tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53356267643848858702024-03-25T02:09:49.178-04:00Southern MeadowsA nearly native plant habitat garden located in northeast Georgia in eco-region 231 (Southeast Mixed Forest Province) zone 7b on 10 acres of meadow and forest habitat. Growing food in harmony with nature and creating our best outdoor garden life. Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.comBlogger467125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-73138882024924753822023-03-18T17:19:00.001-04:002023-03-18T17:19:45.289-04:00A Profusion of Pink | An Early Spring Walk in the Woods<p>I'm obsessed with Eastern redbud trees (<i>Cercis canadensis</i>). Their lavender-pink flowers are unmistakeable, emerging in early March in our Piedmont region. The blooms pop before the leaves emerge, allowing the bold pink to light up the bare branches. Driving around town, it warms my heart to see how many redbud trees are growing along the roadside where land remains [yet] undisturbed. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKOseXDJZuvwsToalaEWtyHo-MY8qpjQrCupWdxvo6n34GFbZIL7I4Nk5_DpHq95aP02gHT4wIdANqq5GKrmxwOov6TqD01gnVL3m4-lJQssjqFM12ikhgExHvc89sud7GxRlm-4DW9t12cSNrP-MH-NWHmuzLZPPayqlUWeN7VIoKssQnepOylnCpw/s5565/Redbud%20blooms%20against%20blue%20sky%202.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Copyright Southern Meadows" border="0" data-original-height="5565" data-original-width="3999" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKOseXDJZuvwsToalaEWtyHo-MY8qpjQrCupWdxvo6n34GFbZIL7I4Nk5_DpHq95aP02gHT4wIdANqq5GKrmxwOov6TqD01gnVL3m4-lJQssjqFM12ikhgExHvc89sud7GxRlm-4DW9t12cSNrP-MH-NWHmuzLZPPayqlUWeN7VIoKssQnepOylnCpw/w460-h640/Redbud%20blooms%20against%20blue%20sky%202.JPG" title="A Profusion of Pink" width="460" /></a></div><p>Our spring mornings typically start cool but warm up as the day unfolds. Afternoon walks in the woods are a must to clear the winter cobwebs and inspire the heart. The skies tend to be an electric blue on clear days, allowing the flowers to really sparkle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SUHEcHn8CDUQ9qrq3QvBvdYykV8YdF-RTzcdWLNDnPXTTRSj2qnCNyoTcfpUWaAKJhMeK2oapZX6-HmFrRA8Pp_v1KY1DDW6AW9Id_v96koK8gBAnEQUCmC2WJPs8l_kV9da0_5AK21osW1tGX9UxgvzA2WeHnp4tKJGG-t2w-PHtFw8EYG3IlQhKQ/s4713/DSC_0567%20(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="copyright Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4713" data-original-width="3292" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SUHEcHn8CDUQ9qrq3QvBvdYykV8YdF-RTzcdWLNDnPXTTRSj2qnCNyoTcfpUWaAKJhMeK2oapZX6-HmFrRA8Pp_v1KY1DDW6AW9Id_v96koK8gBAnEQUCmC2WJPs8l_kV9da0_5AK21osW1tGX9UxgvzA2WeHnp4tKJGG-t2w-PHtFw8EYG3IlQhKQ/w448-h640/DSC_0567%20(6).JPG" title="A Profusion of Pink" width="448" /></a></div><p>As an understory tree, they take advantage of the sunshine that's allowed to reach the lower forest layers in early spring. The tall hardwood trees are just beginning to leaf out in our area, making the redbuds the star of the woodland forest. I didn't get a photo, but the pink redbud flowers also look stunning against the marcescent leaves of the American Beech trees (<a href="https://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2016/01/beech-winter-standout.html" target="_blank">see my post here</a>).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI1S8jb3tq3j4Wu5-B7_0iIrI-wRs7C3NH466CQk9kSDR2rqjs6mkZ40ltJbsHThWbfhLCM36GHO4LvLWSh-yI--EGtQf1s4PuWejKze2VAIspfM2I7KJPJKA3XBNvjUxevgYrJUiAHfCkRTxGK7f-NLHwyo7AsYtPY9dGb79zrY08HCAIaB5XIfYvA/s6000/redbud%20in%20forests.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="copyright Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI1S8jb3tq3j4Wu5-B7_0iIrI-wRs7C3NH466CQk9kSDR2rqjs6mkZ40ltJbsHThWbfhLCM36GHO4LvLWSh-yI--EGtQf1s4PuWejKze2VAIspfM2I7KJPJKA3XBNvjUxevgYrJUiAHfCkRTxGK7f-NLHwyo7AsYtPY9dGb79zrY08HCAIaB5XIfYvA/w640-h426/redbud%20in%20forests.JPG" title="A Profusion of Pink" width="640" /></a></p>Early emerging bees, butterflies and pollinating flies are often seen foraging on these beauties.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrBk37DmZzzgexeMl2-42unbNvo_JNRHzpeBsNaIaVOWO5DhcProvYh9naPi9nUCqrr_QZtO5XUZNrro11dDh8jF4_odsdwATV7A32h3YjBrTdXQvLA_coNQI_91EoS-y6VJrUvnoZhgTLYoPtf9SdAazZyzpwg7_SA0KhdJLkD9MpW1zrqfWgnkbrw/s2537/butterfly%20on%20redbud.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="copyright Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2537" data-original-width="2521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrBk37DmZzzgexeMl2-42unbNvo_JNRHzpeBsNaIaVOWO5DhcProvYh9naPi9nUCqrr_QZtO5XUZNrro11dDh8jF4_odsdwATV7A32h3YjBrTdXQvLA_coNQI_91EoS-y6VJrUvnoZhgTLYoPtf9SdAazZyzpwg7_SA0KhdJLkD9MpW1zrqfWgnkbrw/w636-h640/butterfly%20on%20redbud.JPG" title="A Profusion of Pink" width="636" /></a></div><br /><div><div>I just can't get enought of the powerful, yet dainty blooms. They are kicking off our spring blooming season in all their glory and I am absorbing every moment.</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagX8ilrw4IK-SauoXAamPo4z2AN2kbY1s3EodaB39iMWnwW9WF9wARgYCgnCYQn_weFa7LHGgqtf-N78SCi4XGO6XYatVGfnOsd2rTAplIiOKJq9NsPKX3LKH5w43vbTh7-jTq1IitilhsmqkxsSZw4nMfQpCTUG96AyeYwQQ_QKhSdG_jG3yxISh7Q/s4539/redbud%20blooms%20against%20blue%20sky%203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="copyright Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2561" data-original-width="4539" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagX8ilrw4IK-SauoXAamPo4z2AN2kbY1s3EodaB39iMWnwW9WF9wARgYCgnCYQn_weFa7LHGgqtf-N78SCi4XGO6XYatVGfnOsd2rTAplIiOKJq9NsPKX3LKH5w43vbTh7-jTq1IitilhsmqkxsSZw4nMfQpCTUG96AyeYwQQ_QKhSdG_jG3yxISh7Q/w640-h362/redbud%20blooms%20against%20blue%20sky%203.JPG" title="A Profusion of Pink" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Garden Growing Tips:</div><div><br /></div><div>Redbud trees are a great native tree that grows well in the home landscape. Choose a tree that has been grown from locally harvested seed for best results. They prefer moist, well drained soil. Apply mulch out to the drip line of the tree to keep the soil moist and cool in the heat of the summer. Pair with other early blooming trees and shrubs such as flowering dogwood (<i>Cornus florida</i>) or our native deciduous azaleas (Rhododendron austrinum or Rhododendron prunifolium) for a stunning spring show.</div></div></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-53171280288158085132022-04-11T10:29:00.006-04:002022-04-11T10:29:52.451-04:00Magic of Early Spring <p>It has been a turbulent start to spring with late frosts, cold winds, heavy rains and fluctuating temperatures. But when the garden decides to awaken, I am ready to rejoice in all its glory. I adore this time of year when the quiet muted hues of the winter landscape come alive with color. It is such a magical time watching the flowers unfurl and seeing the insects emerge from winter slumber. </p><p>Today, I am sharing our garden beds surrounding our back patio that look onto the woodland gardens. It is a combination of full sun and part shade, where the mature oaks provide filtered light to the understory trees and shrubs. </p><p>Red chokeberry (<i>Aronia arbutifolia</i>) with its clusters of white flowers is located immediately off the patio at the bottom of a sloped terrain. I so enjoy the blooms while relaxing in my chair and watching all the bee and butterfly activity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7vYuRahBIBIL64Rcn7H3JQ8Z6Q7NghthB-p8qmvEtYXbDsjgcRwJwAqeeNYqOj93-JzwCEvfkXyWbjttRhEUFRkEpRqqqTKFaJR1tlgPqpBW0UZgy4tQIOLhuM3UBsAWdSo2-TzIOeIIokYzqhon-kfCFlUX8JOU7T8O7Vm8p6OEEZdnjYpQYORS1w/s5117/Red%20chokeberry%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3980" data-original-width="5117" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7vYuRahBIBIL64Rcn7H3JQ8Z6Q7NghthB-p8qmvEtYXbDsjgcRwJwAqeeNYqOj93-JzwCEvfkXyWbjttRhEUFRkEpRqqqTKFaJR1tlgPqpBW0UZgy4tQIOLhuM3UBsAWdSo2-TzIOeIIokYzqhon-kfCFlUX8JOU7T8O7Vm8p6OEEZdnjYpQYORS1w/w640-h498/Red%20chokeberry%202.JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B0LSqfymVhtOVRBibiUfNP6yfj2I3Pv93nvVrX72QzcwZaucYxeup1Xwf7uP528e4l-0Vxwbx5kA6RTlZgz5eLqj6fh4mzcAiB71NfPp67Lk03nKgYJoMVLerb8pI8eDFrkIHIvrUeawakXbALLdWOQ_UCGPIURYNYwy3ORDUMCa3cDVXxsmWR6DDw/s3798/bee%20on%20chokeberry.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3295" data-original-width="3798" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B0LSqfymVhtOVRBibiUfNP6yfj2I3Pv93nvVrX72QzcwZaucYxeup1Xwf7uP528e4l-0Vxwbx5kA6RTlZgz5eLqj6fh4mzcAiB71NfPp67Lk03nKgYJoMVLerb8pI8eDFrkIHIvrUeawakXbALLdWOQ_UCGPIURYNYwy3ORDUMCa3cDVXxsmWR6DDw/w640-h556/bee%20on%20chokeberry.JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how bees hug the petals and dive right in to reach the nectar.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The honey scented flowers of Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy' are short-lived with flowers only lasting about two weeks. I adore their quirkiness and appreciate them every bloom day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRBOwj3D0ujRrsYiPhf4bxgOv39vcamUfKC-G0wUiqpZzJI1U4BhSOWm6jNEN2vXIyTFFZmAfK5nxZxPiJdYRdQwiJJPnd5vr8A6_y4YDdARixDbLkLy-UzJnbHRXoGYxA2VKArCkej4Z8i9k3AsWEDfagLFdt6L_DgIEUlu2xZrZndpO9Zcwm_e37g/s5280/Fothergilla%20.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3639" data-original-width="5280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRBOwj3D0ujRrsYiPhf4bxgOv39vcamUfKC-G0wUiqpZzJI1U4BhSOWm6jNEN2vXIyTFFZmAfK5nxZxPiJdYRdQwiJJPnd5vr8A6_y4YDdARixDbLkLy-UzJnbHRXoGYxA2VKArCkej4Z8i9k3AsWEDfagLFdt6L_DgIEUlu2xZrZndpO9Zcwm_e37g/w640-h442/Fothergilla%20.JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forthergilla 'Mt. Airy' is a cross between F. gardenii and F. major. <br />Discovered by plantsman Michael Dirr</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueQVTB7lt5a_RQ8wzzzvBp6h9cKF8D52ObCHz0mURJg_nj3SqaBgFz2NyDs0wPEAcinmoeKSoOGAvAi8Agr3BZTVGSut1WPe9rJfNJHBVrv3NlCRVpzuyQowEPLIm40g7gJHHHqIPZeOIFknp1k0_2_fcpv__vHbEHjlHqPh_va17waPfQScoANKF1A/s5484/DSC_0508%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3986" data-original-width="5484" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueQVTB7lt5a_RQ8wzzzvBp6h9cKF8D52ObCHz0mURJg_nj3SqaBgFz2NyDs0wPEAcinmoeKSoOGAvAi8Agr3BZTVGSut1WPe9rJfNJHBVrv3NlCRVpzuyQowEPLIm40g7gJHHHqIPZeOIFknp1k0_2_fcpv__vHbEHjlHqPh_va17waPfQScoANKF1A/w640-h466/DSC_0508%20(2).JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this shrub softens the back corner of the stone fireplace</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Creeping phlox is one of my favorite ground covers and I use it all around our garden. It loves our sunny sloped areas where it gets good drainage and can cover a hillside, but they work well along the flatter margins along walkways too. Their bright bold colors cheer up the garden and distract from the rest of the garden that is waiting to be cleaned up.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_HtfeDChgaPayxmrD6iz4dkZGIEBsLp4YvwQPKPl0N7vPrDeNq7iUYBW1SqfFJz2hdfsh_ylvvyVDsDiNCJxFtbGipJn-6mBj41KBhqlh6U4M31jIpH1sPCbI0XJ7AJ_LEBVEMM85oQFDH1LEJEPclTyWp5HhbDzfvwB7r0huGSeT0PM0x-OEkG29Q/s5999/creeping%20phlox%20.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3137" data-original-width="5999" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_HtfeDChgaPayxmrD6iz4dkZGIEBsLp4YvwQPKPl0N7vPrDeNq7iUYBW1SqfFJz2hdfsh_ylvvyVDsDiNCJxFtbGipJn-6mBj41KBhqlh6U4M31jIpH1sPCbI0XJ7AJ_LEBVEMM85oQFDH1LEJEPclTyWp5HhbDzfvwB7r0huGSeT0PM0x-OEkG29Q/w640-h334/creeping%20phlox%20.JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pink, white and hot pink phlox from our sidewalk view </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd438Kqw86cEO50qFWdFXHZTVoHUNt8ENL92nK36CcE4rnffuWiB4ajiKtPdPaX3iG35hs6KG7P3o_tigIGh6Ey-zmwRkMt4p7cqCJiXft_aIiUpPM_NPiPnoF7hr8LY8oLjmS_NWA3kTAJkgw374vPNnd01p0onftSPDLAt5TbZH58OQ5UXDC4jHx6A/s5061/DSC_0495%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3784" data-original-width="5061" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd438Kqw86cEO50qFWdFXHZTVoHUNt8ENL92nK36CcE4rnffuWiB4ajiKtPdPaX3iG35hs6KG7P3o_tigIGh6Ey-zmwRkMt4p7cqCJiXft_aIiUpPM_NPiPnoF7hr8LY8oLjmS_NWA3kTAJkgw374vPNnd01p0onftSPDLAt5TbZH58OQ5UXDC4jHx6A/w640-h478/DSC_0495%20(3).JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Tiger Swallowtail getting flapped around by the wind, but he is determined.</td></tr></tbody></table>The Eastern Tiger Swallowtails often spend their days fluttering around the phlox as do the Nessus sphinx moths.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpw8Mgny0TlvpaGFR6Viqk6vkC2CLZ89-pVw2uhJ05XPvi-y4F1kM8mu3GTlvXaePJfYZbDuVJG_ncyLhfsS62tEdi6eAxAZqL-Yf-VVuxxHVkiKLSMsYuuO3oLmE41goa3Jm9uP4-Of0qG3jxWC8aE9f660fK3bzT0ZKvG0dRk_M-mTndfdCcVMUiEg/s1849/phlox%20with%20tiger%20swallowtail.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1849" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpw8Mgny0TlvpaGFR6Viqk6vkC2CLZ89-pVw2uhJ05XPvi-y4F1kM8mu3GTlvXaePJfYZbDuVJG_ncyLhfsS62tEdi6eAxAZqL-Yf-VVuxxHVkiKLSMsYuuO3oLmE41goa3Jm9uP4-Of0qG3jxWC8aE9f660fK3bzT0ZKvG0dRk_M-mTndfdCcVMUiEg/w640-h422/phlox%20with%20tiger%20swallowtail.JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out all the pollen on his proboscis. Amazing!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Taken at sunset, here is a look into the woodland garden with the magnificent native azaleas in full bloom. Our first ruby throated hummingbirds always arrive the last week of March and they are frequent visitors to the tubular flowers. Despite the abundance of spring blooms, we always put up one feeder this time of year for our tired travelers. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm1C4zF7W9JhXansmxvs86CxbwO1ezT6PTRoRzJ69z1e9-Ej3e5W_M3B6enFCik88ax5Sn1tIMORoVZaXc-RayG18Y-M4UNA2AJaDy-T8Zk3P6_ctQPKoEsmYrsDBshIjlCo0xffm_Z9iNHVh1y5T_2f-BNqfYXS9ajisK4U7BPpyWIr-2JrrKjRCvg/s6000/landscape%20view%20from%20patio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm1C4zF7W9JhXansmxvs86CxbwO1ezT6PTRoRzJ69z1e9-Ej3e5W_M3B6enFCik88ax5Sn1tIMORoVZaXc-RayG18Y-M4UNA2AJaDy-T8Zk3P6_ctQPKoEsmYrsDBshIjlCo0xffm_Z9iNHVh1y5T_2f-BNqfYXS9ajisK4U7BPpyWIr-2JrrKjRCvg/w426-h640/landscape%20view%20from%20patio.JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foreground: creeping phlox occupy full sun space covering sloped terrain.<br />Background: native azaleas are at home under the mature oak trees where they receive filtered sun</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The combination of Camellia's Blush (pink), a Piedmont azalea, and Admiral Semmes (yellow), a Florida azalea, are a favorite color combination of mine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK66DUcQRGO3rQxW7zSTV7GB_1TJMcnsWNPsiGI0a-EL2jlJLF0qJDequkrkEzn4bD5iWuBQqL3yeb7p4udlssDWC7ADdDfLTKunq6csUtftsE02rEr8xcjniJZBkYhcRCEfuUebL6io2LXvtQE3HYzAGD-UeZob4KMp0bp_l-QWi_1w-b7v6Xl3cbwg/s5978/Cameillas%20Blush%20-%20Admiral%20Semmes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3899" data-original-width="5978" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK66DUcQRGO3rQxW7zSTV7GB_1TJMcnsWNPsiGI0a-EL2jlJLF0qJDequkrkEzn4bD5iWuBQqL3yeb7p4udlssDWC7ADdDfLTKunq6csUtftsE02rEr8xcjniJZBkYhcRCEfuUebL6io2LXvtQE3HYzAGD-UeZob4KMp0bp_l-QWi_1w-b7v6Xl3cbwg/w640-h418/Cameillas%20Blush%20-%20Admiral%20Semmes.JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rhododendron canescens</i> Cameilla's Blush with <i>Rhododendron austrinum</i> Admiral Semmes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I never tire of this view so here is another look, this time with a <i>Cercis canadensis</i> 'Rising Sun'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnLRuninya_OTbMf9VUo4pTL2abi8PobX55hCHnOVzcFZXsoMBc9CRI6lODHAnwuJijKseJZVQZGZbCxgp5LUzyM4eZc6KsZ3ka2bgX8KWmilgq-DY8cziAZ7I6uPHwsiV_yuRqEvH4sx-cmMl01AhvmFRXcXn5UxXETkZJebQ-rBU4QCKIRA9P_KHA/s6000/DSC_0623%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnLRuninya_OTbMf9VUo4pTL2abi8PobX55hCHnOVzcFZXsoMBc9CRI6lODHAnwuJijKseJZVQZGZbCxgp5LUzyM4eZc6KsZ3ka2bgX8KWmilgq-DY8cziAZ7I6uPHwsiV_yuRqEvH4sx-cmMl01AhvmFRXcXn5UxXETkZJebQ-rBU4QCKIRA9P_KHA/w640-h426/DSC_0623%20(3).JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another Piedmont azalea, Jake's Red, grows in a container by our sunroom doors where it receives late afternoon sun in early spring before the tree canopy leaves emerge. The blooms are more orange than red in my opinion and bloom just in time for the arrival of the hummers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETmTQER24_Ek7iSvJokIRigZjaU3Pg5VeVU12I9j1km6-spCgoFmL4yRdatJvYNtiMuT__59AnLPHgSoSIVNGNvaNim03bOxMD1CJl_7r8TF_esQy3GUoIKex9wVNf7sBcBBKwdcey-fGnuYotVhffDa0DHRRuX5ZI5pQ2UZx3aEBJbzk7VrW-Oa7gg/s6000/Jakes%20Red.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETmTQER24_Ek7iSvJokIRigZjaU3Pg5VeVU12I9j1km6-spCgoFmL4yRdatJvYNtiMuT__59AnLPHgSoSIVNGNvaNim03bOxMD1CJl_7r8TF_esQy3GUoIKex9wVNf7sBcBBKwdcey-fGnuYotVhffDa0DHRRuX5ZI5pQ2UZx3aEBJbzk7VrW-Oa7gg/w640-h426/Jakes%20Red.JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rhododendron flammeum</i> 'Jake's Red' (referred to Piedmont or Oconee azalea) grows in a container </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A spectacular spring bulb, Camassia leichtlinii 'Caerula' with its starry blue flowers are visited by bees and butterflies. Our heavy rains and wind knocked them over a bit but they are still lovely. Groundcover Green and Gold is just starting to bloom in the background and a few volunteer columbine complete the spring blooms in this bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykyfXvWePGFK9yurs6HAP13ZUaFw7vgE6iIrfS4ZPqZIeSEjimt0hWB9dy-rAGc6zeGBdXvAgj_IS6PzPAjlVWOai2INMR5unE9qojxcgC7KwyWJt7RR1L-2PiFeqt5tnM5Fh_33HxXHu025q7artqNlOu1XGqmVv0aDhZelBC4dcQULWPWWa2Fl-RQ/s5236/Camassia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5236" data-original-width="3976" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykyfXvWePGFK9yurs6HAP13ZUaFw7vgE6iIrfS4ZPqZIeSEjimt0hWB9dy-rAGc6zeGBdXvAgj_IS6PzPAjlVWOai2INMR5unE9qojxcgC7KwyWJt7RR1L-2PiFeqt5tnM5Fh_33HxXHu025q7artqNlOu1XGqmVv0aDhZelBC4dcQULWPWWa2Fl-RQ/w486-h640/Camassia.JPG" title="Southern Meadows: Magic of Early Spring" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Camassia leichtlinii</i> 'Caerula'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the other side of the path is another grouping of camassia, later to flower because of different sun conditions, allowing us to enjoy them for a longer time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgIuoDhtltE-ivYFCwpdXitvbqFYOOXDjBHwq-euYzkIYDXtUCpW5XBzI3JivxKBFNmmqrRRNrm43XQzAY-nTi1ir-sc-09unJlhK4IutaQzZNDFGWnt6YpnVvAd_CZiykJ-2NRNGmqVj8B-IRyDAMYhn82w82MQ8LP3h9CCZrBF8sw7njC4Hjr_83g/s6000/DSC_0632%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgIuoDhtltE-ivYFCwpdXitvbqFYOOXDjBHwq-euYzkIYDXtUCpW5XBzI3JivxKBFNmmqrRRNrm43XQzAY-nTi1ir-sc-09unJlhK4IutaQzZNDFGWnt6YpnVvAd_CZiykJ-2NRNGmqVj8B-IRyDAMYhn82w82MQ8LP3h9CCZrBF8sw7njC4Hjr_83g/w426-h640/DSC_0632%20(3).JPG" title="Magic of Early Spring" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So much more to share as spring continues but we are enjoying every minute of nature's magic. </div><p></p></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-11035220972195594112021-11-22T20:36:00.000-05:002021-11-22T20:36:15.640-05:00The Last of the Fall Foliage<p>This week I am enjoying the last of our fall garden. The foliage this year has been breathtaking. The right amount of rain, sunshine and temperatures came together to create a magnificent display of color. Nightime lows are expected to dip into the thirties, so I expect this will be the end of the fall garden.</p><p>Still blooming are two late flowering asters, <i>Symphyotrichum concolor </i>and<i> Ampelaster carolinianus. </i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLhUydyenYjqnPaQeW405qSktf5U45flHhhg1MGtVF6FZWd3QKytFdopwYeX6HV0T8nEp-FRvhYc9UsDLtw_122o3f3qpvCyPWrQ0q3O9DCoG3T7nSHO2wWqp7zwRxeKoBlMO4vVfE2C4/s6000/asters.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eastern silver aster flowers" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLhUydyenYjqnPaQeW405qSktf5U45flHhhg1MGtVF6FZWd3QKytFdopwYeX6HV0T8nEp-FRvhYc9UsDLtw_122o3f3qpvCyPWrQ0q3O9DCoG3T7nSHO2wWqp7zwRxeKoBlMO4vVfE2C4/w640-h426/asters.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Silver Aster (<i>Symphyotrichm concolor</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This winsome wildflower is a good nectar source for many butterflies. I am seeing mostly smaller butterflies, such as skippers and common buckeyes on sunny days. <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pm9QpqJNqydb-Y8semMbNvhl8n5yGC_PBzOXbM3BFgYtFbSboavQD3CZ2KW6x8LPIpnqo2SkH-IKFokwZa1x3IXkSKUvp-8R9vnRNbzCmGYSUX1lY5d_c9rsQolNQQmvpWXwK2Y_U3VY/s6000/DSC_0852+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="climbing aster in landscape" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pm9QpqJNqydb-Y8semMbNvhl8n5yGC_PBzOXbM3BFgYtFbSboavQD3CZ2KW6x8LPIpnqo2SkH-IKFokwZa1x3IXkSKUvp-8R9vnRNbzCmGYSUX1lY5d_c9rsQolNQQmvpWXwK2Y_U3VY/w640-h426/DSC_0852+%25282%2529.