Saturday Gardening Thread, How's June workin' out for ya? [KT]

Hi, Gardeners! June is supposed to be a great gardening month. Is it for you? Anyone dealing with flooding?

The striking photo above is from Admirale's Mate in Andover, MA. Can you tell what kind of iris it is?

Edibles

Anybody planted watermelon? Be prepared. From my creative niece brigade.

Fruit season should be revving up in the San Joaquin Valley. Early cherries are done. Our Apriums are gone, and most of the commercial apricots are probably gone finished, too. This is a better climate for peaches and nectarines than for apricots, because summer usually heats up pretty early.

Any local fruit on where you are?

Carnivorous and Native Plants

Another Pitcher Plant from our carnivorous plant specialist, Tony Litwin. I expect there are some bugs in the pitchers this time of year.

S. Flava ornata

And something different from Tony, a native wildflower. Not carnivorous:

Just thought everyone would like to see the Rain Lilies Zephyranthus Atamasco that popped up on my property after a violent thunderstorm we had the other day. Seems here in Central Florida, they only do that after an extreme heavy rain and thunderstorm which makes them bloom, and then when they are done in a week or so, they disappear again until next year. Last year they didn't appear at all, and this year they are putting on quite the display. Hope everyone enjoys them as much as I do.
Although you can get them thru a native nursery, they grow wild and these are a wild colony. What's funny is that I also have them growing haphazardly over my lawn with one here and two there. They also grow along roads around here until they disappear in a week or so.
They are one of the few native wildflowers here in central Florida. Not common but a joy to see when they appear.

What a nice surprise! You can buy other species (and maybe some hybrids) of Zephyranthus (AKA Zephyr Flower or Fairy Lily) for gardens in other parts of the country. Some are white, others yellow or pink. Some will bloom repeatedly through the season with intermittent watering in mild winter areas.

A while ago, The Invisible Hand sent in a native plant on a different scale. I'm pretty sure it is Romneya coulteri, the biggest wildflower in California. Sunset notes that it is difficult to propagate (from root cuttings or seeds) but difficult to dig up once established. Don't need much water once established. There are two named varieties. There is also a species or subspecies with hairy buds.

They can be invasive where there is summer irrigation. Especially in light, sandy soil. They spread by rhizomes. They make good cut flowers. You can cut the plants back in fall nearly to the ground. You can consider a root barrier to keep them from getting too big.

Look kind of like fried eggs, don't they? So do the Prickly Poppies, which are usually grown as annuals.

Botanical Gardens

Keena sent in the following intriguing plant photos last week:

Our visit to the San Diego Botanic Garden this week showed that the Sapphire Tower plant from Chile was blooming. It's a gorgeous color. Kind of a teal/turquoise with these bright orange stamen. I've never seen a color quite like this before. Really beautiful.

Closer view of the flower

Very unusual. Looks like they may have some other unusual plants at that garden, too.

Meanwhile, a few weeks ago one of my nieces went to the 300 year old Magnolia Plantation, with low country gardens and critters, in Charleston, SC.

Ever wanted a big porch?

Like they said, low country.

Careful.

Prey?

Gardens of The Horde

S. Lynn sent in a good idea for a bulb cover a while ago. We will be discussing later what to do with bulbs after they bloom. If you have any experiences to share, please do.

The bachelor buttons that seeded from last year help cover the dying leaves from my bulbs. Great little accident. Glad I didn't pull the seedlings out last winter.

If you would like to send information and/or photos for the Saturday Gardening Thread, the address is:

ktinthegarden
at g mail dot com

Include your nic unless you want to remain a lurker.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 12:14 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Awoke to storms again this morning.

Our garden is automatically watered this Spring.

Or washed away.

Some of both.

Posted by: mindful webworker - caturday link at June 15, 2019 01:22 PM (At/8G)

2 First striking, then frightening. Opened the Ace sight, and was mesmerized by the beautiful iris. The page hadn't yet loaded completely, and the photo of that worthless Oberlin piece of flesh replaced the iris on the screen. Yikes!!

Posted by: None shall pass at June 15, 2019 01:23 PM (JdcHc)

3 I have that colored Iris and a lavender/yellow too.
Good afternoon Greenthumbs

Posted by: Skip at June 15, 2019 01:25 PM (BbGew)

4 Hi! Hope your garden doesn't get washed away, mindful webworker.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 01:26 PM (BVQ+1)

5 Finally got the big garden mostly planted. It was too wet to till for weeks. I had a few days to plant and it's back to rain. I need to get mulch in around tomatoes and peppers but that will also bring slugs.

