tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63570352873487075482024-03-18T08:31:13.828-04:00Plants and StonesBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954826148369517031noreply@blogger.comBlogger2121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-23304714599704312202024-02-29T09:43:00.000-05:002024-02-29T09:43:09.025-05:00Spring Ahead<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheVYLhtjUPPkocBS9xQCXjyRQKHuD9VPitjwyFiwGE_o02dRBlAXsazyrBUHQ1t2Z_ribov8ZQpsocGwXiCPinB3scVNBol9F6ByQGoVeOgKC0lK2SAclNOKuKo7nCMSBkjhFdcOInwgVa92e2NR_7c1DPOS0aO2i9EnoEaWqByq1DMhBR0dwRKex4Z8x/s4000/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheVYLhtjUPPkocBS9xQCXjyRQKHuD9VPitjwyFiwGE_o02dRBlAXsazyrBUHQ1t2Z_ribov8ZQpsocGwXiCPinB3scVNBol9F6ByQGoVeOgKC0lK2SAclNOKuKo7nCMSBkjhFdcOInwgVa92e2NR_7c1DPOS0aO2i9EnoEaWqByq1DMhBR0dwRKex4Z8x/w400-h300/IMG_0514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Slate grey juncos have been replaced with bluebirds and cardinals. Winter aconite is a welcome bit of color on this last day of February.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZM7m6RxnoKzG0ABFapzzPLAWLYSQr3Ssp1IcU2iwzKbP-7RPvJvfpFEXrw2xm3ZTHsFKV4pQ9WWksMxNZyoOWPLDDpTY87VyPAr14UlY5SGoHv7wKa4dTrAKQ-9QDDUcSS_xonrQP60kLxmwml6-bDYFMGNASQgn8VxFTnMpjCxaTunOuYb36w9D4tiV/s4000/IMG_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZM7m6RxnoKzG0ABFapzzPLAWLYSQr3Ssp1IcU2iwzKbP-7RPvJvfpFEXrw2xm3ZTHsFKV4pQ9WWksMxNZyoOWPLDDpTY87VyPAr14UlY5SGoHv7wKa4dTrAKQ-9QDDUcSS_xonrQP60kLxmwml6-bDYFMGNASQgn8VxFTnMpjCxaTunOuYb36w9D4tiV/w400-h300/IMG_0527.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This year I think I need a garden apprentice who would work with me in exchange for plants. Where would I find someone like that these days?<p></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954826148369517031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-24752544889763249222023-10-22T14:50:00.004-04:002023-10-22T14:54:16.239-04:00Our Retirement Home<p> My late forties were filled with reading about really rural living. At age fifty we purchased thirty-six acres that were once part of a one hundred thirty acre farm. Bordering on the Unadilla River, some rich river bottom land kept the farm functioning for many decades. Other land included interesting glacial deposits and some bedrock ridge. Neither the glacial land forms nor the ridge were of much use for farming and prior to our arrival all of the good land had been sold as building lots or summer camps. We bought what no one else wanted. For us the land was perfect. Only a forty foot wide section gave us access to the road. <a href="https://stonewallgarden.blogspot.com/2008/10/just-one-more.html">The rest of our land opened up to a very private and peaceful location.</a></p><p>Early in our time here a coyote moved toward us descending the steep edge of our kame terrace. When it became aware of our presence, it turned around and shot back up the hill. A short time later it reappeared crawling on its belly to get a look at the new strangers. An area of the bedrock ridge included a substantial area that was filled with huge chunks of broken ridge that served as home for the group of coyotes. A recent purchase of that land became a camp for gun lovers. Many weekends were filled with the noise of gunshots as these people blasted away firing toward the area the coyotes called home. The coyotes left.</p><p>The area near our new home became the location of our gardens. Meadow weeds were mower cut creating a large area of animal friendly food. When we were active here the deer were occasional guests feeding and sleeping. Age has now limited our ability to spend time in the garden. The deer are presently frequent visitors. Newly born fawns have been seen here. Watching the youngsters grow is a nearly daily activity. One super mom usually has twins.</p><p>Two days ago we returned home to find one of this year's fawns on the neighbor's ground near the road. It was not all busted up but it was dead. Today my lawn tractor and its trailer were used to remove the carcass. I decided to place it in the tall weeds that border our mown field. A group of crows had today expanded the rear vent feeding on fresh meat. What to do with the deer? By placing it within sight of our home, we will watch nature take its course. Mature bald eagles inhabit this area and we are hopeful that one might stop by for a meal. If any coyotes still frequent this area, they would likely feed after dark but we have previously seen their work several times. Now we wait. This might sound weird to many but why waste a chance to see and learn. Waste nothing. Use everything<a href="https://stonewallgarden.blogspot.com/2012/07/too-close-for-comfort.html">. In 2012 coyote pups were close to the house.</a> Surely they would be adults by now we would love to see them especially from inside the house watching through the window!</p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-65562037329985616432023-03-18T18:01:00.000-04:002023-03-18T18:01:12.691-04:00After The Storm<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzNF3E90vDrINr5134U--BVVwCZ5bWrUuxZHyi-jQYrOqmWj404_r-72ghLanj9J8kByDVKgeHH242_l260VZaX6v5YVX4I5bWj8nkuMAcZVPBuMZNaMhmF3ZMicKddOfLumm4fgfjo5XcGd_fqhoSGaiE8RvEXcUbueLfLY4pE_VhCJ1_7KVVx8s/s4000/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzNF3E90vDrINr5134U--BVVwCZ5bWrUuxZHyi-jQYrOqmWj404_r-72ghLanj9J8kByDVKgeHH242_l260VZaX6v5YVX4I5bWj8nkuMAcZVPBuMZNaMhmF3ZMicKddOfLumm4fgfjo5XcGd_fqhoSGaiE8RvEXcUbueLfLY4pE_VhCJ1_7KVVx8s/w400-h300/IMG_0412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>In many ways our retirement land is perfectly suited to us. The recent snow storm dumped enough on us that the man with the truck mounted plow was asked to plow us out. To our West, Norwich had about one half as much snow as we did. To our East more than twice as much snow buried cars. The return of above freezing temperatures and bright sunlight is exposing some ground. Winter Aconites are not native here but their bright yellow flowers peeking out from the snow has earned them considerable space in our gardens.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNm5K-xvnsY8J6m3dtyoS-SO8n0EexV9meiWmc4JjS7j5Wl7_RDS3cjselruTLzE_-5T4ggcMlgW_PMdw-BG-NdqPE3dbmPLA-GLFHi5TmmwsSFaXAynOTTSDgUlKCV1k1WPQvk17Ct5J5xVS7XVp6moSr0oBU0vLnX60t3Z758Orq-oTjdkBxf04/s4000/IMG_0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNm5K-xvnsY8J6m3dtyoS-SO8n0EexV9meiWmc4JjS7j5Wl7_RDS3cjselruTLzE_-5T4ggcMlgW_PMdw-BG-NdqPE3dbmPLA-GLFHi5TmmwsSFaXAynOTTSDgUlKCV1k1WPQvk17Ct5J5xVS7XVp6moSr0oBU0vLnX60t3Z758Orq-oTjdkBxf04/w400-h300/IMG_0415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>White flowered Snow Drops are also not native here but they hold a great deal of space in our gardens. Some of them are still covered with snow. The heart shaped leaves belong to what we see as a persistent weed.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRp_2rlMF-YHv9lWIqyFyCxumY5OKp5Ob0apqAfd5F0gChbVRvPryPl81fay2cOdVTdeijgVjpAUJTKixQJaRIc7fUmmp0Xnfdlm-hWRRS98wZVFJaCxO0KMa_uB-UPnCpA4tMjL7BMYOe4PgfTQ36CmGXf-qm24SOW87Sfe2fLEDrMK6KiM5TZVb/s4000/IMG_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRp_2rlMF-YHv9lWIqyFyCxumY5OKp5Ob0apqAfd5F0gChbVRvPryPl81fay2cOdVTdeijgVjpAUJTKixQJaRIc7fUmmp0Xnfdlm-hWRRS98wZVFJaCxO0KMa_uB-UPnCpA4tMjL7BMYOe4PgfTQ36CmGXf-qm24SOW87Sfe2fLEDrMK6KiM5TZVb/w400-h300/IMG_0416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>These Bluets have presented challenges to us for decades. These grew in a friend's lawn downhill from the septic system. No surface discharge was ever seen but the ground there was always moist. The Bluets took and held considerable space among the lawn grass. Ours were transplanted just inside of the stone wall that defined our shade garden. They did not find our garden soil suitable but their seeds did take root in a depression in a wall stone. Our deer herd found them edible so a wire cage covers and protects these remaining plants.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMW3Iiphqs6H2wS19PELS5nqrJRshxNFsdhnYrVn6xlK_l7bhz7TO1wQGVjLP_h0U_U0miUQPeWBJZfsQY67MrzZ9y2Fpl4TsGSVlPzH_s47hHEsM7Z6_PUTP9OK-ueumHa9WUwFhKlfeY-MnKPLO4oAQ9E0cTnT-axOXCLOtAa8A9UDZyK0kQSWF/s4000/IMG_0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMW3Iiphqs6H2wS19PELS5nqrJRshxNFsdhnYrVn6xlK_l7bhz7TO1wQGVjLP_h0U_U0miUQPeWBJZfsQY67MrzZ9y2Fpl4TsGSVlPzH_s47hHEsM7Z6_PUTP9OK-ueumHa9WUwFhKlfeY-MnKPLO4oAQ9E0cTnT-axOXCLOtAa8A9UDZyK0kQSWF/w300-h400/IMG_0417.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>When our daughter moved to NYC, one of the public gardens featured a gentle sloped lawn that was home for many Magnolia trees. When they were in bloom she would spread out under the trees for a scented and beautiful quiet experience. The source of our Magnolia tree was a nursery near Canandaigua Lake. It is among the plants that form their flower buds in the Fall. Our deer find these buds tasty and would eat them all if we failed to surround this tree with a fence and numerous wire cages. Some try to walk on the tops of the cages when snow cover is present. Their hooves fall in the spaces between the wires and the deer are denied this meal. We have the promise of numerous sweetly scented blossoms when Spring is reliably here. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOnpfF8pNlWPtebh9b2CpvmWLLZF3wpWZ-MBaUyZdnsFxoTDmGzH3q9ZrDR8GmO1H7knqOFDYNRyZFh6ZVF7tv03G1sxzVans7sasIzxokf80ps32YhOUYCtqcFzdAr65B-ZjRe4FK8UWXu2_yQigu9nyTnbLxPWYeT34bVyY701E_jJr7ZR48f5-/s4000/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOnpfF8pNlWPtebh9b2CpvmWLLZF3wpWZ-MBaUyZdnsFxoTDmGzH3q9ZrDR8GmO1H7knqOFDYNRyZFh6ZVF7tv03G1sxzVans7sasIzxokf80ps32YhOUYCtqcFzdAr65B-ZjRe4FK8UWXu2_yQigu9nyTnbLxPWYeT34bVyY701E_jJr7ZR48f5-/w400-h300/IMG_0420.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Much of what we have features things built with our abundant field stones. A sizeable patio fills an area at the West end of our house. This Thyme was intended to fill the cracks between the stones but now it covers the patio from end to end. When it is in bloom bees feed here in huge numbers.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SJVhmSAI8lAzzbRaP2PEIZmh0eBIJs0h8alAjPMP-GoPFzhcgQ5IqRLWtO_eTQf3dt1D3XUbkuLIdpo8mqkeMjVx2Z-a8G1_E2ALPACzVEavzpiOL7J2_47WbSo0W-X0smEXgJu4L0Wo7JnlkmrAsnkrawPpSdMz7aJgl4n7b-goflR7EAM0eBzR/s4000/IMG_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SJVhmSAI8lAzzbRaP2PEIZmh0eBIJs0h8alAjPMP-GoPFzhcgQ5IqRLWtO_eTQf3dt1D3XUbkuLIdpo8mqkeMjVx2Z-a8G1_E2ALPACzVEavzpiOL7J2_47WbSo0W-X0smEXgJu4L0Wo7JnlkmrAsnkrawPpSdMz7aJgl4n7b-goflR7EAM0eBzR/w400-h300/IMG_0422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This Dianthus grows on the edge of the planting on the South side of the house. It covers an impressive area but the pictured plant is protected by a wire cage. Close by the exposed plants continue to grow but are thinned by animals feeding here.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiooC8WwKgeuc7-ga7h3GKQqJNqq5UDOBj2x7bYNiJLUVPrpCbNTMu2_C3UOmmcvoYc-On4OInTua-NA63PI54h6IEn1eaq7G_NOeYBnCY3ZCGmQuyplgUq9SehTZhHcJ7tTH2Kh_jp01s-muML1eIG1lCE0j75Tg_PpM7kZQEcSZLft1UUBahNAOt/s4000/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiooC8WwKgeuc7-ga7h3GKQqJNqq5UDOBj2x7bYNiJLUVPrpCbNTMu2_C3UOmmcvoYc-On4OInTua-NA63PI54h6IEn1eaq7G_NOeYBnCY3ZCGmQuyplgUq9SehTZhHcJ7tTH2Kh_jp01s-muML1eIG1lCE0j75Tg_PpM7kZQEcSZLft1UUBahNAOt/w400-h300/IMG_0424.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Stones have always played a huge part in our life here. In my younger days planting beds five feet wide and thirty-two feet long had their soil screened to a depth of six inches to remove all of the stone. Large rocks were used to build walls while smaller stones were used to build paths three feet wide. Interesting stones are still looking for a home. This fossil filled piece identifies our ground as being part the Alleghany Plateau. Runoff from huge mountains to our East filled a sea. Depending on the force of the water eroding the mountains, our fill ranged from sizeable chunks to sand. Earlier in out time here we were able to identify many of the types of stone by name. Now what we see is interesting attractive stones. <br /> <p></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-6744978569643853332023-03-08T12:05:00.003-05:002023-03-08T12:05:36.815-05:00A Welcome Visitor<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZl98yA6y8149wmrkeLNHbRTdCtEO68H3GtfJ6PgwEYW2agQOUw9l8jHuwSGQwarHlTUg5FT5JKkT7xBD3teyzqFA7IxOiAFvIU1zHvQ4UQcHqiwp_ZoETSyc4QZ-vUYAvGKfd1FBU6uDRy07NFaw-lH29tTtv-oXZXTZHlvdhHlyEOxT3LArIEPiSA/s1546/IMG_0919mnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1546" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZl98yA6y8149wmrkeLNHbRTdCtEO68H3GtfJ6PgwEYW2agQOUw9l8jHuwSGQwarHlTUg5FT5JKkT7xBD3teyzqFA7IxOiAFvIU1zHvQ4UQcHqiwp_ZoETSyc4QZ-vUYAvGKfd1FBU6uDRy07NFaw-lH29tTtv-oXZXTZHlvdhHlyEOxT3LArIEPiSA/w400-h300/IMG_0919mnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> It was nearly dark when I noticed this owl sitting on a post in the garden. I grabbed the camera an snapped off a bunch of pictures hoping I would get a good one. This one is the best and it is good enough to tell me that we had a Barred owl visiting the garden. <p></p><p>Already I have looked up the nesting habits of this bird. They like old trees with nesting holes 20 feet off the ground. We have lots of those. They like to be near water. We have a small pond in the back and the Unadilla River in the front. They can have up to four nestlings and the babies stay around for 4 months. I like my odds better than the stock market! They have a great time hooting at each other. Now I'll be falling asleep listening for that hooting. They love to eat voles. I hate voles. They make me let out a primal scream whenever they come my way! Voles love to eat my plants. The foxes could use some reinforcements!</p><p> I know I'm counting my Barred owls before they hatch since so far I have seen only one. Up until now I have never even seen a Barred owl here. Now I have a picture of one right out there in the garden. I sure hope he decides to stay!</p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954826148369517031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-29969869506038889982022-11-24T09:35:00.000-05:002022-11-24T09:35:49.354-05:00West Then North<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91aXhQi5S73RH_YarbfQuQ3u2Rlo8-2yGehkTJfF-GTcI5cJDxIRQazcVNv6SPROmuPc47mKAp3QEJ7l9HE6tHuJI3LdMmV-1y7YtAhPLYBfw-Ual5WNdzviBaoVY-ls5cecl_EB3odZSxeOgdjacnyjYz77o3gh_-URTW-TdrpNDAhYl26Tj2Cbo/s1200/IMG_0371nnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91aXhQi5S73RH_YarbfQuQ3u2Rlo8-2yGehkTJfF-GTcI5cJDxIRQazcVNv6SPROmuPc47mKAp3QEJ7l9HE6tHuJI3LdMmV-1y7YtAhPLYBfw-Ual5WNdzviBaoVY-ls5cecl_EB3odZSxeOgdjacnyjYz77o3gh_-URTW-TdrpNDAhYl26Tj2Cbo/w300-h400/IMG_0371nnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>We have reached a corner that is adjacent to rich river bottom land. Once again the border of our land is defined by stone removed from the field. This line is less than straight and to the right is a huge mass of simply dumped stone. Fallen leaves have rotted to become soil in the more than one century that has passed since stones were placed here.