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing aster (<i>Ampelaster carolinianus</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The <i>Ampelaster carolinianus</i> grows in our hedgerow between a ninebark shrub and Eastern redbud tree. Although it has a trellis as support, it often mingles with the adjasent plants. The thickness of this sprawling herbacious perennial provides us with much needed privacy late in the season while we still enjoy outdoor living on beautiful fall days. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GzqRdYJD10Wp4KDFLfgtDtHc65QFowBx8XK_V_yLz8O5qX976tllkp_0srnuFdJRWkPt4rHD5ZxnaJjCCCCvlX6JFL-6aEhcT7S4N0P9hIJOwl3dvV8PmFWdEy6EGkwYwjznFOnqm6uJ/s4698/DSC_0854+%25283%2529.JPG"><img alt="climbing aster flowers" border="0" data-original-height="4698" data-original-width="3998" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GzqRdYJD10Wp4KDFLfgtDtHc65QFowBx8XK_V_yLz8O5qX976tllkp_0srnuFdJRWkPt4rHD5ZxnaJjCCCCvlX6JFL-6aEhcT7S4N0P9hIJOwl3dvV8PmFWdEy6EGkwYwjznFOnqm6uJ/w544-h640/DSC_0854+%25283%2529.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="544" /></a></div><br /><div>The petals of this aster are a pinkish purple but often become very pale, almost white in appearance, as they age. Another sign of maturity are the darkening discs, indicating that most of the pollen has been removed. Bumble bees are still visiting the flowers feeding on all the available nectar. </div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXENRGnW-CiDh_wsfwscQCh7x0VIskI9uslg0UzYyozLeWM3luXODgBmVfCWPf1LeM9yxw4JtR-agULS1_fkFkR3IjAh0MVpWkfdSkXIGz2NzJwjvlvGf3NtC2mbSgRdrH0hnY4Y5xJPt/s5624/Fothergilla+with+mountain+mint+grasses+rattlesnake+master.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy' fall foliage" border="0" data-original-height="3657" data-original-width="5624" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXENRGnW-CiDh_wsfwscQCh7x0VIskI9uslg0UzYyozLeWM3luXODgBmVfCWPf1LeM9yxw4JtR-agULS1_fkFkR3IjAh0MVpWkfdSkXIGz2NzJwjvlvGf3NtC2mbSgRdrH0hnY4Y5xJPt/w640-h416/Fothergilla+with+mountain+mint+grasses+rattlesnake+master.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="640" /></a></div><div><p>Dwarf Fothergilla 'Mount Airy' is spectacular in November. This is one of my favorite shrubs, and hence we have seven of them throughout our garden. The specimen shrub above is surrounded by various grasses, rattlesnake master and mountain mint. A pollinator paradise regardless of the time of year.</p><p>Zooming in, the foliage is even more intense with its blend of oranges, reds and burgundys. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJfrnv8wQWDH59two92wpGGSnU9HibaqF4_g9bP7ftvBRtn1s8QO3TvnKZZ8_lIYEKnZAPJH6MkYTJ878IOJ2kMjn01BM4EMgZOAJtyByovxdUjS5Id-jenGMAC3wcDslxXcCRWHJnqSX/s6000/Fothergilla+side+garden.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="macro fall foliage Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy'" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJfrnv8wQWDH59two92wpGGSnU9HibaqF4_g9bP7ftvBRtn1s8QO3TvnKZZ8_lIYEKnZAPJH6MkYTJ878IOJ2kMjn01BM4EMgZOAJtyByovxdUjS5Id-jenGMAC3wcDslxXcCRWHJnqSX/w426-h640/Fothergilla+side+garden.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="426" /></a></div><p>The view below is from our side garden looking toward the front road. The Fothergilla are standouts anchoring the longview. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJiZNqYIzeHLZ9WqvNZXWb9RNMoMgX6_m3-3RFrI-5r8eiBKKxJ5PiYkgH9N5PKOHZ9Da9BgE6aMgXUxyO7bg1NEIAdv9K3md40lVTAjSEuUhvpVeIjRnzEgLzV4odjA6OKQvtjnMbwlo/s5503/DSC_0844+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy' landscape" border="0" data-original-height="5503" data-original-width="3843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJiZNqYIzeHLZ9WqvNZXWb9RNMoMgX6_m3-3RFrI-5r8eiBKKxJ5PiYkgH9N5PKOHZ9Da9BgE6aMgXUxyO7bg1NEIAdv9K3md40lVTAjSEuUhvpVeIjRnzEgLzV4odjA6OKQvtjnMbwlo/w446-h640/DSC_0844+%25283%2529.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="446" /></a></div><p>A closer look with the neighbor's giant 100+ year old oak tree in the background. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIkGUU2XfXSKhPciqSCIiZCErLPfyIRcx6Ui60jrJlNZyl8wPBv5-ElS32JWtKa-MvJeDrrtYTOIxpaIMjUuLQ1o3DvXlUxPGxjmdYJMFRhyphenhyphenXnWIq1sKjVHybuDCjQ_Ibt0pmkaQqZGzM/s6000/Fothergilla+front+garden+with+oak.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy' fall foliage in landscape" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIkGUU2XfXSKhPciqSCIiZCErLPfyIRcx6Ui60jrJlNZyl8wPBv5-ElS32JWtKa-MvJeDrrtYTOIxpaIMjUuLQ1o3DvXlUxPGxjmdYJMFRhyphenhyphenXnWIq1sKjVHybuDCjQ_Ibt0pmkaQqZGzM/w640-h426/Fothergilla+front+garden+with+oak.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="640" /></a></div><p>Jumping to the other side of this trio of shrubs, is the view one would see from the road. The Fothergilla not only offer outstanding fall folliage, they provide a great screen on this corner of the hill garden. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciuZPAWs6P9n8nwedNzMPSA33-5PnU2DxxaFA9Tc46Mc9KTPBzelJjvgvRVDJrRuRgyYKQstzq0wtxB1qPH6gYNt4RmQdko8Z8GEZNlRIgkGxhbB-m_PFu1oBSNtIes_x6q0ZYfwD83Dh/s5347/Fothergilla+front+garden+.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy' fall foliage" border="0" data-original-height="3985" data-original-width="5347" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciuZPAWs6P9n8nwedNzMPSA33-5PnU2DxxaFA9Tc46Mc9KTPBzelJjvgvRVDJrRuRgyYKQstzq0wtxB1qPH6gYNt4RmQdko8Z8GEZNlRIgkGxhbB-m_PFu1oBSNtIes_x6q0ZYfwD83Dh/w640-h476/Fothergilla+front+garden+.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="640" /></a></div><p>Scooting back around to the woodland garden, some other shrubs worth noting are the viburnum. These multistemmed deciduous shrubs provide excellent folliage in our shade garden. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshfgBjqOIIpixjGYJTzzh9neFr6JWYW4nBaQZsF_QvPlJbLIIdOW-lMghZsYXJcDUlcWQbQN22ScmxmbOpUlYY9ejfyY4q-MfjJ0kiy5l0jAp04o46xvHbXtAOvZTvSouE2L5OFB3vKBQ/s6000/DSC_0871+%25285%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="viburnum nudum fall foliage possumhaw viburnum" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshfgBjqOIIpixjGYJTzzh9neFr6JWYW4nBaQZsF_QvPlJbLIIdOW-lMghZsYXJcDUlcWQbQN22ScmxmbOpUlYY9ejfyY4q-MfjJ0kiy5l0jAp04o46xvHbXtAOvZTvSouE2L5OFB3vKBQ/w640-h426/DSC_0871+%25285%2529.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viburnum nudum 'Winterthur and Witherod viburnum 'Brandywine'</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The deep red-purple-marroon foliage has been outstanding this year. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUE4mmkJ8kOfgAgSBE1UCxi-6fqnevzXe2yXh90BhXBt4NZsvlUHm8KcoJjaSsl6TV0bkMLW6rwv0EF0N3c3mvG1qTbXwtbNfU0NTiyI1FmQAoHkVyMaLBoixfcxsA4NMfC29zVHip-9j/s6000/DSC_0866+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="viburnum fall foliage" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUE4mmkJ8kOfgAgSBE1UCxi-6fqnevzXe2yXh90BhXBt4NZsvlUHm8KcoJjaSsl6TV0bkMLW6rwv0EF0N3c3mvG1qTbXwtbNfU0NTiyI1FmQAoHkVyMaLBoixfcxsA4NMfC29zVHip-9j/w640-h426/DSC_0866+%25283%2529.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are still some berries druping on the viburnum, looking more raison like, but perhaps the birds will still feast on them as other food becomes scarce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxnRzoAZF5qHlqo7esPmztoUlcc8-j1NxuX-E9SvG-EeIWaFT_BVkjaWns3gJFZRhzpFzIk9PbZ2G86-bAYmTusuOQ7K5uupl3u6_1BjWSbHp_6Gg7K0OswWZvQ4lC75kr5109lS1IytC/s5353/viburnum+with+drupe.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="viburnum berries fall" border="0" data-original-height="5353" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxnRzoAZF5qHlqo7esPmztoUlcc8-j1NxuX-E9SvG-EeIWaFT_BVkjaWns3gJFZRhzpFzIk9PbZ2G86-bAYmTusuOQ7K5uupl3u6_1BjWSbHp_6Gg7K0OswWZvQ4lC75kr5109lS1IytC/w478-h640/viburnum+with+drupe.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another view of the possumhaw viburnum, framed by the lovely oakleaf hydrangea further down the garden path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgFckXhBYDgNnhzFdoLOkBQ5fEO2TTIzjW_LJG2hMKFCerLs3p2oFAJvM-Ok_hyf4pnBCAq9Ww7qjOSMUFRGPyDVjZqbuFeP8nX7YSAIKm2LkHyUDOqEZHQlxJA2Kiyj5ePodGDzj6yFD/s6000/Viburnum+with+oakleaf+hydrangea.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Viburnum fall foliage oakleaf hydrangea" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgFckXhBYDgNnhzFdoLOkBQ5fEO2TTIzjW_LJG2hMKFCerLs3p2oFAJvM-Ok_hyf4pnBCAq9Ww7qjOSMUFRGPyDVjZqbuFeP8nX7YSAIKm2LkHyUDOqEZHQlxJA2Kiyj5ePodGDzj6yFD/w426-h640/Viburnum+with+oakleaf+hydrangea.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <i>hydrangea quercifolia</i> are only just now turning from warm season green to the orange-red-deep burgandy we love to see in the fall. This is another shrub that we have used abundantly around our garden. Fortunately, the deer only prune them ocassionally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW1eH-IyD1v6hXqYVsefSO0kVeVGkj-pqVjC0kUHu2cSnJ3zdKrg_dDCwmPzdEeEKGqFGIpY2JMuqqXgYz1XKF7r3YNwXlW7UkmUp0WkBGxK85pZGsSBLCn0Dw1eehUj8t5gsEqoAORJ0/s5815/oakleaf+hydrangea+back+drive.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="oakleaf hydrangea fall foliage" border="0" data-original-height="3877" data-original-width="5815" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW1eH-IyD1v6hXqYVsefSO0kVeVGkj-pqVjC0kUHu2cSnJ3zdKrg_dDCwmPzdEeEKGqFGIpY2JMuqqXgYz1XKF7r3YNwXlW7UkmUp0WkBGxK85pZGsSBLCn0Dw1eehUj8t5gsEqoAORJ0/w640-h426/oakleaf+hydrangea+back+drive.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The small stand of paw paw trees along our dry creek bed have just recently begun to show their golden foliage. I don't recall that their foliage persisted this long into the fall in previous years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlr2hF5xcoGbTGqkr6lV9v_SeZvte0Mbbz690s5O21Hiu9GnY0TREWDAwxP9c7mWMP-qBugP5nXYYsrWayOfphzJaTqiNcM_FQaEdj-Z17-i1Iw0ioQud_S3X9QFuZtwpOZ12OS_2grBh/s6000/pawpaw+tree.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="paw paw tree fall foliage" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlr2hF5xcoGbTGqkr6lV9v_SeZvte0Mbbz690s5O21Hiu9GnY0TREWDAwxP9c7mWMP-qBugP5nXYYsrWayOfphzJaTqiNcM_FQaEdj-Z17-i1Iw0ioQud_S3X9QFuZtwpOZ12OS_2grBh/w426-h640/pawpaw+tree.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">Asimina triloba</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Magnolia macrophylla </i>is known for its large oblong leaves. Whereas they are the largest leaves of any indigenous tree in North America, they aren't really known for fall color. Surprisingly, their leaves have lingered this year and I like how the frayed [tattered] foliage appears.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtU-Za4cM3DslHOAuSZPx9mEaDzXwwCuHluHJBPzBezCitOBZ2TJhOW60Lr5UqpsCnG7G75AE_bjDkeux-TaXA8xAXAWCbQjwxhWF9FNyYxrzI2BBzwnqS2ThrLqPHavklCfR2jIYqVD5L/s6000/Magnolia+macrophylla.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Big Leaf Magnolia fall foliage" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtU-Za4cM3DslHOAuSZPx9mEaDzXwwCuHluHJBPzBezCitOBZ2TJhOW60Lr5UqpsCnG7G75AE_bjDkeux-TaXA8xAXAWCbQjwxhWF9FNyYxrzI2BBzwnqS2ThrLqPHavklCfR2jIYqVD5L/w426-h640/Magnolia+macrophylla.JPG" title="The Last of the Fall Foliage" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Leaf Magnolia (<i>Magnolia macrophylla</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most likely this will be the last post on this year's fall garden as the foliage fades and the flowers succumb to the freeze. Yet, we are enjoying every minute of these precious days before the winter slumber. </div></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-14623039730201703492021-09-22T19:31:00.001-04:002021-09-22T19:31:23.795-04:00Wildflower Wednesday: Lobelia cardinalis<p>Cardinal flower (<i>Lobelia cardinalis</i>) is still blooming as we move through September so it is this month's Wildflower Wednesday featured native plant. It has been raining for days here so it has been a challenge to get photos for this post but running out between showers allowed me to snap a few.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHLqLPRtXuO3JWErBMJbL_ndvaYPx13bprJp7YrNLU4NlhUDbdTm4Cl2Uflr_v8D_oqVmJTA_joP7cUCCN-rlHxumcKQExHYSTYCG58WjiR300kcGmmh5CrN9maVeDKIHqEuIpUJ-ztD_/s2999/DSC_0184+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2999" data-original-width="2365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHLqLPRtXuO3JWErBMJbL_ndvaYPx13bprJp7YrNLU4NlhUDbdTm4Cl2Uflr_v8D_oqVmJTA_joP7cUCCN-rlHxumcKQExHYSTYCG58WjiR300kcGmmh5CrN9maVeDKIHqEuIpUJ-ztD_/w504-h640/DSC_0184+%25283%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Lobelia cardinalis" width="504" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to the many plants that support hummers we also put up feeders during this busy time so that the hummingbirds can fuel up and not spend all their energy fighting over food sources</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Ruby throated hummingbirds are at their peak numbers in September. The RTH that spent their summer north of us join those that stay in Georgia during their breeding season. It is not unusual for us to have 40-60 hummingbirds zooming around our property at this time. <div><br /></div><div>Over the years we have included more fall blooming plants to support migrating pollinators because they need the carbs for their journey. If you don't already have a plethera of fall flowers be sure to add natives such as asters, goldenrod, liatris and sunflowers to help migrating insects. <div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0Pc9EurEF7IqifZE5LHx4wALkqjGVjqLs4d1LyEYG7KYpqzapbfe02JQTsAFUxlIJyNHUScMUEtFKBYrcfb_nQK7Hv4pZR63FlStuLGq9UCjVpUVlNqvnLTWFW8E_adwa31FV6r9fptR/s1080/Untitled+design+%25285%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0Pc9EurEF7IqifZE5LHx4wALkqjGVjqLs4d1LyEYG7KYpqzapbfe02JQTsAFUxlIJyNHUScMUEtFKBYrcfb_nQK7Hv4pZR63FlStuLGq9UCjVpUVlNqvnLTWFW8E_adwa31FV6r9fptR/w640-h640/Untitled+design+%25285%2529.png" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Lobelia cardinalis" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummbingbirds are particularly attracted to red tubular flowers making cardinal flower a favorite</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Lobelia cardinalis grows in moist to wet soil conditions in marshes, stream banks and other marginal lands. We grow it in several garden beds that tend to retain more moisture. In a home garden cardinal flower is an excellent option for a rain garden or areas around a shady pond. It is a long blooming perennial begining in July and still going strong through September.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuek1qdq8rvBFYQHV2Wl9nEyAD5ZNELu8FYlRtAfm5N5AmH4u09DHFk9o1lSyez4a7V0GUtJoaZg4-DUzBeUGgXNFqKhFeoOa5W6wulR2j2ACmfoDy2PBRkwIlXLK5DYwzkvuMum6HM-nA/s4323/DSC_0087+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3295" data-original-width="4323" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuek1qdq8rvBFYQHV2Wl9nEyAD5ZNELu8FYlRtAfm5N5AmH4u09DHFk9o1lSyez4a7V0GUtJoaZg4-DUzBeUGgXNFqKhFeoOa5W6wulR2j2ACmfoDy2PBRkwIlXLK5DYwzkvuMum6HM-nA/w640-h488/DSC_0087+%25283%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Lobelia cardinalis" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">See my <a href="https://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2012/09/partridge-pea.html" target="_blank">post on Partridge Pea</a> the host plant for the cloudless sulphur</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>In addition to hummingbirds, cloudless sulphur butterflies also frequent these flowers in late summer, fueling up for their fall migration to south Florida. They typically fly 12 miles a day and are often sighted in Georgia gardens in spring, as they migrate as far north as Canada and again in late summer as they return to their overwintering grounds. Cloudless sulphurs are more cold-hardy that most butterfly species and a few adults may try to overwinter in north Georgia in sheltered areas. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took this photo back in early July when the cardinal flowers were just begining to bloom. They open from the bottom to the top of the spike. This is one of nature's most intensly colored blooms and makes a summer focal point in our garden bed.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vuQkNIiRb24s8pDhwz1sdS2hXCA74MJ3NfHubAwR3hGDmYXdrFjnpTWIakuHD6g7kiR8Ikt5GvdYXI2HTDmlDELcnwvrMOWoh5NWUh7zcV6k2481vkiVfIPAJJYVrz5kcVrvsyd4I9Jo/s6000/DSC_0611+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vuQkNIiRb24s8pDhwz1sdS2hXCA74MJ3NfHubAwR3hGDmYXdrFjnpTWIakuHD6g7kiR8Ikt5GvdYXI2HTDmlDELcnwvrMOWoh5NWUh7zcV6k2481vkiVfIPAJJYVrz5kcVrvsyd4I9Jo/w426-h640/DSC_0611+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Lobelia cardinalis" width="426" /></a></div><div><p>The spikes that flowered back in July and were pollinated have set seed. In each pod there are many tiny seeds. I have already collected some to share with friends, while others I will let self sow so that we have an even lusher planting next year. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyDoxXlo3Z8kr7XeMuxGAOXeHXiuYW-ZpnAbinzNzyMg2MtIVevRIxKBW6KSCRos3938MFDc4VXD5IumPMvlqI6jd7bqKFDrSXKOoFKpFQhmYd1N9AjiDFEdCjH-8P0HeC3Coqz3o8Ye1/s6000/DSC_0146+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyDoxXlo3Z8kr7XeMuxGAOXeHXiuYW-ZpnAbinzNzyMg2MtIVevRIxKBW6KSCRos3938MFDc4VXD5IumPMvlqI6jd7bqKFDrSXKOoFKpFQhmYd1N9AjiDFEdCjH-8P0HeC3Coqz3o8Ye1/w640-h426/DSC_0146+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Lobelia cardinalis" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">collect seeds to sow next year or share with friends</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The spikes can grow quite tall and often flop over and probably should be staked. In this garden bed we have several natives that have volunteered here and grow well with the Lobelia cardinalis including elephant's foot (<i>Elephantopus tomentosus</i>) and columbine as well as two annual natives that many would consider weeds but I love, fleabane daisy (<i>Erigeron</i>) and smartweed (<i>Polygonum</i>).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3TGvzxOD2ztMpdPHZN2-SIwOkO5TGsaCdWICuVDAlL116jdtaYskni24q5eydiONJhl-e8vRFdnPx7frPnWbCpZRX4RxG8rfZpRBzWPCwue-u9NkoXNgKeTixw7ZfTHydUaWtE8n0Ubp/s6000/DSC_0314+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3TGvzxOD2ztMpdPHZN2-SIwOkO5TGsaCdWICuVDAlL116jdtaYskni24q5eydiONJhl-e8vRFdnPx7frPnWbCpZRX4RxG8rfZpRBzWPCwue-u9NkoXNgKeTixw7ZfTHydUaWtE8n0Ubp/w640-h426/DSC_0314+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Lobelia cardinalis" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy rains and the dog walking in the flower beds have resulted in a few toppled spikes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqweSDSB9d3VrOrsNORBgfrgzt5RAbrtqrXd3K5t3U6P7e-wJ4oIyXJKlXBlranfWE6KHSInwH58_UG-cLlYWtRwqByvxjiyioYuwr_WPoQTKlrBKR6snrMS0jImFyBDP6rQbM9MIZ3fuJ/s4407/DSC_0319+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3501" data-original-width="4407" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqweSDSB9d3VrOrsNORBgfrgzt5RAbrtqrXd3K5t3U6P7e-wJ4oIyXJKlXBlranfWE6KHSInwH58_UG-cLlYWtRwqByvxjiyioYuwr_WPoQTKlrBKR6snrMS0jImFyBDP6rQbM9MIZ3fuJ/w640-h508/DSC_0319+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lpbelia cardinalis flowers with fleabane daisy hanging over the garden bed border </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div></div><div>Cardinal flower has been a great performer in our garden, often filling that gap between summer and autumn blooming perennials. Thanks to Clay and Limestone for hosting this monthly meme. Be sure to check out <a href="https://www.clayandlimestone.com/" target="_blank">Gail's blog</a> to find more great plants. </div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-31154081929078881382021-09-15T21:45:00.002-04:002021-09-15T21:45:49.527-04:00Appreciating Dancing Aphids<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of the main principles of ecological gardening is to work with nature not against her. So to successfully create a garden that is an oasis for all forms of life, we must somemtimes change our way of thinking toward inhabitants we may consider less desirable. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aphids are often
bemoaned because they feed on the sap of their host, penetrating the phloem
layer, which could result in the decline of plant vigor. Last week, we
came across a few beech trees infested with aphids. Knowing that aphids
usually specialize on one kind of plant, it was easy to determine that we were
seeing the beech blight aphid (<i>Grylloprociphilus imbricator</i>). At
first glance it may be alarming to see branches of a mature tree completely
covered with these aphids [or any insect for that matter] but it is wise to
consider how host plants and insects work together to provide value in the
ecosystem. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 13.5pt;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6ttCNKNyLyjnM51xK1EZgYJ5W38Q-dpfiXrN-MzQWXTERV2OmHY8Pyz-7QPpPtZrhrWwBieL7yohTSbZ6lpN1afX1St7mMrRdG2bKOVthfgCRSiU9_jIhY1LclQ3dN8HNjqD6cPefPfi/s6000/DSC_0225+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6ttCNKNyLyjnM51xK1EZgYJ5W38Q-dpfiXrN-MzQWXTERV2OmHY8Pyz-7QPpPtZrhrWwBieL7yohTSbZ6lpN1afX1St7mMrRdG2bKOVthfgCRSiU9_jIhY1LclQ3dN8HNjqD6cPefPfi/w640-h426/DSC_0225+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Appreciating Dancing Aphids" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">American beech (<i>Fagus grandifolia</i>) trees