Posted by: lurking grandma at June 15, 2019 01:27 PM (sujqA)

6 Is that a flag iris, as opposed to a bearded iris?

Posted by: Kindltot at June 15, 2019 01:28 PM (hSQmw)

7 The Magnolias are just starting to bloom here in W. NC.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at June 15, 2019 01:28 PM (w54mS)

8 The photos on this thread are always at least interesting and usually gorgeous. But that top photo of the iris is just breathtaking. I should copy it and print it out. What a study for drawing. (Usual disclaimer: nobody sees my 'efforts' except me so the art world is safe.)

Posted by: JTB at June 15, 2019 01:30 PM (bmdz3)

9 We're having a really cold and wet spring / early summer in Michigan. More rain than needed, the farmers couldn't plant, temps have been way down. My apples and raspberries are probably 3 weeks behind the normal schedule.

Posted by: George V at June 15, 2019 01:30 PM (ORvjE)

10 Japanese iris.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at June 15, 2019 01:31 PM (N3JsI)

11 lurking grandma at June 15, 2019 01:27 PM

Can you use a pet-safe snail bait (iron phosphate based)?

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 01:32 PM (BVQ+1)

12 Flowers here in Southern Colorado are enjoying the May rains we had. Lots more blooms than usual.

I'm extremely pleased that I was finally successful at getting dianthus Tiny Rubies to act like the perennial it is. I planted it in a spot I thought it would hate - - too hot and dry. But it said, "Thank you very much. Here's a carpet of blooms."

Posted by: Emmie Oakley at June 15, 2019 01:33 PM (4HMW8)

13 Kill all of the nasty peacocks!

Or not.

Posted by: Fritz at June 15, 2019 01:33 PM (kLDv+)

14 Kindltot at June 15, 2019 01:28 PM

You are correct in that it is not a bearded iris. Lots of irises are called "flags", though. I don't know enough to tell whether it is Japanese, Louisiana, Missouri, Siberian, etc.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 01:34 PM (BVQ+1)

15 Fritz at June 15, 2019 01:33 PM

We have a peacock in the neighborhood. Kinda noisy. We have no alligators that I know of.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 01:35 PM (BVQ+1)

16 Got my gardens planted, and now it is a grind to keep the bindweed, amaranth and thistles kept down.

I am doing a trial 3-sisters plot with mounds for corn, squash and beans (and volunteer tomatoes, peppers and a single sunflower popping up in between) where my compost heap used to be. The corn and squash is taking off, but the beans are lagging.

Posted by: Kindltot at June 15, 2019 01:35 PM (hSQmw)

17 Emmie Oakley at June 15, 2019 01:33 PM

I love that. "Tiny Rubies" always sounded like a great little Dianthus to me.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 01:36 PM (BVQ+1)

18 Nothing startling in out garden but things are happening. The chives continue to thrive, the dill grew a foot almost over night, the leaf lettuce is ready to pick, and the tomato plants have small green fruits starting. We haven't even killed the cucumber plant yet. Now if I can convince the damn birds and squirrels that the automat is in NYC, not our backyard.

Posted by: JTB at June 15, 2019 01:37 PM (bmdz3)

19 Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at June 15, 2019 01:28 PM

Have you ever visited the Magnolia Plantation? My niece probably visited before they bloomed there.

But the Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) were blooming. The peacocks are smart enough not to eat them, apparently.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 01:38 PM (BVQ+1)

20 Kindltot at June 15, 2019 01:35 PM

I hate bindweed.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 01:39 PM (BVQ+1)

21 >>>We have a peacock in the neighborhood. Kinda noisy.<<<

When you get a large gaggle of them going, they are a force to be reckoned with. Nasty bastards. Pretty and nasty.

Posted by: Fritz at June 15, 2019 01:40 PM (kLDv+)

22 13 ..."Kill all of the nasty peacocks!"

Please leave a few. (Yeah, I know they make a godawful sound.) I use the herl in a number of fly patterns, especially the simple ones I can tie.

