<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/thymu_pra.htm">Thyme - Creeping</a> Thymus praecos x 'Coccineus'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/viola_cor.htm">Viola</a> Viola cornuta<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/achil_moo.htm">Yarrow</a> Achillea 'Moonshine'<br /><br /><strong>Plants hardy to approximately 9500 feet</strong><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/aurin_sax.htm">Basket of Gold</a> Aurinia saxatilis<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/leuca_ala.htm">Daisy - Shasta</a> Leucanthemum superbum 'Alaska'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/epilo_lat.htm">Fireweed</a> Epilobium angustifolium<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/lupin_rus.htm">Lupine</a> Lupinus most cultivars<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/paeon_fla.htm">Peony</a> Paeonia lactiflora<br /><a href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1046.html">Sedum / Stonecrop </a><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/snow-on-the-mountain.htm">Snow on Mountain</a> Aegopodium podograria<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/achil_mill.htm">Yarrow - </a>Achillea<br /><br /><strong>Plants hardy to approximately 10,000 feet<br /></strong><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/aster_alp.htm">Alpine Asters </a>Aster x frikartii 'Monch'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/papav_alp.htm">Alpine Poppy</a> Papaver alpinum<br /><a href="http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Flowers/Perenls/anemone.htm">Japanese Anemone </a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasque_flower">Pasque Flower / Prairie Crocus</a><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/dicen_spec.htm">Bleeding Heart</a> Dicentra spectabilis<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/iberi_zwe.htm">Candytuft</a> Iberis sempervirens<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/aquil_bird.htm">Columbine</a> Aqueliegia hybrids<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/tanac_coc.htm">Daisy - Painted</a> Tanacetum coccineum<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/delph_bbird.htm">Delphinium</a> Delphinium elatum Hybrids<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/diant_mix.htm">Dianthus-Swt William</a> Dianthus barbatus<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/linum_per.htm">Flax - Blue Sapphire</a> Linum perenne<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campanula">Harebells / Campanula </a><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/sempe_tec.htm">Hen and Chicks</a> Sempervivum cultivars<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/arcto_uva.htm">Kinnikinnick</a> Arctostaphylos uva-ursi<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/geum_tri.htm">Prairie Smoke</a> Guem triflorum<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/mahon_rep.htm">Oregon Grape Holly</a> Mahonia repens<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/penst_red.htm">Penstemon - Dwarf Hairy</a> Penstemon hirsutus 'Pygmaeus'<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/eschs_cal.htm">Poppy - California</a><br /><a href="http://gardening.about.com/od/choosingperennialplants/ig/Perennials-for-New-Gardeners/Papaver-nudicaule--Poppies-.htm">Iceland Poppy</a><br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/papav_pri.htm">Poppy - Oriental</a> Papaver orientale<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/ceras_tom.htm">Snow in Summer</a> Cerastium tomentosum<br /><a href="http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/walds_ter.htm">Strawberry</a> Waldsteninia ternata<br /><a href="http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=FRAVESsAME">Wild / Woodland Strawberry </a>- Fragaria americana</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYUMXXqRbhI/AAAAAAAAA7g/yricmqnuSXE/s1600-h/Alpine%2520Flowers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297654132299099666" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYUMXXqRbhI/AAAAAAAAA7g/yricmqnuSXE/s400/Alpine%2520Flowers.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-53386768106023125772009-01-29T07:22:00.000-08:002009-01-31T15:01:59.046-08:00Fun Gardening Brain Teasers!See if you can solve this...<br /><br />Gardeners Frank, George, and Ben all work on large properties.<br /><br />One of them tends to the Smith's garden, one tends to the Jones's garden, and one tends to the Maple's garden.<br /><br />In one garden, only native plants are grown. In another, exotic plants are everywhere. In the third garden, vegetables are grown for the family's supper.<br /><br />Using the clues below, work out which gardener grows which plants in which garden. Good luck!<br /><br />Clues:<br />1. Frank is the only gardener who grows edible plants.<br />2. The exotic plants aren't grown in the Smith's garden.<br />3. George doesn't work at the Jones's.<br />4. Vegetables are grown at the Jones's.<br />5. Ben doesn't work at the Smith's.<br /><br />.