<p></p><p>A more recent event can also be seen in the top left corner of the photo. The original farm barn was struck by lightening and burned to the ground about 1960. The remains of the fire were hauled up the hill and dumped here over the edge. When the fire debris was all placed here, what became the gravel bank was opened to provide fill to cover the mess. When walking here an occasional encounter with protruding metal happens.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIP90e0Trr1uwgsRaiAhUGMjgBfwZQvrO4ttWf4RXLs-EKu5tANsD7V9tdruhIVmoqv7jAoM0HwbWzZz3uGCGWHcXzRjGCwBqC7q0IqIOPeGLvgZX_oA8Jby50Dncwg3i1dxtBF2qRIMIn7MZOMKeceV7pqpxhmSwl8SwI6HdjqEnnARiVdbNlAOqX/s1200/IMG_0365nnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIP90e0Trr1uwgsRaiAhUGMjgBfwZQvrO4ttWf4RXLs-EKu5tANsD7V9tdruhIVmoqv7jAoM0HwbWzZz3uGCGWHcXzRjGCwBqC7q0IqIOPeGLvgZX_oA8Jby50Dncwg3i1dxtBF2qRIMIn7MZOMKeceV7pqpxhmSwl8SwI6HdjqEnnARiVdbNlAOqX/w300-h400/IMG_0365nnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This is the view looking Eastward along this end of the property line. The stone work is mine and my goal was to rebuild the original wall as far as the White Pine tree. The steel pipe that was driven into the ground to define the property line is peeking up out of the wall. The reconstruction of the wall was carefully done to preserve the original placement of this marker.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW8P4LeTJ1oIyLseaw8C-a-P-DUsqHPlCLG6dPysaib6U9zhl2i2QfVSw5EoE2orb8AXG-JR5L-xms7a6Jn8iQdU6RbekxXVV2biDosgUVHzRDq0Q6D570GaxsrFtQFTp_5xe3PmRUcsauZv7f7HgiVHsCq5clAG5ZYZjgNBBZinC0bUwlSI_kxOm/s1200/IMG_0366nnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW8P4LeTJ1oIyLseaw8C-a-P-DUsqHPlCLG6dPysaib6U9zhl2i2QfVSw5EoE2orb8AXG-JR5L-xms7a6Jn8iQdU6RbekxXVV2biDosgUVHzRDq0Q6D570GaxsrFtQFTp_5xe3PmRUcsauZv7f7HgiVHsCq5clAG5ZYZjgNBBZinC0bUwlSI_kxOm/w300-h400/IMG_0366nnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Looking to the North one can see more of a decent stone wall and a much improved Gravel Bank Road. Goldenrod growing here along with wild berry canes really need to be removed.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEeyrDriiAPfcrj3-e2qajDJ93zIpRMcOD9w5ddx-VKVmbXFf3nox0_HyzLyFBLAn0NPR-wS3sI_LGNA5L8GcCirRumnrMH295XwuKmYh4nIDIUAHMQG3dCGf2J4_Ham-mvPLNjYgpuT7SWBYWWvOsNzHvFXuaoW-sy4XD3DnZrzqujr_xTs8ME5N/s1200/IMG_0361nnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEeyrDriiAPfcrj3-e2qajDJ93zIpRMcOD9w5ddx-VKVmbXFf3nox0_HyzLyFBLAn0NPR-wS3sI_LGNA5L8GcCirRumnrMH295XwuKmYh4nIDIUAHMQG3dCGf2J4_Ham-mvPLNjYgpuT7SWBYWWvOsNzHvFXuaoW-sy4XD3DnZrzqujr_xTs8ME5N/w300-h400/IMG_0361nnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Here we have returned to River Road. The driveway is much improved from what we originally found. Adjacent to the hill is another place where stone cleared from the field was simply dumped. A bend in the road was needed to get around that pile. Much of that removed stone was used to the build the wall just out of sight to the right.<p></p><p>At this point our land is only forty feet wide. The right turn onto the lane is where our homestead opens up to its thirty-six acres. The original farm contained a long stretch of desirable river bottom land that was sold first as house sized lots. The retreating glacier left behind many interesting land forms up our hill creating an attractive site for a primitive homestead. We have called this land our own since 1994. Perhaps the time is approaching when this treasure should be placed in the care of younger people.</p><p> </p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-19525243004229608862022-11-20T13:14:00.003-05:002022-11-20T14:58:56.007-05:00Heading North<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dj0GEpzYoiJle0xua28gW-TjYI0bHqucQ7NLvSMKa6kP1ZbjddTqk236H1cMd8WBZcPAw-3xCFPEsUOHoGpS3z24hTxvFn7rFl6aUmNy_qWuVqwiGaLO0lPgShv2RRczhvu1lnk9gsS6PrMjbznLxl6cgc3blGe-yRJk42m-QBzdb0jNbm0jn3N5/s1200/IMG_0333nnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dj0GEpzYoiJle0xua28gW-TjYI0bHqucQ7NLvSMKa6kP1ZbjddTqk236H1cMd8WBZcPAw-3xCFPEsUOHoGpS3z24hTxvFn7rFl6aUmNy_qWuVqwiGaLO0lPgShv2RRczhvu1lnk9gsS6PrMjbznLxl6cgc3blGe-yRJk42m-QBzdb0jNbm0jn3N5/w300-h400/IMG_0333nnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The original 130 acre farm here was defined by only two straight lines that met at a right angle and the Unadilla River. Here we are looking to the North at part of one of those original property lines. This is the longest straight line that defines what is ours. The retreating glacier deposited many different appearing land forms here. The bedrock ridge is behind us and is disappearing into glacial till. Ahead of us is higher ground that is entirely glacial material. The visible depression carries away a steady water flow that oozes from the bedrock. From the first time that I walked here, I wanted to build a stone dam to form a respectable sized pond. That project remains only a dream. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDZDZIHJ-FvYy96HGTO70cFTKIMio6Rh9o39bpsSOiCnPgFYzlUKDdsCgYp_cfQ8b4695neGxW4VCC5RMDGC3m4YlWxHEiA7ZtndApztz74fij__npV9LAcoyEn2neETQ-hk_94PhxSiRStS0AodruEa621b1Ykf-E1RD8e20VLo2jmD2qJiPSaFT/s1200/IMG_0350nnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDZDZIHJ-FvYy96HGTO70cFTKIMio6Rh9o39bpsSOiCnPgFYzlUKDdsCgYp_cfQ8b4695neGxW4VCC5RMDGC3m4YlWxHEiA7ZtndApztz74fij__npV9LAcoyEn2neETQ-hk_94PhxSiRStS0AodruEa621b1Ykf-E1RD8e20VLo2jmD2qJiPSaFT/w400-h300/IMG_0350nnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This depression was formed when a large chunk of the glacial ice fell into meltwater. The till dropped here covered the ice creating a long level land form. Eventually the ice melted and the soil dropped into the resulting hole. A Dead Ice Sink is frequently filled with water but this area contains a deep deposit of sandy ground that quickly carries away water.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4GWje_-gF5orD-UsKQ3dv-Ef-FtZQIWBExSyyEHrVsZamiqCy4wGIWPqlk5VKFlL7V6oVni1nQSiGULD3Z8JPnnnuPzrL1vwNtCH0h4Jzw2sZ61JeGbByw1m1mQuvfluDF9K1dQDhIm-YKPSBwFH-uQQym9nNg19hK8H52c5ljLpf-K6pvh8kCJr/s1200/IMG_0344nnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4GWje_-gF5orD-UsKQ3dv-Ef-FtZQIWBExSyyEHrVsZamiqCy4wGIWPqlk5VKFlL7V6oVni1nQSiGULD3Z8JPnnnuPzrL1vwNtCH0h4Jzw2sZ61JeGbByw1m1mQuvfluDF9K1dQDhIm-YKPSBwFH-uQQym9nNg19hK8H52c5ljLpf-K6pvh8kCJr/w400-h300/IMG_0344nnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This picture is looking Eastward toward the Dead Ice Sink. It shows the long soil deposit that may be the highest ground that we own. To me it looked like the level deck of an aircraft carrier since the ground sharply falls away in all directions.. To the right several lower and smaller fields can be found. This ground was drier and was used only as pasture for the dairy cows. Views of the ridge are spectacular and we still spend a great deal of time walking here.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZsI-gHtGlR5uaRZaQq1bsjHSCIcvWwktwOrPmRWOFu5TDoX6ouMog3Lqml99CNvhUudkDm1IpIdinkWPvuJQqztMix-3IfI-0jcMb_4OFb8urmw4E58cY5RhSSEWbofzuJ7zc_Mce1KR6SAYQtXssD-QrhHQh0Mkj3_z6sncmqdDsM-0Z5F7cP6S/s1200/IMG_0355nnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZsI-gHtGlR5uaRZaQq1bsjHSCIcvWwktwOrPmRWOFu5TDoX6ouMog3Lqml99CNvhUudkDm1IpIdinkWPvuJQqztMix-3IfI-0jcMb_4OFb8urmw4E58cY5RhSSEWbofzuJ7zc_Mce1KR6SAYQtXssD-QrhHQh0Mkj3_z6sncmqdDsM-0Z5F7cP6S/w400-h300/IMG_0355nnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Our property line crosses this feature as the land drops away on the far side. We have always referred to it as the Gravel Bank Hill since a gravel bank was opened there about seventy years ago. When we purchased this land the highway crew of the Town of Unadilla yearly took away enough gravel to cover the taxes on the remains of the original farm. That arrangement ended when we acquired this land.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aPITB_ldouPSrq7y7YP66cCZkPWrxPoSqw6bX1rgufc28dKNpe8nOe7LULHNtGDNCLETEkNF2dBAX1WZ4B4Tm8qTcEa4sSoxyft52aOpHkn2rlNTdZlpmeELr7Qrx8YMDNaEQFoIjATVjlE9bDSwk9HPW8YPW_ni2TQhP16Mfn-PLRT49Tw_t54b/s1200/IMG_0369nnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aPITB_ldouPSrq7y7YP66cCZkPWrxPoSqw6bX1rgufc28dKNpe8nOe7LULHNtGDNCLETEkNF2dBAX1WZ4B4Tm8qTcEa4sSoxyft52aOpHkn2rlNTdZlpmeELr7Qrx8YMDNaEQFoIjATVjlE9bDSwk9HPW8YPW_ni2TQhP16Mfn-PLRT49Tw_t54b/w300-h400/IMG_0369nnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The Gravel Bank Hill drops sharply to river bottom land. Walking that property line when some snow covers the ground would be risky so we will have to imagine the sharp drop to this pipe that marks the end of our walk to the North. A left turn will have us walking to the West.</p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-6788596292661523532022-11-19T14:10:00.003-05:002022-11-19T14:10:27.947-05:00Walking Eastward<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo5ZXm_MjhR-qCfiN4xFkgrRPGSm8gtc5JOHOzoJu_X9fOTh_0X66MsbEKrY1xYaYa4xk5Eix_AQai60q4YOpV6mZZOEBuaCLxTEQJ87gdXj6X16_9u-k-1SUkZCbH-FEVWLZq-vdM2eOCkPatf0Picjz3IVgdhsGv4t_GicMCTR7zyFJubZO7mvA/s1200/IMG_0317nnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo5ZXm_MjhR-qCfiN4xFkgrRPGSm8gtc5JOHOzoJu_X9fOTh_0X66MsbEKrY1xYaYa4xk5Eix_AQai60q4YOpV6mZZOEBuaCLxTEQJ87gdXj6X16_9u-k-1SUkZCbH-FEVWLZq-vdM2eOCkPatf0Picjz3IVgdhsGv4t_GicMCTR7zyFJubZO7mvA/w400-h300/IMG_0317nnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This is the view while standing on the Southern end of the lane looking to the East. The truck is ours while the opposite field belongs to others. Here again the exact location of the property line is hidden. The neighbor's land was part of the original farm and was cultivated. That activity placed stones at the edge of the field that obscure the new property line. Our land here is on the location of the disappearing bedrock ridge. That stone composition prevented farm activity leaving this area untouched by human activity and home to very old trees.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5dx9LMXAe8hsTwvPFEtwlCN6zAa-2KP9oedpS1C0xdfmbeEBzjjlpr0Al1AyqAx_hiOK7a8H82SL_ODgVC3bkhsXc0NnvIyCytuPms4204nTEW0fXY8OURq1yOf_02G-CDj6PJ5UwdAMAkcSKtWiN1Gfr9L81UqoJRl955G3-a7JM0hDh3raZT5C/s1200/IMG_0323nnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5dx9LMXAe8hsTwvPFEtwlCN6zAa-2KP9oedpS1C0xdfmbeEBzjjlpr0Al1AyqAx_hiOK7a8H82SL_ODgVC3bkhsXc0NnvIyCytuPms4204nTEW0fXY8OURq1yOf_02G-CDj6PJ5UwdAMAkcSKtWiN1Gfr9L81UqoJRl955G3-a7JM0hDh3raZT5C/w400-h300/IMG_0323nnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This is a view looking to the North. Everything seen here is ours. The distant patch of snow cover shows part of the level kame terrace deposited by the retreating glacier. The huge piece of stone to the right is a broken chunk of the bedrock dropped here by the melting ice. We find walking in this area tremendously peaceful but our path has established a trail. Wildlife also use our trail.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-aOZXoTWS1AGPVHC4EVfuZEsRVEa6XehVa9a_43gRs_0tY4-nkMFi1CAM0k-twl-SnHIcHFH0IqoTzAOcy4COrls-3iT1QNOwPVbR3WcOF4THJuGJVpVS5CRccso3e_cAs1RHWRutSFci-padSrzPEa8urNcDJvRkkjYVC6mBNmZY3jBebLH8vmE/s1200/IMG_0322nnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-aOZXoTWS1AGPVHC4EVfuZEsRVEa6XehVa9a_43gRs_0tY4-nkMFi1CAM0k-twl-SnHIcHFH0IqoTzAOcy4COrls-3iT1QNOwPVbR3WcOF4THJuGJVpVS5CRccso3e_cAs1RHWRutSFci-padSrzPEa8urNcDJvRkkjYVC6mBNmZY3jBebLH8vmE/w300-h400/IMG_0322nnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This area marks the location of a minor change in the direction of the property line. When the last man to farm this land was selling off pieces of it, he used sections of iron pipe driven into the ground to mark the location of new property lines. In the foreground a piece of pipe can be seen. When the recent sale of this land happened, the surveyor could not find the pipe as a huge growth of ferns kept it hidden from view. The small tree near the left edge of the photo is where he put his metal pipe. He also used a taller wooden stake to make it possible to find the property line. That placement gave me more land but it really makes no difference since all here prefer this land to remain wild.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwncjwHzcu8OL3SMVNvxzhRA6ZwC7RJFUG-aXVKqQbINfrZsbpstCBxTUbd2nH5BMJcaYlLqDnG0tYidHm8KZaCqydPl6zNgSP_h_UJl3wmDxzpZT-D62V2uQTL2FJfuD22B_hSGgGBLM1iQr0MfPTPyCRPbKGOYoqr-_4iYO8sjDovhpWhE4Yk2i/s1200/IMG_0321nnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwncjwHzcu8OL3SMVNvxzhRA6ZwC7RJFUG-aXVKqQbINfrZsbpstCBxTUbd2nH5BMJcaYlLqDnG0tYidHm8KZaCqydPl6zNgSP_h_UJl3wmDxzpZT-D62V2uQTL2FJfuD22B_hSGgGBLM1iQr0MfPTPyCRPbKGOYoqr-_4iYO8sjDovhpWhE4Yk2i/w300-h400/IMG_0321nnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This photo shows the view from the original pipe looking to the East. The property line drops downhill as it heads toward an area filled with smaller glacial deposits. The farmer ran a single strand of barbed wire across the ground to mark the location of the property line. A hiker must pay close attention to avoid tripping on this wire.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7mE3yesqFqEWB8Mr7c2VhtvblHJT8rg6wvHYOmEwX4P_Km7bEio1JqPUsuFacZpOYQ4trFxmyA4BjzUGjcf5U2kAuyisIw3rv0cH3vNRShyF5XXy_FXTgMlWI_ZUm-0dJRUbGJsgvpO9CFgaR2mxJRQ1E7ld7NR3euxBVnUzrtGtxBCaXiZMLfcI/s1200/IMG_0334nnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7mE3yesqFqEWB8Mr7c2VhtvblHJT8rg6wvHYOmEwX4P_Km7bEio1JqPUsuFacZpOYQ4trFxmyA4BjzUGjcf5U2kAuyisIw3rv0cH3vNRShyF5XXy_FXTgMlWI_ZUm-0dJRUbGJsgvpO9CFgaR2mxJRQ1E7ld7NR3euxBVnUzrtGtxBCaXiZMLfcI/w300-h400/IMG_0334nnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Looking back toward the West, this post marks the location of a change of direction for the property line. Next we will be moving to the North along a barbed wire fence line. The lower level of this ground covers the remains of the stone ridge. Water seeps from the ridge into the filled area. Large chunks of stone provide a dangerous but dry path when walking here. The fill is shallow providing little room for tree roots to form a firm anchorage. Wind thrown trees are common. Walking this part of the perimeter is not for the short-winded or the faint-hearted.