Thank you for your support. (Shout out to Bartles and James)

Posted by: JTB at June 15, 2019 01:40 PM (bmdz3)

23 Probably 20 years ago a peacock took up residence here, dusk it went to my roof then up to tree next to house. Quite noisy in morning but all in all was neat to have. Disappeared just like it showed up.

Posted by: Skip at June 15, 2019 01:40 PM (BbGew)

24 Love those rain lilies, and I think it is special that they are native.

We used to have a pink one in the yard when I was growing up. It was always fun when it suddenly bloomed.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 01:40 PM (BVQ+1)

25 The wet and cool weather has produced giant hostas this summer. I have been busy dividing them and unloading them on the neighbors. I don't think I have ever seen them this big.

Posted by: Mrs. Leggy at June 15, 2019 01:42 PM (Vf4Y7)

26 Who posted the rain lilies? I did not see name/nic

They are wonderful.

Posted by: Le Garde Vieux at June 15, 2019 01:45 PM (Xa+bj)

27 Awesome iris ... nice display of bachelor's buttons ... hiding old bulb leaves. I leave my bulbs' leaves till they turn brown, which gives them time to store energy to make it through next winter.

Lots of rain here so watermelon and cantaloupe went in late, added more cantaloupe seed a couple days ago. Strawberries fading but lots of raspberries from canes saved from last year, and more canes for fall crop (as I understand it). My picking speed matches my eating speed on raspberries, but didn't notice a stink bug once ... they are numbing on the lips ... managed to spit him out without biting in, but felt almost like a bee sting.

Lots of mowing and weeding so far, in between rain rain rain. cheers to you producers of all things horticulture.

Posted by: illiniwek at June 15, 2019 01:46 PM (Cus5s)

28 Le Garde Vieux at June 15, 2019 01:45 PM

They are from Tony Litwin, our carnivorous plant specialist. He is interested in some other plants, too. I'll make a note.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 01:50 PM (BVQ+1)

29 the only thing I can figure to do with bindweed and thistle is to keep the weeds down by only spot irrigating, raking the soil regularly to uproot all the small weeds as they sprout, and use a shovel to dig down next to the bindweed or thistle as they pop up.

When they are sprouting from a stub of a root, as they always do, there is always a cluster of weeds growing up.
I don't think it is possible to kill bindweed, but you can make it pretty depressed after a while.

There was a book called "Greener Than You Think" by Ward Moore in which a modified burmuda grass took over the world. I think about that when I think of bindweed.

Posted by: Kindltot at June 15, 2019 01:53 PM (hSQmw)

30 That's a purple iris.

Of course, that's not the Latin name, which escapes me at the moment.

Posted by: ALH at June 15, 2019 01:57 PM (ekljB)

31 KT, a fun thing to do with Tiny Rubies is to pass your hand over the plant while it is in bud. All the little buds hit your fingers in a fascinating way. Plus, the blooms have that lovely clove fragrance.

Posted by: Emmie Oakley at June 15, 2019 01:57 PM (4HMW8)

32 Looks like Siberian iris, based on the bloom shape and foliage.
Japanese iris typically has small to non-existent standards (upward-facing petals).

Posted by: Brunette the 'Ette at June 15, 2019 01:57 PM (adsVM)

33 I don't think it is possible to kill bindweed, but you can make it pretty depressed after a while.
Heh...

We've had more than 50% chance of rain the last three days, with no appreciable rain, so we are throwing the first water on the garden as I type.
Almost guarantees a rain, no?

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 01:58 PM (dgnez)

34 Spent 3 hours in the border gardens today, cultivating etc. Perennials in bloom right now on this beautiful June day in western Conn. include: peonies, coral bells, some day lilies, yellow loosestrife, iris (hanging on), salvia, yarrow (almost), clematis, barrenwort, rock cress, dianthus, euphorbia, perennial bachelor buttons, spiderwort, columbines, lady's mantle, poppies, lamium.

Posted by: Caliban at June 15, 2019 01:59 PM (QE8X6)

35 Anyhow, my mock-orange (philidelphus lewisii) and ocean spray (Holodiscus) are both blooming, and in the lovely soft warm nights they smell like vanilla and mild perfume.
My carnivorous climbing roses are in full bloom now too. This is one of the best times of the hear in my yard.