are the primary host of these native aphids, where they can be found from
spring through fall. The aphids migrate to their secondary host, bald cypress
trees (<i>Taxodium distichum</i>), where they colonize the roots. I was
fascinated to learn about an insect that uses two host plants. In fact in one
of my favorite insect guides, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5335626764384885870/3781710729365565191" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Whitney Cranshaw's '<i>Garden Insects
of North America</i>'</span></a> there is an entire page of aphids that
commonly alternate between a primary (winter) and secondary (summer)
host. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Females give birth to daughters without mating, allowing
them to build up their numbers quickly. By late summer / early fall they reach
their peak population. They then begin to produce winged males and females, allowing them to disperse, mate and lay eggs that overwinter often on a
second host.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 13.5pt;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Aphids that develop on the beech trees produce
profuse wax fibers from their abdomen that give them their woolly appearance. The idea is that the wax acts as a shield so when a predator bites into them all they get is a mouthful
of fluff.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGxdUf0yIt7t863V44ziTLP0F5WlhhfHTE-uETxlsL8diB3Pd4BlqKaoC2_dI6WIEgm4_GwQwwYmEN_DuiY1onJqRTOcIlWFOcwmZGa6pJfcQQQ4vd6hGfkaOfVwabFxcH_HQ2sNUKy9v/s3092/DSC_0224+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="3092" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGxdUf0yIt7t863V44ziTLP0F5WlhhfHTE-uETxlsL8diB3Pd4BlqKaoC2_dI6WIEgm4_GwQwwYmEN_DuiY1onJqRTOcIlWFOcwmZGa6pJfcQQQ4vd6hGfkaOfVwabFxcH_HQ2sNUKy9v/w640-h300/DSC_0224+%25284%2529.JPG" title="Appreciating Dancing Aphids" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the brown dots on the woolly balls are the aphids</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">These aphids are also
known as boogie-woogie aphids because when their colony is disturbed, the
nymphs wiggle around warning predators not to engage. You can see them in
motion on my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5335626764384885870/3781710729365565191" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">YouTube channel</span></a></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gqDUsIfRFtI" width="320" youtube-src-id="gqDUsIfRFtI"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They can be highly aggressive toward predators and will mass
attack using their piercing-sucking mouth parts. If you unintentionally brush
up against a branch covered with these aphids it could feel like they were
biting you. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5Z3VvXuwH0C9Wh4vtYebBCXwMjPURTXgzoffn2YugyzfMBxDcuWRfMiqRTs1SxGKLXI0WzAHYZBCbmHzYf9rUgAjq75izhVNCCip2XC8EbMREDyoNEUjGJGlPDc-oEM29NhWSz6UImyn/s6000/DSC_0227+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3137" data-original-width="6000" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5Z3VvXuwH0C9Wh4vtYebBCXwMjPURTXgzoffn2YugyzfMBxDcuWRfMiqRTs1SxGKLXI0WzAHYZBCbmHzYf9rUgAjq75izhVNCCip2XC8EbMREDyoNEUjGJGlPDc-oEM29NhWSz6UImyn/w640-h334/DSC_0227+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Appreciating Dancing Aphids" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you have read this
far, I appreciate you sticking with me. I realize I may be the only one
fascinated by these creepy crawlies. But now, to the good part.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;">These aphids are native
to our area and serve as a significant food source for two creatures that many
gardeners would welcome in their gardens: the harvester butterfly and Tennessee
warbler.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUilkBJ7mCAffSQwceoYU9t1IAyg4OIrWa9nplKcTrNfTRyV-uedLS-Zqw9TnAPBuTT8rSe9UHNHYpR34ziJTnytLDhIeQDlD5HmPUP_n78GzFdZkclf9xDzqKJjogFdDZ0JKYQ_9tBJs/s400/harvester_butterfly01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="400" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUilkBJ7mCAffSQwceoYU9t1IAyg4OIrWa9nplKcTrNfTRyV-uedLS-Zqw9TnAPBuTT8rSe9UHNHYpR34ziJTnytLDhIeQDlD5HmPUP_n78GzFdZkclf9xDzqKJjogFdDZ0JKYQ_9tBJs/s320/harvester_butterfly01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of University of Florida</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Harvester butterflies
have a short proboscis that they use to sip on the aphid's honeydew and tree
sap. Therefore, you won't see these beauties at your flowers. Adult butterflies
stay close to their caterpillar's food sources and for this reason they exist
in very localized populations. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The female butterflies
lay their eggs on clumps of aphids. The caterpillars hatch out and begin to
feed on the aphids, specifically the woolly alder aphids and beech blight
aphids. These caterpillars develop faster than other butterfly species because of the concentrated nutrients provided by the aphids. Whereas most
butterfly species complete 5 instar stages the harvester only takes four. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Tennessee warbler
is a generalist aphid predator. The beech blight
aphids emerge in March just as this warbler leaves its wintering grounds
and migrates through North Georgia. In late August when the warblers begin
their fall migration the aphids are at their peak population numbers. This
timing is significant because aphids are a key prey species providing an
abundant food resource for these birds just when they need it most.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The aphid colonies also
attract flies, bees, wasps and other insects that enjoy sweet liquids. The
black sooty mold that grows on the honeydew secreted from beech aphids can
build up, but not to worry, because neither the aphids or the mold is detrimental
to beech trees. If you find them unsightly just spray the aphids off the
branches with a hose. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">More importantly if you
are fortunate to have a wooded area, especially near water, you may find a
colony of these aphids and consequently the harvester butterfly and Tennessee
warbler that rely on them. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><p></p>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-71068182008931987722021-09-06T11:21:00.000-04:002021-09-06T11:21:53.377-04:00Joro Spider Update: controlling this invasive species<p>Joro spiders are EVERYWHERE! If you live in North Georgia you are bound to run into one of their webs as soon as you step outside. Removing their webs from our patio area, walking paths and amongst the shrubs is a daily chore. Their webs are strong and multi paneled and can be found from the shrub layer to high up in the tree canopy. The three layered web has one central orb with two asymmetrical layers on either side. The sticky silk captures all manner of insects and are strong enough to catch hummingbirds, small bats, tree frogs or lizards. </p><p>We found the first Joro spiders in our garden four years ago. You can read my post about their discovery <a href="https://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2017/10/new-find-joro-spider.html" target="_blank">here</a>. These spiders are a non-native species [from Asia] that have multiplied astronomically since they landed on our shores. They spread rapidly because they travel easily using a ballooning method where they catch wind currents with a strand of their silk. In just eight years, they have spread to at least 23 counties in Georgia. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrodMa6aPhe7xe_PD27_4Xf3qMpuFpjNSo35nDB9WA_VmhJ84Ahewe2gsMWZFG-SDJu-qMFGiAlwjxP4umaMCeoOm2QKV87CNYIkp9mQpf4mo21COEMva_ZogfbXc3rS5_Wu1zf2L2kMe/s4160/DSC_0012+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3259" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrodMa6aPhe7xe_PD27_4Xf3qMpuFpjNSo35nDB9WA_VmhJ84Ahewe2gsMWZFG-SDJu-qMFGiAlwjxP4umaMCeoOm2QKV87CNYIkp9mQpf4mo21COEMva_ZogfbXc3rS5_Wu1zf2L2kMe/w502-h640/DSC_0012+%25284%2529.JPG" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male & Female Joro Spider</td></tr></tbody></table><p>They are not [yet] officially classified as invasive since studies are currently underway to scientifically determine their impact on the local environment. But we know that many introduced species impact the native species and will upset the balance of the local ecosystem. </p><p>Generally, we view spiders as beneficial and welcome them in our garden. Just like other predator species, spiders serve an important role in the ecosystem, controlling insect populations. They also serve a vital link in the food web as a crucial protein source for birds, lizards, wasps and even other spiders. So what is the problem with Joro spiders? </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMIvAyovJMNyKcw29XjXVO1U6B26Oq8UukCkjyCIK6c2bzF-9DnEBKhZhcll-vtRyHF_EgGiBAWOFZMXw3OF6g0O1lX5S1fJRMMN1O6dHdZpyH_dAEVcCrtXuot-6uDCuIGX_sSYqDgxz/s2903/DSC_0371+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2903" data-original-width="2111" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMIvAyovJMNyKcw29XjXVO1U6B26Oq8UukCkjyCIK6c2bzF-9DnEBKhZhcll-vtRyHF_EgGiBAWOFZMXw3OF6g0O1lX5S1fJRMMN1O6dHdZpyH_dAEVcCrtXuot-6uDCuIGX_sSYqDgxz/w466-h640/DSC_0371+%25282%2529.JPG" width="466" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Joro spider with European honeybee</td></tr></tbody></table><p>They do make an impact on insect populations, especially those that most people view as pests. In fact, they will prey on another non-native insect, the brown marmorated stink bug, that our native spiders won't touch. The Joro spider can also be food for mud daubers and other wasps. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWCZBo1voMdfu2C6Z_EdT8WAOhQn2PyiEq6TUut2PuRLylLOr2T-ag346pq4fLQNIYAy6Qx2zI7-grBLTl7VfQWKxO4lvAJ_0rCindJSHbM7v_CIMvzyq-9QUha-DEMc6YU28SwpVj2Cl/s2621/Joro+Spider+with+2+lined+spittle+bug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2621" data-original-width="2111" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWCZBo1voMdfu2C6Z_EdT8WAOhQn2PyiEq6TUut2PuRLylLOr2T-ag346pq4fLQNIYAy6Qx2zI7-grBLTl7VfQWKxO4lvAJ_0rCindJSHbM7v_CIMvzyq-9QUha-DEMc6YU28SwpVj2Cl/w516-h640/Joro+Spider+with+2+lined+spittle+bug.JPG" width="516" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">female Joro spider capturing a two lined spittle bug</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The issue is that they are competing with our native garden spider and other spiders in the orb weaver family for food. Sadly, this year we haven't found any yellow garden spiders (<i>Argiope aurantia</i>) on our property. Is this because of the introduction of the Joro spider? Scientific studies will provide more data in the coming years but my anecdotal observations say yes. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPyWLD5BDwzEb-yNzK4rpTAKzZocYWeSH4s_dcFRz8b9VIApihKk4YeoJeDMfqKLoUTgA00O5ongk0q0LnFxjmnJLLX86-4nDrulea3fnKFJ6lZgUoCjhYDB4qs6cTTVtmY8QjHCPTbCn/s4845/DSC_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4845" data-original-width="3242" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPyWLD5BDwzEb-yNzK4rpTAKzZocYWeSH4s_dcFRz8b9VIApihKk4YeoJeDMfqKLoUTgA00O5ongk0q0LnFxjmnJLLX86-4nDrulea3fnKFJ6lZgUoCjhYDB4qs6cTTVtmY8QjHCPTbCn/w428-h640/DSC_1164.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joro spider seizing a Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly</td></tr></tbody></table><p>These non-native spiders are feeding on our native insects, and with the Joro spider's large numbers, it appears they will further reduce our native insect population, which is already in peril. I'm a believer in letting nature maintain a balanced ecosystem in the garden, leaving predaceous insects and insectivorous vertebrates to provide environmental regulation. However, when a non-native species is introduced, this can wreak havoc on the biome.</p><p>So we are intervening by removing the Joro spider webs that are reachable with a broom or stick. When possible, we also kill the spiders by stomping on them. But be prepared as they move quickly and when you take down a web containing multiple spiders you need to act quickly. Early September is when these spiders reach maturity and will die by late November, but not before leaving egg sacs filled with 400-1500 eggs that will hatch next year. If you find an egg sac and are able to positively identify it as one from a Joro spider and not a native spider, it can be destroyed. Our efforts may only make a small impact on their numbers, but hopefully we are saving many pollinators and other native insects from being captured.</p>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-48578504915634995302021-07-28T21:03:00.003-04:002021-07-28T21:03:43.868-04:00Clethra alnifolia<p>My pick for June's Wildflower Wednesday is one of the most industrious shrubs in our summer garden, <i>Clethra alnifolia</i>, commonly referred to as summersweet. This stunning shrub is thriving in our rain garden as well as a few other garden beds. We grow the straight species, which adorns white blooms and 'Ruby Spice' with pink flowers. Preferring moist soil, this shrub is found naturally along stream banks, marshes and swampy woodland areas. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJjO94hCNdAf425HiCY4jKxjJ7vMv-xqTuuDMrTNj93dGf_QPctU9INKqTremyHKXwX0sILGNs_-QsQ6YnZ0MhooWTIrpHEBvfHReQD6AZ8k9y2KsSw9dh4Ex-Imi6f6AeHJYl5T0RFK4/s6000/DSC_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJjO94hCNdAf425HiCY4jKxjJ7vMv-xqTuuDMrTNj93dGf_QPctU9INKqTremyHKXwX0sILGNs_-QsQ6YnZ0MhooWTIrpHEBvfHReQD6AZ8k9y2KsSw9dh4Ex-Imi6f6AeHJYl5T0RFK4/w640-h426/DSC_0647.JPG" title="Clethra alnifolia" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clethra alnifolia 'ruby spice' in rain garden with rudbeckia and Southern Shield fern</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Blooming in July, it provides high quality nectar and pollen that brings in the pollinators. This is a great option for smaller gardens because it attracts such a wide variety of bees, wasps, butterflies, flies and hummingbirds. [more bang for your buck]</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkgFucUEgdLS5ti6TIYuupLvjGiuScokJfKMUNATDEJfZEBjFB0okFv_WnDdEmwaNPUQnjaBDDOUB1M5rdPkDmULD4ypTZCiSPQvCJ3CBDeusgDFvvPBGqhVT0XVjDo3VzT7-yv2v3j-g/s6000/DSC_0634+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkgFucUEgdLS5ti6TIYuupLvjGiuScokJfKMUNATDEJfZEBjFB0okFv_WnDdEmwaNPUQnjaBDDOUB1M5rdPkDmULD4ypTZCiSPQvCJ3CBDeusgDFvvPBGqhVT0XVjDo3VzT7-yv2v3j-g/w426-h640/DSC_0634+%25281%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><p>I enjoy observing all the pollinator activity on the blooms. Large wasps lurch themselves from one flower to the next. Butterflies are more graceful in their approach, gliding gently onto the flowers while bees dance around the spikes in a hurried manner. </p><p>For this post, I am sharing a few of the common wasps we see on the flowers and their contributions to our ecosystem. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKMJJ0WEHLjvCDMnH-d9wYlJ84T9Ho0dk6vDZJZdDdy_rVK3HKECilzFfXvyHug6ML-9pd_KLVHgxB0XP1lvm99PxwxaQPzyR6Cb1la5c9GWD1vB5vWPHS_ZdNYjNsYW4NM_oKcOkjDWT/s3036/DSC_0685+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="2238" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKMJJ0WEHLjvCDMnH-d9wYlJ84T9Ho0dk6vDZJZdDdy_rVK3HKECilzFfXvyHug6ML-9pd_KLVHgxB0XP1lvm99PxwxaQPzyR6Cb1la5c9GWD1vB5vWPHS_ZdNYjNsYW4NM_oKcOkjDWT/w472-h640/DSC_0685+%25281%2529.JPG" width="472" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double banded scolid wasps are solitary and often referred to as scarab hunters because they control the scarab beetle populations. Females dig into the soil to find a beetle grub, sting it and lay their eggs on the grubs. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2fnFOMLRMMHeJk5GMo0ez04NnM2iCM0b_1zJOQXSSw7OqrtZIxjv2wyToKWzsbyUwXHNOygo7Qwcfs5MytjBbx7456LhsAKRAhIHYGuCEgy2GYkxwa-Jr-fge-gEbtsaPUnP-ulSM1uo/s3103/DSC_0653+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2562" data-original-width="3103" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2fnFOMLRMMHeJk5GMo0ez04NnM2iCM0b_1zJOQXSSw7OqrtZIxjv2wyToKWzsbyUwXHNOygo7Qwcfs5MytjBbx7456LhsAKRAhIHYGuCEgy2GYkxwa-Jr-fge-gEbtsaPUnP-ulSM1uo/w640-h528/DSC_0653+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potter wasps make tiny nests out of mud that look like jugs. The adult wasp controls caterpillar populations by paralyzing a caterpillar and inserting it into the pot where it has laid one egg. While developing, the larva feeds on the caterpillar before digging its way out. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Sa9MyvmsJK9W0F6hYGT_NdNlowksZ6fSe1iLEkdaOoCNVzGSy4aEmdHSY-rD3g7sgoxzf9JRemP0Zf026ym9DEDUOXWiza5aUxPTuPsbgnA3klL9Iq8B7X5Kzj1Osx52iwPkBr2VuTt7/s6000/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Sa9MyvmsJK9W0F6hYGT_NdNlowksZ6fSe1iLEkdaOoCNVzGSy4aEmdHSY-rD3g7sgoxzf9JRemP0Zf026ym9DEDUOXWiza5aUxPTuPsbgnA3klL9Iq8B7X5Kzj1Osx52iwPkBr2VuTt7/w426-h640/DSC_0477.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The great black wasp helps pollinate plants and control katydid, cricket and grasshopper populations in the garden. They are in the digger wasp family and lay eggs in underground nests. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGtCW91UCxn3MU1sFc6_i51Ct88V-QiYB11oE7wX9DJVvTT_x18qJB7FuMaPhAPrMxUtGYM_zJwgv-ORbBBBuGCd_hzeiD3KxM6ERzDGOppsC2HcB7IQYnjwpbWXdY2e0eCg5EfnqL5B6/s3099/DSC_0669+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3099" data-original-width="2657" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGtCW91UCxn3MU1sFc6_i51Ct88V-QiYB11oE7wX9DJVvTT_x18qJB7FuMaPhAPrMxUtGYM_zJwgv-ORbBBBuGCd_hzeiD3KxM6ERzDGOppsC2HcB7IQYnjwpbWXdY2e0eCg5EfnqL5B6/w548-h640/DSC_0669+%25281%2529.JPG" width="548" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The common thread-waisted wasp is a relative of the mud daubber wasp and feeds on nectar and small insects. These parasitic wasps are beneficial as they feed on caterpillars, spiders and grasshoppers. They ambush their prey and immobilize them with a sting. They then carry their prey back to their underground nest and lay a single egg on the victim. </td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Mosts wasps are not aggressive toward humans, however they can sting if threatened. We have learned to live peacefully with wasps and appreciate their contributions as nature's pest control and pollinators.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Clethra alnifolia is unique because it flowers in shade when few other shrubs are blooming. It does, however, grow in sun as well and we selected full and part sun areas for our shrubs. Those in the sunny, rain garden are spreading more productively than other locations. This densly branching deciduous shrub makes an excellent screen and does respond well to pruning (best done in winter). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXI3HxiqeidLVaOAksVjlFKHSaEfm638GmkEvyVnmkjjicG_kGnh8LKojoStjZFhkkqymcdvMZOZONtIphdLzF-ohLOJ5zulL2MWtujafqtUCw_rDmgic3IluIsvsO4Zs6qJtm7yybf8a/s4398/DSC_0659+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2764" data-original-width="4398" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXI3HxiqeidLVaOAksVjlFKHSaEfm638GmkEvyVnmkjjicG_kGnh8LKojoStjZFhkkqymcdvMZOZONtIphdLzF-ohLOJ5zulL2MWtujafqtUCw_rDmgic3IluIsvsO4Zs6qJtm7yybf8a/w640-h402/DSC_0659+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Clethra alnifolia" width="640" /></a></div><p>The aromatic flowers, once pollinated, will produce dark brown seed capsules in the fall that often persist through the winter.</p><p>This shrub can be slow growing, but is easily propagated from stem cuttings in summer or from seed later in the year. This is an low-maintenance plant with a high wildlife value and definitely one to consider for your garden if you live in its natural range. (<a href="https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CLAL3" target="_blank">See USDA Plants Database</a>) </p><p style="text-align: center;">Be sure to visit <a href="https://www.clayandlimestone.com/" target="_blank">Clay and Limestone</a> for more wildflower contributions.</p>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-23388491445791387142021-06-23T19:54:00.002-04:002021-06-23T19:54:43.531-04:00The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden <p>Just a few years ago, this area was unwalkable. Overgrown with brambles and many invasive plants, my husband cleared this area and we created a new garden bed that sits between the main road that runs through our neighborhood and our wooded acerage. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapvz4kxScYYxutsGbFQmlwSx6sgrcImu7ehfvGKc3EbcqSkrvDjRCLVZWd07NDuhBKo774TizDnnKJdzXrpuqPZnPXprizKY8TgEdA53u27aEIGDOvkgSmO3XZLEp_F1l2N9M4-GcBg2p/s5969/DSC_0393+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3665" data-original-width="5969" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapvz4kxScYYxutsGbFQmlwSx6sgrcImu7ehfvGKc3EbcqSkrvDjRCLVZWd07NDuhBKo774TizDnnKJdzXrpuqPZnPXprizKY8TgEdA53u27aEIGDOvkgSmO3XZLEp_F1l2N9M4-GcBg2p/w640-h392/DSC_0393+%25283%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="640" /></a></p><p>This south facing transition space lends itself well to pollinator plants. Many hardwood trees are host plants for lepidoptera [butterflies and moths] and these insects will need nectar plants once they make it to their adult stage (with the exception of some moths that don't eat as adults). </p><p>In just a few years, the perennials have reseeded or spread creating a lush and full cottage garden look. My goal was to provide a riot of color from spring through fall with plants that support pollinators and birds. Another consideration was low maintenance plants because as we continue to expand our gardening space it means more work to keep the garden looking HOA presentable; especially since this is a highly visible area (everyone drives by here in and out of the neighborhood). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k36TSzsJvUWzoThCHs7crln9hfPhaQQD2c_yUheawYcGWT_Cp89Apg111zSk1jVut8wyr4D_eWLfnJGbEcp5TsfM72gT56j6SCSH7RRnSwJqUS0vzIwfKCWnrxbxq9klfEK8XvwbNKLa/s5999/DSC_0408+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3722" data-original-width="5999" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k36TSzsJvUWzoThCHs7crln9hfPhaQQD2c_yUheawYcGWT_Cp89Apg111zSk1jVut8wyr4D_eWLfnJGbEcp5TsfM72gT56j6SCSH7RRnSwJqUS0vzIwfKCWnrxbxq9klfEK8XvwbNKLa/w640-h398/DSC_0408+%25281%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="640" /></a></div><p>This space also became an educational opportunity. My hope was to inspire neighbors, visitors and anyone driving by with plants that are showy, easy to grow and readily available at nurseries. Mostly native plants (straight species and cultivars) were planted with the exception of a few non-natives such as daylilies and gaura. Over the years of working with different organizations, I have found that including a few plants that are commonly found in landscapes or those that non-gardeners recognize helps people [HOA inforcers] feel more comfortable with the design.</p><p>Since June is pollinator month and this week specifically is national pollinator week as well as Wildlflower Wednesday, hosted by <a href="https://www.clayandlimestone.com/" target="_blank">Clay and Limestone</a>, I thought it would be a good time to share what is blooming here now. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfDOXvbxvQdZLoIgT3J9PbMIVqoLZUqlUQwUDrcZ3dagFAUbY-_ofw3F28im390_54RR9xVwsQ-DKJbLjlS9NmkdevPbum3aD4TA5WXrtNpvlmMakIg4OufwXBWtZwTzKBPTsJzezbrog/s5545/DSC_0395+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5545" data-original-width="3977" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfDOXvbxvQdZLoIgT3J9PbMIVqoLZUqlUQwUDrcZ3dagFAUbY-_ofw3F28im390_54RR9xVwsQ-DKJbLjlS9NmkdevPbum3aD4TA5WXrtNpvlmMakIg4OufwXBWtZwTzKBPTsJzezbrog/w460-h640/DSC_0395+%25282%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="460" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rudbeckia, echinecia purpurea, asclepias tuberosa, coreopsis spp., gaura</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The purple yarrow (<i>Achillea millefolium</i>) is spreading beautifully and was a good choice to compliment surrounding plants such as tickseed, stokes aster and asclepias tuberosa. As it spreads it will aide in surpressing the weeds that have been plentiful and have required constant attention [pulling] not to reseed.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nVqHJrQ3gIhSLgbL2WILJLgG2Pa6TqcbATOipQERKaf5EPQxjmu76Ipz191i6nBarjrvZmaRP7D1U_AoaIjNkbe5q8KWKEXcC-CGbOF_HURKN7c5dZPNHlWjN3IaP969lQ9f1tHcXco_/s6000/DSC_0371+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nVqHJrQ3gIhSLgbL2WILJLgG2Pa6TqcbATOipQERKaf5EPQxjmu76Ipz191i6nBarjrvZmaRP7D1U_AoaIjNkbe5q8KWKEXcC-CGbOF_HURKN7c5dZPNHlWjN3IaP969lQ9f1tHcXco_/w426-h640/DSC_0371+%25281%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achillea millefolium with Asclepias tuberosa</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56g4pmc_qOGvJbzMEogR9Ap00mJE2DSLdDQjsEDbMyELZKCf0vy_SN6UzR4cF9SD0vNKgf0hbPzlEivswlPC2mm_n_pc88B7QvnmoiOdHsEwT0p_v0Xt1UXpsFqfoZPlpTI0_w08mEss_/s6000/DSC_0398+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56g4pmc_qOGvJbzMEogR9Ap00mJE2DSLdDQjsEDbMyELZKCf0vy_SN6UzR4cF9SD0vNKgf0hbPzlEivswlPC2mm_n_pc88B7QvnmoiOdHsEwT0p_v0Xt1UXpsFqfoZPlpTI0_w08mEss_/w426-h640/DSC_0398+%25282%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achillea millefolium with coreopsis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpmVnki60IGBYUlSed9XU1mbbNT_4ymh0DSft3qzQYA6Rd7iFVSdL_qWaJe4f7PX3HHXzYXsfIEMroJj-6qJFcXE-30KEkF1cRbm-sKNgUJV2BJp67QTJ2patKosXCEGUxsVvdT_PYRYu/s5563/DSC_0375+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3804" data-original-width="5563" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpmVnki60IGBYUlSed9XU1mbbNT_4ymh0DSft3qzQYA6Rd7iFVSdL_qWaJe4f7PX3HHXzYXsfIEMroJj-6qJFcXE-30KEkF1cRbm-sKNgUJV2BJp67QTJ2patKosXCEGUxsVvdT_PYRYu/w640-h438/DSC_0375+%25281%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achillea millefolium with Stokesia laevis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The prickly pear cactus (<i>Opuntia compressa</i>) was given to me from a friend, where it was growing in the crack in her driveway. It is shallow rooted so it can grow in many situations. In this bed it likes our well drained, clay soil. I love that it requires little attentiom and provides a texture to the area plus the bees enjoy the flowers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviCvfACDwdsMHe0LP1szCZ-d_L_k2qAvynPG_sVlDWKgcv_8HByijBSbbdUiAVSIMt4WGqbJG4bd1mbX3zTOT3EnhysFwuQwyxhGiUdhyA-ktNGcJvQpXUzpqXZ5y0rJwg4aiHyP335Ew/s6000/DSC_0376+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviCvfACDwdsMHe0LP1szCZ-d_L_k2qAvynPG_sVlDWKgcv_8HByijBSbbdUiAVSIMt4WGqbJG4bd1mbX3zTOT3EnhysFwuQwyxhGiUdhyA-ktNGcJvQpXUzpqXZ5y0rJwg4aiHyP335Ew/w426-h640/DSC_0376+%25281%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="426" /></a></div><p>These <i>Hypericum </i>shrubs started as seedlings from our original plant that was propagated at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Gainesville years ago. Unfortunately, I lost the plant tag and don't remember the cultivar name. The daylilies are transplants from another flower bed and original to our landscape. When the homestead verbena bloomed earlier in the season they looked fabulous with the yellow daylilies. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXekAqt8MRMzW-y40qaaKyRRUQQMHiEvrbDs8zzhF7ytCUTsJHGuUqaaKijntASWSCokhJOsoNn6Y2cK1S6-O8kajOH3GztmQQHX_CuDxOP3CBqnnnLLegCgUvdOxEfWFah9G_qNopOTD/s6000/DSC_0379+%25281%2529.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXekAqt8MRMzW-y40qaaKyRRUQQMHiEvrbDs8zzhF7ytCUTsJHGuUqaaKijntASWSCokhJOsoNn6Y2cK1S6-O8kajOH3GztmQQHX_CuDxOP3CBqnnnLLegCgUvdOxEfWFah9G_qNopOTD/w640-h426/DSC_0379+%25281%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A wide variety of bees are constantly visiting the <i>Hypericum</i> blooms, scurring around the stamens. On sunny days you can hear the bumble bees buzzing energetically. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6k50j9Ms9bVIpIvV1mLLEzI32mOofD-RWsdjiveex_Z2IV08F1uIvAbpHhc9QaT2GVXA4fkM4RZQuoIrhZcyyEkfZPXQWcze4RYUp3d0A8dBVP4P_WPxt9iyQhc1faxYRY56iBFe55KyZ/s4520/DSC_0401+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="4520" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6k50j9Ms9bVIpIvV1mLLEzI32mOofD-RWsdjiveex_Z2IV08F1uIvAbpHhc9QaT2GVXA4fkM4RZQuoIrhZcyyEkfZPXQWcze4RYUp3d0A8dBVP4P_WPxt9iyQhc1faxYRY56iBFe55KyZ/w640-h566/DSC_0401+%25283%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="640" /></a></div><p>The loud yellows of R<i>udbeckia laciniata and fulgida.</i> not only pair fabulously with the purples and pinks of other perennials but attract all manner of bees and once pollinated attract the goldfinches with their seed buffet. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9MW72Ga7eZDgu4tfe1PHpi3NKEDD0JA18STfE0onLogIoYicRHszEBpBmvbHUPFdTuA-l32gycDzhhWh4pvrDuOZeLlLsi58ak-H4ju-zd-75STmdSJq1t7sRM3D9C_LXgcRansQkYJR/s6000/DSC_0456+%25281%2529.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9MW72Ga7eZDgu4tfe1PHpi3NKEDD0JA18STfE0onLogIoYicRHszEBpBmvbHUPFdTuA-l32gycDzhhWh4pvrDuOZeLlLsi58ak-H4ju-zd-75STmdSJq1t7sRM3D9C_LXgcRansQkYJR/w640-h426/DSC_0456+%25281%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC1Z5kai8A4qcOI6puD-F8BfFDQMFnMevxXVsCKQdtBsYEYLTHtfjKsrvSK3XqVfEfloBeLE52ZgkQNsHYtMJ95zuubCmU5hvphkHOIRIe7PG0iiMiJ29AUgWtAPV_Mb5YfxZr8uJlmev/s6000/DSC_0373+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC1Z5kai8A4qcOI6puD-F8BfFDQMFnMevxXVsCKQdtBsYEYLTHtfjKsrvSK3XqVfEfloBeLE52ZgkQNsHYtMJ95zuubCmU5hvphkHOIRIe7PG0iiMiJ29AUgWtAPV_Mb5YfxZr8uJlmev/w640-h426/DSC_0373+%25281%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KOw3rSbOH2eBToEmPFdVhtKEIv2CNjshQxLFvdNI3wsPkvxiHnFStF-F0bUBxBSOdSvsl64sZ7bDwMF4LxYeiJ1Pj5k2atYc88zOuXZGwxgofg_-XPF2vYq0ioNaL17C8w3VpISRMUiU/s6000/DSC_0440+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KOw3rSbOH2eBToEmPFdVhtKEIv2CNjshQxLFvdNI3wsPkvxiHnFStF-F0bUBxBSOdSvsl64sZ7bDwMF4LxYeiJ1Pj5k2atYc88zOuXZGwxgofg_-XPF2vYq0ioNaL17C8w3VpISRMUiU/w640-h426/DSC_0440+%25283%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA7kRbdDzHFTE8evXJS2mH-gwmZrEk10PLkF0r9ZPsNMXAyhGU-2fUwdC0jEQ47csnoMP0fe8qkPk-iqUHcTIAf9KdfHFC3njgP9nWvyn2oZfBuXS0cbxYN30M3wdlT30rxn7SSfNK3O5/s4698/DSC_0388+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="4698" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA7kRbdDzHFTE8evXJS2mH-gwmZrEk10PLkF0r9ZPsNMXAyhGU-2fUwdC0jEQ47csnoMP0fe8qkPk-iqUHcTIAf9KdfHFC3njgP9nWvyn2oZfBuXS0cbxYN30M3wdlT30rxn7SSfNK3O5/w640-h544/DSC_0388+%25281%2529.JPG" title="The Bold Colors of our Summer Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Phlox paniculata</i> is another showy flower with bold color that is magnet for butterflies. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the growing season continues this bed will endlessly change. Grasses, asters, sunflowers and doll's eye daisy will be stars later on while penstemon, verbena, baptisia and virburnum looked fabulous in spring. My biggest hope for this space is to encourage people to support pollinators. Now more than ever we need to bring pollinators into our gardens. They are an integral part of the natural world, ensuring that plants continue to reproduce while feeding other animals like birds, amphibians and other mamals as insects are an important food source. A balanced garden is a healthy garden that doesn't require [much] human intervention. If you are interested in a low maintenance garden that is beautiful through the seasons, ditch the manicured shrubs and monoculture of lawn and embrace the natural garden. </div></div></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-26654720555346007992021-05-03T11:41:00.000-04:002021-05-03T11:41:03.990-04:00Rhododendrons Gallore at Hamilton Gardens<p>There is a spectacular, more than 30 acre woodland garden, in north Georgia that is worth a visit in spring when the native rhododendrons are blooming. Accoring to their <a href="https://hamiltongardens.org/" target="_blank">website</a> it is home to the largest selection of rhododendrons in the Southeast and <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g35007-d2645554-Reviews-Hamilton_Gardens_at_Lake_Chatuge-Hiawassee_Georgia.html" target="_blank">Tripadvisor</a> says "this botanical paradise has over 400 varieties and 3,000 plants overall". </p><p>This is a garden that has been on my list to visit for some time and finally a friend and I took the 90 minute scenic drive through mountain gaps and valley floors along rushing rivers-GORGEOUS-to arrive at Hamilton Gardens in Hiawassee. </p><p>The garden is tucked inside the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on a slope where gently winding paths takes one through the gardens and along the shoreline of Lake Chatgue. The azaleas were going strong with a variety of native and non-native species blooming when we visited. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKvO_gPOYPyzOjkGaJ99G52O3uxlsbVowPvUcED9vfVLM1ixdjUoAUbhc1ZipCPoMu3svNJbYDkLrGe5abnNkZwtbt60lk6SvERCoLDYDy0K7-HVxVOOSIzm4EFA7Pp2oarg399jyg5xE/s6000/DSC_0031+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKvO_gPOYPyzOjkGaJ99G52O3uxlsbVowPvUcED9vfVLM1ixdjUoAUbhc1ZipCPoMu3svNJbYDkLrGe5abnNkZwtbt60lk6SvERCoLDYDy0K7-HVxVOOSIzm4EFA7Pp2oarg399jyg5xE/w640-h426/DSC_0031+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The gardens are on the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains with views of Georgia's highest peak, Brasstown Bald (4,784 feet) and Lake Chatuge, created in 1941 when the Tennesee Valley Authority (TVA) dammed the Hiwawasee River to create the 3,500 acre lake, which stradles the Georgia-North Carolina border.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5_aUPIn0xUL_6N7-wRwBvvCktV5CQkeThQUMj34vfJHCb83i3sXj_SX4oyuvPOwmQfqpU9tX7XHg_jxLssz4DfFhcU5trl3650o0S-_ItVQfU8rRDc45fLWPLyfjQSQ8lZT8k026bj5o/s6000/DSC_0027+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5_aUPIn0xUL_6N7-wRwBvvCktV5CQkeThQUMj34vfJHCb83i3sXj_SX4oyuvPOwmQfqpU9tX7XHg_jxLssz4DfFhcU5trl3650o0S-_ItVQfU8rRDc45fLWPLyfjQSQ8lZT8k026bj5o/w640-h426/DSC_0027+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The gardens were a gift from Fred and Hazel Hamilton who were collectors and propagators of native rhododendrons and azaleas, best known for developing the domestic yellow <a href="http://www.rhododendron.org/print_descriptionah_new.asp?ID=176" target="_blank">Rhododendron 'Hazel Hamilton</a>'. When they could no longer manage their expansive home gardens, they decided to donate their spectacular selection so the public could enjoy them. The land for the gardens was donated by the TVA to the county to be used as a park and in 1981 more than 1,000 plants were relocated here from the Hamilton's two homes; one in Atlanta and one in Towns County. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeV3eXicC9e0Jr86s4uJXQo2_MRw6WHFl-dh0R7bN5yrRyr83GDegaCU9Ju1FBxK1Y6_E31E5SgWrZa2rMZUYwVAoH-nxGL_WS46v3YAItRfR4uwin4c-X-I3C_ytCPYYaUg2rxZnAH3A/s5211/DSC_0048+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5211" data-original-width="3998" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeV3eXicC9e0Jr86s4uJXQo2_MRw6WHFl-dh0R7bN5yrRyr83GDegaCU9Ju1FBxK1Y6_E31E5SgWrZa2rMZUYwVAoH-nxGL_WS46v3YAItRfR4uwin4c-X-I3C_ytCPYYaUg2rxZnAH3A/w492-h640/DSC_0048+%25283%2529.JPG" width="492" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Most plants were not labeled so I will assume that these are <br />Flame azaleas (</span><i style="text-align: left;">R. calendulaceum</i><span style="text-align: left;">)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>On our visit, the Flame azaleas were particularly profuse and it wasn't until I uploaded my photos that I realized just how many photos of the orange blooms I took. Yes, I love the color orange! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF4cYl4GRYRvCRgQcrS-EwsVHtbIT9zIhkVVVPdvhbr5I34ILEVP5G5Ry_mJUQDGs6OGfugyUTOu_20tzcgocrqXARAmOYbhbPKi9CsdNiF_mad6dCi7RMd8v29GWuExdRWnRlaC3Trb8/s4989/DSC_0022+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="4989" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF4cYl4GRYRvCRgQcrS-EwsVHtbIT9zIhkVVVPdvhbr5I34ILEVP5G5Ry_mJUQDGs6OGfugyUTOu_20tzcgocrqXARAmOYbhbPKi9CsdNiF_mad6dCi7RMd8v29GWuExdRWnRlaC3Trb8/w640-h514/DSC_0022+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmXKai_tn5iY4TagXAoolwgg3mtIYgV8ZqrnZHuc8PCvs-zPadFpbc31jpVws5OBWoaaR9H0LJ6YPZrQi288CG3-3ni3vfKuA4LcVvT-_BfSKLjJGl9XqSB36bO67_Hvi1SF6Z0XBhofA/s6000/DSC_0002+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmXKai_tn5iY4TagXAoolwgg3mtIYgV8ZqrnZHuc8PCvs-zPadFpbc31jpVws5OBWoaaR9H0LJ6YPZrQi288CG3-3ni3vfKuA4LcVvT-_BfSKLjJGl9XqSB36bO67_Hvi1SF6Z0XBhofA/w640-h426/DSC_0002+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> a beautiful yellow hybrid. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The rhododendrons were just getting started and over the next several weeks there will be many more blooms. Some species are more than 40 feet tall!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivO6PBrhE2fWbpycsZsx45nJEBKv0BsV-BZZi5UZCBlrO9Bo_prsErR6AId-ptysIWqnhQ1s2PEqyfuoIcvNgcbph07ftr4ex66rvy0zdS9CRVS2DO8THPObqDbQhSGleKY5t5kn21F-k8/s6000/DSC_0044+%25284%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivO6PBrhE2fWbpycsZsx45nJEBKv0BsV-BZZi5UZCBlrO9Bo_prsErR6AId-ptysIWqnhQ1s2PEqyfuoIcvNgcbph07ftr4ex66rvy0zdS9CRVS2DO8THPObqDbQhSGleKY5t5kn21F-k8/w640-h426/DSC_0044+%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqM1B-A4bWMBIiu4pf9DyZQ5opBk8e7MQdSBgFYb57mGT2ooPXQjG83OCcZhh6Z3eMFU51C9nOTCMBjj5J6Bx009cqM0H2qHTKroyisLG5J-xD4qguip1vcrRkPzzkyuDRarILLhDrU2a/s6000/DSC_0042+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqM1B-A4bWMBIiu4pf9DyZQ5opBk8e7MQdSBgFYb57mGT2ooPXQjG83OCcZhh6Z3eMFU51C9nOTCMBjj5J6Bx009cqM0H2qHTKroyisLG5J-xD4qguip1vcrRkPzzkyuDRarILLhDrU2a/w640-h426/DSC_0042+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There are a variety of other trees and shrubs in bloom throughout the spring including redbuds, dogwoods, and hydrangeas. Unlike my garden, here the dogwoods and rhododendrans are in view of one another, creating classic flower pairings.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_u_93ic2476lp55pcSWb8XMNSQDJ9M6oYEHFoxsIL2OnY_TEUrCjxnGWMrEkVdwQM-ugoMU1DvUYWPtd7cqsj7HqfQF1bnJ6pUtiAVzmkTTmMGd2t7hnpFgwEio0tj5EOzfL0PdNxl61/s5968/DSC_0047+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5968" data-original-width="3820" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_u_93ic2476lp55pcSWb8XMNSQDJ9M6oYEHFoxsIL2OnY_TEUrCjxnGWMrEkVdwQM-ugoMU1DvUYWPtd7cqsj7HqfQF1bnJ6pUtiAVzmkTTmMGd2t7hnpFgwEio0tj5EOzfL0PdNxl61/w410-h640/DSC_0047+%25283%2529.JPG" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0mjgg1gi8lnDsiFUZDfqZrvqA_2vbgRQ808aIvro-osLW50xnNQwRgRyp3eEyCVjvafp-RfIF3I27fSQIguy26xKp1CD-4qf2EqItKzsAILPQEgFIyjpnLJheHhHaz3jc3FpgRcFvpyG/s6000/DSC_0033+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0mjgg1gi8lnDsiFUZDfqZrvqA_2vbgRQ808aIvro-osLW50xnNQwRgRyp3eEyCVjvafp-RfIF3I27fSQIguy26xKp1CD-4qf2EqItKzsAILPQEgFIyjpnLJheHhHaz3jc3FpgRcFvpyG/w640-h426/DSC_0033+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumble bees were numerous and particularly attracted to this variety</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dogwoods dotted the tree canopy with their bright white bracts, a timeless spring look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwtsz5pUh02slGB4LuHzQ2_DOqlodCTbJsUMpV_E4yU_e3Cp4t57Zm8YJJ9L7n4TG3aJoflpxvepfR-wJ5Sy5tQf47AYo1Fzgn_js2-GKC6Iv-miOH2vC8g6JotJTC610NGEHZSt-jQ_G/s6000/DSC_0026+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwtsz5pUh02slGB4LuHzQ2_DOqlodCTbJsUMpV_E4yU_e3Cp4t57Zm8YJJ9L7n4TG3aJoflpxvepfR-wJ5Sy5tQf47AYo1Fzgn_js2-GKC6Iv-miOH2vC8g6JotJTC610NGEHZSt-jQ_G/w640-h426/DSC_0026+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>In addition to the lovely trees and shrubs, there were masses of spring ephemerals and wildflowers native to the Appalachian Mountains including trilliums, trout lilies, Solomon's seal, and wild ginger.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEX6fBS8N4wwg9z3jDqUDoblyzpuf_clkJOdBzWN0c-FYqZatbkqONos6HH01RJ95u2QRuCcoYSRhg34pqJEPC-I4i055p0GNn_7JtZxI-tMk80l2bav-w4BDEHBVYF0ZveW131sPHWws/s6000/DSC_0041+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3492" data-original-width="6000" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEX6fBS8N4wwg9z3jDqUDoblyzpuf_clkJOdBzWN0c-FYqZatbkqONos6HH01RJ95u2QRuCcoYSRhg34pqJEPC-I4i055p0GNn_7JtZxI-tMk80l2bav-w4BDEHBVYF0ZveW131sPHWws/w640-h372/DSC_0041+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trillium cuneatum </td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNgt0XrThsisX1mz-AHxyPwBtV01DhCBjHpQ57_PjS0318PHnj0wePDF1E53u_ZecuEz9gLJ9_XGS9pK1s99MbB10uNQvZWQ4bfqGN9-FG3GZKoj6-8V1fjEFLRe-syP8IId6BGGSu0AW/s6000/DSC_0028+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNgt0XrThsisX1mz-AHxyPwBtV01DhCBjHpQ57_PjS0318PHnj0wePDF1E53u_ZecuEz9gLJ9_XGS9pK1s99MbB10uNQvZWQ4bfqGN9-FG3GZKoj6-8V1fjEFLRe-syP8IId6BGGSu0AW/w640-h426/DSC_0028+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trillium catesbaei</td></tr></tbody></table><p>If you're looking for a relaxing day in north Georgia, go take in the fragrant flowers and stunning views of this special treasure. If it weren't for the longish trek from my home, I would visit weekly to see the changes as new blooms emerge througout the spring. Peak bloom time is the last two weeks of April through the first half of May.</p></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-36215660520783487902021-04-28T22:09:00.000-04:002021-04-28T22:09:25.154-04:00Wildflower Wednesday: Camassia <p>Daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops and tulips are classic bulbs that are found in many spring gardens. A few years ago, I looked for a native alternative to these classics and found Camassia. Camassia is sometimes call a wild hyacinth or quamash. Here in the Southeast they are found on prairies and rich grasslands from Georgia to central Texas. You can see their range on this <a href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAMAS" target="_blank">USDA Map</a>.