Gardening, Home and Nature Thread, Sept. 20

Rose 'Don Juan'

I was gone for a while in the spring, and missed a lot of spring flowers from Don in Kansas. Here are a few from Prime Time in his garden. More at the link.

The garden is at its most colorful now. Here are some recent snapshots.

Dianthus trio

Linum narbonense

"It's not spring without poppies"

Are you getting a list ready for next year?

Fall Decor

Photos requested from Victor Tango Kilo

So wonderful!

Ah, Nature

Some kind of berries seen on a hike. I don't know what this is.
- fd

Got a guess?

A Red Buckeye seen on the trail.
- fd

Fun!

Plant Math

Decoding the Mathematical Secrets of Leaf Patterns

Gardens of The Horde

Anything happening in your garden, yard or neighborhood? Doing fall decor?

Here's an azalea from 40 Miles North

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

If you would like to send photos, stories, links, etc. for the Saturday Gardening 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.

Week in Review

What has changed since last week's thread? Gardening, Home and Nature Thread, Sept. 13

Any thoughts or questions?

I closed the comments on this post so you wouldn't get banned for commenting on a week-old post, but don't try it anyway.

Posted by: K.T. at 01:40 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Good afternoon Greenthumbs

Posted by: Skip at September 20, 2025 01:44 PM (+qU29)

2 Poppieeeeees! Poppieeeeeeees will put them to sleeeeeeep!

Posted by: Wicked Witch of the West at September 20, 2025 01:46 PM (TbWk/)

3 Is Victor Tango Kilo's home a former chapel? All that stained glass is beautiful!

I lived in a Philadelphia brownstone that had been converted to apartments. Mine was the second floor, and had a stained glass bay window complete with seat.

then I moved to a synagogue that had been converted to condos. No stained glass there, though.

Posted by: kallisto at September 20, 2025 01:46 PM (dCxaZ)

4 Did pick a 2nd Anaheim pepper so something Mexican style food tomorrow, not sure what.
Mostly puttering, finishing painting the bathroom walls.
Took off accessories and found a 1987 newspaper under the mirror cabinet. We didn't move here until 1993

Posted by: Skip at September 20, 2025 01:47 PM (+qU29)

5 Ulysses S. Grant knew all about gardening - had the most resplendent garden premiered in Philadelphia during his tenure as President.

Posted by: exonfixer_94 at September 20, 2025 01:48 PM (8Xy/A)

6 Speaking of roses...

Can I replant my two dead rose bushes this week?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo [Flying the American Flag!] at September 20, 2025 01:49 PM (n9ltV)

7 Yes. I just planted a rose last week

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 20, 2025 01:51 PM (kUxzU)

8 The big trick will be protecting roses from winter weather. But there should be enough time for them to put down roots before it gets too cold.

Nothing seems to phase my Alba rose.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 20, 2025 01:53 PM (kUxzU)

9 I need to get out and transplant some of the things in my big pots. We have a little spell of cooler and wetter weather.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 20, 2025 01:55 PM (kUxzU)

10 If I tried growing opium poppies I'd probably get fentanyl.

Posted by: commissar of plenty and festive little hats at September 20, 2025 01:57 PM (EUDKb)

11 Google Lens says berries are winged sumac. Leaves look consistent. Probably the only other real use for the Internet besides cate videos.

Posted by: JSpicy at September 20, 2025 02:01 PM (V73x6)

12 ..and cat videos.

Posted by: JSpicy at September 20, 2025 02:02 PM (V73x6)

13 Victor Tango Kilo, you have staibed glass windows?
Wow!
And I love your home altar

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at September 20, 2025 02:04 PM (eZ5tL)

14 Thanks JSpicy! That looks right. The region is right and:

"Rhus copallinum fruits ripen between the autumn months of August and October and last through winter"

And thanks KT for posting my pics!