Posted by: Kindltot at June 15, 2019 02:00 PM (hSQmw)

36 Rain...
We had to throw pre-germinated straw down early, just to be able to walk in the garden. Now we have wheat.
We had a persistent and ubiquitous weed (still have some) that we could not ID... then did.
Smartweed! A friggin' aquatic!

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 02:00 PM (dgnez)

37 Kindltot at June 15, 2019 01:53 PM

I hate Bermuda grass in the garden, too. Sounds like a terrible story.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:01 PM (BVQ+1)

38 My carnivorous climbing roses are in full bloom now too. This is one of the best times of the hear in my yard.
Posted by: Kindltot

No. Tell me no.
Lie to me if you must...

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 02:03 PM (dgnez)

39 Emmie Oakley at June 15, 2019 01:57 PM

Sounds enchanting. Some child needs a fairy garden with that plant.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:03 PM (BVQ+1)

40 And Caliban, I envy you the perennials.

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 02:05 PM (dgnez)

41 Caliban at June 15, 2019 01:59 PM

Sounds wonderful. What is barrenwort?

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:06 PM (BVQ+1)

42 When we first moved into our house, I had to weed the bedroom.

Bindweed.

Posted by: Emmie Oakley at June 15, 2019 02:08 PM (4HMW8)

43 Carnivorous climbing roses? Are those the ones with the extra-large, hooked thorns that always grab a chunk of skin?

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:08 PM (BVQ+1)

44 JTB at June 15, 2019 01:30 PM

I noticed that you were not struck by the desire to sketch the alligator.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:10 PM (BVQ+1)

45 Looked up barrenwort... also known as Horny
Goatweed.
That'd be my name for it. The old ways are the best, eh?

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 02:10 PM (dgnez)

46 Early blight on potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. Aargh! Weeding everything. Asparagus is done. Rest is looking good. Did I mention "the blight"?

Posted by: stonecutter at June 15, 2019 02:10 PM (Bfr22)

47 Kindltot at June 15, 2019 02:00 PM

Wish I had a mock orange to remind me of my grandparents. I think they had a different species, though.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:11 PM (BVQ+1)

48 stonecutter at June 15, 2019 02:10 PM

Noooooo. Will any of them survive? At least it's not late blight.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:12 PM (BVQ+1)

49 Half of the eggplants are done in. The potato harvest may be poor. The tomatoes may be ok.

Posted by: stonecutter at June 15, 2019 02:13 PM (Bfr22)

50 Big Porsche Big deck the ladies chose both....I can smell
Lillies from here.........!!!
Carniverous is only the start of it.

Posted by: saf at June 15, 2019 02:19 PM (5IHGB)

51 yep: those are matillija poppies... and yeah, they are invasive AF.

also apparently round up resistant. got them all over the front yard these days, whether i want them there or not.

http://www.matilijanursery.com/articles
/growing-matilija-poppies/

Posted by: redc1c4 at June 15, 2019 02:20 PM (Ci6sH)

52 Carnivorous climbing roses? Are those the ones with the extra-large, hooked thorns that always grab a chunk of skin?
Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:08 PM (BVQ+1)

Only five petals, red, with giant thorns and they will throw out canes that can grow 6 feet in a year and threaten to take over the front yard. Very old fashioned, but I do adore them.

Posted by: Kindltot at June 15, 2019 02:22 PM (hSQmw)

53 MarkY at June 15, 2019 02:10 PM

Barrenwort, Horny Goatweed . . . Sunset just calls them all Epimedium. Well, one is called "Bishop's Hat". I was surprised that there are several garden varieties. And species.

The scientific name of the genus reminds me of an orchid's name.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:22 PM (BVQ+1)

54 Narf

Posted by: Kindltot at June 15, 2019 02:23 PM (hSQmw)

55 Hola from WeaselAcres! Four glorious days with perfect weather. Mowed and cut back brush from the sides of the road. So far, so good - haven't broken any equipment or seriously injured myself.
Not sure if this belongs in the pet thread but I saw a yuuuuuge black bear yesterday. He was about 75 yards away digging something up in the grass.

Posted by: Weasel at June 15, 2019 02:24 PM (M0SFQ)

56 Willowed from overnight...

I'm up, but I don't know for how long. I wish I could see Mannix.
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at June 15, 2019 02:59 AM (13CQC)

Ah, a woman after my own heart!

But, at 2:59, wouldn't Mannix be over already?