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-25558191126774130662009-01-29T06:44:00.001-08:002009-01-29T07:18:46.878-08:00Daffodil Societies Around the WorldThere are daffodil societies just about everywhere. They have great information about daffodils, shows and events, and gardening tips. You can join, start up your own club or visit their websites for information. Here are some links for you to check out:<br /><br />American Daffodil Society - <a href="http://www.daffodilusa.org/">http://www.daffodilusa.org/</a><br /><br /><p>Florida Daffodil Society - <a href="http://www.fladaff.com/">http://www.fladaff.com/</a> </p><p>Georgia Daffodil Society - <a href="http://www.gadaffsoc.org/">http://www.gadaffsoc.org/</a><br /><br />Great Britain Daffodil Society - <a href="http://thedaffodilsociety.com/">http://thedaffodilsociety.com/</a></p>Kentucky Daffodil Society - <a href="http://www.kentuckydaffodilsociety.org/">http://www.kentuckydaffodilsociety.org/</a><br /><br />Middle Tennessee Daffodil Society - <a href="http://middletndaffodilsociety.org/">http://middletndaffodilsociety.org/</a><br /><br />Midwest USA Daffodil Society - <a href="http://www.midwestdaffodil.org/">http://www.midwestdaffodil.org/</a><br /><br />Minnesota Daffodil Society - <a href="http://daffodilminnesota.org/">http://daffodilminnesota.org/</a><br /><br />Northern California Daffodil Society - <a href="http://www.daffodil.org/">http://www.daffodil.org/</a><br /><br />Northern Illinois Daffodil Society - <a href="http://gardencentral.org/illinois/nidaffodilsociety/">http://gardencentral.org/illinois/nidaffodilsociety/</a><br /><br />St. Louis Daffodil Society - <a href="http://stldaffodilclub.org/">http://stldaffodilclub.org/</a><br /><br />Texas Daffodil Society - <a href="http://www.texasdaffodilsociety.org/">http://www.texasdaffodilsociety.org/</a><br /><br />Washington DC Daffodil Society - <a href="http://washingtondaffodilsociety.org/">http://washingtondaffodilsociety.org/</a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">**************************</div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-16725435067867284262009-01-29T05:59:00.000-08:002009-01-29T11:51:36.484-08:00Daffodils, Narcissus, Paperwhites & Jonquils - What's the Correct Name?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYG-OtfQC4I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/MybfiuzujRI/s1600-h/p115418-London-Daffodils_in_Green_Park_London.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296723796702530434" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYG-OtfQC4I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/MybfiuzujRI/s400/p115418-London-Daffodils_in_Green_Park_London.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div>This flower has many names. It all depends upon where you live, what language you speak, and who you are!</div><br /><div>According to botanists these flowers are a genus within the lily family and are called "Narcissus," named after the boy in Greek mythology who became obsessed with his own reflection in a pool of water. One version of this story says he fell into the water and drowned. Another version says he died of starvation and thirst while sitting by the edge of the pool while gazing at his reflection. Both versions claim that the first Narcissus plant grew from the spot where the boy died. </div><br /><div>There are two theories as to the word "daffodil." One version is that the flower was named after "Dafydd," a Welsh form of the name "David." In Wales, it is a tradition to wear this beautiful flower on Saint David's Day, March 1st. Another version for the naming of this flower is derived from the word "Affodell", a variant of the Dutch "Asphodel." </div><br /><div>The name "Jonquil" is sometimes used in the southeastern part of the USA to describe all daffodils. This name actually belongs to the species, "Narcissus Jonquilla" which has clusters of small yellow flowers:</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYG9W9H2ISI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/bHZmFd5XYhk/s1600-h/jonquilla.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296722838826656034" style="WIDTH: 237px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 372px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYG9W9H2ISI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/bHZmFd5XYhk/s400/jonquilla.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Flowers of the "Narcissus Papyraceus" species are commonly called "Paperwhites" and have clusters of small white flowers:</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYG9QZuKJsI/AAAAAAAAA6I/c-gkg3zhJpE/s1600-h/paperwhites.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296722726244460226" style="WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SYG9QZuKJsI/AAAAAAAAA6I/c-gkg3zhJpE/s400/paperwhites.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-236776219872776032009-01-23T14:34:00.001-08:002009-01-23T14:46:31.942-08:00Signs of Spring in JanuaryIt's mid January, there are a few inches of snow on the ground, and an inch of ice on the front sidewalk that looks permanant.<br /><br />And yet there is hope...<br /><br />I saw a robin in the back maple tree yesterday. When I was little, my dad told me that Robins mean Spring is coming. I don't know if he was making this up or if perhaps it was a farmers' tale from his growing up days in Kansas. Anyway, I think of him everytime I see a Robin. But I think this Robin is lost, following a warm front - we aren't "safe" until May arrives.<br /><br />There is still that groundhog to consult but that's not until next month! If he sees his shadow, 6 more weeks of winter weather. I always hope it's cloudy that day.