</p><p>The Camassia genus is native to North America and there are six recognized species but only one is native to the eastern part of the country, <i><a href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CASC5" target="_blank">Camassia scilloides</a></i>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwI12sjdvcwfZZEbP7PcSZ7HT4pk97i-R6aJGpx1E4KGxibW9wu0ZUs89FJEQJDtqmJhPzXgo9opZMJLdoy7P1q-Ng6dSLKtlmI704W_7KgYAnNRJx1TFB1ZijXvrcQp5i-Oohr5-Wj3I-/s4429/DSC_0981+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3982" data-original-width="4429" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwI12sjdvcwfZZEbP7PcSZ7HT4pk97i-R6aJGpx1E4KGxibW9wu0ZUs89FJEQJDtqmJhPzXgo9opZMJLdoy7P1q-Ng6dSLKtlmI704W_7KgYAnNRJx1TFB1ZijXvrcQp5i-Oohr5-Wj3I-/w640-h576/DSC_0981+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Camassia" width="640" /></a></div><p>These hardy bulbs have racemes with bold blue flowers that appear in late March and continue through April. The star shaped florets open from the bottom up and provide bees with needed nectar and pollen. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnByAUD3fql4grd1AFquxvWk_7pgbv22j8g3-hfcfTsXfSAbSqBzNjJbytp3TSfP9PfpnLplhqb4d7UwM-A4a8aKOJOlTysHMVh9ADnednvhTZ3pkc5QxqXcKFBZNnJJaYkrQoisiPpiE/s4682/DSC_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="4682" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnByAUD3fql4grd1AFquxvWk_7pgbv22j8g3-hfcfTsXfSAbSqBzNjJbytp3TSfP9PfpnLplhqb4d7UwM-A4a8aKOJOlTysHMVh9ADnednvhTZ3pkc5QxqXcKFBZNnJJaYkrQoisiPpiE/w640-h546/DSC_0798.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Camassia" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blue flowers with yellow anthers</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The flowers are best paired with other spring blooming wildflowers like columbine, yarrow and coreopsis that will show off the blue petals. They are a great addition to a meadow or open woodland.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHM-vUY2WjBMKrTKck-Y4wd6Ls3qEPC-E6tG5xyL6D2ZikFW3xRjdbLXVevZznyEnmx4aUdcIHPpDT2TRxklSLwGoJAKiUT2U8KjPow1nR-uIc1woZg3f-cae0766dAko3Fp8vMyQR8W_/s6000/DSC_0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHM-vUY2WjBMKrTKck-Y4wd6Ls3qEPC-E6tG5xyL6D2ZikFW3xRjdbLXVevZznyEnmx4aUdcIHPpDT2TRxklSLwGoJAKiUT2U8KjPow1nR-uIc1woZg3f-cae0766dAko3Fp8vMyQR8W_/w640-h426/DSC_0746.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Camassia" width="640" /></a></div><p>In a more traditional landscape add them to a border. They look best when planted in front of perennials that serve as a contrasting background. These bulbs are deer and vole resistant which are major considerations in our garden. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ-Sp_cWlkedRxE0_wkq-bYCRZ2Ri6trshU9b-_pfqVKgUUveUb8tnEI-Zzf_-JvjibMsISvUauCzk8krcoPx9miG6sFkh6cKPGJSIF-4-g2BIIaj7UbeD8YZ5K6G9Wm6jWgQ0hfsnkSt/s5343/DSC_0977+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3555" data-original-width="5343" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ-Sp_cWlkedRxE0_wkq-bYCRZ2Ri6trshU9b-_pfqVKgUUveUb8tnEI-Zzf_-JvjibMsISvUauCzk8krcoPx9miG6sFkh6cKPGJSIF-4-g2BIIaj7UbeD8YZ5K6G9Wm6jWgQ0hfsnkSt/w640-h426/DSC_0977+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Camassia" width="640" /></a></div><p>Camassia appreciates our acidic soil and thrives in moist conditions but not long periods of standing water. Once planted the bulbs don't like to be disturb. Over time they will multiply and if they ever need to be divided, the best time is in summer or fall when they are dormant. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNO8if0yKzWstrmc1V-vwPAEJS5rBad79IeZR_Ad_eV0_TEi627ewC-0TGzcunoxR32LzzqtITSt-1aI8tnUVRYjGa9hytyG5hxBdDcNg_sZJciK_T1heQNBq5jp8EC9zIdHEqaBpmpFOf/s4123/DSC_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3925" data-original-width="4123" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNO8if0yKzWstrmc1V-vwPAEJS5rBad79IeZR_Ad_eV0_TEi627ewC-0TGzcunoxR32LzzqtITSt-1aI8tnUVRYjGa9hytyG5hxBdDcNg_sZJciK_T1heQNBq5jp8EC9zIdHEqaBpmpFOf/w640-h610/DSC_0777.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Camassia" width="640" /></a></div><p>Place near a regular seating area to enjoy the delicate, sweet fragrance and watch the bees buzz around.</p><p>For more wildflower inspiration visit our lovely host <a href="https://www.clayandlimestone.com/2021/04/wildflower-wednesday-entireleaf-western.html?fbclid=IwAR1i-CoQvsiHD3YKVoRvuVKzbmn7s1CpF_opzPZMrPN0UJClCh9e8YU8wVo" target="_blank">Clay and Limestone</a>.</p>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-56775711428395018422021-04-04T20:32:00.004-04:002021-04-04T20:32:47.154-04:00Admiral Semmes Azaleas & Butterflies<p>The first of the deciduous azaleas to bloom in our woodland garden is Admiral Semmes. This hybrid is one from the confederate series of native azaleas, a cross between Rhodedendron austrinium and Rhodedendron x 'Hotspur Yellow'. This cross was created at a nursery in Semmes, Alabama to tolerate the heat and humidity that the Exbury azaleas couldn't.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIU5I9QrzO4Pm6hnSyUIjAi5RacIKdcKRUTiygO7dKH5zpAB7jIWRUoPAiCdL7dDbWSe1l6NoZVVapBHgLFR0ns_1X0ZFXUtrzip17fpt5Xd5PPZBJ0NNw4vo1_PtLinBaPsYIVGNTq2l/s4969/DSC_0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3883" data-original-width="4969" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIU5I9QrzO4Pm6hnSyUIjAi5RacIKdcKRUTiygO7dKH5zpAB7jIWRUoPAiCdL7dDbWSe1l6NoZVVapBHgLFR0ns_1X0ZFXUtrzip17fpt5Xd5PPZBJ0NNw4vo1_PtLinBaPsYIVGNTq2l/w640-h500/DSC_0740.JPG" title="Admiral Semmes Azaleas & Butterflies" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Admiral Semmes was the skipper of the CSS Alabama and holds the record number of enemy ships sunk or captured.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Admiral Semmes is the easiest to grow of all the azaleas in the series and has performed exceptionally well in our dry, woodland garden. So much so, that we planted seven of them in our shade gardens. They have benefited from years of leaf mulch that has created a nice humus rich soil. We fertilize them once a year with Espoma Holly-tone for Azaleas. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyRo8m4uYK4tR_Mws2xI5h4q-jf91-AwQC5KGKzqI2QlZ1j7Ay5q1mFgwWEd7D3lOG4F8yRQvkcFlG4hnYNjQjvazC3pUhTyD4_u5ur92Jh5pJjaaqtiMDqzFfW_NPb-kfUVUk5Uy9bFZ/s5315/DSC_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3761" data-original-width="5315" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyRo8m4uYK4tR_Mws2xI5h4q-jf91-AwQC5KGKzqI2QlZ1j7Ay5q1mFgwWEd7D3lOG4F8yRQvkcFlG4hnYNjQjvazC3pUhTyD4_u5ur92Jh5pJjaaqtiMDqzFfW_NPb-kfUVUk5Uy9bFZ/w640-h452/DSC_0742.JPG" title="Admiral Semmes Azaleas & Butterflies" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hybrid azaleas appreciate the shade of the tree canopy during the summer months</td></tr></tbody></table><p>These shrubs can be used as a specimen or grouped in a woodland setting. They will grow about 5 feet wide and tall and bloom in early spring before the tree canopy leafs out.</p><p>The golden yellow, tubular flowers support numerous pollinators including ruby throated hummingbirds, butterflies, long-tongued bees and pollinating flies. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nZFnaHlZBrvRg8L7gtpv2lnfxEpSxKKaAApISJXYh66Gp1V1wjZoU5a0zV9LFejplEHTyirLmDnfV7Sxc-WJnhm3o5X9F5a3ImMoYUbTGh0gfBTsMbV9n4ul9_ywGpIy7ucueYC-9nO3/s3992/DSC_0724+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2562" data-original-width="3992" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nZFnaHlZBrvRg8L7gtpv2lnfxEpSxKKaAApISJXYh66Gp1V1wjZoU5a0zV9LFejplEHTyirLmDnfV7Sxc-WJnhm3o5X9F5a3ImMoYUbTGh0gfBTsMbV9n4ul9_ywGpIy7ucueYC-9nO3/w640-h410/DSC_0724+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Admiral Semmes Azaleas & Butterflies" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cloudless slulphur butterfly in flight</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I was surprised to see this cloudless sulphur butterfly this early. These butterflies typically appear in numbers in fall. They commonly overwinter in Flordia; however, it is not unheard of for them to overwinter in N. Georgia. They overwinter as adults and are cold hardier than most butterflies. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqNYmwHFMrrMxD_fqxNfyVbh9J1IIeBK_Qr7qDcG4W9JcMHl2bNpoK1S1BUo_LINzFVLNf9tQ6yzi_rk0HCyyLTw4SE3AnFCsy-tbp_cqFloKZ6M0i-SFfwJKbM3FnZo9hzY0i9JTFywA/s3997/DSC_0727+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3010" data-original-width="3997" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqNYmwHFMrrMxD_fqxNfyVbh9J1IIeBK_Qr7qDcG4W9JcMHl2bNpoK1S1BUo_LINzFVLNf9tQ6yzi_rk0HCyyLTw4SE3AnFCsy-tbp_cqFloKZ6M0i-SFfwJKbM3FnZo9hzY0i9JTFywA/w640-h482/DSC_0727+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Admiral Semmes Azaleas & Butterflies" width="640" /></a></div><p>The cloudless sulphur was well camoflauged when I photographed the flowers, its lemmon yellow wings blending in with the bright yellow petals. It wasn't until it began fluttering around that I noticed it. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePPKe70MnD112cWsp8kupXPeisy0kJcv9cgk1e2mvoI_8VXGana6CV4sLCW2Dl7m_1i4Olh2zyG6VFS7hneIyMRmlf4UcebApch5csPLAcJU7w0cycX4gCEk-5jOg2yXMKDpevb-jMZpW/s4495/DSC_0737+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2792" data-original-width="4495" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePPKe70MnD112cWsp8kupXPeisy0kJcv9cgk1e2mvoI_8VXGana6CV4sLCW2Dl7m_1i4Olh2zyG6VFS7hneIyMRmlf4UcebApch5csPLAcJU7w0cycX4gCEk-5jOg2yXMKDpevb-jMZpW/w640-h398/DSC_0737+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Admiral Semmes Azaleas & Butterflies" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly on Admiral Semmes native azalea</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Spicebush Swallowtails are a large buttefly we normally see later in the summer. It was a pleasant surprise to see them enjoying Admiral Semmes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroejkc7VwdaP0bHpEQ2yOUVhbwrHx5OFaiCzRGbf-q9sbQ2RP5dXdBjMcDXAxv8VsUnd5ltA3K9sctt1g8tLk5hMNJfCSsaC_W4nP7vi-fQxaiELIo4_iLO726NShQPMPrxhB14-gSz8y/s2972/DSC_0734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2811" data-original-width="2972" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroejkc7VwdaP0bHpEQ2yOUVhbwrHx5OFaiCzRGbf-q9sbQ2RP5dXdBjMcDXAxv8VsUnd5ltA3K9sctt1g8tLk5hMNJfCSsaC_W4nP7vi-fQxaiELIo4_iLO726NShQPMPrxhB14-gSz8y/w640-h606/DSC_0734.JPG" title="Admiral Semmes Azaleas & Butterflies" width="640" /></a></div><p>We are seeing numerous Tiger Swallowtails this spring too. All this insect activity is a reminder how important it is to offer a buffet of native plants that provide nectar and pollen for these beauties from early spring to late fall.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrN4BTYuVUFXI9Ag5OR5H_DGjXdwXF36wx0PUrTPwh2PxNHvbfJZgusygDLW1u3Fo0Jo-PJKAI1Rj9BeYEBhLi5DmMygSkzUfqEE8SCRQ2jrMQ-QT_LP-vyR9tJA9DVRGtf_IRKxVpx_f/s2474/DSC_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2474" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrN4BTYuVUFXI9Ag5OR5H_DGjXdwXF36wx0PUrTPwh2PxNHvbfJZgusygDLW1u3Fo0Jo-PJKAI1Rj9BeYEBhLi5DmMygSkzUfqEE8SCRQ2jrMQ-QT_LP-vyR9tJA9DVRGtf_IRKxVpx_f/w640-h338/DSC_0725.JPG" title="Admiral Semmes Azaleas & Butterflies" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Tiger Swallowtail</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It is easy to see how these native azaleas get their common name honeysuckle azalea (aka wild azaleas). The fragrant flowers are irresistable to both pollinators and gardeners.</p>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-69726663319973201562021-03-29T20:06:00.000-04:002021-03-29T20:06:05.368-04:00Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade<p>It's phlox season! Two of my spring favorites are stolonifera and divaricata; one for sun and one for shade. These easy to care for perennials provide lots of color and support pollinators so they get lots of love in our garden. Creeping phlox (<i>phlox stolonifera</i>) is a native groundcover that creates a carpet of color in March and April and is a magnet for our early emerging butterflies and hummingbird moths.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaCWhvJ7oU2rWrSh90AYCuH-cXdnxj7vjaUuUQEiQvVS9LBs-I2vnv_EXSccAocqPUu1y7RJ48GUAYEQ65NxRwKHUg7Ga_q0TAhYWRxW_-fW4CH_1XrsD7HG-h4uFgRofcX25L5LcXsd0/s5949/DSC_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadow Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3813" data-original-width="5949" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaCWhvJ7oU2rWrSh90AYCuH-cXdnxj7vjaUuUQEiQvVS9LBs-I2vnv_EXSccAocqPUu1y7RJ48GUAYEQ65NxRwKHUg7Ga_q0TAhYWRxW_-fW4CH_1XrsD7HG-h4uFgRofcX25L5LcXsd0/w640-h410/DSC_0597.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">phlox subulata flowing down slope near our patio</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxeANPH-SrYrlieWKZUTpPoeAtWnLco9apV7Wh6Xl3y70bZqdC6XBuJOg7AHFJ25duvSFF7yZ63XypoTe1sVpw2cvzlF7f9cxL0Sdc_eL7gY9UQXhT1oZv-fAyWWSwKDSF9WYPvR3BznC/s5611/DSC_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5611" data-original-width="3819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxeANPH-SrYrlieWKZUTpPoeAtWnLco9apV7Wh6Xl3y70bZqdC6XBuJOg7AHFJ25duvSFF7yZ63XypoTe1sVpw2cvzlF7f9cxL0Sdc_eL7gY9UQXhT1oZv-fAyWWSwKDSF9WYPvR3BznC/w436-h640/DSC_0630.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="436" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another angle on the otherside of the patio</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Phlox stolonifera is my go to plant on hillsides, of which we have many. The low growing perennial aides in erosion control and once established creates a flowing mass that spills down the slope.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgJM872PbOIL_YcUok9Nymoa6f5nKHQHMT3L3wrmnryG0N1To6edMEtwPzhWX6b8D9uaB0pMYG_ZonCpnNBJ_LDY2RnUxwuiuR6fWHMvurEF4hyphenhyphen2UvCQmmbbaMZ4xuhChY7_BkTK_o6LK/s5870/DSC_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="5870" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgJM872PbOIL_YcUok9Nymoa6f5nKHQHMT3L3wrmnryG0N1To6edMEtwPzhWX6b8D9uaB0pMYG_ZonCpnNBJ_LDY2RnUxwuiuR6fWHMvurEF4hyphenhyphen2UvCQmmbbaMZ4xuhChY7_BkTK_o6LK/w640-h436/DSC_0606.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">phlox stolonifera with Eryngium yuccifolium (foreground) and Itea virginica (background)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A quick walk around our garden in spring and you will see how often I use this plant in our landscape. In the front garden it softens the hardscape while preventing soil and mulch from falling on the stairs, especially during heavy rains. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF9zbIjw4O-FM5hCbWwnNkg1OPKvTxsLphVxxhLc3Z8GamfrNld2e4VY_r0WFdWYeUi7Yg4cHM62k9HJY5g8BILKfHKdTnccdzgfm3h6QGlrynqcZdGJq_8BS9Rrmu8xgReXy_6qE1n4f/s5269/DSC_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3470" data-original-width="5269" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF9zbIjw4O-FM5hCbWwnNkg1OPKvTxsLphVxxhLc3Z8GamfrNld2e4VY_r0WFdWYeUi7Yg4cHM62k9HJY5g8BILKfHKdTnccdzgfm3h6QGlrynqcZdGJq_8BS9Rrmu8xgReXy_6qE1n4f/w640-h422/DSC_0607.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy' with phlox stolonifera</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A wider angle of the same flower bed reveales Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy' just beginning to bloom accenting the ground phlox. In the above photo, follow the path along the side of the house to see more phlox in a bed in the back garden. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohQeymRVzGj9IkoAB5Um3Sp8Kg5QFORhBmhLryYvAg__2tdwqPFS9rWR0WcrRsCBbzV8Kwhfxd4vE4b5xCaeOI0UzZnCqQsb07b7f23PnMJueyTBR5H2_paUzZL6snmkDjNNMQ9ztKdTi/s6000/DSC_0610.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohQeymRVzGj9IkoAB5Um3Sp8Kg5QFORhBmhLryYvAg__2tdwqPFS9rWR0WcrRsCBbzV8Kwhfxd4vE4b5xCaeOI0UzZnCqQsb07b7f23PnMJueyTBR5H2_paUzZL6snmkDjNNMQ9ztKdTi/w640-h426/DSC_0610.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I had fun planting different colors of phlox to break up the mass along the planting bed that runs along the sidewalk. In just a few years it has filled in the space and is now spilling over the border stone.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_E1Ak4sQOOTWWwnMVXZv-64f9-_RmKbdgOQ-ewJ7qKfyWFk0HGIajp2F0vYNGLMhmpYqNj1teXtVW8g8kDOF-w8ZjQ3X6WGiRLzRiX200Uv0eoaCAo3GTWc68QU6RM_VF4QLOhkIPheR/s6000/DSC_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_E1Ak4sQOOTWWwnMVXZv-64f9-_RmKbdgOQ-ewJ7qKfyWFk0HGIajp2F0vYNGLMhmpYqNj1teXtVW8g8kDOF-w8ZjQ3X6WGiRLzRiX200Uv0eoaCAo3GTWc68QU6RM_VF4QLOhkIPheR/w426-h640/DSC_0594.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="426" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Phlox divaricata</i> seen through A<i>melanchier arborea</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>Planting this showy groundcover with other spring blooming perennials, trees or shrubs will create more drama in the landscape. Above it is planted near Serviceberry (<i>Amelanchier arborea</i>) and blue eyed grass (<i>Sisyrinchium angustifolium</i>) that will soon be covered in dainly blue flowers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-087QX4bzMTirDnXw-JPX_Ce_CEAU8tyCDqTOALDMH4CdMeY_bffOmd78U2IPvG1yBDlJFopzok74-W-A5WpKSzPgEzAtQKRk-BaR4z6OZ5TfR5nor-80xNrgbKj4Ic1lDI1qIopOu9l8/s2048/IMG_3359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-087QX4bzMTirDnXw-JPX_Ce_CEAU8tyCDqTOALDMH4CdMeY_bffOmd78U2IPvG1yBDlJFopzok74-W-A5WpKSzPgEzAtQKRk-BaR4z6OZ5TfR5nor-80xNrgbKj4Ic1lDI1qIopOu9l8/w612-h640/IMG_3359.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="612" /></a></div><p>An unknown species of Clematis growing up the tuteur picks up the same hot pink as the phlox, which was a happy accident because I am usually not that matchy matchy in my garden design. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKLZxb5W1AubM_yr-9FtInoYoBP3xa2Idq8Q3E6tnhLdA1QGtMQqf7MAolZREs6hgiYni7adbgBuEUDvaL8XvMxpBto2W91Kwqae70wbgJVmhyUby5IsUBQe6m_47LMMHm_1DtgJAzfsa/s6000/DSC_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2514" data-original-width="6000" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKLZxb5W1AubM_yr-9FtInoYoBP3xa2Idq8Q3E6tnhLdA1QGtMQqf7MAolZREs6hgiYni7adbgBuEUDvaL8XvMxpBto2W91Kwqae70wbgJVmhyUby5IsUBQe6m_47LMMHm_1DtgJAzfsa/w640-h268/DSC_0617.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></div><p>Just as the daffodils finish blooming the phlox and eastern columbine (<i>Aquilegia canadensis</i>) welcome pollinators in this bed that runs along the driveway.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAuuOg-a3d7_hCVKvvQmRVJuq5jUaTL14ns6RpXAxwZWs1AOLBxQ_xWSYp1Tkla_2ZpvjyJhyLtRWk6rHxGa44CtT94v1gtCIzI_sJ1A13I5AncWR979PZI7GJTWPaczj9LcCST-wS9X9/s6000/DSC_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAuuOg-a3d7_hCVKvvQmRVJuq5jUaTL14ns6RpXAxwZWs1AOLBxQ_xWSYp1Tkla_2ZpvjyJhyLtRWk6rHxGa44CtT94v1gtCIzI_sJ1A13I5AncWR979PZI7GJTWPaczj9LcCST-wS9X9/w426-h640/DSC_0618.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="426" /></a></div><p>Here, the phlox is partnered with more columbine as well as several hellebore species that provide color in late winter to the hedgerow above the wood retaining wall.</p><p>Besides being a fabulous ground cover the flowers support our native long-tongued insects emerging from their overwintering state. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQJDzPFuYvB-7qP9fUSB_ZCbXULR05Rvn7pl0EbUwTTSq1OBCRwedwW34ibWQXRqOV3GmK0_g7rrOC5Q5ntSevLoxa6rollSxy41LZu5uTkB0n8me-Fo-j8zC7hTQU9CDUzBpTcIGXbMy/s4410/DSC_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4410" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQJDzPFuYvB-7qP9fUSB_ZCbXULR05Rvn7pl0EbUwTTSq1OBCRwedwW34ibWQXRqOV3GmK0_g7rrOC5Q5ntSevLoxa6rollSxy41LZu5uTkB0n8me-Fo-j8zC7hTQU9CDUzBpTcIGXbMy/w640-h478/DSC_0643.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nessus sphinx moth visiting creeping phlox</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtR-KHDZOemW-o8sIvBQgSkal_ybKnWXJlcwdwXvkiKRnTEqf5zufIro7JKgvg1I_DHOdEJBgydswHgB3fr842u2O2aSA89uMoFHNdf7-15Gf7YoEjLjMvL5R3_M_juwJArvotORu0e74/s6000/DSC_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtR-KHDZOemW-o8sIvBQgSkal_ybKnWXJlcwdwXvkiKRnTEqf5zufIro7JKgvg1I_DHOdEJBgydswHgB3fr842u2O2aSA89uMoFHNdf7-15Gf7YoEjLjMvL5R3_M_juwJArvotORu0e74/w640-h426/DSC_0523.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on creeping phlox</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In our shade garden, phlox divaricata is the star. The flowers dance in the evening light as it filters through the woods. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGJjit2rEj3NBD8-gghFu5URboHivC6pbPgSr64UUQdtd5fdpmZuwEHz5xALH-NbaZdeYq5WH0nzRL2f7OMqTHnuvGM0WF8XtjrtLCs72AwQsStG9H8atUYmjnPWlrPV2cQgvsTnWcno8/s6000/DSC_0625+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGJjit2rEj3NBD8-gghFu5URboHivC6pbPgSr64UUQdtd5fdpmZuwEHz5xALH-NbaZdeYq5WH0nzRL2f7OMqTHnuvGM0WF8XtjrtLCs72AwQsStG9H8atUYmjnPWlrPV2cQgvsTnWcno8/w640-h426/DSC_0625+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></div><p>This shallow rooted perennial (divaricata = spreading habit) is a fabulous ground cover that bulbs can grow through providing a spring woodland show. They would pair with virginia bluebell (<i>Mertensia virginica</i>), trout lily (<i>Erythronium umbilicatum</i>) and wood poppy (<i>Stylophorum diphyllum</i>) in an early season shade meadow. Or in a shade garden with ferns and spring ephemerals.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFk_uqta4QByuxzEjct1t4kGaPPijDAq-5srQzgrLRo68hYdK968p_eQ_s2YocQLHS6KzVK5n4f1Rioxe4RIfih8BeRhg_AitDyROdY1B18guUfTsyE7MckANpWHV8VcQfXAbapsb9klCI/s6000/DSC_0624+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFk_uqta4QByuxzEjct1t4kGaPPijDAq-5srQzgrLRo68hYdK968p_eQ_s2YocQLHS6KzVK5n4f1Rioxe4RIfih8BeRhg_AitDyROdY1B18guUfTsyE7MckANpWHV8VcQfXAbapsb9klCI/w640-h426/DSC_0624+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></div><p>The tubular blue flowers have five petals and require cross pollination to produce seed. They too are frequented by long-tongued insects such as butterflies, sphynx moths and bumblebees.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZciXysctousMT-2Igz-Iv1RTrnlNix5qOP824IAF4-446h5r_5TuToabPDt1YR2dDMw1JH7wLf0ak4zpRv3ztD4Dvh0tuT8dqOkXkA4WlcG08lcTX_Yk9Q71UufhAvK1CwsvVi6UGT91/s6000/DSC_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZciXysctousMT-2Igz-Iv1RTrnlNix5qOP824IAF4-446h5r_5TuToabPDt1YR2dDMw1JH7wLf0ak4zpRv3ztD4Dvh0tuT8dqOkXkA4WlcG08lcTX_Yk9Q71UufhAvK1CwsvVi6UGT91/w640-h426/DSC_0620.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></div><p>The wood phlox are sharing this bed with a volunteer Euonymus americanus and white violas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-696ka7kqFL0tPkmUHKmV1NjmFC-45EXnrvO3VjzSPZEsE4j9Ei3cn2fjUXi0dx0ODNWePfmucF_vAQ41g6nPfuIM1hVBKCCx69qQO588wDkPY__qXdKx1XQwq_HLtkxZtV3smzcaZHBl/s4252/DSC_0622+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3950" data-original-width="4252" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-696ka7kqFL0tPkmUHKmV1NjmFC-45EXnrvO3VjzSPZEsE4j9Ei3cn2fjUXi0dx0ODNWePfmucF_vAQ41g6nPfuIM1hVBKCCx69qQO588wDkPY__qXdKx1XQwq_HLtkxZtV3smzcaZHBl/w640-h594/DSC_0622+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Spring Blooming Phlox for Sun & Shade" width="640" /></a></div><p>This area is heavily mulched with leaves so weeds are not a problem. Deer and rabbits also don't bother them although according to <a href="https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHDI5" target="_blank">Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center</a> the roots of phlox divaricata are appreciated by rabbits and voles, both of which are abundant on our property. </p><p>Are you celebrating these fabulous phlox? If not, find a place to add them to your garden. You won't regret it. </p></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-90936030885634749702021-02-26T16:01:00.000-05:002021-02-26T16:01:30.851-05:00Hamamelis vernalis<p>Winter days can be drab in my neck of the woods. <i>Hamamelis vernalis,</i> commonly called Ozark witch hazel, provides a touch of joy to our garden. Having fragrant flowers that bloom despite the winter's hold on the landscape gets me through the tail end of the dormant season. The strong scent lures one in before even noticing the somewhat discreet flowers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdiftEQChSuPZFaezezLNphBNkoQS2ggoPBTC9qcuRho_NiSv8AO-QXF_KYqsIB_yd3jBZaOy_5rBhtkfXfv4bnvyGnghXS60d0UQ6daczLxp-Osx33w4Hu78DMhx6tsdXYt5NTYQIJH7/s4415/DSC_0211.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4415" data-original-width="3441" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdiftEQChSuPZFaezezLNphBNkoQS2ggoPBTC9qcuRho_NiSv8AO-QXF_KYqsIB_yd3jBZaOy_5rBhtkfXfv4bnvyGnghXS60d0UQ6daczLxp-Osx33w4Hu78DMhx6tsdXYt5NTYQIJH7/w498-h640/DSC_0211.JPG" title="Hamamelis vernalis" width="498" /></a></div><p>The leaves often persist through winter, concealing the star shaped flowers. Unlike the non-native species that are showy from a distance, Hamamelis vernalis requires a closer look to appreciate the orange/red inner calyx and bright yellow streamers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizy6bTjo7MlDIlv-N6fxoqbi7uqADxBC6dD3LWAEzECiEIitjasLGDJsXZRg0saQKxkh4si7YMxuEQrZliumXDJqiB7EoFkZZ0LxltcY3ADau1PIYD13VorzRi0zB_ADToiF6iS_tflyGD/s6000/DSC_0214+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizy6bTjo7MlDIlv-N6fxoqbi7uqADxBC6dD3LWAEzECiEIitjasLGDJsXZRg0saQKxkh4si7YMxuEQrZliumXDJqiB7EoFkZZ0LxltcY3ADau1PIYD13VorzRi0zB_ADToiF6iS_tflyGD/w640-h426/DSC_0214+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Hamamelis vernalis" width="640" /></a></div><p>Much like beech trees, the crinkled foliage rustles when the winter wind blows. But, on warm winter days, the aromatic blooms tempt pollinators that are brave enough to venture out of their dwellings. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInoqespfsy9JfihugC02nwYiAF4AH_aYhtndZ2EGmmf7_kpOWiS-eKVGmK9ZjydrlJkopRYUKxsg6kBvWbWXAYhDlJkkIxHadliszrUsMkguU1DLH_EPIm7iLTFuKD6IQ8CZ1UNAsFshy/s3888/DSC_0207.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2879" data-original-width="3888" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInoqespfsy9JfihugC02nwYiAF4AH_aYhtndZ2EGmmf7_kpOWiS-eKVGmK9ZjydrlJkopRYUKxsg6kBvWbWXAYhDlJkkIxHadliszrUsMkguU1DLH_EPIm7iLTFuKD6IQ8CZ1UNAsFshy/w640-h474/DSC_0207.JPG" title="Hamamelis vernalis" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hover fly (<i>Syrpidae</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Pollinating flies commonly appear on warmer days, which are unpredictable and perhaps explain why this plant has such a long flowering time (December - March). Since there is always a relationship between plant and pollinator(s) one can assume that the flower characteristics are intended for particular pollinators. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtFUofDGnznLvqXEdNwRAgkTZeRQPMD0PaJqlQqsB6liGyVn7ErHBeOYAbZRVRnBfYRxsYluQCqS2C01PtTRWZ2luUT0-7O07YTfS1_2kNSo9t1BHaaJ0zlqWk3wojM7tvrHTy62V2BTl/s3887/DSC_0236.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3521" data-original-width="3887" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtFUofDGnznLvqXEdNwRAgkTZeRQPMD0PaJqlQqsB6liGyVn7ErHBeOYAbZRVRnBfYRxsYluQCqS2C01PtTRWZ2luUT0-7O07YTfS1_2kNSo9t1BHaaJ0zlqWk3wojM7tvrHTy62V2BTl/w640-h580/DSC_0236.JPG" title="Hamamelis vernalis" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">green bottle fly (<i>Calliphoridae</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>An under appreciated insect in the garden green bottle flies (blow flies) are important agents in decomposition (larva stage) as well as pollinators (adult stage). Attracted to the color yellow and fragrant flowers, the adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, an important protein source, especially for females.</div><div><br /></div><div>This witch hazel's native range is the Ozarks highlands of Missouri, Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, growing in wetland areas alongside streams. It does perform well in the clay soils of the Georgia Piedmont and makes an excellent addition to a garden landscape in sun to part shade situation.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm late joining <a href="https://www.clayandlimestone.com/" target="_blank">Clay & Limestone</a> for Wildflower Wednesday this month, but it's never too late to celebrate flowers that bloom this time of year and kick off the spring flowering season! </div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-41561581045062305542021-02-25T10:49:00.000-05:002021-02-25T10:49:46.108-05:00Log Wall for Wildlife<p>February has been a busy month at Southern Meadows. Working between excessive rain and biting chill, we managed to get a few projects completed. One of the winter projects was building a log wall from felled trees to create habitat for wildlife.</p><p>Over the past year we have amassed many tree trunks. Some were trees that came down in recent storms and some we cut down because they were growing in a concrete structure of a home that was never built (more on our plans for this space in a future post). What to do with all the tree trunks? </p><p>Some were used to define walkways through our woods and the rest were stacked to create a log wall over the creek culvert. This pathway accesses the orchard and meadow from the woods. It is a shaded area but links to a wide open sunny space and is near water. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq39O4U7vdY8ZLlRIRbuA175maaxSSTD42TJFU3udnmUlvZFZsYLmPRg3uv5VFYB7f0ELdvV59bYzmyMrE24Nu5E8xsTNP7QSVzIq4uQNr5HcYU4LWpuRBhggAtAnfeLkHxiG88tXM4yc2/s6000/DSC_0343.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq39O4U7vdY8ZLlRIRbuA175maaxSSTD42TJFU3udnmUlvZFZsYLmPRg3uv5VFYB7f0ELdvV59bYzmyMrE24Nu5E8xsTNP7QSVzIq4uQNr5HcYU4LWpuRBhggAtAnfeLkHxiG88tXM4yc2/w640-h426/DSC_0343.JPG" title="Log Wall for Wildlife" width="640" /></a></p><p>The log walls will become a village for wildlife. It will attract all types of insects that will aide in the decomposition of the wood. These insects will attract birds, lizards and skinks [skinks also use logs for shelter and egg laying sites]. Chipmunks, mice, voles and moles use logs as places to hide and cache food. Snakes and foxes will be attracted to these mammals. [Circle of Life]</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFCB-EtqH_1z6O8SKCFECHbFD7jKvia17Q7xDX-Z7O3nV39kWhyphenhyphenhnZSDSLPjBFfrT-xw7opoBGlpjIapUIBEBHsCxkerxtNqJNJjNKGFIH_Mds6iOL24LwHvcgkbFw2dDKZA4cfFqpEC9/s2000/Blue+Bed+%2526+Breakfast+Inns+_+Airbnb+Spaces+Photo+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFCB-EtqH_1z6O8SKCFECHbFD7jKvia17Q7xDX-Z7O3nV39kWhyphenhyphenhnZSDSLPjBFfrT-xw7opoBGlpjIapUIBEBHsCxkerxtNqJNJjNKGFIH_Mds6iOL24LwHvcgkbFw2dDKZA4cfFqpEC9/w640-h512/Blue+Bed+%2526+Breakfast+Inns+_+Airbnb+Spaces+Photo+Collage.png" title="Log Wall for Wildlife" width="640" /></a></div><p>Logs also provide a place for fungi to grow, which provides a high protein source for critters. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8UIPO4Fv4EfRc5NuPSf2yNU3LMXQBcOpuBjr_YUiWA454flfYHwJfuLW9s8YdeeWWVPM0uKkhYDk9pF-8KmfWsqtA_Cgu5SQo25PD5GNlNogTsaFJzjGNuQCk6aWw34Ogm0I2majCt01/s4529/DSC_0079+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="4529" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8UIPO4Fv4EfRc5NuPSf2yNU3LMXQBcOpuBjr_YUiWA454flfYHwJfuLW9s8YdeeWWVPM0uKkhYDk9pF-8KmfWsqtA_Cgu5SQo25PD5GNlNogTsaFJzjGNuQCk6aWw34Ogm0I2majCt01/w640-h566/DSC_0079+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Log Wall for Wildlife" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the bark peels away, those spaces provide overwintering sites for butterflies and moths and habitat for spiders and other beneficial insects.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNda04XE1M6JJUOa8KHuk4-I3FU6d9bDP55OfwF-WC_PXw7jvv0quLKJeOpaSiTWQF5uTW5HZ2pLvQ_Ze1RVK8P6jSvg6jGlsg7DQysYcU6cydQdvvLO7BtKJJl9jL2yjfZ0znckR_22JM/s6000/DSC_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNda04XE1M6JJUOa8KHuk4-I3FU6d9bDP55OfwF-WC_PXw7jvv0quLKJeOpaSiTWQF5uTW5HZ2pLvQ_Ze1RVK8P6jSvg6jGlsg7DQysYcU6cydQdvvLO7BtKJJl9jL2yjfZ0znckR_22JM/w640-h426/DSC_0352.JPG" title="Log Wall for Wildlife" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We built the wall simply by stacking cut logs. The largest sized logs were placed directly on the ground. Direct access to the ground will help the logs retain moisture. Then we staked medium to smaller logs being sure to leave gaps for animals to crawl in and out. We sited this log wall in a semi shaded area to prevent the logs from too much sun exposure. Full sun will heat the wood and support little life too much shade will be too cold for many insects.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhvfB88SeI6eOfdZwX9xaqBBBGhGR6XsBO8zPCE62SmeOVVtocnaXwHFEW4v8VRwYu9_qKfwJwBwvCM3Uv_BtvK99znVaeLQBtTHc_8BrmeyDImY02DGiqsvNiPTZWtsSZQ448RrHifx6/s5769/DSC_0350+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3699" data-original-width="5769" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhvfB88SeI6eOfdZwX9xaqBBBGhGR6XsBO8zPCE62SmeOVVtocnaXwHFEW4v8VRwYu9_qKfwJwBwvCM3Uv_BtvK99znVaeLQBtTHc_8BrmeyDImY02DGiqsvNiPTZWtsSZQ448RrHifx6/w640-h410/DSC_0350+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Log Wall for Wildlife" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: center;">sun + shade + water + shelter = habitat</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think our new log habitat is a perfect addition to our property. It adds interests, defines a space and provides wildlife value. </div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-48679898263595167142021-01-25T16:11:00.002-05:002021-01-27T08:43:49.125-05:00Wildflower Wednesday: Zizia aurea<p>Golden Alexander (<i>Zizia aurea</i>), a native forb in the carrot family, supports numerous pollinators with its bright yellow umbels. These flowers typically bloom in the spring but ours often bloom in mid-winter, which is why I picked it for the first Wildflower Wednesday post of 2021. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBrXUP5RLWsLGesu_Zuvn1eLq4aJ7Uk69qbNIwLqaWtkSEzxkXcLBnUBkSEOtO7Pc9EHGjTGLmLPjUK7ol69i7ugjiELatfbtbj655nUEiurKzNqN8sThcLqZ3wEW2iJe-q-sTN1UEwux/s4567/DSC_0987+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3955" data-original-width="4567" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBrXUP5RLWsLGesu_Zuvn1eLq4aJ7Uk69qbNIwLqaWtkSEzxkXcLBnUBkSEOtO7Pc9EHGjTGLmLPjUK7ol69i7ugjiELatfbtbj655nUEiurKzNqN8sThcLqZ3wEW2iJe-q-sTN1UEwux/w640-h554/DSC_0987+%25283%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Zizia aurea" width="640" /></a></div><p>Several years ago I planted one <i>Zizia aurea</i> in the garden bed along our front walk. This south facing planting bed is a challenge; in summer the sun is intense yet in winter the ambient heat from the bricks on the house creates a microclimate. Plants in this space need to be tough and tolerant of a variety of weather conditions. <i>Zizia aurea </i>has performed extremely well here, reseeding and creating a nice mass. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhm4DDO0cNonYTYMgPIW3pkE0mNxGouj6UNY13aB31fqjucp1S-8-dgJ8XEIV64TGL0g0vPEp_oyQ8G58i7Vpr3OIrME20AQsAb9BNOtKDP0wD2kjuq2xpEoF6rMCSETqdf7WGLamKFix/s6000/DSC_0985.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhm4DDO0cNonYTYMgPIW3pkE0mNxGouj6UNY13aB31fqjucp1S-8-dgJ8XEIV64TGL0g0vPEp_oyQ8G58i7Vpr3OIrME20AQsAb9BNOtKDP0wD2kjuq2xpEoF6rMCSETqdf7WGLamKFix/w640-h426/DSC_0985.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Zizia aurea" width="640" /></a></p>This native perennial grows well in clay soils and thrives in moister situations, but will tolerate a wide variety of conditions, even drought. I like this low maintenance plant for our rain garden bed and along the front walk where it can take the summer heat. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6J-4ZH4d9MTGKFOYNYVIQIky2cWE1zQKynDWZHO2qV-y6QBtq5mTtrATGCJKcP2rwpParFBsCt6jMDD-5GM5JomjbXBh1t3HLbgs1iO3ljduqVIoJsUTVsIAp5RJrf0HpKOtjJ-3Iyge/s995/swallowtails+on+golden+alexander+graphic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="995" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6J-4ZH4d9MTGKFOYNYVIQIky2cWE1zQKynDWZHO2qV-y6QBtq5mTtrATGCJKcP2rwpParFBsCt6jMDD-5GM5JomjbXBh1t3HLbgs1iO3ljduqVIoJsUTVsIAp5RJrf0HpKOtjJ-3Iyge/w640-h502/swallowtails+on+golden+alexander+graphic.png" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Zizia aurea" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Zizia aurea </i>is the native host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly that lays eggs on plants in the Apiaceae family, which includes parsley, fennel and dill. It took a few years for the butterflies to find the plants by our front stoop and we've found larva on them every year since. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerAo1nG3vioa0ucpEAEsppH_HkZBg7AEn1DXk3ra4FN9hvgDgQWdxZzPtU_GP9ns2vb9Tt-18Rq0q_Dzj0alLdqOyCSJNX6lFySgGfRUTf1eIqgyKavsEeLJiE84uvp1f1j0KpsPLFlVN/s2048/IMG_E3356.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerAo1nG3vioa0ucpEAEsppH_HkZBg7AEn1DXk3ra4FN9hvgDgQWdxZzPtU_GP9ns2vb9Tt-18Rq0q_Dzj0alLdqOyCSJNX6lFySgGfRUTf1eIqgyKavsEeLJiE84uvp1f1j0KpsPLFlVN/w640-h480/IMG_E3356.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Zizia aurea" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The </span><a href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ZIAU" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">USDA native plant database map</a><span style="text-align: left;"> shows a wide range for </span><i style="text-align: left;">Zizia aurea</i><span style="text-align: left;">, growing from Canada to Florida and over to Texas. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>This carefree plant blooms prolifically in spring. Each flower has 5 sepals, 5 petals and 5 stamens. This low growing perennial puts on a fabulous show with its golden umbels. It would look great paired with <i>Baptisia australis</i>, <i>Aquilegia</i>, or <i>Camassia</i>, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-A46b_VYOhgVWFTWrZlitOKthWkPcXe7VjsPh1LBL14CrVOzHlKXD0BCRZrEzo5EvzJFGhPt609yyz-PSDD4ONa0VzjPBra9IFbEcOoe5r-o5OZZPdrR_l946-Tfnp_CcIE5y3Wkd9Hz/s4280/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3784" data-original-width="4280" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-A46b_VYOhgVWFTWrZlitOKthWkPcXe7VjsPh1LBL14CrVOzHlKXD0BCRZrEzo5EvzJFGhPt609yyz-PSDD4ONa0VzjPBra9IFbEcOoe5r-o5OZZPdrR_l946-Tfnp_CcIE5y3Wkd9Hz/w640-h566/DSC_0180.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Zizia aurea" width="640" /></a></div><p>After flowering, seed capsules ripen slowly and can be harvested after the green capsules turn from burgundy to brown. Seeds need moist, cold stratification, which lends itself to winter sowing. The seeds have a high germination rate so I often let them reseed in the garden and transplant seedlings to other parts of the garden or gift to friends. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XcJGiA2pa3eEqpBkTd39VIOtl68WNmMVcpldH4LFyWftfm7iTFEWoio3CjzDfyPWvCywryCgsz4qgCzNgPUP4L81jAalHRo56T8QcoIJrCvkQlabpem3uuNqxmPoXvT5qG-salPo6q8d/s1080/Untitled+design+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XcJGiA2pa3eEqpBkTd39VIOtl68WNmMVcpldH4LFyWftfm7iTFEWoio3CjzDfyPWvCywryCgsz4qgCzNgPUP4L81jAalHRo56T8QcoIJrCvkQlabpem3uuNqxmPoXvT5qG-salPo6q8d/w640-h640/Untitled+design+%25282%2529.png" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Zizia aurea" width="640" /></a></div><p>This is a very versatile plant that can be grown in meadows, wetland areas, and open woodlands. Many pollinators enjoy the golden blooms but the flowers can self pollinate. It's flowers support butterflies, bees, pollinating flies, and beetles. If you live in its growing range I hope you find a place in your garden for this fabulous forb. </p>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-60330189767421994712021-01-24T11:09:00.000-05:002021-01-24T11:09:03.693-05:00Herbaceous Perennials with Purple Color in Winter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GMkInz0u1RIHXcGEf8R4oJy2caq5g8ALJGC1lB9p2DndS1Nlq7bm5y6sadDrTAQ1PtkbBnydgOWTZzCXStV0liLNIE45WJz44aDdajeIVFTqsvomgsxeQpp8nXfMwcgUidRKZnkjs5z8/s5403/DSC_0877.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3601" data-original-width="5403" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GMkInz0u1RIHXcGEf8R4oJy2caq5g8ALJGC1lB9p2DndS1Nlq7bm5y6sadDrTAQ1PtkbBnydgOWTZzCXStV0liLNIE45WJz44aDdajeIVFTqsvomgsxeQpp8nXfMwcgUidRKZnkjs5z8/w640-h426/DSC_0877.JPG" title="Herbaceous Perennials with Purple Color in Winter" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coral bells (<i>Heuchera 'Lime Marmelade')</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Winter weather in North Georgia can fluctuate wildly from mild 50+ degrees to downright frigid, below freezing temperatures. We also receive a lot of rainfall from December though February. The changes in temperature, reduced sunshine hours and moisture availability affects the herbaceous perennials that maintain their leaves through the winter months. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofgB4ljXzND1jkugumr0PRmyYrIfwzEG8YiuMJGYvh1W8laR4U1rOvrafO2ESObXe9Yh8mbv7YTYM9VJtI2pOyzBtpxmDBwrL3N9eZ6JZ7apW5bQtNvcQuEySaPKIxrNgXWxeTirJinKM/s6000/DSC_0116.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofgB4ljXzND1jkugumr0PRmyYrIfwzEG8YiuMJGYvh1W8laR4U1rOvrafO2ESObXe9Yh8mbv7YTYM9VJtI2pOyzBtpxmDBwrL3N9eZ6JZ7apW5bQtNvcQuEySaPKIxrNgXWxeTirJinKM/w640-h426/DSC_0116.JPG" title="Herbaceous Perennials with Purple Color in Winter" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">common spiderwort (<i>Tradescantia ohiensis</i>) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Most herbaceous perennials die back during winter but there are some rebels in our garden that provide touches of color to the otherwise monochromatic landscape. Blushes of purple or red on classically green foliage are indications that these plants are working hard to keep their leaves this time of year. <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OeUtS8J-f_FP5UU1frj35Xh6Gju6qWbSF3tS3p8DHVojfyiuKcdWnAROotiVtKncj_ztNtoOZE5ReO72ir8AmGJSuoO9aWFdPWKdnLHkBSRfy6J4lxPzMOmP_-Q-8OWOUQXtu24Y5GMT/s6000/DSC_0113.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OeUtS8J-f_FP5UU1frj35Xh6Gju6qWbSF3tS3p8DHVojfyiuKcdWnAROotiVtKncj_ztNtoOZE5ReO72ir8AmGJSuoO9aWFdPWKdnLHkBSRfy6J4lxPzMOmP_-Q-8OWOUQXtu24Y5GMT/w640-h426/DSC_0113.JPG" title="Herbaceous Perennials with Purple Color in Winter" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">golden alexander (<i>Zizia aurea</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all learned back in school that photosynthesis is light energy that is transformed into chemical energy. The pigment molecules in plant leaves absorb visible light and create the green color we see on leaves during the growing season. The different concentrations of the various pigments dictate the color of green we see [mossy green, lime green, or fern green].</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoApTeiWMnZkwogIHQ_B_E4YhHB10_9j4xAwJH6KlJX2yEFBO2dAKBxeH6B-dhgZ5xdm95FYn02J4vjaoe-dGo9Edlj0HHSjjEi-sxdqsrVC1QuKRXC3cOLXs_NQDchX2ww0h6l_2IOFd/s6000/DSC_0142.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoApTeiWMnZkwogIHQ_B_E4YhHB10_9j4xAwJH6KlJX2yEFBO2dAKBxeH6B-dhgZ5xdm95FYn02J4vjaoe-dGo9Edlj0HHSjjEi-sxdqsrVC1QuKRXC3cOLXs_NQDchX2ww0h6l_2IOFd/w640-h426/DSC_0142.JPG" title="Herbaceous Perennials with Purple Color in Winter" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rattlesnake master (<i>Eryngium yuccifolium</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">chlorophyll absorbs the light we see as blue and red, and reflects the color green.</span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">As photosynthesis slows, other leaf pigments become apparent. When temperatures drop below 45 degrees, leaves produce more sugar and close their veins to prevent the sugar from moving, producing more intense colors. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-family: inherit;">Under reduced light conditions, [shorter days and often cloudy/rainy days in winter] the color intensity decreases because the plant is limiting the sugars available for anthocyanin production. </span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ICQ1zo7tJ6J-BrtN0v8f8UCYC4Id68bZzJmAwxt8-jFc3AHBjleAu6J3-6dTc3NlL5gRuZ9_TZX0y3yR2xxBSAMoGDWhas3NST_F-YXucldb3XjT-HvUb4GjftGcWUnbZXTX7yuINEyW/s6000/DSC_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ICQ1zo7tJ6J-BrtN0v8f8UCYC4Id68bZzJmAwxt8-jFc3AHBjleAu6J3-6dTc3NlL5gRuZ9_TZX0y3yR2xxBSAMoGDWhas3NST_F-YXucldb3XjT-HvUb4GjftGcWUnbZXTX7yuINEyW/w640-h426/DSC_0134.JPG" title="Herbaceous Perennials with Purple Color in Winter" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">green and gold (</span><i>Chrysogonum virginianum)</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some plants have naturally occurring