<br /> <p></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-77707653620447350122022-11-18T17:17:00.000-05:002022-11-18T17:17:16.576-05:00Walk The Property Line<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KevIvZDK028NrKpH6Fz-E8v1Z6rQdGSJZpI7Ttxliilo8JJQFk_0m6VympAlwg1mTbAKNChFE68_eCvHwMAoY6mh_azUqBbw7wUdnVZLidb16o0dJ1E8jlPkEh7rXC5h-3Z8lyEsKylzN0LcHxS2jMAKu0_wUS22b3hnPc04C2AzZ_XFvsYW30gL/s1200/IMG_0363nnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KevIvZDK028NrKpH6Fz-E8v1Z6rQdGSJZpI7Ttxliilo8JJQFk_0m6VympAlwg1mTbAKNChFE68_eCvHwMAoY6mh_azUqBbw7wUdnVZLidb16o0dJ1E8jlPkEh7rXC5h-3Z8lyEsKylzN0LcHxS2jMAKu0_wUS22b3hnPc04C2AzZ_XFvsYW30gL/w300-h400/IMG_0363nnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>As one ages the certainty of a tomorrow becomes less sure. The borders of our land are clearly described in the deed but difficult to find when walking about. This first photo was taken with my back close to River Road. The neatly mowed grass belongs to our neighbor and the edge of the dry stone wall is very close to the property line. The deed describes this beginning as next to a telephone pole. That pole has been replaced but part of it is still here underground. The exact location of the property line remains undescribed since no part of the pole is identified as being the point of separation. This neighbor is more than reasonable and we cannot imagine a problem here. This is the Western edge of our land. Moving South 150 feet toward the top of the photo brings us to a change of direction.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVffWOCVVTtUSP-u_JnvzQ0JcOLbqPITPlkFbDZT7Imevh1xI77ge8I4APx1eiTZ8bc-LkDGId6GjYAIihGpX-WTOqhD0905GsmKnWONJ4RWUMlvIV4RPMN8VQQ3ly6YgD8DvaOpwdFKUqbXIGkKOZqWfzJJdUZGP4A4x3QSCJtQxh04qMZ3iYZCD0/s1200/IMG_0364nnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVffWOCVVTtUSP-u_JnvzQ0JcOLbqPITPlkFbDZT7Imevh1xI77ge8I4APx1eiTZ8bc-LkDGId6GjYAIihGpX-WTOqhD0905GsmKnWONJ4RWUMlvIV4RPMN8VQQ3ly6YgD8DvaOpwdFKUqbXIGkKOZqWfzJJdUZGP4A4x3QSCJtQxh04qMZ3iYZCD0/w400-h300/IMG_0364nnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This lane's center line is the border between our land and two of our neighbors and defines the location of a right of way. The short fence post to the right is in line with the missing telephone pole. At one time a piece of steel pipe was driven into the ground to mark the location of the center of the right of way. A now gone property owner removed that piece of pipe. The view here is generally to the West.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRu0BM0wiF61QFOh4Aj0wkX6VRWGfqJRPDl1N3-eZlmhD1Y0NmdAUS1eRXiY3GayFBDBC6a0_PO_Id3lsSvZs3a0eAlPuRdmy5A3kWy7IpkeorBz0Bxw32AMy5nIuEOidRc4pGWS_1bn4DfrJt5WW6cQtrqwGPHvpoiF70TxhmJYP24vJewVsMZeAn/s1200/IMG_0360nnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRu0BM0wiF61QFOh4Aj0wkX6VRWGfqJRPDl1N3-eZlmhD1Y0NmdAUS1eRXiY3GayFBDBC6a0_PO_Id3lsSvZs3a0eAlPuRdmy5A3kWy7IpkeorBz0Bxw32AMy5nIuEOidRc4pGWS_1bn4DfrJt5WW6cQtrqwGPHvpoiF70TxhmJYP24vJewVsMZeAn/w400-h300/IMG_0360nnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>As previously mentioned this right of way separates the land. Ours is on the uphill side. Walking here usually brings to mind a poem written by Robert Frost. This winding path covers 1,468 feet.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbsfrBP2dhvq_K5LVXO8whZPOweeoqwR_HZlAqboLg8b-ZH9h1SsG6kBZ77k3tit523gYzGvHGSAEyWfk49Pd6W9te76ZdMJcfuv4O-bGVVQcnLDC8LWZAXXVrSl_cl2qQgfptlmheNWiQ3QzHxHtOx7Nvs6_Y0980CWBrc-5Kf4l-m85ouOSc7fZ/s1200/IMG_0357nnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbsfrBP2dhvq_K5LVXO8whZPOweeoqwR_HZlAqboLg8b-ZH9h1SsG6kBZ77k3tit523gYzGvHGSAEyWfk49Pd6W9te76ZdMJcfuv4O-bGVVQcnLDC8LWZAXXVrSl_cl2qQgfptlmheNWiQ3QzHxHtOx7Nvs6_Y0980CWBrc-5Kf4l-m85ouOSc7fZ/w400-h300/IMG_0357nnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This stone wall was placed at the edge of the right of way to protect transplanted Arbutus plants. One likely does not see the need for protection but a former property owner believed that the fence line separated our land not the center line of the lane as described in his deed. He bulldozed away nearly twenty feet wide section of my land. His religious beliefs made this acceptable since he saw a use for that land. My wall continues to protect my plants and a later battle with me caused that land owner to sell both his business and home and move West.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx-PCun0kh_MQtQEVXWL0oljS3eEJL7PjTRaN3WlZqammOKD006jSJ_lKPkWtcM7Vl9fjtZ7sMUKHR-DYIfboSTtT8zx-FiiuSXIknm2XHjpUBEwqToavmZkxjoWGiqKUsCQDg0sP1TWftFvEqPKVmwC7-O21P3CzUjnsuBki7Z09qZoxqXr0Y3uW/s1200/IMG_0318nnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx-PCun0kh_MQtQEVXWL0oljS3eEJL7PjTRaN3WlZqammOKD006jSJ_lKPkWtcM7Vl9fjtZ7sMUKHR-DYIfboSTtT8zx-FiiuSXIknm2XHjpUBEwqToavmZkxjoWGiqKUsCQDg0sP1TWftFvEqPKVmwC7-O21P3CzUjnsuBki7Z09qZoxqXr0Y3uW/w400-h300/IMG_0318nnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This stone wall marks the Southern edge of our property. The actual property line is in the center of the lane. The stone wall marks the limit of the right of way. I knew that the white dog named Luca was in the picture but remained unaware of his raised leg. Tomorrow we will look to the right of the stone wall and follow the property line Eastward into the woods.<br /> <p></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-84277079380678491172022-10-09T16:31:00.000-04:002022-10-09T16:31:07.068-04:00Garlic Bed<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayR0Xuv6QJLQGlBD6Rj9UzeT9aWmVs7OvnvsbjTQpUEdUKvEkMzOCUR33_xMllCmiRZIHwwK1DkUw7VxX0d9kMlwhaC4eGcOE4MOZzPN1NgR8vg9rKwv-sJ1hCDG6fFgA81cKpGXNvFOWOzZijkBEUy2N-OItH-91nzScPSZ18cgUj0M2Y3b-zPEI/s1200/IMG_0291onp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayR0Xuv6QJLQGlBD6Rj9UzeT9aWmVs7OvnvsbjTQpUEdUKvEkMzOCUR33_xMllCmiRZIHwwK1DkUw7VxX0d9kMlwhaC4eGcOE4MOZzPN1NgR8vg9rKwv-sJ1hCDG6fFgA81cKpGXNvFOWOzZijkBEUy2N-OItH-91nzScPSZ18cgUj0M2Y3b-zPEI/w400-h300/IMG_0291onp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>More than a month has passed since our last blog entry. Most of our gardens have been captured by weeds requiring a great amount of work to find the ground. Overnight frost followed by clear skies created an environment conducive to outdoor work today and we spent two hours working outside. When Becky returned to the house with her garden cart in tow, two snakes were soaking up the sunshine in the curved stone lined path to the basement door. The one at ground level quickly disappeared into the stone wall while this more mature snake remained motionless higher up on the wall. Becky was able to scoot by and get her camera without moving this snake. We gladly share our homesite with them since they eat varmints that feast on our garden plants.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrS3M5woa71Xs2QZY-ga2CWruDdfWRuNnkHKXK6M4IQ_C84VVEfx9Vrpvu4mt1NThK0t3QiYwxAGN9NzeMh9rnsup6AAiw7J8UQrxM63qoEI2nYpWcmx3HLNfmiZr_c47NZA6EjfV_HJtr3zi0l9phNNk7JZNcTtJBTJG_WyJaGV0vzUTBrIR0Iy5/s1200/IMG_0288onp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrS3M5woa71Xs2QZY-ga2CWruDdfWRuNnkHKXK6M4IQ_C84VVEfx9Vrpvu4mt1NThK0t3QiYwxAGN9NzeMh9rnsup6AAiw7J8UQrxM63qoEI2nYpWcmx3HLNfmiZr_c47NZA6EjfV_HJtr3zi0l9phNNk7JZNcTtJBTJG_WyJaGV0vzUTBrIR0Iy5/w400-h300/IMG_0288onp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p>In the center of this sea of weeds lies a painstakingly prepared bed of rich garden soil. Removing the entire weed has been our goal. Considerable time and effort has been expended clearing weeds from this sixty square foot section of a planting bed. Working only with hand tools has required many days to get to this point. I use a four tined spade to loosen small clumps of weeds. Then a hand held cultivator is inserted to pull free small clumps of weeds and their roots. The surface of the bed looks great but we know that persistent evil lurks just under the soil surface.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYOa9oHGn9YrRTv9Kjpus08ekqNFvJo9th-33SaRvT7vivsRftnr3-HtCIoeh7UxQ0EaaINICrjGekGV9Ze5wIx72jWsA8lz9tcApvDbdYQRXjpBfUA9FYK3iT8oJmpptCefJVyXRIHQqm5PogtROdHEDNSXhgub9H_YqGxqkWOBzcVpYr3eWBdY6/s1200/IMG_0285onp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYOa9oHGn9YrRTv9Kjpus08ekqNFvJo9th-33SaRvT7vivsRftnr3-HtCIoeh7UxQ0EaaINICrjGekGV9Ze5wIx72jWsA8lz9tcApvDbdYQRXjpBfUA9FYK3iT8oJmpptCefJVyXRIHQqm5PogtROdHEDNSXhgub9H_YqGxqkWOBzcVpYr3eWBdY6/w400-h300/IMG_0285onp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Quack grass is the most evil weed weed here. This entire plant mass remained buried in soil that I had painstakenly cleared. Only the small green shoots hinted that not all of the plant had been removed. Working carefully in the loosened soil, this monster was removed in tact. Experience has taught us that despite our application of careful persistence, more of these missed weed pieces will grow alongside of our soon to be planted garlic.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIo3PpKvmBeGZ1U1JkMVeiUm_VTJfmYQQBqQ6-UHrhwwBwjfpvWD-7fmt736y3CIBVgiWwlyKm5UrMWENgjlvLObxAXqRLKqGm9ULFYQOfMPC0ezYCp6FDNHk-Lenra63jEh-Vj07VL7Gk8sACfyZ72Y9Rm9NZyMpHU98qmzxs1Ru7BzwxKtOX5vA/s1200/IMG_0279onp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIo3PpKvmBeGZ1U1JkMVeiUm_VTJfmYQQBqQ6-UHrhwwBwjfpvWD-7fmt736y3CIBVgiWwlyKm5UrMWENgjlvLObxAXqRLKqGm9ULFYQOfMPC0ezYCp6FDNHk-Lenra63jEh-Vj07VL7Gk8sACfyZ72Y9Rm9NZyMpHU98qmzxs1Ru7BzwxKtOX5vA/w400-h300/IMG_0279onp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>One of the issues that makes gardening difficult is the down side of growing older. In my wilder younger days much time was spent building dry stone walls. That could be the cause of the arthritis that has settled in my spine right at belt level. This morning's use of a long handled potato hook on already loosened soil set that section of my spine ablaze. Using the cold grass from last night's frost and removing the need for my spine to support my upper body sent the pain packing. Becky did not return to find me on the ground. After she returned I told her that a ground bed might help. It did but when the pain disappeared, she spoke in favor of the end of today's outside work. We will try again tomorrow.<br /> <p></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-70358669116571735332022-09-03T13:34:00.000-04:002022-09-03T13:34:19.430-04:00Country Smarts<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoyQlM5ogdg2WSH_Wrgw6t1TZKYOolsJgGP2HAplsTwwSy2BtIlfHtL5MddFrjPvg_w6OMUOxUfHV4O49OHmQQBhWHjsTyztMs3C7WiEU0JINW6MZV7YkJqfByGQduL161TiB5SRVYQCto1aluBsrqJbx6A56F366V5K9rIqn7OFPiGlQ3bcxh0DquQ/s1200/IMG_0213snp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoyQlM5ogdg2WSH_Wrgw6t1TZKYOolsJgGP2HAplsTwwSy2BtIlfHtL5MddFrjPvg_w6OMUOxUfHV4O49OHmQQBhWHjsTyztMs3C7WiEU0JINW6MZV7YkJqfByGQduL161TiB5SRVYQCto1aluBsrqJbx6A56F366V5K9rIqn7OFPiGlQ3bcxh0DquQ/w300-h400/IMG_0213snp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>When we purchased this land twenty-eight years ago, it was surrounded by a perimeter fence. No active farming had been done here for several years before we arrived on the scene. We worked to remove all of the fences from the interior and what remains is old and weathered. The two posts in this photo mark the edge of an area owned by the family now living in the farmhouse. Since they mark the location of our mutual property line, these posts must remain. When I last mowed here a few days ago, my mower deck edge contacted the post breaking it. The shortened post was reset in the original hole but is now about two feet shorter.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pAt4xGzWWDJFhccqKE2xy94auC4lwDF5BFowJ90bbBwuLN-1gt81MVdCBT98PY-IC6UFWkqGne3BBP9TghTWFvp_rD-cvwLo8J_vplZ9WH8jxxsqwLQevsLdJUYica59kL7fWEFNVaQTb8vx9wxQZ9t3FTNhJUI7B2z6Mpssr_jzwaSTQd6C7RvmNQ/s1200/IMG_0208snp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pAt4xGzWWDJFhccqKE2xy94auC4lwDF5BFowJ90bbBwuLN-1gt81MVdCBT98PY-IC6UFWkqGne3BBP9TghTWFvp_rD-cvwLo8J_vplZ9WH8jxxsqwLQevsLdJUYica59kL7fWEFNVaQTb8vx9wxQZ9t3FTNhJUI7B2z6Mpssr_jzwaSTQd6C7RvmNQ/w400-h300/IMG_0208snp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>We make it up as we go along since neither of us were raised on a farm. When the broken section was gently removed, we discovered stones at the ground surface had been placed to keep the post solidly upright. The hole was enlarged slightly in order to remove the broken section. The lower section of the original post was tapered making it much smaller than what was to take its place. The shortened post nearly filled the available hole but wiggle it did. Stones are a frequent item in our ground so there was a small pile resting nearby where we intend to garden. A quick look identified two likely candidates to fill the holes. Stones tapped down to rest just even with the surface of the ground made this nonfarm boy proud. All of that time spent building stone walls and patios developed a skill to judge just how large a stone is. To say that I was proud of this repair is a huge understatement.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKA6FvrjTKMwMN_fu6iqdhab2M0bkKu5EPAZY1AHvprsruAc7lei3t4gfEIJC9ZCMokezIAswiwTrAz4nW96Q7FHx422FHahtcOqmUJ48PWSCD90CESloLcf8crOszvZV_3gmRhgo1gnwEUEUqj5fPtEa5g-fNo0qGs6inOmqJBxDAkiZ42DfCSOu2sA/s1200/IMG_0210snp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKA6FvrjTKMwMN_fu6iqdhab2M0bkKu5EPAZY1AHvprsruAc7lei3t4gfEIJC9ZCMokezIAswiwTrAz4nW96Q7FHx422FHahtcOqmUJ48PWSCD90CESloLcf8crOszvZV_3gmRhgo1gnwEUEUqj5fPtEa5g-fNo0qGs6inOmqJBxDAkiZ42DfCSOu2sA/w300-h400/IMG_0210snp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Most fence posts are driven firmly into the ground with several blows from a sledge hammer. That sort of contact would have destroyed the lichen and moss growth evident here. It likely would have also shattered the remaining post. As it is, this old boundary marker looks like it has been in place for years and will most likely outlast me.<br /> <p></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954826148369517031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-55386866284979836612022-08-29T14:44:00.000-04:002022-08-29T14:44:43.857-04:00Never Seen Here Before<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptk9To3VhliKiW_SRvOEueVmy4xc7gCMBuGK-Gk0jqEpvt8nRO8yZX7uOcO46vb8JQiT1aCbcBef3iKgXFvR0vXq5E4CwpWz2rRASUg77WNAwhgi1iyiRysXEOp0HhGbNBw9Lb--ZogXfq4aXSipQbyjaXQKVSAYeodw2Bb7ps1MCQuIEvNL7ian-/s1200/IMG_0194anp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptk9To3VhliKiW_SRvOEueVmy4xc7gCMBuGK-Gk0jqEpvt8nRO8yZX7uOcO46vb8JQiT1aCbcBef3iKgXFvR0vXq5E4CwpWz2rRASUg77WNAwhgi1iyiRysXEOp0HhGbNBw9Lb--ZogXfq4aXSipQbyjaXQKVSAYeodw2Bb7ps1MCQuIEvNL7ian-/w400-h300/IMG_0194anp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>On a very rare occasion we have the opportunity to see something that has never before been seen here. Two such sightings fairly close together are unbelievable. Seeing a caterpillar eating milkweed is commonly reserved for Monarchs. This is a milkweed leaf being eaten by a caterpillar but it is no Monarch. The brains of this outfit instantly recognized it as a Milkweed Tussock caterpillar. There will be no migration when this caterpillar matures. It will spend the winter here wrapped in a cocoon.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJu7F2r_Nbo7mMJcrOMGaCz3wXJ-AXN8HfOPM_ddHfEEtlzWmYlRBcKigx4CvbO4ALsxwqbvMW8-EvpXHyfFzoONi6YP41EUhWrOX1SNRA3FkQmiw611_0h933LHvK7vfmlNLBEaYoAzIDE8nVZNa07DKxx7QSaoSub5oJwNE4GLW0rJALSgaz2dJ/s1200/IMG_0200anp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJu7F2r_Nbo7mMJcrOMGaCz3wXJ-AXN8HfOPM_ddHfEEtlzWmYlRBcKigx4CvbO4ALsxwqbvMW8-EvpXHyfFzoONi6YP41EUhWrOX1SNRA3FkQmiw611_0h933LHvK7vfmlNLBEaYoAzIDE8nVZNa07DKxx7QSaoSub5oJwNE4GLW0rJALSgaz2dJ/w300-h400/IMG_0200anp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Our Princeton Field Guide states that the female adult moth deposits rafts of eggs. I certainly appears that that two caterpillars are here together. The why and the how remains a complete mystery. The leaf eating ends neatly at the midrib.