Posted by: fd at September 20, 2025 02:07 PM (vFG9F)

15 Huh.

"Winged sumac,shining sumac, dwarf sumac or flameleaf sumac, is a species of flowering plant in the cashew family"

Posted by: fd at September 20, 2025 02:08 PM (vFG9F)

16 Google Lens is great for plant and bug identification. Even after 10 years in Texas the family still gathers round for "WTF is that!" identification.

Posted by: JSpicy at September 20, 2025 02:10 PM (V73x6)

17 I had counted on buckwheat to supplement the fall feed for my bees.
Deer have taken them all out. Not a few, not most, all!
Gonna expand the deer fence next year to include the entire front pasture, including the garden and orchard.
3 acres, + or -.
And we're gonna slaughter does this year. Earn-a-buck. Gotta kill a doe first.
Garden is about done. Stick getting okra, a few mates, peppers and zukes.
Don has an eye, don't he?

Posted by: MkY at September 20, 2025 02:11 PM (cPGH3)

18 15 Huh.

"Winged sumac,shining sumac, dwarf sumac or flameleaf sumac, is a species of flowering plant in the cashew family"

Posted by: fd at September 20, 2025 02:08 PM (vFG9F)
___________________

Hmmm...that kind of makes sense. The warnings against eating raw cashews indicate a poison called urushiol is present, and some warnings suggest roasting them twice just to get rid of the toxin. Urushiol is a toxin that causes delayed skin irritation reactions. Sound familiar?

Posted by: Orson at September 20, 2025 02:19 PM (dIske)

19 went to Longwood for members evening last night and came back with TOO MANY half-off (plus member discount!) houseplants

including new orchid lol

getting a little crazy with the orchids hereabouts

Posted by: Black Orchid at September 20, 2025 02:20 PM (FHttA)

20 Rose “Don Juan” (name from the linked site)

It's so beautiful.
It's what Delta Dawn would've had on!

Posted by: m at September 20, 2025 02:21 PM (aURVT)

21 For those wondering, our house used to be a Presbyterian church

Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 20, 2025 02:21 PM (TyxKF)

22 Don in Kansas takes some beautiful
photos. It lifts my spirits to see them.

And I love the stained glass windows of Victor , as well as his very nice Fall decorations.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 20, 2025 02:21 PM (lQ+/f)

23 21 For those wondering, our house used to be a Presbyterian church

it's lovely VTK

and kallisto those sound like awesome apartments!

Posted by: Black Orchid at September 20, 2025 02:24 PM (FHttA)

24 19 went to Longwood for members evening last night and came back with TOO MANY half-off (plus member discount!) houseplants

including new orchid lol

getting a little crazy with the orchids hereabouts
Posted by: Black Orchid at September 20, 2025 02:20 PM (FHttA)
_______________________________

I miss Longwood. I used to live well within driving distance and enjoyed the visits (especially around the Holidays for their special Christmas events).

Posted by: Orson at September 20, 2025 02:26 PM (dIske)

25 21 For those wondering, our house used to be a Presbyterian church
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 20, 2025 02:21 PM (TyxKF)

It looks like a great place to sit and read.

Posted by: m at September 20, 2025 02:27 PM (aURVT)

26 Can definitely confirm the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in Western NY have flown the coop to Costa Rico....

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at September 20, 2025 02:28 PM (i49OE)

27 From Boise area: lows 48-63 F, highs 73-88. Dug final 4 pots of fingerling potatoes, 3 of Russet Burbanks, 3 of Yukon Gold. Finished cutting and freezing Elberta peach pieces. Pressed a first batch of Seckel pears and froze the juice. First Warren pears are dropping off tree. Cortland apple tree was stripped, and fruit is in the process of becoming applesauce.

I'm still picking green beans, but have started pulling out plants killed by bean rust. Sun Gold tomatoes have slowed down, but paste and slicing tomatoes are still producing. The yellow zucchini is still producing as well. Looks like the butternut squashes will have time to ripen.

Neighbors across the street are having us (and others) plunder their garden while they're gone for this last month before frost. On our first visit, we took a cucumber and some red raspberries. Next time, I'll test their tomatoes and grapes again for ripeness, and cut a basil plant or two so I can dry the leaves.