Posted by: Ghost of Bob Crane at June 15, 2019 02:26 PM (jdWK0)

57 and the photo of that worthless Oberlin piece of flesh replaced the iris on the screen. Yikes!!

Posted by: None shall pass at June 15, 2019 01:23 PM (JdcHc)
---
it's not worthless: the current valuation is -$44 mil, plus lawyer's fees TBD.

Posted by: redc1c4 at June 15, 2019 02:27 PM (Ci6sH)

58 Not sure if this belongs in the pet thread but I saw a yuuuuuge black bear yesterday. He was about 75 yards away digging something up in the grass.

Posted by: Weasel at June 15, 2019 02:24 PM (M0SFQ)
---
maybe one of the bodies?

Posted by: redc1c4 at June 15, 2019 02:27 PM (Ci6sH)

59 Next year after tilling and before planting need to cover the ground to catch all the maple seeds, half the weeds in the garden are maple trees

Posted by: Skip at June 15, 2019 02:28 PM (BbGew)

60 redc
We have a neighborhood invader that a woman some years planted (then moved), called sweet autumn clematis (C. terniflora). Laughs at roundup.
I use a weedkiller with triclopyr in it, and it knocks it dead, and doesn't kill the grass.
But the seeds persist for three years, so...

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 02:28 PM (dgnez)

61 Temps have been cool in NoVA, even with a few hot days. Also good amount of rain. A native Dutchman's pipe somehow showed up a few years ago and I haven't been able to get rid of it. I have a few plants of Cobra's Eye iris and enjoyed them for two days before a day of rain reduced them to pulp. Earlier my azaleas didn't fare much better for the same reason. I am not quite at the "there's always next year yet" but not far.

Posted by: Lirio100 at June 15, 2019 02:29 PM (JK7Jw)

62 Thanks, kindltot. If I'd thought for a minute, I might have guessed it like KT.
My wife wants an arch over and in front of the yard hydrant, standing in the middle of the yard, draped in climbers. I'm SO reluctant.

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 02:31 PM (dgnez)

63
maybe one of the bodies?
Posted by: redc1c4 at June 15, 2019 02:27 PM (Ci6sH)
------
Well come to think of it...

Posted by: Weasel at June 15, 2019 02:31 PM (M0SFQ)

64 I have some volunteer black-eyed susans - usually I water occasionally, but this year that might make the house float away!

Posted by: Parker at June 15, 2019 02:36 PM (MFwf8)

65 MarkY, these were planted some time in the last century, but there are far nicer roses than these on the market. An arch would be wonderful if I had anywhere to put it.

My sister got bored a couple of years ago and took these roses all down to the ground, and they were back up in a couple of years, and are now a hazard again while I am mowing. A lot of the old houses and old farm houses especially have a rose thicket that started out as a rambling rose on the fence.

Posted by: Kindltot at June 15, 2019 02:36 PM (hSQmw)

66 50 saf
You have a deck on your Porsche? Must be the SUV.

Posted by: Le Garde Vieux at June 15, 2019 02:37 PM (swldI)

67 I wanted to put grapes on the arbor. But whenever I argue about something she really wants, the name Lorena Bobbit somehow comes up.

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 02:39 PM (dgnez)

68 And I think the pest is called a Lantern Fly, and have been killing as many that come near me as I can.

Posted by: Skip at June 15, 2019 02:40 PM (BbGew)

69 I thought having a Porsche compensated for not having a big deck...

Posted by: Parker at June 15, 2019 02:44 PM (MFwf8)

70 redc1c4 at June 15, 2019 02:27 PM

Just for you guys, I reduced the sized of her photo. So the iris should predominate now.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:44 PM (BVQ+1)

71 Skip at June 15, 2019 02:40 PM

We learned about those earlier. New pest, I guess.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:45 PM (BVQ+1)

72 Weasel at June 15, 2019 02:24 PM

If you plan on taking the bear home, he belongs in the pet thread. Otherwise, he was there for whatever was under the grass. Sounds like.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 02:46 PM (BVQ+1)

73 "How's June working' out for ya?"

I live in northeast Texas. The last 5 days have been extremely pleasant. For those of you that don't live in Texas, you think, "So what?" But, this is Texas. Pleasant temperatures on June 11-15? Unbelievable! It's almost like global warming....I mean, global cooling....I mean, the climate crisis is real! If this is a climate crisis, give me more.