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZHuQHG-9Pg-yxiyeZdIe7CHQT7BEc0caY-A4SroO5yRKXqxEsJMrSdDtzOgyjsN1s50bAksF4B92tTPlvud20mzHpk6T1sKl1J6Q7dZikfWDxP6tN79_AyRYVPfkxPaWZgJH59B2DsBbfb5NT3A4pl8hw5gMm6VzovLuBixzwUa7Hl0zHIEnGWhg/s1200/IMG_0139anp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZHuQHG-9Pg-yxiyeZdIe7CHQT7BEc0caY-A4SroO5yRKXqxEsJMrSdDtzOgyjsN1s50bAksF4B92tTPlvud20mzHpk6T1sKl1J6Q7dZikfWDxP6tN79_AyRYVPfkxPaWZgJH59B2DsBbfb5NT3A4pl8hw5gMm6VzovLuBixzwUa7Hl0zHIEnGWhg/w400-h300/IMG_0139anp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Days earlier Becky and daughter Amy were harvesting weeds from the garden down by the road. Several strange sounds were heard revealing the location of a Garter snake starting to eat a toad. This looks like a beginning that cannot possibly come to an end. The snake is a somewhat large creature for its species but it is dwarfed by the size of the toad. An internet video of a similar event described a more than three hour wait for the snake to completely swallow the toad. Needless to say the conclusion of this event remained unnoticed here. Several days later, a respectable Garter snake crossed my path in this general area. Its body was slender from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. We have no way of knowing if it was the same snake.<p></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-64388526999360432362022-08-02T14:40:00.000-04:002022-08-02T14:40:56.976-04:00Sex In The Morning<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgju0Xuncoo6HC0L3aaqYvcW4XZuPIRF_CvBUDJKoHjL-CtGMsfr1z7KTtLXDiGvOkNtnvXJrBu5r2GfXcGLxNRTeeW0WP-ULHaqv7xR1fGwMt73uMzdDSB4h5lQ_BerWRufqOa717aLJRtP0jee4LEPV3aVojgQn6xHoClSY71DpiU108sLEB4YrXj/s1200/IMG_0092anp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgju0Xuncoo6HC0L3aaqYvcW4XZuPIRF_CvBUDJKoHjL-CtGMsfr1z7KTtLXDiGvOkNtnvXJrBu5r2GfXcGLxNRTeeW0WP-ULHaqv7xR1fGwMt73uMzdDSB4h5lQ_BerWRufqOa717aLJRtP0jee4LEPV3aVojgQn6xHoClSY71DpiU108sLEB4YrXj/w400-h300/IMG_0092anp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Cardinal Flower is a native plant that presents many problems here right from the start. Neither classification perennial or biennial accurately describes its growth habit. As Fall approaches the entire plant that flowered dies to the ground. Around its base up to six new plants begin to grow establishing a low rosette of new leaves that will continue to function under snow. If the next season appears in an orderly fashion, each new plant will send up a single stalk that will display intense red flowers.<p></p><p>Our weather at this critical time in the growth cycle frequently kills the tender new leaves. This plant flourishes to our north where winter is colder than here. It is the change in daily temperatures that keep this plant rare in the Southern Tier of NYS. We experience widely changing daily temperatures when early southern air sweeps in. That night lows drop into the teens and the plant leaves darken and die. In the Adirondacks to our north, the high temperatures are simply missing. This plant can handle cold but not huge differences in daily temperature. Roxbury native John Burroughs suggested Monarda as a native plant that could bring intense red colored flowers to our gardens. Not one to quit easily, I persist in trying to establish surviving patches of Cardinal Flower. The plants in the first picture did survive but their growth is severely stunted. Normally, these soon to flower stems would be waist high. These survivors are a welcome sight as many of our plants did not survive at all.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixui3HSSr4uDeWsqBiyXa1z8IgakHwW2fZ-nhBRmSUYeDbpsXF2axPVNqHmLZYG_MMvmlXgePaasbfFMhbHA0QayOElrP5gyLbRzRS8NhbO7giwGPwga9MDecqCuY37lPeU_1Y6PPp4zf7rUv5p7FVSnokdzVCzHy6kJykxzS_pn5rnn286xHTkAtr/s1200/IMG_0094anp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixui3HSSr4uDeWsqBiyXa1z8IgakHwW2fZ-nhBRmSUYeDbpsXF2axPVNqHmLZYG_MMvmlXgePaasbfFMhbHA0QayOElrP5gyLbRzRS8NhbO7giwGPwga9MDecqCuY37lPeU_1Y6PPp4zf7rUv5p7FVSnokdzVCzHy6kJykxzS_pn5rnn286xHTkAtr/w300-h400/IMG_0094anp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This photo was chosen since it clearly shows the structure of an individual flower. Disregard the lowest flower in the center. Directly above it, three downward pointing red flower petals that might be seen as resembling a bird's tail make a dominate appearance. At the location where these three petals join, two upward pointing red petals can be seen. They could be seen as a bird's wings. Directly above all of that is a white colored blob at the end of what looks like a tube or a bird's head. It contains all of the parts necessary to produce seed.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppHWYAPY0_TXUZ3sAsESygVNYgVVptY5UGR-sY8fG3aKBGO8f0J2TIWwaIVO8aGYhvJ57X-gOVcN9D35uNWrTQ2dnEeIfcGAExOZV84qoxZFBx9r55NF8zEJAiNsTR6T-yPuFOQS8ccW_GX-r9T7QpS0Nc_uCh6zn1nldpWO7VsPIf1LD2TMgMRjq/s1200/IMG_0096anp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppHWYAPY0_TXUZ3sAsESygVNYgVVptY5UGR-sY8fG3aKBGO8f0J2TIWwaIVO8aGYhvJ57X-gOVcN9D35uNWrTQ2dnEeIfcGAExOZV84qoxZFBx9r55NF8zEJAiNsTR6T-yPuFOQS8ccW_GX-r9T7QpS0Nc_uCh6zn1nldpWO7VsPIf1LD2TMgMRjq/w400-h300/IMG_0096anp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Various reproductive parts can be seen here but the bright red of the petals will catch and hold the eye. This photo is included here just because of its beauty.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUydLsf1wR0iOUpOcBfsL9mvjm0eHy2oWpXmJeCCQ11jjOtAJ1aL-WxOS9p-LFhFHHsQSEcvdzPK1CgTaQoPdihUX1jlw0hdlyUqyRzjWJobMc-vB7Ko-YUFvz6PuH03cCEHBYmShUg7ecGYeGlul3-RryPvaGLHPSoyRk1B9ugtFnG4HeVs_ex4es/s1200/IMG_0080anp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUydLsf1wR0iOUpOcBfsL9mvjm0eHy2oWpXmJeCCQ11jjOtAJ1aL-WxOS9p-LFhFHHsQSEcvdzPK1CgTaQoPdihUX1jlw0hdlyUqyRzjWJobMc-vB7Ko-YUFvz6PuH03cCEHBYmShUg7ecGYeGlul3-RryPvaGLHPSoyRk1B9ugtFnG4HeVs_ex4es/w300-h400/IMG_0080anp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This picture shows many reproductive parts in various stages of activity. All of this happens rather quickly but I have not yet been able to maintain focus on one spot long enough to see any actual movement. That intense red color simply draws my focus to petals where nothing is happening. The white ring quickly is covered with yellow pollen. At the left side of the picture, a powerful imagination will suggest the location of yellow pollen. A moist suggestively shaped organ pushes past the pollen coated ring. That pollen is captured and rapidly sent back inside of the tube on its journey to the base of the flower where seed will develop. I need to catch my breath.<p></p><p>My earlier words did not mention new plants from seed. As is the case with many wildflowers, seed simply falls to the ground as the plants die down. This seed is quite picky about necessary conditions for germination. The ground must be both warm and wet for the seeds to grow. If all goes well, a low rosette of Fall appearing leaves will be seen. They are very similar in appearance to the new growth that springs from the base of the now dead plant.</p><p>This Spring was deadly for many plants. Those that survived are unusually small. We did intervene spreading freshly cut dead Chrysanthemum stems over these pictured survivors. That supply was limited with nearby neighbors only thinly covered. Many of them are dead. This Summer has been hot and dry. We have yet to see a new plant from seed. These brilliantly colored flowers are once again with us. Their next brush with possible extinction will be faced on the other side of Winter.<br /> </p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-68638504419786602522022-07-31T20:00:00.001-04:002022-07-31T20:00:23.543-04:00Not Impressed<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnGS1msQIdEnG6F4hAh80AkpD9sVthel5WzB8cNVHwGsZloJ_HrXu9veH9awCDIkK4Urex_qeQi-6tdaAqZGDVclfiNl4rPnlcMaDu2q_rG5slevOjZrdSfn0SvrI2C_y1JEb2il2zBaPi0nuoL0nLv9gx7Ic9H7GjFkHy_P1_65g3NtJC4Ygfdy0/s1200/IMG_0102jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnGS1msQIdEnG6F4hAh80AkpD9sVthel5WzB8cNVHwGsZloJ_HrXu9veH9awCDIkK4Urex_qeQi-6tdaAqZGDVclfiNl4rPnlcMaDu2q_rG5slevOjZrdSfn0SvrI2C_y1JEb2il2zBaPi0nuoL0nLv9gx7Ic9H7GjFkHy_P1_65g3NtJC4Ygfdy0/w400-h300/IMG_0102jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Advanced age has now limited how much time that we can be outside working in our gardens. Native animals have always explored our ground but with our absence now really feel that this ground is theirs. The doe dropped her twin fawns close to the stone wall directly in front of the house. Her instructions to them were stay where you are. We did not disturb them since their muscles needed time to firm up to the point where they could walk without injuring themselves. This morning as I was walking toward the shed Mom and one of the twins held their ground as I drew near. There were no hoof stabs into the ground or snorts directed my way. Comfortable with my advancing presence, they joined the other twin and simply walked down the driveway. More than one fox is commonly seen here. Perhaps their level of comfort is overstated by this deposit of the remains of a wild blueberry meal placed directly outside of our front door.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiri1YJ7VX0ZMUmDvos1im1mWyEsNCfZ98CclhYQqp_1iG9fiaMKP3x3W5wecJ7eL_uuisu3W089x0RpVU1YeT_c4db01lQULuu3O1Thkof_AAXD-Jz9bnyQ3sF76TXGrOL9A7EgXRwhVSDFwekPvB3WI6NuF94CQhJXeU6YLB4XLk1Y8wB4Jl3X4-n/s1200/IMG_0110jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiri1YJ7VX0ZMUmDvos1im1mWyEsNCfZ98CclhYQqp_1iG9fiaMKP3x3W5wecJ7eL_uuisu3W089x0RpVU1YeT_c4db01lQULuu3O1Thkof_AAXD-Jz9bnyQ3sF76TXGrOL9A7EgXRwhVSDFwekPvB3WI6NuF94CQhJXeU6YLB4XLk1Y8wB4Jl3X4-n/w400-h300/IMG_0110jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This huge fearsome spider has found a place to lay her eggs in our gardens for many years. Our wire fences provide an airy anchorage where generous meals, like the one just beneath her, are common. Many years ago, I was describing this frightening insect in the faculty room at school. The science teacher was interested in adding a mounted specimen to his collection. He made a home visit with his killing jar in his hand. He sized up his intended victim for some time. A stealthy approach was underway when the spider suddenly dropped to the ground with lightning speed. The teacher was mostly airborne as he quickly exited the garden. Fast and ferocious is a powerful combination.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT1C4_wyzz9Y3tCIrYA561kxZuwPTQOF4X26CEn2kQ6VWUikm7C32MizhJhLq6yMnHWdRMLoRxZ0VwOrGPDbqjkd4F1DVyTixjxe6U3Frbn22Wmb8zASdYfr1i35tHu3Xyo67MrMCHUYWjPmwz6Qxr0QWfDtBNdJtBWpc2xRXF2oY5mIFApwSTnYr/s1200/IMG_0063anp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT1C4_wyzz9Y3tCIrYA561kxZuwPTQOF4X26CEn2kQ6VWUikm7C32MizhJhLq6yMnHWdRMLoRxZ0VwOrGPDbqjkd4F1DVyTixjxe6U3Frbn22Wmb8zASdYfr1i35tHu3Xyo67MrMCHUYWjPmwz6Qxr0QWfDtBNdJtBWpc2xRXF2oY5mIFApwSTnYr/w400-h300/IMG_0063anp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>We placed a large planting of this purple Monarda directly behind our bench in the shade garden down by the road. Humming bird moths are fond of feeding on this plant and they are not troubled by our nearby presence. That large yellow and black colored mass in the upper left of the picture is actively feeding. Their wings are mostly transparent while those two black stabilizers clearly stand out. Once again we have an insect that has no reaction to our presence.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmqNzTiQi5VwqouDbC3enw-LraCShyF7g-pgHA71HbOvtfKNg0fpmWqHXRH5JPF1LiDo_diIf0r2HdweLFLqOEn6tBY36oxRxZPdusRqN3ZYXJDDCBqg9PsglYYmFe0H3fWHQhw7AeaYWoseA4w8JZDC2GYoOToFEVLU3GhlgH35Cy748gIU4Vokj/s1200/IMG_0105jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmqNzTiQi5VwqouDbC3enw-LraCShyF7g-pgHA71HbOvtfKNg0fpmWqHXRH5JPF1LiDo_diIf0r2HdweLFLqOEn6tBY36oxRxZPdusRqN3ZYXJDDCBqg9PsglYYmFe0H3fWHQhw7AeaYWoseA4w8JZDC2GYoOToFEVLU3GhlgH35Cy748gIU4Vokj/w400-h300/IMG_0105jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our homestead is located adjacent to a bend in the Unadilla River. For anything that flies, the direct path downstream is straight over our home. Migrating Monarch butterflies fly right over us every Fall. We have encouraged the growth of Milkweed, the only food source for these caterpillars, in many places on our land. This plant is growing where the planting bed meets the stone path. Its roots are well below most garden plants so both coexist here. The migration is weeks away so this new butterfly will be able to lay eggs that will produce new butterflies for that trek. We find it wonderful to be part of helping this endangered treasure to stay alive.<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-39558650214761180782022-07-13T12:11:00.002-04:002022-07-13T12:11:59.251-04:00They Can Fly<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnbylht_kjjHmAniFAZJFMkEhcJtfeb1dClKRUuhLjIIqhpj-MzDQJwGHS2_2HJi_y04y1zMXX8W_burLWr2-dzHo8hvCo87v2AUAzKmUq6YCOWMOPwIuhMusoFPiM_rN7xZ1kHnVRZWMhx4fQxZbHdlIam-hNcftwJEQ1mzS8daG16fsW6BC1WuM/s1200/IMG_0033jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnbylht_kjjHmAniFAZJFMkEhcJtfeb1dClKRUuhLjIIqhpj-MzDQJwGHS2_2HJi_y04y1zMXX8W_burLWr2-dzHo8hvCo87v2AUAzKmUq6YCOWMOPwIuhMusoFPiM_rN7xZ1kHnVRZWMhx4fQxZbHdlIam-hNcftwJEQ1mzS8daG16fsW6BC1WuM/w400-h300/IMG_0033jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>We found ourselves at our High Meadow this morning. Recently Amy saw a Killdeer here. It was the first time that she had ever seen this beautiful bird. We have made two return trips but found it neither time. Every visit here is special in its own way. Invasive Japanese Honeysuckle has been removed from this level field. <a href="https://stonewallgarden.blogspot.com/2017/06/best-birthday-ever.html" target="_blank">On my seventy-third birthday I was provided with a machine that had a seat and a bucket for a weekend.</a> Acres of level ground saw this highly invasive plant removed. To keep it gone I now mow huge fields. It is time to stop the mowing this year since the Milkweed is in flower. We recently came upon two Monarch butterflies joined together to transfer the seed packet that will yield eggs. These leaves will be home to the next generation of caterpillars then butterflies. So far the early mowings have kept the Honeysuckle absent from this ground.