<br /><br />Today hit 53 degrees. I didn't wear gloves for the first time in a long time. The permanant ice on the front sidewalk is wet underneath, so I was able to pop some pieces out to expose the cement below. On my front porch is a pot that I had Candytuft and pink begonias in last season. I noticed the Candytuft is not completely dead - just comatose looking. There are a few teeny tiny open leaves that are a nice green color. Perhaps when April gets here, I'll give it a little hair cut and some new begonias.<br /><br />It would be nice for an early Spring (knock on wood). We had early Springs for the past two years. But if I remember the past 10 years, we've had storms so bad that the entire Pennsylvania turnpike that runs from NJ to Ohio and from Philadelphia to almost NY was closed down. Sometimes towns "close" - no one is allowed to drive around, tow trucks will not be sent if you get stuck. In the past, these "snow days" have occured in March so I'm not counting my chickens yet.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-19996701534788449642009-01-19T15:23:00.000-08:002012-11-28T03:55:07.838-08:00After Your Amaryllis Has Bloomed - Now What?<div align="center">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SXUaoK_fLCI/AAAAAAAAA0o/FYHafb9iXsc/s1600-h/amaryllis+02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293166214491614242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SXUaoK_fLCI/AAAAAAAAA0o/FYHafb9iXsc/s320/amaryllis+02.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 211px; width: 206px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SXUakHNbZiI/AAAAAAAAA0g/TTaieq52RmE/s1600-h/Amaryllis+01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293166144756868642" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SXUakHNbZiI/AAAAAAAAA0g/TTaieq52RmE/s320/Amaryllis+01.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 205px; width: 167px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SXUasBRdU9I/AAAAAAAAA0w/RHM67dYqyu0/s1600-h/amaryllis+03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293166280602112978" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SXUasBRdU9I/AAAAAAAAA0w/RHM67dYqyu0/s320/amaryllis+03.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 214px; width: 203px;" /></a></div>
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<b><u>How to Keep Your Amaryllis Alive After the Holidays</u></b></div>
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After your amaryllis has finished blooming in December, cut back the flower stems as far as you can without disturbing the leaves. They should be left on because they will make food for your flowers next year. <br />
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Place your pot in bright light and continue to water and fertilize your amaryllis monthly.<br />
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After your last frost in the spring, move your amaryllis outside for the rest of the spring and summer. Continue to water and fertilize.<br />
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About half way into September let the soil completely dry out and cut back the leaves. Put your bulb in a paper bag and store in a cool dark area for a rest period of 6 - 8 weeks.<br />
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After the rest period plant your amaryllis bulb with new potting soil and put it into bright light again and it should bloom again in 2 to 3 months.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-27345348327182464962009-01-10T16:34:00.000-08:002012-11-28T03:52:55.351-08:00POINSETTIAS - Now That Christmas is Over<div align="center">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289842572203787618" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SWlLyunyBWI/AAAAAAAAAtc/Roc2Dz3Creo/s320/poinsettias+red.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 141px; width: 160px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289842752353517970" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SWlL9Nu0wZI/AAAAAAAAAts/KsGDufNI1K8/s320/poinsettias+yellow.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 158px; width: 160px;" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SWlLo574RiI/AAAAAAAAAtU/-PBtxC6BQDk/s1600-h/poinsettias+pink+02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289842403442181666" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SWlLo574RiI/AAAAAAAAAtU/-PBtxC6BQDk/s320/poinsettias+pink+02.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 141px; width: 160px;" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Poinsettias - Now That Christmas is Over</u></b></div>
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Every November and December, the grocery stores, nurseries and gift shops stock up on beautiful poinsettias. There are gorgeous, huge displays of so many colors! You can't resist and buy one, hoping that you can keep it alive forever. If you live in the northern hemisphere, keeping your Christmas Poinsettias alive beyond December can be tricky. These plants do not like the cold. They are, after all, natives of Mexico.<br />
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Here are some tips to give you the best chances of succeeding:</div>
