Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, Feb. 15

Hoping you are well and fully recovered.
We are up in northern Israel for the next few days, staying at our vacation home, and entertaining friends. Mrs. BD just adorned our table with the wild poppies we let grown on our back lawn.
Best regards from Jerusalem – er – northern Israel,
Biden’s Dog

Thanks. The flowers are gorgeous. They look kind of like Anemone Coronaria (Poppy Anemone) to me. "In 2013 Anemone coronaria was elected as the national flower of the State of Israel, in a poll arranged by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel."

I think that applies to the red form, but I love them all. Information on new hybrids and on history, mythology, etc. at the link.

They will grow from fall-planted tubers in mild parts of California, and can be inter-planted with violas, primroses or sweet alyssum.

One of the few potted flowers you can grow in red, white and blue.

Edible Gardening/Putting Things By

Hi Katy,
Because Israel is having a relatively arid winter so far, trees are budding and blossoming earlier than usual in the normally cooler mountainous areas, such as in the Jerusalem region.
Normally, almond trees begin to bloom in mid-end February. This year, the bloom began about a week or 2 ago.
Regards from Jerusalem,
Biden’s Dog

Beautiful.

Most of the almond orchards around here haven't bloomed yet. Local bees are mostly having to make do with rosemary and weeds.

I'm not sure if you can use these photos in your future posts - the squash, in particular, is a bit on the adult side - but if any of them can fit in with some future theme, you have my permission to use them as you please. I took all of these pictures myself, about 10-15 years ago, back when I was living in Pequot Lakes, Minne-snow-ta, a.k.a. "The Land of the Frozen Dead".
Please credit me as "Kenneth Zevo".

You're right. It doesn't help to complain about wintry weather. Impressive squashes!

Puttering

Tool to break logs of different lengths for the stove

[📹 kampyeri]pic.twitter.com/zqYjizkFeZ
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) January 26, 2025

Gardens of The Horde

This time of year, there isn't much to see in the garden. Here is a clematis puff, like a very fancy dandelion.
Miley

A VERY fancy dandelion puff. Great photo. Thanks.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

If you would like to send photos, stories, links, etc. for the Saturday Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, the address is:

ktinthegarden at g mail dot com

Remember to include the nic or name by which you wish to be known at AoSHQ, or let us know if you want to remain a lurker.

Links to Past Threads: I'm Back. Thanks to the COBS who filled in.

Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, Jan. 25

Feb. 1 The Gardening Thread (Misanthropic HumanitarianP

Feb. 8 The Gardening Thread (Misanthropic Humanitarian)

Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, Jan. 25

Comments are closed so you won't ban yourself by trying to comment on old threads. But don't try it anyway.

Looking forward:

Things to look forward to ♥️🌸💐🪴 pic.twitter.com/EPc8uMRK1P
— Garden Brocante (@GardenBrocante) January 27, 2025

Posted by: K.T. at 01:28 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Welcome back. Good to see you again.

Posted by: Don at February 15, 2025 01:31 PM (W5AfR)

2 Things are as they should be now - you're gettin' back in the saddle with style, grace, and class! Good on ya!

Posted by: Dr_No at February 15, 2025 01:33 PM (ayRl+)

3 Good afternoon Greenthumbs and Snow Birds
Was out picking up sticks and disappearing them, snowing and ground is getting covered.
I have a good load of leaves to get up before spring gets here

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 01:34 PM (fwDg9)

4 I canoodled

Posted by: I'm Gumby Damn It! at February 15, 2025 01:36 PM (w4nzS)

5 Half a foot of snow on the ground! So I appreciate the pic of zinnias.

Hang that squash off the bumper of your truck.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 15, 2025 01:37 PM (kpS4V)

6 Thanks. Added in Miley's clematis puff.

Posted by: KT at February 15, 2025 01:40 PM (xekrU)

7 KT, I'm so happy to see you're back. This is one of my favorite threads. The pictures are always lovely.

Posted by: huerfano at February 15, 2025 01:42 PM (n2swS)

8 Well, I have things blooming inside! My Thanksgiving cactus is back in bloom. All four African violets are in bloom. And best of all, my grocery store orchid is sending up a bloom spike! I'll send a picture when it goes into bloom.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 15, 2025 01:46 PM (o5+a9)

9 Oh, KT! That’s so nice. You shouldn't have. Hey, look at these flowers KT brought us!

Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2025 01:47 PM (jgmnb)

10 Glad you are back K.T.

It looks like the second freeze we gad did in a bunch of my tender perennial shrubs. Supposed to get another this coming week, so I'm trying to be good and wait to replace them.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 15, 2025 01:53 PM (lFFaq)

11 Here in ETex we are having something resembling a real winter; I wonder if our "coldest January EVAH!!!" actually had a record number of sub-freezing overnight lows. This coming week the forecast calls for an overnight low in the *teens* after a full day of rain. I will be shuffling critters to keep them from turning into ice cubes.