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKQtDEy8XdqQYFJHvG8FoDw0_iWJZbSuKd0wxnPybY5770hrDgCoNBpFLgVxdzP6_UH3CO1mRNoeEqmeLT7E_qJ4yztFYbqrW08BAu2cgAtI0LpC72YEReBc0QybqfDwibF6KvXfjJjFg9TGaBjeO59KATjV92Qu_n7OuSITgEHSz-aDzFR0MsWjT/s1200/IMG_0031jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKQtDEy8XdqQYFJHvG8FoDw0_iWJZbSuKd0wxnPybY5770hrDgCoNBpFLgVxdzP6_UH3CO1mRNoeEqmeLT7E_qJ4yztFYbqrW08BAu2cgAtI0LpC72YEReBc0QybqfDwibF6KvXfjJjFg9TGaBjeO59KATjV92Qu_n7OuSITgEHSz-aDzFR0MsWjT/w400-h300/IMG_0031jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>We have seen this turkey and her four young many times. Yesterday they were taking dust baths under October Sky Asters planted right next to the corner of the house. They have been spending a great deal of time rather close to the house. Our concern for their safety remains active since the poults seemed too small to fly. Turkeys spent the nights in trees where they are safe from predators. For a period following hatching, both the young and their mother sleep on the ground. We need worry no more. Mom and her young were in the taller weeds in the center of the field when we first saw them. Their reaction to our presence was to head toward the trees. Our movement sent the group back into the taller weeds. Soon the young appeared in the shorter weeds where they took to the air. They found safety in the Pine trees. Mother also flew but remained in the field possibly intending to keep our focus on her.<p></p><p>At my recent doctor's visit, I was told that most of the men born in 1944 are now dead. I am still here two years after that dividing line. This land and its peaceful connection to nature has been ours for the past twenty-eight years. Age now limits my ability to do all of the physical work necessary to preserve this land but I absolutely cannot see myself living in a senior care facility. How could anyone leave this wonderful life so close to nature?<br /> </p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-69044073481262087402022-07-08T11:50:00.001-04:002022-07-08T11:50:35.483-04:00Four Patches Of Mayflowers In July<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkd6JLDBld5FgV-qOck-hHCWh_8oroZggL3HPvIVwEB0MvD44AoIGrqnUvxEBNzPgYDKBVq7NS932wsMq2sbhhfNmQfFvVhdxbG5PZ-EhyzW80rtuPoh5v590ucIIxfT1TpDWrIG6POjjcoH9c01YY-P77dTxLHxTLh86OFtqfsJCOuKcJlNwOMfT7/s1200/IMG_9976jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkd6JLDBld5FgV-qOck-hHCWh_8oroZggL3HPvIVwEB0MvD44AoIGrqnUvxEBNzPgYDKBVq7NS932wsMq2sbhhfNmQfFvVhdxbG5PZ-EhyzW80rtuPoh5v590ucIIxfT1TpDWrIG6POjjcoH9c01YY-P77dTxLHxTLh86OFtqfsJCOuKcJlNwOMfT7/w400-h300/IMG_9976jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><a href="https://stonewallgarden.blogspot.com/2011/04/hiding-in-plain-sight.html" target="_blank">This is our only naturally occurring patch</a> of that wonderful native plant also known as Trailing Arbutus. In the early 1960's the barn burned and the trash that the fire left behind was buried in this area. A gravel bank was opened to expose material used to cover the remains of the barn. This spot features the lumpy overburden that was pushed aside. As difficult as it is to believe, this tiny patch of green may be fifty years old.<p></p><p>When we first found it we knew nothing about it other than it had <a href="https://stonewallgarden.blogspot.com/2015/05/pink-arbutus-flowers.html" target="_blank">sweet smelling flowers in April or May. </a> Some years we found and enjoyed these blossoms while other years no trace of the plant could be found. What we eventually learned was that this evergreen plant exposes its sweet tasting leaves following snow melt. Rabbits are particularly fond of feeding on these leaves. Despite this damage, the plant used the next three years to reestablish itself and flower. That explains the wire cage that covers this plant. The dry stone walls surrounding the cage have to date made it impossible for hungry animals to push the cage aside or slide under it.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFcrB5FIt9-xJaaexDn0idJaVRlqLnBTX_GnCN0O-Sy0tkSRJkTsf5Vj5zp7Dzj9JKdfQwrgVLCwtylEeMIALZPfTiARR7dhRHrza4oti4ngGKJeLOvB5hm-gZOFaMnYgLN71QR7KVV6_wZ-8ebLtnC2qPl8kEqg7XtJTg3O9r_iHyGg1frcpQ7zF/s1200/IMG_9972jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFcrB5FIt9-xJaaexDn0idJaVRlqLnBTX_GnCN0O-Sy0tkSRJkTsf5Vj5zp7Dzj9JKdfQwrgVLCwtylEeMIALZPfTiARR7dhRHrza4oti4ngGKJeLOvB5hm-gZOFaMnYgLN71QR7KVV6_wZ-8ebLtnC2qPl8kEqg7XtJTg3O9r_iHyGg1frcpQ7zF/w400-h300/IMG_9972jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This area features our first successful transplants and a from seed plant that grew in the soil clump moved with the plant. Arbutus is described as impossible to move in many books but we found success. Our understanding of this plant when we moved it was limited since we were unaware that it exists in both genders. Pure luck gave us three pollen producing plants and one that grows seeds. The dense leaf growth here makes it impossible to know if any other plants grew from the seed produced here. Leaf growth has reached the limits of the covering cage and we have no plans to protect these exposed plant parts.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96kDkREc6PXv34UOYy7NksQgvwAzAIa6wM5ayYh-u0F78QNS17s-RIwap18WYxpOjJpaU0-Vo9NQ4PrqyeKMdzB5imQZOmEJZlz7vEWZ3uze-9w7L8xto_HGTzT8O06t5nKlC9wn8S2zZhVZ3DqYEKKRNl5vFCMGugS0NL9w_6povmzqwm5eg3q4G/s1200/IMG_9974jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96kDkREc6PXv34UOYy7NksQgvwAzAIa6wM5ayYh-u0F78QNS17s-RIwap18WYxpOjJpaU0-Vo9NQ4PrqyeKMdzB5imQZOmEJZlz7vEWZ3uze-9w7L8xto_HGTzT8O06t5nKlC9wn8S2zZhVZ3DqYEKKRNl5vFCMGugS0NL9w_6povmzqwm5eg3q4G/w400-h300/IMG_9974jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This closeup is intended to show the difference between the new light green leaves that are new growth this year and the older dark green leaves. We still do not understand the life cycle of these evergreen leaves. At some point in time some must die but we seldom see a dead leaf. One may be visible in the second wire rectangle from the left in the center row but we have no way of knowing its age. Their general appearance may be hidden beneath the vigorous new growth.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_FoF7fBamZH-6zeVtemJuPGTn2OATGKfVUKKgYJa-J5PVk8Ay6ehf760cr9Llp-f4YCnQgiT4MEo8zwfPQa2dicouFldpyKYkvVO1tunAX1pID0XwwRv_vAYqIcxsLMnC_tRXzb_hkk5m2fvc5vjkbGX9IJmOQStag0M2tntmrpteuK37-xgCnZk/s1200/IMG_9981jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_FoF7fBamZH-6zeVtemJuPGTn2OATGKfVUKKgYJa-J5PVk8Ay6ehf760cr9Llp-f4YCnQgiT4MEo8zwfPQa2dicouFldpyKYkvVO1tunAX1pID0XwwRv_vAYqIcxsLMnC_tRXzb_hkk5m2fvc5vjkbGX9IJmOQStag0M2tntmrpteuK37-xgCnZk/w400-h300/IMG_9981jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our second successful attempt to transplant can be seen here. When these four pollen producing plants and two seed growing plants were placed here, we gave them great care. Fallen White Pine needles were singularly removed so that the Trailing Arbutus leaves were fully exposed. Recently we have limited our intrusion of the natural turn of events since we want this to be a wild native plant. This tree suffered great damage from the late heavy snow storm and the Arbutus plants are nearly covered with fallen pine needles. This cage will be temporarily set aside so that the heavy load of pine needles can be lightened.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlCnNbpAF3c1hyPeOQvk2gOX1Tvm1wOt6-iC5ynKSeGXMNuKTPCteGpl_sj5IAhv_QPubrTxYG0SSbTavmCNK9HNn1U3-ZpHxZmCgwvK7BMJWjXC-WBi0JsfPUNdO5FAM1vpLh15fw-FdTgUs76hYo6kZ6GGE5x8YKTxweAiPYVv248K0OQADm1ZK/s1200/IMG_9978jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlCnNbpAF3c1hyPeOQvk2gOX1Tvm1wOt6-iC5ynKSeGXMNuKTPCteGpl_sj5IAhv_QPubrTxYG0SSbTavmCNK9HNn1U3-ZpHxZmCgwvK7BMJWjXC-WBi0JsfPUNdO5FAM1vpLh15fw-FdTgUs76hYo6kZ6GGE5x8YKTxweAiPYVv248K0OQADm1ZK/w400-h300/IMG_9978jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When we were digging transplants, we disturbed a tiny cluster of possibly five plants. These were placed in the corner of our first patch. Two or three years later exactly two plants remained alive. They were placed here adjacent to the property line under a huge White Pine. As luck would have it, both genders are present. We brought no soil here as we wanted these plants growing from a deep deposit of rotted pine needles. They are doing well sending out long pieces of new growth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trailing Arbutus plants form their blossom buds ahead of winter. Our next set of pictures will focus on new buds. This year weather was harsh when the open flowers were expected so we eagerly look forward to next year. <br /> <p></p></div>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-81913777783124308502022-07-07T14:30:00.003-04:002022-07-07T18:50:21.998-04:00Flowers In The Wild<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnb29lBRiP0GwS7H22I7St1iHKOxNy1GT13R3jWVvzsnkdprkfcvzRxtk1mP2-5YeVVbvzcqih2GUoP-msdhGG5WCVDPphvY66hKTq4j49SYsXxBGP9Q6M5Syx3ZEjkoukoE_ltNlW9oUhUK84R8vsj4IgfL5Zt8YxL_-e2-QUqH-eVkMja_z7filBg/s1200/IMG_9967jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnb29lBRiP0GwS7H22I7St1iHKOxNy1GT13R3jWVvzsnkdprkfcvzRxtk1mP2-5YeVVbvzcqih2GUoP-msdhGG5WCVDPphvY66hKTq4j49SYsXxBGP9Q6M5Syx3ZEjkoukoE_ltNlW9oUhUK84R8vsj4IgfL5Zt8YxL_-e2-QUqH-eVkMja_z7filBg/w400-h300/IMG_9967jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>When this rather poor farmland became ours twenty-eight years ago, we were in our fifth decade of existence and capable of hours of physical labor in intense sunlight. Sod was removed and stacked to compost. Stones were sifted from the soil and used to build weed free paths. Tired but happy was the rule of each day. Our present loss of function has totally changed our garden. This Butterfly Weed plant may have planted itself here. We remember trying to establish purchased plants with mixed results. This plant may well be self planted from seed. It is at the end of a planting bed in full view from the living room window. Many recent days find us watching this Aphrodite Fritillary butterfly from the comfort of an airconditioned room. As I was being driven inside by the oppressive heat, I stopped for this photo.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganISN3V6xUaOz-ps2cZ-HH8LoaDwKRaCDzPF7BMRA9hDcjPKqn0f0BbmUVuDk9Jl8EZyvWFx6U4CsRLTgv99Rxc37QbhwCkJBl5ZaIEYr1t6QbAsov0to-WZItPlBK0RakAz1tUrB7uZAFpmbpjpy45up4vwu_sk50hvk5fUL3B0F8Db7omMCibn6bw/s1200/IMG_9955jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganISN3V6xUaOz-ps2cZ-HH8LoaDwKRaCDzPF7BMRA9hDcjPKqn0f0BbmUVuDk9Jl8EZyvWFx6U4CsRLTgv99Rxc37QbhwCkJBl5ZaIEYr1t6QbAsov0to-WZItPlBK0RakAz1tUrB7uZAFpmbpjpy45up4vwu_sk50hvk5fUL3B0F8Db7omMCibn6bw/w400-h300/IMG_9955jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Rose Campion is a beautiful but difficult plant. Its brightly colored flowers are backed by a silver green colored foliage. It is a biennial with a low rosette of leaves as its first year of growth. A long tap root makes transplantation difficult. We have been content to let these plants grow where they please. In time small sifted stone paths become filled with composted plant parts and minerals from the stones. Many plants seem to prefer this mixture as a place to grow. We happily walk around these beauties to use our garden paths.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpksK0Vi1e2oj-Qf54mnHV2QqFNPkShKj9UsSW7rnT3mDUJDQN2ci8w5ynW6eqmfeVGZYdULCvU-NePSvN-5arTJlaj4Vi-nFjzMHHWfGJQyxxbTr9kWMVKXkCwtokrIpzhX6iI7ssQANUIvax6BZmUBi5ik1IYNibrVxDWwL6uvFnltKhplGk7JfEA/s1200/IMG_9957jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpksK0Vi1e2oj-Qf54mnHV2QqFNPkShKj9UsSW7rnT3mDUJDQN2ci8w5ynW6eqmfeVGZYdULCvU-NePSvN-5arTJlaj4Vi-nFjzMHHWfGJQyxxbTr9kWMVKXkCwtokrIpzhX6iI7ssQANUIvax6BZmUBi5ik1IYNibrVxDWwL6uvFnltKhplGk7JfEA/w400-h300/IMG_9957jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This view is looking straight down a thirty by three foot stone path. No stones are visible despite their six inch depth. Wood Betony is another purple color flowered plant that has been popular here for decades. Planted in our carefully prepared soil, the plants grew but did not flourish. These plants are all escapees from our stone free planting beds. They find something in the path ground that was missing from the soil that we created. We intend to clear out some of the weeds while doing no damage to these special plants in preparation for next year's display.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtF_X6_FKR_wMS7PFPxKQX7yFK0VGJY4QYrSsbLEikiVs3sb1AwZZ2OP3n2IDhZU6VHEh0JmsGL5aU2I5kgAtMloS_wMeHw91J0CdLOAgcuJ4f2VNyOwggONhKslYWlOVTeZlE4iGdOx3yvFk0gKQncYnoWD4l6JGBoQa3t81VeoB8Erlcsu6DWI0ZA/s1200/IMG_9963jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtF_X6_FKR_wMS7PFPxKQX7yFK0VGJY4QYrSsbLEikiVs3sb1AwZZ2OP3n2IDhZU6VHEh0JmsGL5aU2I5kgAtMloS_wMeHw91J0CdLOAgcuJ4f2VNyOwggONhKslYWlOVTeZlE4iGdOx3yvFk0gKQncYnoWD4l6JGBoQa3t81VeoB8Erlcsu6DWI0ZA/w400-h300/IMG_9963jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Elle gave us these Gloriosa Daisies years ago. As she said would happen, many plants returned to yellow only petals while some of the brightly colored flowers persist. We are moving along in age ourselves with no plan for what comes next and find some comfort from these past gifts. Many different plants in our gardens came from Elle They always bring to the front pleasant memories. <br /> <p></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954826148369517031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-42714529197570598382022-06-29T12:16:00.000-04:002022-06-29T12:16:26.402-04:00Milkweed Flowers <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWy_IUdqu-QVa4U-PbS3XEtrtYhr_zkj_vwmpWbg_btV-54Ydyo8DFXHt5u398JEVAzTV_ANqSK5_-xQglqhv-ZbOwwv2korgC69f4o4OfWAL4RJjXXEI_LSqrhYDy5PE75F7YKug5fpvuAI5Ig2-sLmRG0YeaQ6SFV4rZFFEbdaqvFM7tYQcyAE1r/s1200/IMG_9938jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWy_IUdqu-QVa4U-PbS3XEtrtYhr_zkj_vwmpWbg_btV-54Ydyo8DFXHt5u398JEVAzTV_ANqSK5_-xQglqhv-ZbOwwv2korgC69f4o4OfWAL4RJjXXEI_LSqrhYDy5PE75F7YKug5fpvuAI5Ig2-sLmRG0YeaQ6SFV4rZFFEbdaqvFM7tYQcyAE1r/w400-h300/IMG_9938jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>June drawing to a close has always been a special time of year. Thirty-four times it marked the change from working in the classroom to ten weeks of vacation or a summer job. For many, Milkweed is little more than a roadside weed. Its unique connection to the Monarch butterfly makes it an incredibly important native plant. Our retirement land was purchased more than one quarter of a century ago and its wildly rural nature placed us in close contact with both the butterfly and its food source. Memory of its powerful scent could not go unnoticed.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo4xVdvn7MR5xHit4zeGeZykhHTKKleymNHGRU_HJgbb012YIZwmwq0Tz_eGS6PLNBPkpMdiz5a6EK28oPwDL2gJG77Moh4eGINXx7FDv1APJM6iBVSzfAqCsyEpiIGogF5pq3J5asD9sZBnTmSFfQgmFje9BFJxYs3TTxsF3JOuNVGmtXcvvz_Ml/s1200/IMG_9941jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo4xVdvn7MR5xHit4zeGeZykhHTKKleymNHGRU_HJgbb012YIZwmwq0Tz_eGS6PLNBPkpMdiz5a6EK28oPwDL2gJG77Moh4eGINXx7FDv1APJM6iBVSzfAqCsyEpiIGogF5pq3J5asD9sZBnTmSFfQgmFje9BFJxYs3TTxsF3JOuNVGmtXcvvz_Ml/w400-h300/IMG_9941jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The difference in the color of the open flowers remains an unanswered question. Many are close to white colored while others show a rose pink. One possible explanation could be the age of the open flower but we see both colors on plants with both open flowers and unopened buds. Perhaps this issue is similar to the variation in human eye or hair color. It just happens.