purple leaves, thought to protect against sun damage or to hide from insects
and herbivores* that are attracted to green foliage. Understory plants often
have purple undersides, like the crane fly orchid (<i>Tipularia discolor</i>). In woodland settings the sun's rays
are a coveted commodity and plants want to use what they get. The presence of
chlorophyll b, which absorbs blue light, helps convert a wider range of the
energy from the sun into chemical energy. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">*Fun Fact: plants with high levels of anthocyanin often occur with high concentrations of poisonous phenois, which may indicate that the purple leaves ward off herbivores. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #212529;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkGWD9C4CsoYk0Nijk64S3k6MUoJAlub8DnFfzc7M0Euzv0U7bd3NHtTYClBrxXM6Ac2D9ydmot9Of2zEhvd8SjG8NLiEN7z17_2YXVrStG0aFXdeCPgV7-bmm5QqCoaAi5sU1WfgGpdW/s6000/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkGWD9C4CsoYk0Nijk64S3k6MUoJAlub8DnFfzc7M0Euzv0U7bd3NHtTYClBrxXM6Ac2D9ydmot9Of2zEhvd8SjG8NLiEN7z17_2YXVrStG0aFXdeCPgV7-bmm5QqCoaAi5sU1WfgGpdW/w640-h426/DSC_0137.JPG" title="Herbaceous Perennials with Purple Color in Winter" width="640" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div align="center">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable">
<tbody><tr>
<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">See my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5335626764384885870/6033018976742199471"><span style="color: blue;">Wildflower Wednesday</span></a> post for more
on </span><i><span style="color: #212529; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tipularia discolor</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Interestingly,
plants that receive too much sunlight can suffer from photoinhibition,
preventing the plant to carry out photosynthesis. So when it comes to plants
there is a fine balance between too much and too little light. </span></span><span style="color: #212529; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Purple leaves are caused by a pigment called anthocyanin, which absorbs green and yellow light, causing them to appear purple. These leaves still contain chlorophyll but the green color is masked by the higher concentration of anthocyanin. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdf2JWbyilHnHlxySWfet002QVmFjZTvDFjdORGVak4quLfUvaaAvbxoeT7IK5fz2yuVPsc902vRKAujYdwYdhX4Bfnje9qrEF_KdVrdfi-hFYoEpYU-MvRo8G2KKXrl7OY3bL0MN6VfB/s6000/DSC_0111.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdf2JWbyilHnHlxySWfet002QVmFjZTvDFjdORGVak4quLfUvaaAvbxoeT7IK5fz2yuVPsc902vRKAujYdwYdhX4Bfnje9qrEF_KdVrdfi-hFYoEpYU-MvRo8G2KKXrl7OY3bL0MN6VfB/w640-h426/DSC_0111.JPG" title="Herbaceous Perennials with Purple Color in Winter" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stokes aster (<i>Stokes laevis</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even some woody perennials, like the oakleaf hydrangea hang onto their deep purple, fall foliage well into the winter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsPJx9lx0L30UWN_TCHNWrzRRyww8HXyBpWWHXj1O2GuLPVfMdnfMNF6bXIN_EFpPr89tbhCKQUS71MKKGocx999_MaSqOpq2uhSw1mhbcxVnwn-Bpy3zvpIbCcqdOxNe3FkwzDK8QxB1/s6000/DSC_0133.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsPJx9lx0L30UWN_TCHNWrzRRyww8HXyBpWWHXj1O2GuLPVfMdnfMNF6bXIN_EFpPr89tbhCKQUS71MKKGocx999_MaSqOpq2uhSw1mhbcxVnwn-Bpy3zvpIbCcqdOxNe3FkwzDK8QxB1/w426-h640/DSC_0133.JPG" title="Herbaceous Perennials with Purple Color in Winter" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oakleaf hydrangea (<i>hydrangea quercifolia</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bravo to these perennials that continue to photosynthesis as long as they get enough water; albeit, the process is much slower. They must be looking forward to the warmer months ahead as much as I am when life in the garden gets a little easier. </div></div></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-54153532917327861502021-01-18T20:37:00.001-05:002021-01-18T20:38:20.849-05:00Saving Seeds<p>January is the quietest month in our garden and a time I use to evaluate our landscape and consider how to incorporate more native plants and wildflowers in our garden beds and meadows. As much as I appreciate the work of birds and other critters spreading seeds on our property, there is a form of organized chaos to our landscape design. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-Lys-pu7e-vysKuQgHxYa5L7F1GGNQNG17Z1iYb5sWq7ZsDpER1O5VEVNFCQ3sgjLyNFFbrEbxKO9ZZP5-6rtCqtJSrI8toNncjnCFwNTMOPfDzJR3YTFU68mYToQ4jGqmSUVBU1QWag/s6000/DSC_0083+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-Lys-pu7e-vysKuQgHxYa5L7F1GGNQNG17Z1iYb5sWq7ZsDpER1O5VEVNFCQ3sgjLyNFFbrEbxKO9ZZP5-6rtCqtJSrI8toNncjnCFwNTMOPfDzJR3YTFU68mYToQ4jGqmSUVBU1QWag/w640-h426/DSC_0083+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Saving Seeds" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eastern silver aster (<i>Symphyotrichum concolor</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Harvesting seeds from native wildflowers is a good way to grow more plants that can be used in other areas of our garden. Recently, on a dry, sunny day, I walked around our property to collect seeds. With brown paper bags and a marker in hand, I gathered seeds using two different methods.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyI_-WEMy97Ss8ZtbxqrYUP_CGOIje2bIm_DBPSU4LilR2Sso-mKROXvo1Ju-rAlczdNnEGZv1FEM8GeZNt6zmsWr-w8gc5MlXsFqN97Vd6jbu3SGy_obwUqWJVQcOqXaOBQCZZkIsvax/s3205/DSC_0090+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3205" data-original-width="3139" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyI_-WEMy97Ss8ZtbxqrYUP_CGOIje2bIm_DBPSU4LilR2Sso-mKROXvo1Ju-rAlczdNnEGZv1FEM8GeZNt6zmsWr-w8gc5MlXsFqN97Vd6jbu3SGy_obwUqWJVQcOqXaOBQCZZkIsvax/w626-h640/DSC_0090+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Saving Seeds" width="626" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow leaf mountain mint (<i>Pycnanthemum tenuifolium</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Seeds in plants like mountain mint are housed in seed heads and are teeny tiny. I find the best way to save them is to put a brown paper bag over the seed heads and gently shake the flowers allowing the seeds to fall into the bag. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RFdX0uVkBnY3FFQnMwwscSnpCxbjfOHQOZaQi7zw_G6ZJ-JjibRCq_V8Ro8zJS83PPn50Izwd3XPVRF6vynpZlmeBwxGLaSRMzgrUeMZqbyPJIM73G21KIVgBCqXS4CIDw5RQC1hHCbE/s4733/DSC_0125.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4733" data-original-width="3093" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RFdX0uVkBnY3FFQnMwwscSnpCxbjfOHQOZaQi7zw_G6ZJ-JjibRCq_V8Ro8zJS83PPn50Izwd3XPVRF6vynpZlmeBwxGLaSRMzgrUeMZqbyPJIM73G21KIVgBCqXS4CIDw5RQC1hHCbE/w418-h640/DSC_0125.JPG" title="Saving Seeds" width="418" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgia aster (<i>Symphyotrichum georgianum</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Aster and sunflower seeds are easier to just pick by hand, pulling the seeds from the receptacle and dropping them in the bag. <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6F0mawZ71gStPGQkhsFae7ZmLMoVyg8ZKGUPAElG8YzAFDegPgkkv4RP5Tl4tFzpV6DlopQeoxTBQZ-MoutrMAqc2R9jLm8ghgTbHmLtFhMOXODk2YmOJ-KiK9aY5N2e3_CXkPfPeaQ0/s6000/DSC_0147.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6F0mawZ71gStPGQkhsFae7ZmLMoVyg8ZKGUPAElG8YzAFDegPgkkv4RP5Tl4tFzpV6DlopQeoxTBQZ-MoutrMAqc2R9jLm8ghgTbHmLtFhMOXODk2YmOJ-KiK9aY5N2e3_CXkPfPeaQ0/w640-h426/DSC_0147.JPG" title="Saving Seeds" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once inside, I dump the seeds from the paper bag into a small <a href="https://redgorilla.red/" target="_blank">Tub Trug</a>, where I can easily remove any plant material that may have fallen into the bag, leaving only the seeds. Then I transfer the seeds to a storage container and continue with the next bag. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seeds should be well dried before storing so they don't mold. For short term storage, paper envelopes work well. For longer term storage, I prefer to use glass jars. The mini jam jars from our Bonne Maman advent calendar are a perfect size. Don't forget to label your storage jars/envelopes with name of plant and date of harvest. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SDnckL_tFu4rNHRey4lre9Fp59FJFrpEgNVV2r8BmDSWMcFch1ilbOCnaPCBvJSXOts41J3S5o1n_KBoqD1RYTpgvAcZp4Mhka4M7HVNo2G9tM0qc5fZFnIRwfqab2LLvT7wJaDVddn9/s4697/DSC_0149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3670" data-original-width="4697" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SDnckL_tFu4rNHRey4lre9Fp59FJFrpEgNVV2r8BmDSWMcFch1ilbOCnaPCBvJSXOts41J3S5o1n_KBoqD1RYTpgvAcZp4Mhka4M7HVNo2G9tM0qc5fZFnIRwfqab2LLvT7wJaDVddn9/w640-h500/DSC_0149.JPG" title="Saving Seeds" width="640" /></a></div><p>Tip: Throw a silica gel pack in your jar for a few days to absorb any residual moisture. But don't leave it in longer because they will dry the seeds too much. </p><p>Are you saving seeds from your garden? The last Saturday of every January is National Seed Swap day. I encourage you to share open pollinated seeds from your garden with other gardeners, neighbors and friends or donate them to a local seed library to spread the love. This is a great tradition and wonderful way to get someone started growing native plants, support pollinators or create a wildlife sanctuary. </p>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-8693471974406700682021-01-07T09:16:00.000-05:002021-01-07T09:16:15.067-05:00Winter Garden Chores: Mulching <p>Just because the winter garden is dormant doesn't mean there isn't work to be done. Mulching is one of the most important chores for a healthy garden. If you live in a part of the world where you aren't under a blanket of snow, winter is a good time to refresh mulched areas. I would much rather shovel mulch in the cooler temperatures of winter than the heat and humidity laden summer. </p><p>Each year local arborists deliver several loads of free wood mulch to our garden. <a href="https://getchipdrop.com/" target="_blank">ChipDrop</a> is a service you can register with and be matched with an arborist in your area needing to get rid of mulch. This process can take time depending on tree work happening in your area. Be patient. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtq-KAZY5zUhIAxVntPZSAQjlR2rXm9XF84fCkh-d2Om906-KAdR4G5Q5sYCXULxEr1wMV8o84UQerVz1TgMq1XNspgXIK2UuRTQX6KTznce4-vlRgT4LvIc0mwXs8z_PoZ9NozVUunUo/s640/IMG_4910.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtq-KAZY5zUhIAxVntPZSAQjlR2rXm9XF84fCkh-d2Om906-KAdR4G5Q5sYCXULxEr1wMV8o84UQerVz1TgMq1XNspgXIK2UuRTQX6KTznce4-vlRgT4LvIc0mwXs8z_PoZ9NozVUunUo/w640-h480/IMG_4910.JPG" title="Winter Garden Chores: Mulching" width="640" /></a></div><p>When getting free mulch it is good to know why the tree was taken down. If it was infected with an invasive insect you definitely don't want to introduce it to your garden. If it was diseased, you can still use the mulch, but will want to let the mulch age for 6 months allowing it to heat up and start to compost, which will kill any potential disease pathogens. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5BTsNfZZ95bDjZphvA7d-PHD_xqsRFboZN2NEgIVIM15-cx1isHSElubk2E6Ymcw0XaOJWxbz1MFgon3UWFOJawQZEtQE7Boz5VmqKaRqePCV-Zifb45H7wL6930CualICc5DgfnRqi1/s640/IMG_4916.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5BTsNfZZ95bDjZphvA7d-PHD_xqsRFboZN2NEgIVIM15-cx1isHSElubk2E6Ymcw0XaOJWxbz1MFgon3UWFOJawQZEtQE7Boz5VmqKaRqePCV-Zifb45H7wL6930CualICc5DgfnRqi1/w640-h480/IMG_4916.JPG" title="Winter Garden Chores: Mulching" width="640" /></a></div><p>We had a load of pine mulch delivered last week that smelled fresh and gorgeous. Free wood mulch isn't always the cleanest mulch, but it's free and removing some unruly sticks is not too tedious a task. Working with another person makes the task go more quickly. Our system is to have one person shovel mulch in a wheelbarrow while the other pulls sticks that didn't get well shredded. We use these sticks to create or add to existing brush piles, a place for wildlife to overwinter, evade predators, shelter from inclement weather, and forage for food.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDPpNWpCkNMtBVeScCfkIAVPkHUGTgowczn7yCSm4-0AmpObVr7GeJXrygLTvkO82ow47-6Z4QjdzE5xKr_w95wmtY6AAV7lwT52wC7zPlkUgvh2gD4jqosa7r2OtSg6O-5hySOiWGIzr/s640/IMG_4918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDPpNWpCkNMtBVeScCfkIAVPkHUGTgowczn7yCSm4-0AmpObVr7GeJXrygLTvkO82ow47-6Z4QjdzE5xKr_w95wmtY6AAV7lwT52wC7zPlkUgvh2gD4jqosa7r2OtSg6O-5hySOiWGIzr/w640-h480/IMG_4918.JPG" title="Winter Garden Chores: Mulching" width="640" /></a></div><p>My son and I made quick work of this wood chip pile getting it done in a day, motivated by the forecasted rain. Mulch was laid around the raised beds in the kitchen garden and on adjacent walking paths, approximately 2,720 sq. ft. It was a big task yet there is much more to mulch. We have a big garden and many paths to wander.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOc1Cvjyf8WRalsIQxNoyyYUbCAz11419pjyulrt5Ck-T9igON4DPKlJIwCNWKNLS3scsrq8Q3J1BMCLbU-G9CJUojTHR1mUQmi4ZGT09MYrCCcjDwyU4pGiqj-ouypDhiKzRhr2mkGg0/s640/IMG_4922.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOc1Cvjyf8WRalsIQxNoyyYUbCAz11419pjyulrt5Ck-T9igON4DPKlJIwCNWKNLS3scsrq8Q3J1BMCLbU-G9CJUojTHR1mUQmi4ZGT09MYrCCcjDwyU4pGiqj-ouypDhiKzRhr2mkGg0/w640-h480/IMG_4922.JPG" title="Winter Garden Chores: Mulching" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">raised beds in kitchen garden. a layer of leaf litter covers those beds<br />that are resting for the winter season. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>In the small orchard, we leave a perimeter of open soil around the base of the fruit trees to avoid trapping rot-causing moisture against the trunk and harboring rodents and insect pests. This is a recommendation I learned attending a class on fruit trees at the <a href="https://botgarden.uga.edu/education/adult-programs/" target="_blank">State Botanical Garden of Georgia</a>. </p><p><i>No matter how experienced a gardener you are, there is always something more to learn. I highly recommend enrolling in classes at a local botanical garden, nature center, native plant society or Master Gardener program.</i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWLemfz4LMTnSHsWt3TFW1OIeKVovKeiJie1Dx4EEQervBS7iX0uXlQnHVK0vevVh_WVSQXbht7agVxL1oc4ChKw3sDc5VnoXpPI9x_9OLL2dV0FEtCGJifNfL_XMVZfhWC7ENWGjOw4I/s640/IMG_4920.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWLemfz4LMTnSHsWt3TFW1OIeKVovKeiJie1Dx4EEQervBS7iX0uXlQnHVK0vevVh_WVSQXbht7agVxL1oc4ChKw3sDc5VnoXpPI9x_9OLL2dV0FEtCGJifNfL_XMVZfhWC7ENWGjOw4I/w640-h480/IMG_4920.JPG" title="Winter Garden Chores: Mulching" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">small apple orchard </td></tr></tbody></table><p>A fresh layer of wood mulch spruces up the garden and helps suppress pesky weeds, insulates the soil and keeps precious topsoil from washing away. We use wood mulch primarily where we don't want plants to grow [walkways]. </p><p>Why not use wood mulch in planting beds? </p><p>Wood mulch will tie up nitrogen as it decomposes. Microorganisms use the low-nitrogen organic matter for food and take nitrogen from the soil. Once the organic matter is decomposed and the microorganisms die, the nitrogen is replenished to the soil. If you want to use wood mulch in garden beds, compost it first to avoid depleting the planting beds of nitrogen during the decomposition process. </p><p>Laying wood chips on top of the soil is beneficial, because the wood chips decompose slowly and only interact with the surface of the soil without impacting the nitrogen levels below the soil surface. Additionally wood is rich in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/lignin" target="_blank">lignin</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/suberin" target="_blank">suberin</a>, <a href="https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/tannins.shtml" target="_blank">tannins</a> and other complex natural compounds slowly supplying nutrients back into the ecosystem.</p><p>Tip: as wood chips decompose, they add alkalinity to the soil, so if you have plants that prefer acidic soils be careful where you lay mulch. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeILlt-PSP7UOo3y3CSt8nJ3e-Y1ZZyXy-aViD0qU2J0BJXCeNyFHyfN95ouZfqDUL5R1Hy1yf9R7Pmi_PCzHtQv4ha-HPh0aEUU9IiIDF8QIrwlSbRC6ONZxQd_6RIrQ8HlyPOGqFVgON/s640/IMG_4919.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeILlt-PSP7UOo3y3CSt8nJ3e-Y1ZZyXy-aViD0qU2J0BJXCeNyFHyfN95ouZfqDUL5R1Hy1yf9R7Pmi_PCzHtQv4ha-HPh0aEUU9IiIDF8QIrwlSbRC6ONZxQd_6RIrQ8HlyPOGqFVgON/w480-h640/IMG_4919.JPG" title="Winter Garden Chores: Mulching" width="480" /></a></div><p>In areas where we want plants to thrive we use leaf mulch. Leaf mulch is the best mulch for garden beds, because it provides habitat value while putting nutrients back into the soil, resulting in healthy plant growth. We are never short of leaf litter, with several acres of hardwood forest on our property, but we get even more leaves due to the generosity of our neighbors, who bring us their unwanted leaves. We have a special area right off our back driveway where they can empty their bags of leaves. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0__1pCuMoYFSXFv8XKwoWoa0ICv2azoKqyrwNqNvQlIVbR3PKYJzULfu8H0OCX4b9lcsp3hfoFl7sJg2tz3JmOec0dlqCFZo9Ku-7L-GU89whEZy02ZugxPFMuqEnGJrIL3ogRfmGlcX/s455/IMG_4794.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="455" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0__1pCuMoYFSXFv8XKwoWoa0ICv2azoKqyrwNqNvQlIVbR3PKYJzULfu8H0OCX4b9lcsp3hfoFl7sJg2tz3JmOec0dlqCFZo9Ku-7L-GU89whEZy02ZugxPFMuqEnGJrIL3ogRfmGlcX/w640-h586/IMG_4794.JPG" title="Winter Garden Chores: Mulching" width="640" /></a></div><p>These donated leaves have been mulched already, so they are ready to be added to our garden beds. Each year we refresh the beds, first by incorporating old leaf mulch into the top soil to prevent the layers of mulch to become too deep. Then we add a fresh layer of leaves on top of the soil as a barrier. This insulates the plants, protects the ground dwelling insects and curbs the number of unwanted weeds. In our woodland garden this is done naturally by fallen leaves from the trees, but the full sun beds in the front and side gardens will be refreshed as the weather permits. </p><p>Garden chores are never ending and I enjoy the opportunity to be outdoors getting exercise and Vitamin N on warmer winter days. Plus this is one chore I can check off the spring to do list.