Husband found some baby snakes, and 2 praying mantises, in the backyard!

Posted by: Pat* at September 20, 2025 02:29 PM (To138)

28 great update Pat!

I'm down to random tomatoes and strawberries ... plus the peppers and beans and lettuces just keep going seems like

I've stopped worrying about the deer in the garden so my poor hostas are back to barren lol

they always come back fine and this little deer family has charmed me ... I'm putting oats out for them already, the twin fawns are way too cute

I know it's wrong!!! they are so cute tho

Posted by: Black Orchid at September 20, 2025 02:32 PM (FHttA)

29 Well, I guess it's officially dec gourd season.

tinyurl.com/decgourd

Posted by: scottst at September 20, 2025 02:38 PM (Ukxtq)

30 Haven't been to Longwoid in over 20 years. Been thete a few times at Christmas and spring.

Posted by: Skip at September 20, 2025 02:39 PM (+qU29)

31 and kallisto those sound like awesome apartments!

The one with stained glass was on S. Broad St…front row seats to the Mummers!

The synagogue was in Queen Village on 2nd street

Posted by: Kallisto at September 20, 2025 02:41 PM (C+B8Q)

32 I have a lamp just like that one on the "fall decor" sideboard, under the painting. It's so cool!

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 20, 2025 02:45 PM (w6EFb)

33 Those stained glass windows have given me a serious case of envy.

I need to go pray.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 20, 2025 02:46 PM (w6EFb)

34 getting a little crazy with the orchids hereabouts

I haven’t yet been to Longwood to view their expanded collections.

I have six orchids…5 acquired at Produce Junction, one a birthday present from last year.
The tiny one was 3.50, the most I paid for the normal size was $7.00.

Those poor orchids have been through so much with me, but they are still hanging in there!

Posted by: Kallisto at September 20, 2025 02:48 PM (C+B8Q)

35 Lots of different species of sumac with those red berries.

In Kansas we have fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) that is a shrub species that usually ranges from about 4-8 feet tall.

Those berries are not a top choice snack for the wildlife, and they are pretty well attached even after the plant has gone dormant for winter. Consequently, they are a good "emergency" food for wildlife when it is bitter cold and there is heavy snow cover. The animals and birds can still easily locate and eat the sumac berries during those tough conditions.

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at September 20, 2025 02:54 PM (HlyYF)

36 Dug final 4 pots of fingerling potatoes,

Love me some fingerling potatoes. I bet the homegrown are excellent!

Posted by: kallisto at September 20, 2025 02:55 PM (C+B8Q)

37 JSpicy, hope you'll make it to this year's TX MoMee.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at September 20, 2025 02:55 PM (ULPxl)

38 >>> 26 Can definitely confirm the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in Western NY have flown the coop to Costa Rico....
Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at September 20, 2025 02:28 PM (i49OE)

My mom has a feeder right outside her window and has not seen any in a few days now, even though it's still in the low 90s.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at September 20, 2025 02:58 PM (ULPxl)

39 21 For those wondering, our house used to be a Presbyterian church

Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 20, 2025 02:21 PM

Beautiful!

P.S. Our "Presbyterian" church also used to be a Presbyterian church.

(I apologize for the politics in the Gardening Thread, but my comment was made due to ripeness.)

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at September 20, 2025 02:58 PM (HlyYF)

40 Many years thought a trip to Longwood at Christmas as a reporter for the Garden Thread would be neat, of course a good camera would be needed

Posted by: Skip at September 20, 2025 02:59 PM (+qU29)

41 Many years thought a trip to Longwood at Christmas as a reporter for the Garden Thread would be neat, of course a good camera would be needed

Or you could just do a vlog, taking a stroll through the displays. Smartphones are equipped with pretty good cameras.