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbLgW4LDpojxQRg77s4hhLl-MZn49lWgukj509uK-VduGtEPuyvpRse3IKf3DpWDgaYSQU5huTm4wHdoj1pr-1dlrrtMz_F3XMGBnKbFFK0Bwzv6ietDw3P7gVa9pik2NjgR051khEOfgxsg4mIp5K9XllkjtHZBsR4Gcf2G9StAwYqbmj_CyRv-p/s1200/IMG_9943jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbLgW4LDpojxQRg77s4hhLl-MZn49lWgukj509uK-VduGtEPuyvpRse3IKf3DpWDgaYSQU5huTm4wHdoj1pr-1dlrrtMz_F3XMGBnKbFFK0Bwzv6ietDw3P7gVa9pik2NjgR051khEOfgxsg4mIp5K9XllkjtHZBsR4Gcf2G9StAwYqbmj_CyRv-p/w400-h300/IMG_9943jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Several years ago we started squash seeds indoors well ahead of the last frost date. When these plants were moved outside there was a long period when no blossoms were pollinated. The newly opened flowers on the milkweed were a powerful magnet drawing in all of the bees. Our squash simply had to wait until these flowers were finished. Early yesterday morning when I first saw open flowers, a perfect Fritillary butterfly was finding food there. When I returned in the afternoon with a camera the bees had taken possession of these flowers. The only butterflies seen then were being chased away by selfish bees.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1nVXlnQjDnc0jFoWyTsHYr5pgr2X5KBGJ509vFH5MI9Rm71r_8K9oklnbL2yDMWKsqTEJ3IjHu5XDYRlcyyG_gpvM5cE__WR0gTptRlcdM-ykOzcrCT9MlsTMbNPyNTuvwJazNucgEV9Xd4VqhsGysBg-4Ad3LtIOGFsjTjo1ZG3jIZcOgGs23oJ/s1200/IMG_9942jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1nVXlnQjDnc0jFoWyTsHYr5pgr2X5KBGJ509vFH5MI9Rm71r_8K9oklnbL2yDMWKsqTEJ3IjHu5XDYRlcyyG_gpvM5cE__WR0gTptRlcdM-ykOzcrCT9MlsTMbNPyNTuvwJazNucgEV9Xd4VqhsGysBg-4Ad3LtIOGFsjTjo1ZG3jIZcOgGs23oJ/w400-h300/IMG_9942jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It comes as no surprise to those people that know us that <a href="https://stonewallgarden.blogspot.com/2017/09/fool-with-mother-nature-fool.html" target="_blank">we meddle in the natural order</a>. As Fall approaches we see huge numbers of Milkweed plants with no leaves as they die down. This is at the exact time when the caterpillars need a food source. These developing creatures eat only Milkweed leaves and they are scarce at that time. Milkweed is an amazing plant. When it has a visit from a lawn mower, it simply regrows. We mow two large fields intending to end mowing in July so that the new growth will have young leaves for the caterpillars. This sounds like a good plan but some of the plants that we cut down are feeding new caterpillars. We do have large areas that never see the mower so we are not killing all of them. This working with nature is never easy.</div><div><br /></div>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-35113130653032639282022-06-25T15:24:00.001-04:002022-06-25T16:27:22.482-04:00Flowers & Flies<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5p-6JhVEdpzQ4L_G0cQqYegvFeJBFErHefqBnHmKHLd9RvOwOVvBI5fEeLFE7dVoTuY-nRBysJi9TFerSKPOG4Tpb-tUtuk7HICo8Y0KjNmmRJExUZOwW0XNYoLX10kYNK0neehqj-92rjiT6F2a9hfGSCCn8jBqTwlvzLr4VpceGOMx1MXa4BMT/s1200/IMG_9920jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5p-6JhVEdpzQ4L_G0cQqYegvFeJBFErHefqBnHmKHLd9RvOwOVvBI5fEeLFE7dVoTuY-nRBysJi9TFerSKPOG4Tpb-tUtuk7HICo8Y0KjNmmRJExUZOwW0XNYoLX10kYNK0neehqj-92rjiT6F2a9hfGSCCn8jBqTwlvzLr4VpceGOMx1MXa4BMT/w400-h300/IMG_9920jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This area just south of the shade garden has experienced its initial weeding where we are trying to change wild ground into garden. The Sweet William's stunning flowers are surrounded by uninvited plants. Some of those are Jewel Weed which we believe the deer find unappealing. After the flowers are past we really should remove the uninvited allowing the Sweet William an opportunity to spread. We may remove all of the seed pods except those from the brightly tricolored plant.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CUpPhdhGq1R0e9QpQtAXSlL_XwWnTeWk89zEoct6edgwNaZg35OPEFPjmHRLPV4b_GK8gybZmAhqmtG9tssjV_YjBOzf0JJHWpDzadH566QfWCl8m4kbYifewQBU_Wrf4qwwdcZgi9Su6YkD8Nf9PKcvzrkbxzt8AsGrGh6z9O9VtNhncGDGPlwU/s1200/IMG_9908jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CUpPhdhGq1R0e9QpQtAXSlL_XwWnTeWk89zEoct6edgwNaZg35OPEFPjmHRLPV4b_GK8gybZmAhqmtG9tssjV_YjBOzf0JJHWpDzadH566QfWCl8m4kbYifewQBU_Wrf4qwwdcZgi9Su6YkD8Nf9PKcvzrkbxzt8AsGrGh6z9O9VtNhncGDGPlwU/w400-h300/IMG_9908jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Becky has always had an eye that sees nearly everything. It is highly likely that I would have walked right by here seeing nothing special. Another part of the impressive is that when she returned to the house, she consulted her National Audubon Society book and rather quickly found their photo with the name of this unusual insect. Scorpion Fly has an unusual appendage dangling from the front of its head. Just what it eats and how it catches dinner remains unknown to us.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI05HUKF_3Mc4o8I6ojDuTdJWWXM4B4xVxiWdRZPtvlBo40NS5sEMcvudKZ1GPEnYWarXTLTi8hl8a-yEoCdZvLV0RmSc_hqVPPoQQdFc5WdFR_hAlcriJvW20i_sJCHouvfBJrx_oqSYBguR-fnbrKj3bqa2Z-ba3XrzwCArKkhXDYVlqJiJHNJ0s/s1200/IMG_9928jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI05HUKF_3Mc4o8I6ojDuTdJWWXM4B4xVxiWdRZPtvlBo40NS5sEMcvudKZ1GPEnYWarXTLTi8hl8a-yEoCdZvLV0RmSc_hqVPPoQQdFc5WdFR_hAlcriJvW20i_sJCHouvfBJrx_oqSYBguR-fnbrKj3bqa2Z-ba3XrzwCArKkhXDYVlqJiJHNJ0s/w400-h300/IMG_9928jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This vicious looking Early Tachinid fly has been noticed before. It just looks capable of delivering a painful bite. Once again the Audubon book provided us with a proper name. That text describes this bug as easily spooked so we know not how Becky got this photo.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphjHd-EYUQH8PZtgLbkIrNzA6OjsTlb8zJnSz6gW8ppIMVSidUiiDe4sFJ0TAQdvzv5sTfy3_ePuXMEXlb4RbeOz63vQC1EHDvSIA99mMxBnXyNI_7RgRPnK_h3fIGaxqR9v_KoggEx4RJYlO6hyicQfGt6ztQ--pEuK0P1wj1_JOTdMqBwb2ZoWI/s1200/IMG_9924jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphjHd-EYUQH8PZtgLbkIrNzA6OjsTlb8zJnSz6gW8ppIMVSidUiiDe4sFJ0TAQdvzv5sTfy3_ePuXMEXlb4RbeOz63vQC1EHDvSIA99mMxBnXyNI_7RgRPnK_h3fIGaxqR9v_KoggEx4RJYlO6hyicQfGt6ztQ--pEuK0P1wj1_JOTdMqBwb2ZoWI/s320/IMG_9924jnp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We view this jumble of self planted growth as truly special. One of several such Cardinal Flower plants grow here. The tall plant holding the lower left corner of the photo is Cardinal Flower. To its immediate right is an odd looking leaf composed of two connected oval sections joined to an unusually shaped third part. This is the highly elusive Bloodroot. We are trying, with little success, to grow this native treasure while this one appears strong in the midst of many other plants. Careful inspection revealed that both of these plants are growing from the same thimble full of soil. Intervention is totally unwise so we will wait and watch to see what their future holds. Given Cardinal Flower's growth habit of replacing one plant with up to six new plants next Spring each with a huge root mass, the Bloodroot may get crowded out but no way to clear ground for the Bloodroot could be found. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSgUXKvVMqMgtmTAvlnR3qVsADSh_eZBTEH2p6L_fPhWUcQ4lhkCCkDk94i34ARpy0ydNIBs2uNAe0zHhTwePh9krMfVFQFve_QAfrdgB8YNijZfYAkhKyzeeHdfq2_hit7z4U2Fwl0eolxR28FikNqjeJOWAQiCXsKeKlJurUsnWGf3yhLXLPTOo/s1200/IMG_9923jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSgUXKvVMqMgtmTAvlnR3qVsADSh_eZBTEH2p6L_fPhWUcQ4lhkCCkDk94i34ARpy0ydNIBs2uNAe0zHhTwePh9krMfVFQFve_QAfrdgB8YNijZfYAkhKyzeeHdfq2_hit7z4U2Fwl0eolxR28FikNqjeJOWAQiCXsKeKlJurUsnWGf3yhLXLPTOo/s320/IMG_9923jnp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here is the likely source of the errant Cardinal Flower seed. The hooded gardener did plant these several years ago in his quest to find a location where this native treasure would survive with only a small amount of help. Following snow melt, spent Chrysanthemum stems were spread across these evergreen plants. Several harsh frosts blackened these leaves but they did put out new growth. Plants from seeds are rarely seen here because their emergence usually happens in June. Tiny new growth is seen as weeds and removed. The seeds that blew to the other side of the path grew under the protective cover of other plants and did flower last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>That clean line of separation between these precious plants and old pasture growth is the result of a visit from the seated weeder. Blue Eyed Grass can be seen between his knee and the Cardinal Flower. Becky rescued a single plant from the lawn in Unadilla and has been trying to grow it ever since. Given its structural similarity to the much hated Quack Grass, its future here has been dim. This year several were rescued and placed in this well cared for area. Our timing was perfect and necessary water carried and provided. The transplants took a solid hold, flowered and are now growing full seed balls. With no other grass like plants in the area, these may well hold a bright future. <br /> <p></p></div>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-33461875956565029322022-06-21T12:26:00.002-04:002022-06-21T12:29:58.252-04:00Finally Seeds<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_WFtgW4fu7ZjJEqWq5Dx_pnPpAG-fmbkY6e2OuoGbcwkK2tgRnD_rLRLni9ijAWwWiE9-z5mJuro7XXMeHx534LIGy1xruwKBZ2LWbB6KnJxY0JuJXPpzKC3Lt6Lnuu5XQ2VUQiMpXALsdzug5K8g4B6KgdowIn8S1qV3INmoSH0WoUbmsLPA4hM/s1200/IMG_9905jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_WFtgW4fu7ZjJEqWq5Dx_pnPpAG-fmbkY6e2OuoGbcwkK2tgRnD_rLRLni9ijAWwWiE9-z5mJuro7XXMeHx534LIGy1xruwKBZ2LWbB6KnJxY0JuJXPpzKC3Lt6Lnuu5XQ2VUQiMpXALsdzug5K8g4B6KgdowIn8S1qV3INmoSH0WoUbmsLPA4hM/w400-h300/IMG_9905jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The first hope when trying to grow native plants is that they will remain alive. That may seem obvious but we have watched entirely too many simply disappear quickly or slowly over several years. When we transplanted Wild Ginger next to the stones separating planting areas from path, we hoped that the change there in elevation would allow us to see flowers. That has happened but we never expected to see mature seeds. We will most likely leave these seeds alone allowing nature to take its course. Success will be hard to find since the leaves form a solid canopy blocking ground activity from view. It is enough to simply know that here in our native plant garden, plants are producing seed for the next generation.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B5K-3agyIBex8gY9iC7uPb9F2jCjrBE058vs85U4C1hIasraTjclS1MtAkTPJnymHSxHAwMS3r42rJv6ivqmuPdrpOeM_StgcdaCQxs35Gq_q1T_Lch4roepUotzpShbzZUlLtUywsunUjoo1NzPO22MgZTuc408vWhachguO5d2DcDBLzbpsGVk/s1200/IMG_9896jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B5K-3agyIBex8gY9iC7uPb9F2jCjrBE058vs85U4C1hIasraTjclS1MtAkTPJnymHSxHAwMS3r42rJv6ivqmuPdrpOeM_StgcdaCQxs35Gq_q1T_Lch4roepUotzpShbzZUlLtUywsunUjoo1NzPO22MgZTuc408vWhachguO5d2DcDBLzbpsGVk/w400-h300/IMG_9896jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Twin Leaf has held our attention for many years. We have had difficulty just keeping it alive and never expected to see seed from this plant. Watching this seed pod develop has held our attention for several weeks. Books described these seeds as being forcefully cast about by the design of the plant. Not knowing if a spring throw was likely similar to Jewel weed, or a ride on the wind like Milkweed, we have been carefully watching frequently not wanting to miss the action. The lid has opened revealing smooth hard looking seeds that will not float on the wind. No spring mechanism is visible either. It looks likely that these seeds will simply fall to the ground. We will continue to watch every day for this show is not yet over.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWZp6jIl04gfTIkPoXhmErEAWiYNEFlT2KkBcgbm2kTQm87Li7Yv4Kizr9asmz8Iuk4LVtexXk9DJpJmwMazS6sgTmffCr3T-HfgBfPenIGZq7_StfRp7EJp46tyMgH-pBd0GXqtdByfVeKom9h3bmWm2t_bOybQkEleI3rhNSNIFLDXiJwJYayY5/s1200/IMG_9891jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWZp6jIl04gfTIkPoXhmErEAWiYNEFlT2KkBcgbm2kTQm87Li7Yv4Kizr9asmz8Iuk4LVtexXk9DJpJmwMazS6sgTmffCr3T-HfgBfPenIGZq7_StfRp7EJp46tyMgH-pBd0GXqtdByfVeKom9h3bmWm2t_bOybQkEleI3rhNSNIFLDXiJwJYayY5/w400-h300/IMG_9891jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Getting perfect closeup pictures with our inexpensive point and shoot camera is uncommon. Near the center of the picture Miterwort seeds are in focus. This is another show that we usually miss. One problem with successful self planted seeds is the small new growth is mistaken for weeds and removed. This plant naturally occurs in our woods and with a cage cover has maintained its existence in our garden. Just seeing the seeds is an unexpected bonus. We will look for new young plants.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSOPrsz-A1qP-L6yQanJgR3t5K-G-89pjFdjYxwmgYFS_vgiDbQaqsZTOthTSlxrl-StDjjHhMdQFoh5YG9vPjQjWTq5bFX7amMQ86K_R2iHFJdAHOPyNV4Xr0ceg2N3sX590olFMb4taZwJE9ldNG43Pbc87SfVcl9hudOkNnS81zUWYGt78LmtG/s1200/IMG_9903jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSOPrsz-A1qP-L6yQanJgR3t5K-G-89pjFdjYxwmgYFS_vgiDbQaqsZTOthTSlxrl-StDjjHhMdQFoh5YG9vPjQjWTq5bFX7amMQ86K_R2iHFJdAHOPyNV4Xr0ceg2N3sX590olFMb4taZwJE9ldNG43Pbc87SfVcl9hudOkNnS81zUWYGt78LmtG/w400-h300/IMG_9903jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Pictures of the old grouch are not common. I was totally unaware that a photo was being taken. Being able to stand up from a kneeling position is no longer taken for granted. A spade is nearby and is sometimes needed to have something to push on. The attire also deserves explanation. Its strange appearance may discourage interlopers from visiting here. The old man may be a little crazy. The white colored shirt, pants and hat serve two useful purposes. Protection from the sun to avoid any more skin cancers seems like sound thinking. The hat, neck cover and shirt are all Solumbra products. The pants are more commonly worn by bakers. The white colored cloth also makes ticks easy to see and remove. Trilliums are the chosen plant here and the invasive grass has once again been successfully removed. New young growth is finally visible indicating that these natives are settling in here. That gives one something to look forward to next year. <br /> <p></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-87027056472990421252022-06-14T15:11:00.000-04:002022-06-14T15:11:33.035-04:00Where Is Mom<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0nUsikmzFHEEcAS6GMK31aqHVggRvYxArotN68kdvoAHgWSYr4uIGIHU-moOqrDxlWqwzhoWcbrN2cW5vU_qBILzFMi2DvLma-NC_Zjtrc93mGVwWY-G0Ucs-TxjUellNdAMMwzCn_IO-Ohd-H01-5fK9VZVYA3d_Kk3K1aZHPOunNWg50oa9_cQ/s1200/IMG_9822jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0nUsikmzFHEEcAS6GMK31aqHVggRvYxArotN68kdvoAHgWSYr4uIGIHU-moOqrDxlWqwzhoWcbrN2cW5vU_qBILzFMi2DvLma-NC_Zjtrc93mGVwWY-G0Ucs-TxjUellNdAMMwzCn_IO-Ohd-H01-5fK9VZVYA3d_Kk3K1aZHPOunNWg50oa9_cQ/w400-h300/IMG_9822jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Our retirement land has very little road frontage but it opens up to many acres bordering several square miles of undeveloped wilderness. In a sense we are isolated but where we live is quiet with frequent animal sightings. In the past several years it was common to see a doe with twin fawns. We have no way of knowing if this is her again but we certainly have twins once again. Raising offspring is sometimes difficult and these two youngsters are unusually active. What ever mischief one does not think of the other quickly does. Lately it appears that mom leaves her babies here while she sneaks off for some peace and quiet. The twins spend a great deal of time here running from one end of the mowed field to the other stopping now and then to explore our garden beds and sampling our plants. Usually this is not a problem.