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From our members gardens:
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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! |
Elaine C. was out of town for a while, with her garden untended. Given the lack of rain and rising temperatures, she expected less than optimal growth of her herbs. She was delighted to find that they thrived in her absence--so much so that they kept all but a few weeds from growing. There was also a nice surprise in their bluebird house!
UPDATE ON ELAINE'S BLUEBIRDS....
It has been a busy summer...Elaine's first clutch, pictured below, have all flown away. Here is the latest: Here is a picture of our third brood of bluebirds. I took the picture this morning and it is obvious that it’s about time for the babies to leave the nest. We had not noticed until I took this picture that two of the eggs were out of the nest and did not hatch. So we had a total of thirteen babies for the year which is good. Elaine |
An unusual photo, again from Elaine C. via her sister, of the nest of a Mourning Dove in SC. Not sure that palm leaves are considered herbal, but certainly a unique use for them! And what a tidy nest it is, with the leaves all in perfect order :) The Dove is sitting on top of the nest.
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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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