(NWS says 14, Weather Channel says 19, I say brrrr)

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 15, 2025 01:54 PM (Vqx30)

12 er, "warmest" January, according to presstitutes

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 15, 2025 01:58 PM (Vqx30)

13 Anyone like nashi (asian pears)? I do, very much. And I also like to try to propagate plants from seeds, with somewhat less than stellar results.

Anyway, the last time I bought nashi, I saved out some of the seeds. The fruit doesn't have very many of them and they're kind of funny-shaped. Like a corkscrewed teardrop.

They do need to be stratified, so I tossed them in a pot of dirt and tossed the pot in the fridge for several weeks, and then took them out and put the pot with my three cherry seedlings (also form storebought fruit).

Early this week I saw that the seed had sprouted. So I now have a nashi sprout, and there are just the tips of true leaves starting to come up between the cotyledons.

Since there's only one sprout, I'm trying to be very careful to not overwater it and give it some kind of rot.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at February 15, 2025 02:01 PM (B4OJl)

14 Good to see you back and posting, KT. Nice pictures and I felt good to see the wife of Biden's Dog lovely bouquet.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 15, 2025 02:01 PM (U403t)

15 Welcome back, Katy. Thanks for posting.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 15, 2025 02:08 PM (SRx3B)

16 Welcome back KT

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 15, 2025 02:08 PM (RIvkX)

17 11 Here in ETex we are having something resembling a real winter; I wonder if our "coldest January EVAH!!!" actually had a record number of sub-freezing overnight lows. This coming week the forecast calls for an overnight low in the *teens* after a full day of rain. I will be shuffling critters to keep them from turning into ice cubes.

(NWS says 14, Weather Channel says 19, I say brrrr)
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 15, 2025 01:54 PM (Vqx30)

"Here in ETex..."

Ha! Here I always assumed, based on your nic, that you were in Montana....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2025 02:09 PM (QGaXH)

18 We were so frustrated trying to grow green beans over the last couple of years - they were attacked by everything from deer to bugs to some kind of unidentified fungus - that we tried planting a few pots inside under sun lights this winter, and they are doing fine. The plants flowered, and some tiny beans are now in evidence.

One tiresome thing we do, but it's worth it, is we move our dozen or so pineapple plants indoors over the winter (and then move the pots back outside in the spring). The fruit can take years to mature, but it's so much sweeter and less tart than the stuff you grow in the grocery store, that we consider it well worth the effort. You have to be careful, though; maneuvering among those long, sharp leaves is like trying to walk through a squad of soldiers with leveled bayonets.

Posted by: Paco at February 15, 2025 02:11 PM (mADJX)

19 Thank you for the thread, KT. Glad to see you are recovering and able to post for us Morons...

Some day I'll get brave and send you a pic of our backyard here in So. Cal.

That day isn't today.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2025 02:11 PM (QGaXH)

20 Welcome back, KT. The table bouquet is so pretty and colorful. Thank you Biden's Dog and stay safe over there.

Posted by: AlmostYuman at February 15, 2025 02:13 PM (bj34f)

21 That squash looks like my nuts!

Posted by: Homer Simpson at February 15, 2025 02:14 PM (LPS7w)

22 Ground is covered if it's still not really measurable

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 02:15 PM (fwDg9)

23 KT,
Glad you are feeling well enough to post again.

Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2025 02:21 PM (yTvNw)

24 @ 21 That squash looks like my nuts!
______________________________

I knew a guy in college who had nuts like that - it was a pretty serious medical condition, and he needed crutches to walk.

Posted by: Dr_No at February 15, 2025 02:24 PM (ayRl+)

25 Welcome back, KT!

Here in SE Wisconsin, we're dealing with real winter weather for the first time in nearly two years. I've been busy pruning my grapes and fruit trees, and pouring over seed catalogues. Soon, I'll be planting the first spring greens in my cold frame. I'm reminded of that famous quotation from Rogers Hornsby: "People ask what I do during the winter, when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do: I stare out the window and wait for spring."

Concerning the photo of "weeds", that was some nice-looking arugula. It would go really well in a salad!