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKpbclOeqFoick1W5w_mqqGhm7J7xbAo72IcU_3nPQfHaDcn1Lw1rbHxS55IKIyixyN_nyYoSoES70sbpO1fxdpW2Yji_ihqBB_sA2kPwkPB83-S95x96cbqemRAyTGa6_wIVbPNOUxNyWSdbylCFpscAUsHnYX_ve0QdpYo98V9zb7c9FDLd7vjJ/s1200/IMG_9799jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKpbclOeqFoick1W5w_mqqGhm7J7xbAo72IcU_3nPQfHaDcn1Lw1rbHxS55IKIyixyN_nyYoSoES70sbpO1fxdpW2Yji_ihqBB_sA2kPwkPB83-S95x96cbqemRAyTGa6_wIVbPNOUxNyWSdbylCFpscAUsHnYX_ve0QdpYo98V9zb7c9FDLd7vjJ/w400-h300/IMG_9799jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>We have grown Gull's Wing Siberian Iris for years with no one eating them. They hold the end of a planting bed making a stunning appearance. Age has limited our garden time causing weeds to replace many of our plants. This year these flowers have put on a stunning display for a long period of time. Yesterday morning an awe inspiring flight of white flowers could be seen from the living room window. I thought to myself when I go outside, I should get a photo of those flowers. Once outside I promptly forgot all about taking the picture.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK3zrRvVfEXVITu9BNOp604HxQOPfcuUYc48gFGitlqQX-hLkIj3dXegILrTt6J7ShANJPp4QzafY37zg5J6ABUZ5ab-dekQFDCVIdk2ZWL2mG98MZ1vPB5o0_-ShNYecWw-AvlsvLn0en83mS5uyPPatzRX9M-vk7wfrXKbY4_JDszcfNTkdaAXS/s1200/IMG_9872jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK3zrRvVfEXVITu9BNOp604HxQOPfcuUYc48gFGitlqQX-hLkIj3dXegILrTt6J7ShANJPp4QzafY37zg5J6ABUZ5ab-dekQFDCVIdk2ZWL2mG98MZ1vPB5o0_-ShNYecWw-AvlsvLn0en83mS5uyPPatzRX9M-vk7wfrXKbY4_JDszcfNTkdaAXS/w400-h300/IMG_9872jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Later in the evening Becky remarked about how gorgeous the Gull's wings were today. Imagine our dismay when we looked out over our garden and saw no white flowers. How could they be gone? Nothing has ever eaten them before. Becky went out to check on the plants. A very few white buds remained, but with the exception of one half-eaten petal, all of the flowers were gone. Little baby fawn footprints left no doubt. Sometime in broad daylight those twin fawns acting on their own devoured every open blossom. I was crushed by their loss. I can only hope that my flowers gave the fawns the squirts.<br /> <p></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-63304046206276411022022-06-12T15:52:00.000-04:002022-06-12T15:52:07.682-04:00Help From Friends<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Wt13Etiza2IKGKkLyI0lOShqJe0LoiNTr_-xavmYBa9Dtj5XfE1CM3_U3CVxvDkaWzfkeMTpdKBTrHzsbe92JGhHh8ZFPbY6OHccB9u3BOa9LS_KpY-mZQN0JI15dh35J4lm9lm6undTiXtCKcR7_0M2hG1TOZEVQFuA_VRWulLSuPFD5RgvWftJ/s1200/IMG_9869jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Wt13Etiza2IKGKkLyI0lOShqJe0LoiNTr_-xavmYBa9Dtj5XfE1CM3_U3CVxvDkaWzfkeMTpdKBTrHzsbe92JGhHh8ZFPbY6OHccB9u3BOa9LS_KpY-mZQN0JI15dh35J4lm9lm6undTiXtCKcR7_0M2hG1TOZEVQFuA_VRWulLSuPFD5RgvWftJ/w400-h300/IMG_9869jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Native plants are afforded some measure of protection by laws that prohibit their harvest from State Land. With the permission of a property owner, they can be harvested. We had the good fortune to be granted access to a tremendous wealth of several varieties of native plants. The light bright green leaves pictured above are new growth on a transplanted Wintergreen plant. If new growth is visible, then where is the old growth? The dark green leaves at the left edge of the photo may well be Wintergreen. Never before have we seen anything like these new leaves on Wintergreen.<p></p><p>One of the problems has been just how this plant grows. Long stems at or just below the surface connect with roots that may be some distance away. One author described a method to transplant in view of this unusual placement of critical plant parts. He suggested finding the stem on either side of the leaves and cutting it while leaving the plant where it was. Returning one year later to a carefully marked plant will reveal if the severed plant responded with new root growth. If the plant was still alive, it might then be successfully moved. That seemed like way too much trouble. On one rare occasion, a small scrap of a plant was successfully moved. It showed signs of life for three years, then disappeared completely. A protective wire cage was not supplied.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO96bAHzd0535mg3j6R4V6eXpJUip6EuSa3oLumcwKilH7L3-a3q2HoAvZF1LaqPW0X2Z-7D9JDG9apvpDvRctcGwELDmmd9DZRsaX9MjP7kjHtSlDuU4gHyC4022QYGaQicS5QkkCXTyt8aFF8Bi27u6FxtBL6Y3oVGsFL3nD9TLbzvNX_0SiDkJ/s1200/IMG_9867jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO96bAHzd0535mg3j6R4V6eXpJUip6EuSa3oLumcwKilH7L3-a3q2HoAvZF1LaqPW0X2Z-7D9JDG9apvpDvRctcGwELDmmd9DZRsaX9MjP7kjHtSlDuU4gHyC4022QYGaQicS5QkkCXTyt8aFF8Bi27u6FxtBL6Y3oVGsFL3nD9TLbzvNX_0SiDkJ/w400-h300/IMG_9867jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>These plants were hastily dug on the day before Steve and Elaine moved away. Wintergreen is visible at the top edge of the picture but the new growth appears to come from dark striped leaves that are somewhat different from those in the first photo. The small leaves with a center white stripe belong to Partridge Berry. There are several pink buds visible that illustrate a unique feature of this plant. The base of the buds almost come together connecting with what will be a berry with two belly buttons. Apparently Wintergreen and Partridge Berry are frequently seen growing together. We are more than a little pleased having been permitted to dig these plants. They do seem happy here.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUrgQ_JgNiZBqqucjDBRD6mz86NN6fuzm4Gu58LC0uG6PjUL4viusnIBNSHYCa9XLYOGQiT3dZ16MY__x8vsYNBTza_7zmiUuyRPJHRD4YCu_VHoWPmYiqJs8XciEzywbFwXd8aMM-uxffnUD20BuYrOV0cAPqCc7kT6H5b6RJAtd8BnjGDqd8gzO/s1200/IMG_9871jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUrgQ_JgNiZBqqucjDBRD6mz86NN6fuzm4Gu58LC0uG6PjUL4viusnIBNSHYCa9XLYOGQiT3dZ16MY__x8vsYNBTza_7zmiUuyRPJHRD4YCu_VHoWPmYiqJs8XciEzywbFwXd8aMM-uxffnUD20BuYrOV0cAPqCc7kT6H5b6RJAtd8BnjGDqd8gzO/w400-h300/IMG_9871jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This is another view of the plant shown in the first picture. The plant in the lower right corner is a weed and will be removed. Moving toward the center, dark green leaves are seen and may be the origin of the new growth. Our resident authority thinks that the leaves in the upper left corner are violets. There are hundreds of varieties of violets so we are hopeful that these will prove special.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK42VtNrmegt7d2ZJ9bYK8o9pVU7j9UdvfxvW0YznaF_Fhm86h8dDbeF8XPYT6TqUEH4rsUBabWV7V6nwcgi4egUeFysayM-Bb2xpYO55k5qzAsqYyCQiNFsb4TDI-nyj_PFDzOFPMxBIu3WbGfaWmUeClavEw4I0nTeoPovWmUyPIpFZ6OOZxnhv/s1200/IMG_9865jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK42VtNrmegt7d2ZJ9bYK8o9pVU7j9UdvfxvW0YznaF_Fhm86h8dDbeF8XPYT6TqUEH4rsUBabWV7V6nwcgi4egUeFysayM-Bb2xpYO55k5qzAsqYyCQiNFsb4TDI-nyj_PFDzOFPMxBIu3WbGfaWmUeClavEw4I0nTeoPovWmUyPIpFZ6OOZxnhv/w400-h300/IMG_9865jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>This is the up to the moment condition of our Bloodroot patch. Supervised weeding protected as many as eight young plants. We did briefly see flowers on tiny plants earlier but no seed pods were evident. We have kept a careful watch on the woods across the valley but no seeds were seen there either. The red flowers are on Columbine. They are allowed to stay and spread since they were a favored plant of John Burroughs and none of these plants naturally grow without neighbors.</p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-9040243786207485342022-06-06T19:01:00.012-04:002022-06-09T13:19:11.659-04:00Town of Unadilla, River Road<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE4_AkMdq67yI1Z29ukEaayDMI45B1F0UxvOjiwseo3CoB5RCLYRG-xfkDQQxbvHlaAl2s3E9Y43aMqFrD9_HRCxfro3ucyys9bTBj8Nci-pByKSfeIooZjekKZGtORRLGQois-ctd1e_aZ-IHg0lYLdgGkyqiqgg10V45mfJ7GAlbsBbz2je3_eA/s1200/IMG_9825jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE4_AkMdq67yI1Z29ukEaayDMI45B1F0UxvOjiwseo3CoB5RCLYRG-xfkDQQxbvHlaAl2s3E9Y43aMqFrD9_HRCxfro3ucyys9bTBj8Nci-pByKSfeIooZjekKZGtORRLGQois-ctd1e_aZ-IHg0lYLdgGkyqiqgg10V45mfJ7GAlbsBbz2je3_eA/w400-h300/IMG_9825jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Six days ago a new surface appeared on our road. It appears to be seamless suggesting that the entire width was placed at the same time. River Road was closed and we never saw the machine. When we did return home we encountered a sharp steep drop off from the road to our driveway. Completing the turn on the road, we slowly drove straight down the drop without damage to the car. A small amount of the oil and stone mixture had been placed across our entrance. This needed further attention.<div><br /></div><div>Several days passed with nothing else happening. We bought a ten yard load of carefully screened gravel and had it dumped at our gravel bank. Using my lawn tractor and cart, ten loads required two days for me to move this fill. It is the brown wet mass at roadside. The drop from the road to our lane remains excessively steep so the job remains unfinished. At 78 it is necessary to carefully pace myself. Years ago I read that dry sand is impossible to pack down. Wet sand will pack down and when dry it will present a surface similar to cured cement.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSamF6V5eM9B191c8LjEVAS0RKHYn_pEI3e5g0_BG4y6x5lfbQl9LqcUq0cZCL829sbUk_40WKHpGWPW4pjWWEkuObdFrroT39fBGj6KV32BXVhshY0IZ3nlvb0Kxqa6x_11UgCeGaz__ppD6k-lA_u-5f9wGVl1hOg3OagmA02WFGNZEH4vd3PpS/s1200/IMG_9828jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSamF6V5eM9B191c8LjEVAS0RKHYn_pEI3e5g0_BG4y6x5lfbQl9LqcUq0cZCL829sbUk_40WKHpGWPW4pjWWEkuObdFrroT39fBGj6KV32BXVhshY0IZ3nlvb0Kxqa6x_11UgCeGaz__ppD6k-lA_u-5f9wGVl1hOg3OagmA02WFGNZEH4vd3PpS/w400-h300/IMG_9828jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This picture shows the extent of the drop from the roadway to our driveway. The black stone and tar mix was placed here after the roadway had been placed. The drop from the road was abrupt. We were afraid that the car would bottom out possibly causing damage. So we took matters into our own hands and began hauling fill. What can be seen is two layers thick. Yesterday's layer has been packed down while today's is letting its moisture work its way into the lower layer. When the time seems right our Toyota pickup truck will serve as a steam roller.</div><div><br /></div><div>The unfilled area in the foreground is beyond the edge of the driveway. It is a seriously deep hazard and will require attention after a smooth transition from highway to driveway is finished. That will require days of somewhat limited effort.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhON1Y2q_d-kUwatFtlPSsmIrWLz8a00zzcUO-_UcFkvUyBTy_DiIvwtSHWXI9fWkY9WNpgjYUTmoE80sHzdh1SVH_zn43S_qT0sXQjunbeLhZAm4DQsYCHA8TDRZplfN-feq5BiOPZKIHPnDCWNOuBhu_Wwirj_MUfFkPZioRoOg42yL8IHF5aZ86C/s1200/IMG_9831jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhON1Y2q_d-kUwatFtlPSsmIrWLz8a00zzcUO-_UcFkvUyBTy_DiIvwtSHWXI9fWkY9WNpgjYUTmoE80sHzdh1SVH_zn43S_qT0sXQjunbeLhZAm4DQsYCHA8TDRZplfN-feq5BiOPZKIHPnDCWNOuBhu_Wwirj_MUfFkPZioRoOg42yL8IHF5aZ86C/w300-h400/IMG_9831jnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This picture shows the need for still more fill. Our goal is a longer less steep surface from the roadway to our driveway. Our efforts presently span the width of the driveway but some users require a huge area to complete their race track turning style. We plan to define the deed described right of way with gravel fill and the adjacent lawn with soil fill, grass seed and straw mulch. This has never worked in the past but I will try again.</div><div><br /></div><div>The wet area in the foreground is the path taken after our mail is delivered. That may mark the limit of our gravel fill.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewJCUfgOyfDAHEjURqd8INbwbX5CstdFRRM2PlWRoLQEzyGHZZWiJddq6oUwrsyU-P1zixGOJdjytFCyy392bu3LcLvpXyE0XDjCH26Wl4hWtxcSB6c937QjjLOILnsUo2SUJ9pWMPNBaiRRa5dAhjv2tZvNZ7Fp7e45kQG5slbv7sZZ-VCiuZmjm/s1200/IMG_9833jnp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewJCUfgOyfDAHEjURqd8INbwbX5CstdFRRM2PlWRoLQEzyGHZZWiJddq6oUwrsyU-P1zixGOJdjytFCyy392bu3LcLvpXyE0XDjCH26Wl4hWtxcSB6c937QjjLOILnsUo2SUJ9pWMPNBaiRRa5dAhjv2tZvNZ7Fp7e45kQG5slbv7sZZ-VCiuZmjm/w300-h400/IMG_9833jnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The track across the grass is the path used by our US Mail carrier. The sharp drop off has little impact now but plowing snow here will be difficult at best. I intend to fill the area from the road, across the path, and far enough onto the lawn to give us a solid workable access to our mail box. This will take some time. I wonder if the Town of Unadilla will pick up the tab for the gravel needed to finish their job. Judging from the coarse gravel in the back of their truck that simply went right past me, I will get a better job if I do the work myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is no question that our road is now better than it has ever been. Unfortunately, it now appears that no plans were made to deal with the area adjacent to the road. Several mailboxes present a problem but a more serious issue is the drop off in some places where a shoulder might be expected. On the first curve encountered driving eastward, the drop appears to be six inches deep. A driver moving toward the edge of the pavement to miss a truck or a piece of farm machinery could easily drop into this void. A damaged or wrecked vehicle is possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day following this post I felt the need to talk with the Highway Superintendent about its existence. He told me that the machinery necessary to build proper shoulders had been ordered and that it should be here in a week or two. He is well aware of the sharp drop offs and is planning to correct that issue. We also touched on the mail box placements that the machine will encounter. I do not know if the road work will precede the relocation of some mail boxes. Perhaps it would have been better if I had talked with him before publishing the post.