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After Christmas - water you plant only when the top <em>one</em> inch of soil becomes dry. Do not let it sit in water. Stop watering as soon as water starts running out the bottom of the pot. Place your plant in a window that gets direct sun (not north). The temperature should stay between 65 and 75 degrees with no sudden changes. Keep your plant away from cold windows and never let them touch the glass. Also, keep your plant away from heater vents. If your home air is dry, you need to check the soil every day and water if needed.</div>
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April - During the first two weeks, start watering when the top <em>two</em> inches of soil becomes dry. During the second half of the month, let the soil dry out almost all the way before watering but don't let the stem shrivel. Start watering a little more often if this starts to happen. At the end of April, when your plant has gotten used to being in drier soil, move it to a cooler spot in your home such as the basement or garage but never let it go below 60 degrees!</div>
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May- around the middle of the month, prune all stems back to about 4 or 5 inches and repot in a slightly wider container using new potting soil. Water your poinsettia well but don't let it sit in the water. Put the newly potted plant back into that bright window where it used to live and keep the temperature between 65 - 75 F just like before. Start watering your plant whenever the top 2 inches of the soil feels dry. </div>
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As soon as you notice new buds starting to form, water whenever the top one inch of soil is dry and begin fertilizing every two weeks with a complete fertilizer, following the label's instructions.</div>
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June- Move the poinsettia pot outdoors. Keep it in a partially shaded location and maintain the same watering and fertilizing schedule.</div>
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July- At the beginning of the month, pinch back each stem by about one inch to encourage bushy growth. If left unpinched, the poinsettia will grow tall and spindly rather than nice and full. </div>
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August- By the middle of the month, the pinched stems should have branched out and grown new leaves. Now pinch the tops off the <em>new</em> stems, leaving 3 or 4 leaves on each shoot. Bring your poinsettia back inside and back into it's bright window. Keep watering and fertilizing as you have been doing.</div>
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September- Continue your regular watering and fertilizing schedule. Make sure the temperature stays above 65 F. </div>
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October- the length of daylight affects the bud growth of poinsettias. It's time to trick your plant into blooming for the upcoming holidays. To do this, your plant will need about 10 weeks with 12 hours or less of sunlight per day. You will have to artificially create these conditions by having a "bedtime" and "wake up time." This part is very important. </div>
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Starting on October 1st, put your plant "to bed" in complete darkness from 5 pm to 8 am. Any exposure to light will delay the blooming. Some people put their plant in a closet with an upside down box over it. If any light gets to your plant during its "bedtime", this will affect the buds.<br />
After 8 am each morning, it's time to "wake up" and transfer the plant back to its sunny window. Don't forget "bedtime" each night at 5 pm. Keep watering and fertilizing just like you've been doing. </div>
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November- Around the 20th of November, you can keep your plant in it's sunny window and stop the artificial day/night schedule. You should see colored buds by now.</div>
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December - Stop fertilizing on December 15th. Keep watering and treat your plant the way you did when you first brought it home in bloom.</div>
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Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-569937488282703925.post-43346218549668408292009-01-03T09:37:00.000-08:002009-01-03T11:39:33.197-08:00W. ATLEE BURPEE & THE BURPEE SEED COMPANYThe Burpee family descended from French-Canadian Hugeunots. Their name was originally Beaupe. Atlee was born in 1858 in Sheffield, New Brunswick. His family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when he was still young. <div><div><div><div><br />Atlee's grandfather and father were physicians and expected him to follow in their footsteps. Atlee gave it a try, enrolling into the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, but later dropped out, not wanting to be a surgeon.<br /><br />Atlee had other ideas. He was fascinated by the sciences of breeding and genetics. Research and published papers by Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel inspired him. As a boy he started out with breeding chickens, geese and turkeys, later including livestock, dogs and even plants. He created his own breeding experiments, wrote papers that were published in the USA and abroad, and corresponded with breeders from England, some coming to visit him at his parents' home in Philadelphia. All this by the age of 16!