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From our members gardens:
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What an amazing year this is for witchhazel, Hamamelis virginiana. This tall (15' to 20') small tree or large shrub, grows in part shade and blooms around here from October to December, depending on the weather. It is currently in its full glory. It is deciduous, grows well in our red clay soil, and once established tolerates droughty conditions.
A product made by distilling leaves, twigs, and bark (with a bit of alcohol as a preservative) is great for stopping itching. One of the enemies of gardeners and hikers is chiggers, for which very little is effective at stopping the itching. Following the practice of Native Americans, and after trying everything else, I bought some, doused cotton balls with it, and swabbed the bites every 4 hours. Worked like magic! Witchhazel is available in pharmacies and on grocery shelves and I keep it around at all times. It has been used as a skin treatment for many years (the practice was shared with Colonists by Native Americans) as an astringent, and also helps minor cuts and scratches to heal. Even better, it is a lovely addition to any garden, blooming as the weather turns cool with bright yellow flowers. |
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Below: bumblebee on Symphyotrichum cordifolium, Common Blue Aster, in Kathy S.'s yard.
Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, in full Fall beauty with purple berries and chartreuse leaves. Not edible, and even the birds consume it as a last resort, but attractive and had a history of medicinal uses. Kathy S.
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A Testament to the Persistence of Plants: Molly sent this photo of an old birdhouse (used by birds in the past) that had been knocked off her deck by a squirrel. The roof was damaged in the incident. Molly retrieved the birdhouse but did not get around to repairing the roof. One day she noticed that a plant had sprouted from inside. As it grew, she saw that it is a sunflower (Helianthus species)! She assumes that a "previous resident" had left a sunflower seed behind and the missing roof let water and sunshine in, and off took the seed. Not only sprouting and growing, but producing a flower! Thanks for sharing Molly! 
A rare find....fruit on pawpaw trees. The trees, Asimina triloba, are abundant in our area, but finding the fruit is a treat. Ordinarily, as soon as the fruit is mature and ready to eat, it is discovered and devoured by wildlife: raccoons, opossum, and anything that can reach them. This was spotted in a colony of the trees at Bur-Mil Park, and was the only tree with fruit remaining -- the branch must have been too small to support the weight of animals, and too high for deer to reach. Kathy S.
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NOTICING THE LITTLE THINGS AROUND OUR GARDENS...
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Dryopteris ludoviciana, Southern Wood Fern
Fronds still unfurling! Each frond will grow to 3’- 4’ tall in dappled or deep shade. They spread slowly, making an attractive bright lime green filler plant. Does well in our hot, humid summers but does like at least moderately moist soil.
Fronds still unfurling! Each frond will grow to 3’- 4’ tall in dappled or deep shade. They spread slowly, making an attractive bright lime green filler plant. Does well in our hot, humid summers but does like at least moderately moist soil.
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Tiny buds on Partridgeberry.
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Mitchella repens, Partidgeberry
A tea with a slight wintergreen flavor was made from the leaves and berries by Native American women for use during childbirth. The berries are edible but rather bland and on the dry side.
The four-petaled flowers, when fully open are about ¼” across and the leaves range from ¼” to 1 inch. The flowers grow in pairs, with the ovaries of the two blending into one, resulting in one scarlet red berry in Fall and Winter. The stems creep slowly across moderately moist shady areas, reaching only about 3 inches tall.
Roots easily from cuttings.
A tea with a slight wintergreen flavor was made from the leaves and berries by Native American women for use during childbirth. The berries are edible but rather bland and on the dry side.
The four-petaled flowers, when fully open are about ¼” across and the leaves range from ¼” to 1 inch. The flowers grow in pairs, with the ovaries of the two blending into one, resulting in one scarlet red berry in Fall and Winter. The stems creep slowly across moderately moist shady areas, reaching only about 3 inches tall.
Roots easily from cuttings.
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