</div><p></p></div>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-42174693057107187282022-06-06T17:54:00.000-04:002022-06-06T17:54:49.080-04:00Flowers Everywhere<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1AoF7GnRQ0qSxevogmVr3TcA-vOVETw0ILE7GCgmGIIkx9g7rpSkXN3UEF_JSDqJ21GnlKOcIv1pcbL44H9bFkyEpizPIOIXVCS9EgeaOuYiEzBW3hyoZAjn3vcYeE2qEDl4aSLLJB_qZq4-Hk5RDEUFOA1bm89HRifNviyqAVyPffAmdgD-wP78/s1200/IMG_9800jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1AoF7GnRQ0qSxevogmVr3TcA-vOVETw0ILE7GCgmGIIkx9g7rpSkXN3UEF_JSDqJ21GnlKOcIv1pcbL44H9bFkyEpizPIOIXVCS9EgeaOuYiEzBW3hyoZAjn3vcYeE2qEDl4aSLLJB_qZq4-Hk5RDEUFOA1bm89HRifNviyqAVyPffAmdgD-wP78/w400-h300/IMG_9800jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This is one of the last Siberian iris purchased here. The catalog picture displayed this plant as having dirty white flowers. For several years no purchase was made since we enjoy pure white flowers. Imagine our surprise when the new purchase first opened its blossoms here. Over the years the mail order scraps have taken hold and are now impressive. We want to divide our clump and will once again put it on the to do list.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fn2JOMgFmGv58kEaY76EaNZzRNamo5-KPWGT6gDGNgZC5zkpiitNe8L7S-1_kJiSL6iKLHC2TxHlXVPJAmVuHs9YE6yMQ9J-Gd2VaYmVMe9HUpbQ2EcLsU_zr9KES_C85oGykGaNhosF70Z8ghkhSH9xxLi7ZlBbiCWfzYuoi3RJM_lCZ2RkmC4y/s1200/IMG_9803jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fn2JOMgFmGv58kEaY76EaNZzRNamo5-KPWGT6gDGNgZC5zkpiitNe8L7S-1_kJiSL6iKLHC2TxHlXVPJAmVuHs9YE6yMQ9J-Gd2VaYmVMe9HUpbQ2EcLsU_zr9KES_C85oGykGaNhosF70Z8ghkhSH9xxLi7ZlBbiCWfzYuoi3RJM_lCZ2RkmC4y/w400-h300/IMG_9803jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Nearby our Unadilla home, an older woman lived in a very small building. She was an excellent neighbor allowing us to tap her maple trees and engage us in pleasant conversation. This plant was one that she carefully tended. It was given to us by her daughter. These plant to people connections bring to the surface pleasant memories. This written record will help us remember since we would now be accurately classified as elderly.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw0_j3YAMqHIe0SypHKDWNItchNcg9f1_ut2_9ky6AycHxCaZEgJBr9PWN8E7PQVxpqlVfK_Cis8ty4_cWOTWNLo9vtohlZcqvwOMi9IFKV8vWjnAow15OOZ1bpDb0zBVv7qRrXdKzTxFAXh2qnJdZXiCnEoguLMRkyUkP8fo0mBfQEJefZYTyhwE/s1200/IMG_9806jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw0_j3YAMqHIe0SypHKDWNItchNcg9f1_ut2_9ky6AycHxCaZEgJBr9PWN8E7PQVxpqlVfK_Cis8ty4_cWOTWNLo9vtohlZcqvwOMi9IFKV8vWjnAow15OOZ1bpDb0zBVv7qRrXdKzTxFAXh2qnJdZXiCnEoguLMRkyUkP8fo0mBfQEJefZYTyhwE/w300-h400/IMG_9806jnp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This is another of our self planted treasures. Digitalis is classified as a poisonous plant but only adults live here. A former student has pleasant memories of her interaction with these flowers when she was a child. She placed two potted plants outside of her door so that her daughter could have a similar experience. We also find the shrinking tunnel wildly marked with colored dots magical. Its chance occurrence close to our stone wall only increases the magic. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOCt-AVr621ZJ1kYcQztF69kIsya67RQGzv9eKhz08Vm7jATfBNsu2L63RkEre5R7MxK1zWB-5f_VG_uqOMlrU8gvVeyKGj0_OLm1Q3JlIHYE-QEgcHyjBsWidPWwX1fAURFWcC-NkOG_BT_hVsX9jHfwRI53_YbFZ0RxzMNOD32IgQz_ElwR44BD/s1200/IMG_9813jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOCt-AVr621ZJ1kYcQztF69kIsya67RQGzv9eKhz08Vm7jATfBNsu2L63RkEre5R7MxK1zWB-5f_VG_uqOMlrU8gvVeyKGj0_OLm1Q3JlIHYE-QEgcHyjBsWidPWwX1fAURFWcC-NkOG_BT_hVsX9jHfwRI53_YbFZ0RxzMNOD32IgQz_ElwR44BD/w400-h300/IMG_9813jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This Woodland sedum has no flowers yet but its light bright leaves are beautiful in their own right. Growing close to the sizeable stone placed to make the slope manageable adds to the appeal but that one weed needs to go. In the not too distant past I used hand power to move this stone to its final resting place. Repeated similar actions may be part of the reason why back ache pain is now nearly a constant companion. The lichen covered grain of the stone and its companion plants looks great.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2-NWApvN4XdcuTUfj_W9ZjeISNUodeUHFVy4fiq_8mpTbOlwhbe67iDJdYt1Nx-KDWiWmeiiTcMF8ctQihotWW1kjLbqhRnxf6RO2RhNBNaf22FRyUw68XCLcjGH6PR0w1j0lY65jkUlxmcNUsHhMjbNMF3lBSThTkN8B16HVHIP31GdJu6YHNY5/s1200/IMG_9817jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2-NWApvN4XdcuTUfj_W9ZjeISNUodeUHFVy4fiq_8mpTbOlwhbe67iDJdYt1Nx-KDWiWmeiiTcMF8ctQihotWW1kjLbqhRnxf6RO2RhNBNaf22FRyUw68XCLcjGH6PR0w1j0lY65jkUlxmcNUsHhMjbNMF3lBSThTkN8B16HVHIP31GdJu6YHNY5/w400-h300/IMG_9817jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>These Dianthus flowers look totally magical as they seem to float in the air. Their scent is so compelling that we violated our do not pick the flowers rule with two flowers in a bowl on the kitchen counter. These are truly a wonder.<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddfPCtzPxBQxtOEOdie2T_uKx1_uJUpRG312jjPzDGjRRMK39i8AjrnaqVkb0DfVDXvu0z00hcY4euoCcjgl2jWKhXAM06jfT0J9ZRLhJ8sc9-k5A37Dsi_py6ycGLy3sNGsuj1_q6oOJgcrJh3phdkaVJFyegzu9RcWO6Cmm77ckL0x5HwIMlECJ/s1200/IMG_9818jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddfPCtzPxBQxtOEOdie2T_uKx1_uJUpRG312jjPzDGjRRMK39i8AjrnaqVkb0DfVDXvu0z00hcY4euoCcjgl2jWKhXAM06jfT0J9ZRLhJ8sc9-k5A37Dsi_py6ycGLy3sNGsuj1_q6oOJgcrJh3phdkaVJFyegzu9RcWO6Cmm77ckL0x5HwIMlECJ/w400-h300/IMG_9818jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>These are the remains of an early flower named Prairie smoke. It has been twice featured in earlier posts. Most flowers leave nothing behind after their work making the next generation's seed is formed. These look fragile but remain intact. </p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-84474886583281807802022-06-05T20:39:00.002-04:002022-06-05T20:39:20.849-04:00New Growth<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaE1nsZiEEKPqzKPCtsK7KeOlGYXiax9R01cRt3PlHPmKxD0y4bsLbP_WH65Pr3JbeSDS_19lUQu-5T3Ewp3gIPQK0xYswcOQVLgFroxYPfp-uG7JDgpsBeptmxJRpkdLb7K4j8VMn-8Q4OtAn2sqCZ_kAR2VB9h0DEJN-WdyjUbGDNsH9EM6wD3o/s1200/IMG_9791jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaE1nsZiEEKPqzKPCtsK7KeOlGYXiax9R01cRt3PlHPmKxD0y4bsLbP_WH65Pr3JbeSDS_19lUQu-5T3Ewp3gIPQK0xYswcOQVLgFroxYPfp-uG7JDgpsBeptmxJRpkdLb7K4j8VMn-8Q4OtAn2sqCZ_kAR2VB9h0DEJN-WdyjUbGDNsH9EM6wD3o/w400-h300/IMG_9791jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Trailing arbutus has been a center of our attention for the twenty-eight years that we have been here. Our small naturally occurring patch is still here and with its wire cage cover it no longer occasionally disappears but its poor location keeps it small. The plants in the first photo are our last successful attempt to transplant this native treasure. Placed under a huge old White pine tree, these Arbutus live on a deep deposit of rotting pine needles. The dark green leaves are perhaps several years old. The light green leaves growing from fuzzy stems are new growth. Today just seemed like a good time to look in on these plants.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsWXyFmOaDhaNneSWNr3hLkN2KZyaUlv8ivvxHABMFvKfU7Qh7eGKZsO7dWBAbfw2JgPXWx_BeFSYfuf_SHaZ6wpl4TDp7xqKUvOKS1AYPxbcyIRafibCdkFfpyLst38PmsQXHmEMX64YoeJUbGFaeiLfM-fzZpmbC7twqJ7Lpa5OT2O5zHv3XLCp/s1200/IMG_9792jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsWXyFmOaDhaNneSWNr3hLkN2KZyaUlv8ivvxHABMFvKfU7Qh7eGKZsO7dWBAbfw2JgPXWx_BeFSYfuf_SHaZ6wpl4TDp7xqKUvOKS1AYPxbcyIRafibCdkFfpyLst38PmsQXHmEMX64YoeJUbGFaeiLfM-fzZpmbC7twqJ7Lpa5OT2O5zHv3XLCp/w400-h300/IMG_9792jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This picture clearly shows different stages of new growth. The sizeable bright green leaf is new growth but is older than the new stem to its left. It has a new leaf that has just started to grow. In the center of the photo, at least two seed berries can be seen. They are flanked by the remains of blossoms that were not fertilized. This plant produces viable seed every year but we can not be certain that any new plants appear here. Their first year's growth consists of three small leave while the two mature plants have spread filling the protected area under the cage.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7V4GsJgOc8ilkXv_2PqFHScxeQ4XXYwsywXx5DC-_-4Beb5_Mg7w8tTe65nvtdLRD2A5kNLtkK1WlS7n231_gXhipCauClYx2Uq4RUR-GDRgxV_MLmAUnRp1yDn7ZQ_S-q8uTt0W-2Js3W7BOS5sLDqnE6cvpVnFZfJLzRim-gvyuh0UDDvJwQfp/s1200/IMG_9798jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7V4GsJgOc8ilkXv_2PqFHScxeQ4XXYwsywXx5DC-_-4Beb5_Mg7w8tTe65nvtdLRD2A5kNLtkK1WlS7n231_gXhipCauClYx2Uq4RUR-GDRgxV_MLmAUnRp1yDn7ZQ_S-q8uTt0W-2Js3W7BOS5sLDqnE6cvpVnFZfJLzRim-gvyuh0UDDvJwQfp/w400-h300/IMG_9798jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>These plants grow adjacent to the lane far away from our other plants. The center of this photo shows many female flowers that have failed to grow seeds. Earlier this year I watched a bumble bee enter these open blossoms. She was much larger than the flowers and frequently pulled the petals from the flowers as she backed out. I saw this ground covered with white petals. That in itself does not guarantee sterile flowers but some factor left these clusters sterile. In the upper right corner of the picture a developing seed cluster is visible.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHs41NKtNZcCee_okIx8g_1E7cu2xXsRyYRPuSHmxmeq0dRr9IvsKKbxQuYuJzdq90BtpBhY9--XUs5NTPNu83MXkqCrdet-GIdFmsrxGWEIM-AH_tJDN0Jpyd6LxywUTzSLjzZwr93sYauuWdtXh26D2DpB2J-m6E6pK7T1pR-9cutBYHuVd0mOP3/s1200/IMG_9787jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHs41NKtNZcCee_okIx8g_1E7cu2xXsRyYRPuSHmxmeq0dRr9IvsKKbxQuYuJzdq90BtpBhY9--XUs5NTPNu83MXkqCrdet-GIdFmsrxGWEIM-AH_tJDN0Jpyd6LxywUTzSLjzZwr93sYauuWdtXh26D2DpB2J-m6E6pK7T1pR-9cutBYHuVd0mOP3/w400-h300/IMG_9787jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This is the planting under the huge pine tree. Old leaves are dark green while new leaves are bright and light. This combination of old growth and new leaves is what makes it impossible to spot new growth from seed. We are pleased that these two original plants are doing so well. New growth now extends beyond the cage inviting us to try again to root cuttings and drawing in rabbits to feed on these apparently tasty leaves. We were very lucky as this old pine did suffer breakage from that heavy snow storm but none of the fallen branches hit this cage.<br /> <p></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357035287348707548.post-37013448734361900582022-06-02T13:12:00.001-04:002022-06-02T13:12:28.157-04:00Third Generation Family Treasure<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotUW5eeIOXb_AaIR2dMBT0SqyB2whqCiyhENNCITzMP7sgjL7q8QbRO92LIdXVQQ13uVX4sDGgMBf3bJf4qg3OqOeVJ9UqhnRO5oeXdZ6bSs_Dd_qDSzAgoFXBpFPqv3RNTd1PM6UAkxoN5lQ6kEqO65NMsULmFkT-zg7mRTHirTM1bstJ38PT0v9/s1200/IMG_9742jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotUW5eeIOXb_AaIR2dMBT0SqyB2whqCiyhENNCITzMP7sgjL7q8QbRO92LIdXVQQ13uVX4sDGgMBf3bJf4qg3OqOeVJ9UqhnRO5oeXdZ6bSs_Dd_qDSzAgoFXBpFPqv3RNTd1PM6UAkxoN5lQ6kEqO65NMsULmFkT-zg7mRTHirTM1bstJ38PT0v9/w400-h300/IMG_9742jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>We know with certainty that this nameless Iris has been in the family for three generations. They once grew at the home of Becky's maternal grandmother. Becky's mother always took parts of this plant with her wherever she was to live next. Several locations in southeastern Pennsylvania had a connection with the family home since this plant always grew where they lived. That includes a trip to Georgia followed by a move to New York. We may be the last plant growing branch on the family tree so the journey may be over. However, through the years many friends have asked for a piece of this iris. Sharing iris is like sharing love. The more you give the more you have!<p></p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp559OyUX15RoAsMMd5rSt6kQ79nve39cbbhQR4qZjA6Nka7-SlxiEIoDqBTaR3N8XlW972hjWH2hRhLKAHp0GGRGySBH5HILWqW_sZkYbkelGXfJC2HUQCD7AP9k5i6KxTEpe3LtZ2P6D52M0oPqBvWHW6zpFwdW4q2j-42eF3ZYgjppMUSSthRBV/s1200/IMG_9755jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp559OyUX15RoAsMMd5rSt6kQ79nve39cbbhQR4qZjA6Nka7-SlxiEIoDqBTaR3N8XlW972hjWH2hRhLKAHp0GGRGySBH5HILWqW_sZkYbkelGXfJC2HUQCD7AP9k5i6KxTEpe3LtZ2P6D52M0oPqBvWHW6zpFwdW4q2j-42eF3ZYgjppMUSSthRBV/w400-h300/IMG_9755jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This nearly ancient plant has a complex combination of colors. We are always impressed by a sharp line of white edging a blossom. The purity of the three upward pointing petals is nothing short of amazing. Add to that a delicious scent and it seems that plant is unusually configured for a plant that is this old. We often wonder just what was the original source of this Iris. This plant has a modest size but so did Grandmother Torbert.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgAUquJkhJN-GAsMkeQ6v-9WBTaqZkuNoqokhgouDyLKXc157ePeGaUITUc5iPh1RfTNDmNOadtYvlBTzaO5RuC9eqYXG5H5266dThk00WZhPuzIsdwj0VA-FZkdRUi36w69Eid046OhIB7kGmHOg0e1zwKf_EQ4Asfc-CT5--TLrouZExFDwN-kv/s1200/IMG_9745jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgAUquJkhJN-GAsMkeQ6v-9WBTaqZkuNoqokhgouDyLKXc157ePeGaUITUc5iPh1RfTNDmNOadtYvlBTzaO5RuC9eqYXG5H5266dThk00WZhPuzIsdwj0VA-FZkdRUi36w69Eid046OhIB7kGmHOg0e1zwKf_EQ4Asfc-CT5--TLrouZExFDwN-kv/w400-h300/IMG_9745jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This rose came to us from a friend not family. Elle gave us both a red rose and this yellow one. Our lack of knowing the needs of these plants resulted in the loss of the red one. This plant holds ground near the house so it does get proper care if you allow for the lack of pruning this year. We respond to Forsythia blossoms to tell us that it is time to prune the roses. This year those flowers were almost totally absent here.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzN1Qy03ftUBjCz3PKfcW22zAoOOpW-o1fUHLmXKaJztTMmdMVvEWBc1zgv3GFQbM45EQab5mUIPmdmE1dsx7p-a-ZIIdA54VpufrX57lxU-PySlmdipxGS5uH2WaudogtMGf5hXb2urUE09JoCYtkqivqCJ4bgcD1Yq7tlHn5VKVc_A_opSrxPz8/s1200/IMG_9748jnp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzN1Qy03ftUBjCz3PKfcW22zAoOOpW-o1fUHLmXKaJztTMmdMVvEWBc1zgv3GFQbM45EQab5mUIPmdmE1dsx7p-a-ZIIdA54VpufrX57lxU-PySlmdipxGS5uH2WaudogtMGf5hXb2urUE09JoCYtkqivqCJ4bgcD1Yq7tlHn5VKVc_A_opSrxPz8/w400-h300/IMG_9748jnp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This beautiful flower always reminds us of both Elle and her service for our country during the Second World War. She was a nurse and was assigned to care for wounded soldiers as they were flown from Europe to the home country. Blossoms at Memorial Day seem to us to honor her service.<br /> <p></p>Edhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681145247252557484noreply@blogger.com0