</div><div><br />When he was 18 years old, Burpee got himself a partner and, with $1000 loaned to him by his mother, they started up a poultry breeding business, to be run out of the family home. Soon they had a small store in Philadelphia and also started selling corn feed. In 1787 Burpee dropped his partner and, at the request of customers, added vegetable seeds to his inventory. He traveled throughout the USA and Europe in search of varieties that were new and interesting. He exchanged and handed out mail order catalogs- his first catalog was 48 pages long. One million catalogs were distributed!</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287149496324883298" style="WIDTH: 158px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-6dFLUg2I/AAAAAAAAAj0/e0KZ-wkfSa8/s200/burpee+w+atlee.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-5BJx7ZsI/AAAAAAAAAjU/f66ddfUsLiY/s1600-h/store.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287147917012592322" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-5BJx7ZsI/AAAAAAAAAjU/f66ddfUsLiY/s200/store.gif" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-4u74vmZI/AAAAAAAAAjM/A5ZH3dUNAGE/s1600-h/factory_middle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287147604045437330" style="WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-4u74vmZI/AAAAAAAAAjM/A5ZH3dUNAGE/s200/factory_middle.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><p align="left">The Burpee Family started up Fordhook Farm in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, in 1888 to serve as both a new home and a place to grow onions, beets, carrots, peas, cabbage and flowers for the seed business. Famous varieties developed at Fordhook include Iceberg lettuce, Fordhook lima beans and Golden Bantam sweet corn.<br /><br />Floradale Farms in Lompoc, California ,was set up in 1909 to grow, evaluate, and harvest seeds from sweet peas. In Swedesboro, New Jersey, Sunnybrook Farms was set up to specialize in tomatos, eggplants, peppers and different kinds of squash. The company worked with Santa Paula Farms in California during the 1950's to develop hybrid zinnias.</p><div>Burpee's company grew to sell supplies and tools for farming and gardening, seeds, poultry and hogs.</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-5tkW98-I/AAAAAAAAAjc/1koIort_IJI/s1600-h/fordhook+farm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287148680061514722" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-5tkW98-I/AAAAAAAAAjc/1koIort_IJI/s200/fordhook+farm.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-56P9H1jI/AAAAAAAAAjk/0US3_sSsfqQ/s1600-h/floradale+farms+01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287148897922700850" style="WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-56P9H1jI/AAAAAAAAAjk/0US3_sSsfqQ/s200/floradale+farms+01.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-6CYZ6zVI/AAAAAAAAAjs/Fjcj3Fx6ICg/s1600-h/floradale+farms+02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287149037629918546" style="WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SV-6CYZ6zVI/AAAAAAAAAjs/Fjcj3Fx6ICg/s200/floradale+farms+02.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>W. Atlee Burpee died in 1915 at his home at Fordhook Farm. He is buried in the Doylestown Cemetary, Section M, Plot 49. At this time, Burpee Seed was the largest seed company in the world that received upward of 10,000 orders per day.</div><div><br />Atlee's son, David, inherited the business and took it in a new direction. David encouraged people to grow their own gardens during WW2, a time when the war cut off the seed supply from Europe that caused crop shortages. These home gardens were called "Victory Gardens" and "War Gardens." David's interest in flowers created new breeding programs for the company. During his leadership, crossbred double nasturtiums, Big Boy tomatos, Ambrosia cantaloups, and new varieties of petunias and marigolds were developed.</div><div></div><div>In 1950 the renouned plant breeder John Mondry discovered a new/freak all-female zinnia plant growing at Santa Paula Farms in California. Further study and work developed Super Hybrid zinnias, popular in the 1960's. </div><div></div><div>By 1960 the company had grown to handing out over 4 million seed catalogs.</div><div></div><div>David sold Burpee Seed to General Foods in 1970. Their Philadelphia headquarters was moved to Warminster, Pennsylvania in 1974. Five years later, General Foods sold Burpee Seeds to ITT. David continued with them as a consultant until his death in 1980.</div><div></div><div></div><div>In 1991 Burpee Seed was sold to George J. Ball, Inc which is a family-run business specializing in horticultural products. Atlee's grandson Jonathan Burpee worked at Burpee until 1993.</div><div><br />Today, George Ball Jr. runs Burpee Seed which still maintains Fordhook Farm in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Some of the original buildings are now on the grounds of Delaware Valley College. The main house is now a B&B called The Inn at Fordhook. Burpee Seed Company continues to be a leader in the sale of seeds, plants, and gardening tools and accessories via mail order catalogs and the internet. </div></div></div></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03797298427790034910noreply@blogger.com4