Posted by: kallisto at September 20, 2025 03:03 PM (C+B8Q)

42 Not good. Stay safe, everyone:

https://t.co/S9WAQx6og3

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at September 20, 2025 03:06 PM (jIIXc)

43 Great shots, Prime Time!

Posted by: 40 Miles North at September 20, 2025 03:07 PM (EaLNz)

44 26 Can definitely confirm the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in Western NY have flown the coop to Costa Rico....
Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at September 20, 2025 02:28 PM (i49OE)

Our guys are consuming enormous amounts of sugar water. I've never seen more than four at a time. We have a total of 8 feeders and a 2 pint batch doesn't last a week.

Last year they left on October 10. The weather is still 80s and 60s at night.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 20, 2025 03:10 PM (w6EFb)

45 I'm still battling the massive invasion of Spotted Lantern Flies. They're everywhere. It's like a plague. Come into the house and find that there are two or three stuck on your back.

Posted by: IrishEi at September 20, 2025 03:11 PM (3ImbR)

46 There were a ton of lantern flies in SA PA when I was there in the summer of 2018 (nothing here in upstate SC currently). They're horrible. Where are you located?

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 20, 2025 03:14 PM (w6EFb)

47 There were a ton of lantern flies in SA PA when I was there in the summer of 2018 (nothing here in upstate SC currently). They're horrible. Where are you located?
Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 20, 2025 03:14 PM (w6EFb)
~~~~~

I'm in central coastal NJ. We had a few last year, but nothing at all like this.

Posted by: IrishEi at September 20, 2025 03:14 PM (3ImbR)

48 A thunderstorm is approaching, so I think I'll relocate to the screen porch. I do love the energy in the air.

Publius' cousin, the retired NWS guy, always used to send email updates and warn about going inside when there's lightning within 10 miles.

I miss him.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 20, 2025 03:16 PM (w6EFb)

49 Is there any way to combat them? I know they're hell on agriculture. There's some kind of tree that that like, IIRC. Was it for procreation? I forget, it's been 7 years since then.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 20, 2025 03:18 PM (w6EFb)

50 48 A thunderstorm is approaching, so I think I'll relocate to the screen porch. I do love the energy in the air.

Publius' cousin, the retired NWS guy, always used to send email updates and warn about going inside when there's lightning within 10 miles.

I miss him.
Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 20, 2025 03:16 PM (w6EFb)
I got struck by lightning in Saluda S.C. with nary a drop of rain and hardly a cloud in sight.

Posted by: Eromero at September 20, 2025 03:19 PM (LHPAg)

51 Didn't see much of Lantern Flys this year, certainly kill with extreme prejudice when I do.

Posted by: Skip at September 20, 2025 03:25 PM (+qU29)

52 Posted by: Eromero at September 20, 2025 03:19 PM (LHPAg)

There you go!

So what was it like?

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 20, 2025 03:25 PM (w6EFb)

53 got within 100 feet of a lightning strike on a transformer pole

Posted by: Skip at September 20, 2025 03:34 PM (+qU29)

54 Beautiful pictures Don. I especially like the Blue Flax.

Posted by: Pilot at September 20, 2025 03:36 PM (M+4Y9)

55 PET NOOD

Posted by: Skip at September 20, 2025 03:37 PM (+qU29)

56 52 Posted by: Eromero at September 20, 2025 03:19 PM (LHPAg)

There you go!

So what was it like?
Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 20, 2025 03:25 PM (w6EFb)
Dynamic.

Posted by: Eromero at September 20, 2025 03:43 PM (LHPAg)

57 All the pictures are beautiful but the deep dark red rose is my favorite.
Black Orchid: the little family of deer you have officially adopted by feeding them. They remember.

Posted by: AlmostYuman at September 20, 2025 05:58 PM (bj34f)

58 Love all of the flower photos and I think the red rose is my favorite.

I am stunned at the beautiful stained glass windows and what a lovely home, I love it. The fall decor is really pretty and I think I'm looking forward to fall.

I have some chrysanthemums that I bought at the dollar store and they're still going strong in clay pots. I was pinching the flowers and I was going to have them bloom now but I got tired of doing that so no fall color. But they're alive. I didn't think they'd bloom again after they got smoked by frost.

Posted by: CaliGirl at September 21, 2025 12:56 PM (vZUXb)

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