Posted by: Nemo at February 15, 2025 02:25 PM (S6ArX)

26 Certainly more snow here than awhile, last year nothing. But only had snow blower out once and thought it just would be a bit easier than shoveling

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 02:27 PM (fwDg9)

27 So nice to have you back, KT. Lovely pictures.

Posted by: scampydog at February 15, 2025 02:31 PM (41CYW)

28 Mrs. JTB and I were discussing growing more of our own veggies, although it won't be this year. Between the cost of produce and the diminishing quality of veggies in the stores, it's time to start planning. Our bodies aren't up to major digging in the ground but planters on trestles and the use of collapsing greenhouses should give enough (always assuming things work) for two older folks. Probably lettuce, tomatoes, summer squash, cukes, and herbs. It means making room for starting seeds indoors which will take some time but we do have the gear to grow seeds.

For this year we'll mostly use locally grown produce from the farmers market. A bit more expensive than the stores but fresher and tastier.

This is all in the dream stage right now but it should be doable. I'll post as things develop.

Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2025 02:36 PM (yTvNw)

29 From Boise area: Lows 7-28 F, highs 23-36. Boy it was cold Tues. through Thurs. - had to leave bathroom cabinets open and faucets dripping. That 7 degrees was probably the low for this entire winter. We had a few more inches of snow Thurs. and Fri. to add to last week's 6, but a week of warming, rain, and slop is predicted.

I bring my rosemary plant in for the winter, and so far it's surviving winter #2. I water that - I feed the birds - I think that's all for this week. Not much to say, except I too am grateful KT is back in the saddle!

Posted by: Pat* at February 15, 2025 02:37 PM (U9jv8)

30 Welcome back, KT, so good to see you here.

Please be diligent with the PT and OT. Prayers for a steady, and full recovery.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 15, 2025 02:38 PM (qMklK)

31 We're still trying to figure out how much garden we can grow, since my wife will not be helping much on the routine maintenance (read that as weeding).
We felt like the weed mats we used contributed to more fungal problems. We tend not to use pre-emergents because of the inability to plant late crops in those areas.
I think I'll use the rotation area as the late crop area, and use the pre-emergents.
I think she not having the garden to go out and putter in and pick would be a real depressant.

Posted by: MkY at February 15, 2025 02:39 PM (cPGH3)

32 Weather on the beach has finally gotten past freezing every night. Our lows will be back in the 40s next week.

The hummingbirds are full throttle on my neighbors' feeder. They have a little heating lamp attached to the bottom to keep the sugar water from freezing. They are such territorial little finks!

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 15, 2025 02:40 PM (qMklK)

33 Definitely looking forward to the glory of zinnias!

Here at Publius Acres, it's been colder than I'm used to. Thankfully, we had a respite of almost a week, with temps reading in the 70s. One day it hit 80 and I had to wear shorts!

Now it's cold and rainy, and this week temps are going back under freezing at night. Ugh, maybe even into the teens.

There are leaf buds all over the clematis. Precocious little buggers. I was examining it a few weeks ago and accidentally broke off a stem, so I put it in a tiny vase. It's sprouted leaves. I'll get a pic and send it in.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at February 15, 2025 02:41 PM (w6EFb)

34 This weather so far has been colder, snowier and with more ice than we've had the last few years. Not horrible but tiresome. Anybody else tired of this winter and REALLY looking forward to spring? (This won't stop me from griping about the heat and humidity in August.) This is probably a bit behind our thoughts for starting seeds and growing herbs indoors, like I mentioned above. I used to love winter. Not so much anymore.

Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2025 02:48 PM (yTvNw)

35 That log splityer tool makes it look WAAYYY too easy!

Posted by: wifey of ShainS at February 15, 2025 02:48 PM (9anEi)

36 This weather so far has been colder, snowier and with more ice than we've had the last few years. Not horrible but tiresome. Anybody else tired of this winter and REALLY looking forward to spring?

Yes, the terrible weather really limits what you can do. Not just outdoor activities, but it leaves me with little interest in traveling anywhere as well

I have noticed its been bad enough the leftists I know have stopped complaining about global warming.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 02:50 PM (t0Rmr)

37 KT, so good to see you back. I hope you are recovering well and that you continue to grow stronger. You were very much missed here.

Posted by: bluebell at February 15, 2025 02:54 PM (79pEw)

38 Buckle up, JTB - looks like we have the possibility of a lot of snow next Wednesday and Thursday! I myself like the cold and the snow as long as we have sunshine, and we have had a good deal this winter.

That doesn't mean I won't enjoy spring when it comes, though!

Posted by: bluebell at February 15, 2025 02:55 PM (79pEw)

39 Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2025 02:36 PM (yTvNw)

I'd recommend raised beds. My brother used two by tens and made 4'x12' raised beds that were 20" deep. Got a few scoops of geocomp, and wow, that is very productive! Everything grows bigger than it would out in the garden. I got red wigglers and enhanced with coffee grounds and crushed eggshells to make them happy.