Posted by: Anonymous White Male at June 15, 2019 02:48 PM (m79Dg)

74 I live in northeast Texas.
Anonymous White Male

Northeast Texas? What part of Missouri is that?
(Couldn't resist)

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 02:50 PM (dgnez)

75 Last year my sister had a bush that was covered by the thousands of Lantern Fly, no idea what I have but started seeing them weeks ago as tiny things but they are full size now.
They are black with white dots all over them.

Posted by: Skip at June 15, 2019 02:55 PM (BbGew)

76 Skip, sounds like Jap beetles to me.
Lanternfly seems to be a Pa. thing right now, but if this quarantine is as successful as every other quarantine I've ever seen... coming to a garden near you soon!

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 03:00 PM (dgnez)

77 Arf Arf! Critters thread up.

http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=381757

Posted by: mindful webworker - caturday link at June 15, 2019 03:01 PM (At/8G)

78 Coincidence? The San Diego Botanic Garden that Keena visited has The Invisible Hand's poppy featured for June.

https://www.sdbgarden.org/slideshow-6.htm

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 03:04 PM (BVQ+1)

79 Oh there not screaming Tora Tora Tora, those out front eating my Rhodies.
These little flies are triangular and only 1/4 inch

Posted by: Skip at June 15, 2019 03:10 PM (BbGew)

80 I did forget to mention last week the tent caterpillars were mild this year, only a couple of branches were infected. Last year really hit them as soon as I could so thinking that knocked them down in numbers.

Posted by: Skip at June 15, 2019 03:20 PM (BbGew)

81 Skip,
Hee. Ok.

Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 03:23 PM (dgnez)

82 Late to the party again, as usual. Just wanted to say the only thing grown here in the summer is cotton. Lots and lots of cotton. When the fields are cleared in about October, then it's lots and lots of lettuce. Texas Purple Sage does well all year. Seems to bloom whenever it feels like it. It's the only plant I have that the jackrabbits don't eat.

Posted by: AlmostYuman at June 15, 2019 03:50 PM (mrInr)

83 The excessive rain in these parts really is hindering the flowering plants in my containers. One would think that moisture would be great for them, maybe too much of a good thing? Also a few weeks ago it wasn't just wet, it was cold too.

Nothing like last year. The hummingbird mint seems to be taking its time coming up, the other perennial flowers look kind of puny...but at least I'm seeing pollinators, that's a good thing.

Posted by: kallisto at June 15, 2019 04:11 PM (kD8Fh)

84 That sapphire tower plant reminds me of the roses crafted of thin sheets of wood and then painted. What a unique color!

Posted by: kallisto at June 15, 2019 04:12 PM (kD8Fh)

85 Posted by: MarkY at June 15, 2019 02:28 PM (dgnez)
---
dually noted and thanks! i gotta go to Home Despot this weekend anyway, so i know what to look for.

Posted by: redc1c4 at June 15, 2019 04:13 PM (Ci6sH)

86 Next year after tilling and before planting need to cover the ground to catch all the maple seeds, half the weeds in the garden are maple trees

The soil needs to rest for at least a week anyway, right?

If you use clear plastic and it's sunny during that time, might help raise soil temp enough to kill some weed seeds too.

Win-win.

Oh, how I *do not* miss our elm trees!

Posted by: JQ at June 15, 2019 04:15 PM (gP/Z3)

87 Lirio100 at June 15, 2019 02:29 PM

Have you seen any Pipevine Swallowtails with your Dutchman's Pipe?

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 06:39 PM (BVQ+1)

88 AlmostYuman at June 15, 2019 03:50 PM

When you mention cotton, it reminds me that we have wasps visiting one of the kitties' watering bowls. They don't look friendly.

Posted by: KTbarthedoor at June 15, 2019 06:42 PM (BVQ+1)

89 Ktbarthedoor-look up homemade wasp traps using red solo cups, wasp bait, hamburger, and frontline flea preventative. Works great.

Posted by: S.lynn at June 16, 2019 01:01 AM (Z4HCe)

90 S.lynn at June 16, 2019 01:01 AM
Wasp traps. Thanks.

Red Solo Cups. The sign of a gardener.

Posted by: KT at June 16, 2019 10:38 AM (BVQ+1)

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