It's concentrated space at a convenient height. Minimal maintenance once it's set up. You can mount trellises for beans or whatnot.

I actually use tomato cages for the green peppers, because they become heavy with fruit and start to fall over.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at February 15, 2025 02:56 PM (w6EFb)

40 >>>Minne-snow-ta

Ha!

Posted by: m at February 15, 2025 03:03 PM (v0TzN)

41 Happy Gay Pride Valintines Day to everyone .

Posted by: Mary Clogginstein from Brattleboro, Vt at February 15, 2025 03:05 PM (FDlb9)

42 38 ... "Buckle up, JTB - looks like we have the possibility of a lot of snow next Wednesday and Thursday!"

Hi bluebell,
Year, we heard that weather report. We just make sure we have the needed groceries on hand and plan to sit it out until the snow and ice lessen. It's a good excuse for lots of reading time.

Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2025 03:09 PM (yTvNw)

43 KT

I'm so happy to hear you are home and on the mend. You've been in my prayers.

Posted by: CaliGirl at February 15, 2025 03:12 PM (dyGWr)

44 I went to a seed swap last week. Dropped off the stuff I'd decided not to use. This will be a good group of people to work with.

One of the women said sheeas raw okra! They have to be very small. Made me think of Miley.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 15, 2025 03:13 PM (o5+a9)

45 The red poppies are beautiful, I've only seen the yellow ones we have here.

Posted by: CaliGirl at February 15, 2025 03:15 PM (dyGWr)

46 39 ... "I'd recommend raised beds."

Miley,
Thanks for those suggestions. I'm going to save the comment and others that come out on the thread. Since we won't be doing this this season, I'm going to start a notebook of just this kind of info to help with planning. Definitely raised beds but also what and how to grow, soil enhancements, and so on. We are willing to spend a bit to do it right since this isn't a money saving move but a way to get better produce for our taste and in amounts we can use fresh.

I will be looking into heirloom types just because they sound tastier and more interesting.

Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2025 03:18 PM (yTvNw)

47 I'm going to go hunt for chanterelles tomorrow and see if I can find some. I will definitely take some pics if I see any.

We catch people stealing them, I hope they didn't steal them all.

Last year I must've picked about 50 pounds of them.

Posted by: CaliGirl at February 15, 2025 03:18 PM (dyGWr)

48 Last year I must've picked about 50 pounds of them.
Posted by: CaliGirl

Chanterelles are my favorites! And it is so fun to forage and bring them home and sauté with some garlic and bacon!

Morels are good too, but usually you only find them after a fire.

Good luck!

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 15, 2025 03:21 PM (AtpZ0)

49 If you are doing raised beds, reconsider doing heirlooms. They weren't bred for smaller gardens. That is why I went with a different seed company, Renee's Garden, because they specialize in smaller gardens. And they have some nice European varieties.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at February 15, 2025 03:31 PM (o5+a9)

50 48 ... "Morels are good too"

Our late next door neighbors (we miss them) had family in southern Indiana and morels grew on the family property. They came back with quite a few after visiting and shared them with us. Lightly battered and sauteed. So delicious and generous.

It's a nice memory.

Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2025 03:31 PM (yTvNw)

51
Morels are good too, but usually you only find them after a fire.

Good luck!
Posted by: nurse ratched at February 15, 2025 03:21 PM (AtpZ0)

I wish I knew where to find morels! I love the chanterelles too, they are so good.
They get harder to cut because they're up really steep hills in poison oak. I get all the easy ones and leave the ones that my fitness tracker clocks as 50 flights for the thieves.
Someone told me not to pick them all or else you won't get any the next year.

Posted by: CaliGirl at February 15, 2025 03:32 PM (dyGWr)

52 PET NOOD IS UP

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 03:32 PM (fwDg9)

53 49 ... "If you are doing raised beds, reconsider doing heirlooms. They weren't bred for smaller gardens. That is why I went with a different seed company, Renee's Garden, because they specialize in smaller gardens. And they have some nice European varieties."

Thanks Notso,
Just the kind of info I want to include in our plans.

Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2025 03:33 PM (yTvNw)

54 FeatherBlade at February 15, 2025 02:01 PM

Growing new fruit varieties from seed can be a challenge. You might consider grafting a branch from your seedling to a tree of a known variety. Asian pear seedlings may produce gritty fruit (on average).

Posted by: KT at February 15, 2025 03:44 PM (xekrU)

55 Glad to see you back, KT.

Posted by: tankdemon at February 15, 2025 04:19 PM (zw3h9)

56 Good to have you back KT. Some lovely photos, as always.

Posted by: The Pilot at February 15, 2025 05:59 PM (M+4Y9)

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