</p>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-49041674569941548312021-01-02T09:34:00.000-05:002021-01-02T09:34:02.867-05:00Feeding Birds from the Winter Garden<p>The garden doesn't have to be dull and quiet during winter. In fact, it can be a source of entertainment and delight if you landscape with wildlife in mind. Several years ago, we intentionally planted plants to add value for birds and critters during the cold weather months when foraging becomes more challenging. Home gardens are more critical than ever in supporting these species.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW6NBNwiJGtlOv3BrK3Ovf0wH8JUvhCiY-A6RLjbAccE6NGV4pe-HAsgcyX5mJQh4lXfRppHz4eZ-hgHyNfgrQSCTIzmIh_YiOdQ1Ujdr5zhK5w4e4fS9wnPNPZVE2OE8wxmZLeVG3wZU/s2633/DSC_0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2633" data-original-width="2472" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW6NBNwiJGtlOv3BrK3Ovf0wH8JUvhCiY-A6RLjbAccE6NGV4pe-HAsgcyX5mJQh4lXfRppHz4eZ-hgHyNfgrQSCTIzmIh_YiOdQ1Ujdr5zhK5w4e4fS9wnPNPZVE2OE8wxmZLeVG3wZU/w600-h640/DSC_0991.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American goldfinch</td></tr></tbody></table><p>There are several ways to draw birds to the garden throughout the winter. Providing layers of vegetation offers a more complex structure that they appreciate. Birds forage in all layers of the landscape from the tree canopy to the understory, shrub and ground levels. Consider </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>adding native berry producing trees and shrubs that persist into winter to provide food for fructivores </li><li>planting trees that produce nuts such as oak and hickory feed the nut eaters</li><li>not pruning back perennials until they break dormancy in spring, creates a seed buffet for granivores</li><li>creating areas that mimic the forest floor allowing insectivores a place to forage </li></ul><div><i>Landscape tip: create a hedgerow that allows birds protection from predators and extreme weather conditions as well as foraging opportunities. </i></div><p></p><p>Birds spend much of their day in search of food and present different foraging techniques depending on the species. Some birds scratch the ground to uncover insects, worms and grubs. Provide for these birds by leaving the leaves. Not only does this allow overwintering insects to complete their lifecycle, but also provides scratchers such as the Eastern towhee, and brown thrasher a food source.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahvkxaul8wymiNMeUrXjMDD9o1CjIg9Dfw9gEtn2Ph2TUprpReV8gc819JOHSuKCI2VRvPEpgB7nHIcSWl4xNzcZsckjvk6tF6_ToIbVU-r_JE14EkyTkjXcs3Kk8qRlTltT1KoK_8Xyt/s5094/DSC_0778+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3434" data-original-width="5094" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahvkxaul8wymiNMeUrXjMDD9o1CjIg9Dfw9gEtn2Ph2TUprpReV8gc819JOHSuKCI2VRvPEpgB7nHIcSWl4xNzcZsckjvk6tF6_ToIbVU-r_JE14EkyTkjXcs3Kk8qRlTltT1KoK_8Xyt/w640-h432/DSC_0778+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Towhee </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Seed eating birds rely on plants with dried flowers where they can pluck seeds. Waiting until spring to cut back these dried plant stalks will provide an important food source. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i0ZuWV6YkAKkFfPMHQlbg6_uTMCFxfc3jSF6G4FhBvMIOQweTXQEQ5ahxIp_bwCVY5XPt7ZeBjXqxhhyphenhyphenKQXNAS5O7LktjbbMJxvuyZLaeLJDmGO_5aqkpzPMTNrnaR2vKfE8uMAg5Doo/s4212/DSC_0716+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2548" data-original-width="4212" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i0ZuWV6YkAKkFfPMHQlbg6_uTMCFxfc3jSF6G4FhBvMIOQweTXQEQ5ahxIp_bwCVY5XPt7ZeBjXqxhhyphenhyphenKQXNAS5O7LktjbbMJxvuyZLaeLJDmGO_5aqkpzPMTNrnaR2vKfE8uMAg5Doo/w640-h389/DSC_0716+%25283%2529.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Cardinal</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Goldfinches often perch on plants in the Asteraceae family, where they balance gracefully and swing on stalks to reach the seed heads. Provide sunflowers (<i>Helianthus</i>), asters (<i>Symphyotrichum</i>), coneflowers (<i>Echinacea</i>), and goldenrod (<i>Solidago</i>). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tq5cYZ01yhFIJD61D-iH8qORqSpDjjpFrnLlpWZcw_Hrm_nufRdgDcKz-G7FAgOlqCt3dYaMkdqrItLNSCQlkj5sQ3a1gz3Wn5Ow00QCCwJoQfrpNfdHcQYX1UWo_m60ckeVK5Xn0nVe/s1216/DSC_0941.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1035" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tq5cYZ01yhFIJD61D-iH8qORqSpDjjpFrnLlpWZcw_Hrm_nufRdgDcKz-G7FAgOlqCt3dYaMkdqrItLNSCQlkj5sQ3a1gz3Wn5Ow00QCCwJoQfrpNfdHcQYX1UWo_m60ckeVK5Xn0nVe/w544-h640/DSC_0941.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="544" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">To see goldfinches feeding on these plants during summer read </span><a href="https://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2020/07/rudbeckia-goldfinches.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="text-align: left;">.</span><span style="font-size: 12.006px; text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Several species of woodpeckers reside in our trees. The yellow-bellied sapsuckers are winter visitors in our region and look for trees with high sugar content in their sap, such as red maples, hickories and sugar maples where they drill wells into the trunk to reach the sweet sap. This activity attracts insects, which provides protein but also attracts other insect eating birds. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABZk6yezzyk5eyWtD4ed_XoWmzqvcfDJFTPjGUdjTmt3b0ldTu_TsULK49DB_M5NsaTGrtEC1fVfwgVR0V2aBK_7C7-hBQVOg7Pm4f8Y2XDj08oR3DTPvNhhFPwMrl1Pzj4glHYbNuuF/s3287/DSC_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3287" data-original-width="2591" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPABZk6yezzyk5eyWtD4ed_XoWmzqvcfDJFTPjGUdjTmt3b0ldTu_TsULK49DB_M5NsaTGrtEC1fVfwgVR0V2aBK_7C7-hBQVOg7Pm4f8Y2XDj08oR3DTPvNhhFPwMrl1Pzj4glHYbNuuF/w504-h640/DSC_0837.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="504" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sapsuckers usually chose already declining trees. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Many insects enter a state of diapause or hibernation in winter and run off stored energy reserves in their bodies. They usually hide on inactive plant material, often burrowing into stems or hiding in tree stumps and under debris. Plants with hollow stems or those that are pith filled such as joe pye weed (<i>Eupatorium</i>), purple coneflower (<i>Echinacea purpurea</i>), blazing star (<i>Liatris sp.</i>), wild bergamot (Mondarda fistulosa), culver's root (<i>Veronicastrum virginicum</i>) are ideal overwintering plants. Keeping a 'messy' garden [not cutting back perennials] will support these insects while providing potential food sources for insect eating birds such as blue birds and phoebes.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb27DoIZ6aVVPtiu7ejfw-qA3pPP3aNfzfwS7fvpmEO0wSf_OGwo40cE7hYSz2ZKkccVi4nc3RHQf9HckD1DuP7t9SjDPCA6CTHNxpiokuL0k3QlutmxE2-ePTQX5oII6n2EULjcbMI6z/s2048/goldenrod+gal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="2048" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb27DoIZ6aVVPtiu7ejfw-qA3pPP3aNfzfwS7fvpmEO0wSf_OGwo40cE7hYSz2ZKkccVi4nc3RHQf9HckD1DuP7t9SjDPCA6CTHNxpiokuL0k3QlutmxE2-ePTQX5oII6n2EULjcbMI6z/w640-h518/goldenrod+gal.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">goldenrod gals are important protein source for <br />downy woodpeckers and black capped chickadees</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Mockingbirds, robins, cedar waxwings, bluebirds, ruby-crowned kinglet, brown thrashers and many others feed on berries during the winter. This red chokeberry (<i>Aronia arbutifolia</i>) shrub is a popular stop, as is the American beautyberry (<i>Callicarpa americana</i>) and winterberry holly (<i>Ilex verticillata</i>) shrubs. Other fruit fruit bearing plants to consider include virburnum, red-twig dogwood (<i>Cornus sericea</i>), sumac (<i>Rhus spp</i>), dogwood, Eastern red cedar (<i>Juniperus virginiana</i>), flowering dogwood (<i>Cornus florida</i>), and Virginia creeper (<i>Parthenocissus quinquefolia</i>).</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Wg3QyqoOupjKbBN1lVPUetVZNCMQqYFN3fSGMjD1uITAfry8rzbjvUGdR9yBWhPMIsxuK8MjO2IEb2fRdABfu24Us5FU3HszjAz5atar-u-bWiqcQOkb-9OCrKddGSvDb-bFB76fLQ9Q/s6000/DSC_0889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Wg3QyqoOupjKbBN1lVPUetVZNCMQqYFN3fSGMjD1uITAfry8rzbjvUGdR9yBWhPMIsxuK8MjO2IEb2fRdABfu24Us5FU3HszjAz5atar-u-bWiqcQOkb-9OCrKddGSvDb-bFB76fLQ9Q/w640-h426/DSC_0889.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="640" /></a></div><p>Pine warblers tend to come down from the tree tops during winter, making them less of a stranger to our backyard. They are hard to miss with their bright yellow feathers. In winter, it is easier to distinguish pine warblers from goldfinches, as goldfinches are seasonally dimorphic, altering from mustard gold to olive-brown tones. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXBnrcRi_M9MvD-E_YfjzMTF5IsEMydj9eEhbczp_IZGu5VLfvPXtmLehhUOZA1GrwTHSWKWaB8DlU4kYp8ywuK8hUUHh0IAxBzkWtWrqQifHQ-5SIVwSImi7VHmoBa4i8bjjSV4AtDbe/s3145/DSC_0018+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2774" data-original-width="3145" height="565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXBnrcRi_M9MvD-E_YfjzMTF5IsEMydj9eEhbczp_IZGu5VLfvPXtmLehhUOZA1GrwTHSWKWaB8DlU4kYp8ywuK8hUUHh0IAxBzkWtWrqQifHQ-5SIVwSImi7VHmoBa4i8bjjSV4AtDbe/w640-h565/DSC_0018+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pine warblers are the only warbler species to eat seeds and are often found visiting suet feeders. They are also fruit eaters, so plant native persimmon (<i>Diospyros virginiana</i>), wax myrtle (<i>Myrica cerifera</i>), sumac (<i>Rhus spp</i>) and flowering dogwood (<i>Cornus florida</i>) to feed these warblers from your garden. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1ZrS5ESR70oj_4RF6pvBD1sxD5eYE63DwgvPBbdKAixYq7eZ6BPhZj2-KFAPsrMRu5a-38isBQ6Xci-s1nrpc1D9jMVmH4U_nzLwroie6KwXUuDTZnbwVO_QNM_gtUlMhMNrgLEsILXm/s3901/DSC_0046+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="3901" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1ZrS5ESR70oj_4RF6pvBD1sxD5eYE63DwgvPBbdKAixYq7eZ6BPhZj2-KFAPsrMRu5a-38isBQ6Xci-s1nrpc1D9jMVmH4U_nzLwroie6KwXUuDTZnbwVO_QNM_gtUlMhMNrgLEsILXm/w640-h270/DSC_0046+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Mourning doves are year round residence and ground foragers, searching for seeds and berries. They like to hang out in protected areas such as grasses and near shrubs. Plants that support them include a variety of 'weeds' including pokeweed (<i>phytolacca americana</i>), ragweed (<i>Ambrosia trifida</i>). and smartweed (<i>Polygonum</i>). Planting sunflowers and native grasses will attract these birds. </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJA1F-xNE_EFV8BGWk5KgUc0iNrrSGVb1565m4JgLvIXJTaj93MxOswBqkv3zsywq2q9BZZ2mHdHiDMOsw45mYP1P6yQNDwITn_I2uIlcHNQgPfnymFJWfhIA4atOCshR5BhJIkWZ7zXO/s5951/DSC_0933.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3143" data-original-width="5951" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJA1F-xNE_EFV8BGWk5KgUc0iNrrSGVb1565m4JgLvIXJTaj93MxOswBqkv3zsywq2q9BZZ2mHdHiDMOsw45mYP1P6yQNDwITn_I2uIlcHNQgPfnymFJWfhIA4atOCshR5BhJIkWZ7zXO/w640-h338/DSC_0933.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Grasses not only provide food, but also shelter and nesting sites. Consider including little blue stem (<i>Schizachyrium scoparium</i>), switch grass (<i>Panicum virgatum</i>), big blue stem (<i>Andropogon gerardii</i>), prairie dropseed (<i>Sporobolus heterolepis</i>), river oats (<i>Chasmanthium latifolium</i>), or purple lovegrass (<i>Eragrostis spectabilis</i>). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuLWXvI2ur2IHlze6PnAdRxVIricIPq-lnVSWXE98gLRd1UcVgf3-0Xvzi1t2sISYoSsi0N6v0Qe9PO4U1u4mxPAZ7O7ucCo4dk3TSd5xWZwLoJVGTnYkAxPFZ1Jdjvo_qUUgCN2bcmyl/s2048/IMG_3291.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuLWXvI2ur2IHlze6PnAdRxVIricIPq-lnVSWXE98gLRd1UcVgf3-0Xvzi1t2sISYoSsi0N6v0Qe9PO4U1u4mxPAZ7O7ucCo4dk3TSd5xWZwLoJVGTnYkAxPFZ1Jdjvo_qUUgCN2bcmyl/w480-h640/IMG_3291.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Bluebirds are another pop of color in our otherwise muted landscape. We have a healthy population of eastern bluebirds since posting nesting boxes throughout our property years ago. Bluebirds forage for berries from flowering dogwood, American holly, sumac, Eastern red cedar, and Virginia Creeper. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDtvA_4XHpLJD7VbgmqKmT8-PyeFRplPX0wRzsKi6rj0G7DPAwRNRSvsjWVBOtUYedHvNC7YASdLQqIABdg5-FRrfB9faC1v8yyxvmRHtGMlMTxlLp8FeGCv1uqHW_-ow1Igph7Zk9YoV/s5172/DSC_0089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2104" data-original-width="5172" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDtvA_4XHpLJD7VbgmqKmT8-PyeFRplPX0wRzsKi6rj0G7DPAwRNRSvsjWVBOtUYedHvNC7YASdLQqIABdg5-FRrfB9faC1v8yyxvmRHtGMlMTxlLp8FeGCv1uqHW_-ow1Igph7Zk9YoV/w640-h261/DSC_0089.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>On the coldest of days, we like to put out mealworms and nuggets for these birds. Bluebird beaks are not made to crack open seeds, making winter feeding even more challenging. I've written about feeding bluebirds in winter in previous years. You can read about that <a href="https://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2016/01/feeding-bluebirds-in-winter.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2017/01/how-birds-prepare-for-snowmageddon.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGhvzQvcJyH8oISrbibxIfrb6wMoyQTImqvIRnHHCPH7zlZlqpjFSnKZBuIPIHlKcQf6B4c_ucKprCCEdEXTdxmiQwknwh4esVp8z-lGOw8lnR7InA3Myzg0rveysTBMGk7bLxIm4KIpb/s3925/DSC_0068+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="3925" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGhvzQvcJyH8oISrbibxIfrb6wMoyQTImqvIRnHHCPH7zlZlqpjFSnKZBuIPIHlKcQf6B4c_ucKprCCEdEXTdxmiQwknwh4esVp8z-lGOw8lnR7InA3Myzg0rveysTBMGk7bLxIm4KIpb/w640-h250/DSC_0068+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blue Jays are omnivores, but particularly love acorns, so if you plant oak trees they are sure to visit. They often find and extract insects from trees too. </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglp8kB3anvTwrMvzT5bP6DTO4NsVymCh5oDGTxGRHs4VDNoXMUDXspyN6Go8ltAZz5hY6KgwpcOMFpQdzbVUdUUbaXAbA3bHOF5yknsFVrveDd6qxT8w2Z38cbqj1sFDA9rQTuaRLbSLD/s1589/DSC_0078+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1589" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglp8kB3anvTwrMvzT5bP6DTO4NsVymCh5oDGTxGRHs4VDNoXMUDXspyN6Go8ltAZz5hY6KgwpcOMFpQdzbVUdUUbaXAbA3bHOF5yknsFVrveDd6qxT8w2Z38cbqj1sFDA9rQTuaRLbSLD/w640-h426/DSC_0078+%25283%2529.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blue jay with prized insect</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Of course all these songbirds attract hawks, and our property is territory to several of these majestic birds of prey. As difficult as it may be to see beloved song birds fall prey to a larger predator, the circle of life must be honored. In fact, taking out the weaker birds improves the strength of the songbird species. </div><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_oobWmipAf7W7GMOg_ZnsICuB8atp2l5X-hHenOynityDCSnSF3rZEAdaI086Rsd1j3GsfgBkzUWALm-Zk1OnY6XcP231yKR-PLVKz4IAoXcuO0bwN0nS2rGgvHdUavq-FyPm1HcH0ua/s1641/DSC_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1641" data-original-width="1521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_oobWmipAf7W7GMOg_ZnsICuB8atp2l5X-hHenOynityDCSnSF3rZEAdaI086Rsd1j3GsfgBkzUWALm-Zk1OnY6XcP231yKR-PLVKz4IAoXcuO0bwN0nS2rGgvHdUavq-FyPm1HcH0ua/w594-h640/DSC_0901.JPG" title="Feeding birds from the Winter Garden" width="594" /></a></div><br /><p>Now is a good time to evaluate how well your garden provides for our feathered friends. Consider those important trees and shrubs that provide a reliable food source. Are you providing shelter opportunities during the winter months? Gardens rich in berries and seeds, not only help birds during the barren winter months, but also prepares them for a healthy spring breeding season.</p></div></div></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-60825948891451728972020-12-19T08:30:00.000-05:002020-12-19T08:30:33.131-05:00Rabbiteye Blueberries for Late Season Color<p>Blueberry (<i>Vacciunium spp</i>.) shrubs provide some of the best late season color in our garden. Their fiery foliage gets better as the weather cools. During November, the leaves slowly transform from green to yellow reaching their peak color of orange and red during December. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_SEwP0G6dLVs6kM-3LNQMt3Mr1yOGAsQHBhyphenhyphenUKte1D449g90yfzj1QZyjeVXPESxBD1oHjQ2FW2GW3UK2J8942qMnecKR8R3sqKhMeE-MoyRkAcSLqOesRGligxL5Oa6bNxNWhbEI7nK/s6000/DSC_0833.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_SEwP0G6dLVs6kM-3LNQMt3Mr1yOGAsQHBhyphenhyphenUKte1D449g90yfzj1QZyjeVXPESxBD1oHjQ2FW2GW3UK2J8942qMnecKR8R3sqKhMeE-MoyRkAcSLqOesRGligxL5Oa6bNxNWhbEI7nK/w400-h266/DSC_0833.JPG" title="Rabbiteye Blueberries for Late Season Color" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>In our garden, six shrubs create a vibrant hedgerow that borders the kitchen garden and industrial looking storm water runoff area. More shrubs provide a screen along our property line.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LFl8reusd9QeZwpA7GWKUfmeTFFSpb8vMS8zoVuaEaZu_AMLfBqShj8uGbNKrawaHDeCmzylpJy3SG1iDuBHYyypWTIo-Tszw1zHgH3SFCSPqkFO0D3yuOZ2-OFkzQ3U_zshyphenhyphenyuRw9Z7/s6000/DSC_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LFl8reusd9QeZwpA7GWKUfmeTFFSpb8vMS8zoVuaEaZu_AMLfBqShj8uGbNKrawaHDeCmzylpJy3SG1iDuBHYyypWTIo-Tszw1zHgH3SFCSPqkFO0D3yuOZ2-OFkzQ3U_zshyphenhyphenyuRw9Z7/w400-h266/DSC_0851.JPG" title="Rabbiteye Blueberries for Late Season Color" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In March these shrubs are covered in blooms that support early emerging native pollinators such as the Southeastern blueberry bee, swallowtail and skipper butterflies and clearwing moths. I have written about these shrubs in their spring form in the previous years. You read about them <a href="https://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2016/03/buds-bees-butterflies-and-blueberries.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2018/03/blueberries-in-spring.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mixing annual edibles with ornamentals in a home garden is a popular practice in residential landscapes. Adding edible shrubs and trees is another great way to add long term value. Not only do will they provide you with delicious berries but many fruit bearing shrubs provide interest for three to four seasons.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Mir_SjF3bqm-xU9q4YcC9O8CBNLsJMA3P8oRbRaVNYb43GmY6abBx27uKJRURvDspAc98GZOX47XTOrSSLYhJuOIGhMpitP3KHlRr8IinxaKf4vNfxb5A8ul3pojUKIz_jMzT7XfWFfn/s6000/DSC_0835.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Mir_SjF3bqm-xU9q4YcC9O8CBNLsJMA3P8oRbRaVNYb43GmY6abBx27uKJRURvDspAc98GZOX47XTOrSSLYhJuOIGhMpitP3KHlRr8IinxaKf4vNfxb5A8ul3pojUKIz_jMzT7XfWFfn/w266-h400/DSC_0835.JPG" title="Rabbiteye Blueberries for Late Season Color" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /><p>Rabbiteye species are native to Georgia and grow well across the state. Choose at least two varieties that bloom at the same time to provide cross-pollination, which ensures better fruit set and larger berries. If you want a broader harvest season plant several varieties with early to mid to late season ripening times. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Early Season: Austin, Alapaha, Climax, Premier, Vernon, Titan</p><p style="text-align: center;">Mid-Season: Brightwell, Powderblue, Tifblue</p><p style="text-align: center;">Late Season: Baldwin, Centurion, Ochlockonee</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Note on other types of blueberries grown in Georgia</span></i></h3><p>Southern highbush are typically grown [commercially] in south Georgia. They are more difficult to grow and are more prone to be eaten by deer making them a less desirable choice for the home garden. This species ripens early in the season and is attractive to birds and other wildlife.</p><p>Northern highbush is a good option for the mountains of North Georgia. This species generally blooms later in the spring making it a better choice for areas that are prone to late spring freezes. This species does need higher chill hours than rabbiteye so it isn't recommended for the Piedmont region. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfgYMLyOGb8Yi0VU26AFTfGmIGFfwZ74tqyC3RQ1mB42oZAtsHzRhmV1ltlWeuqwTMrrKgP8ymkvraTAGRTuTuoawBsRqxjveucaOGn4YXnOPY0JenAV5Zu5_tYiabQWzcXUusFdQ0m2N/s2048/IMG_4873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfgYMLyOGb8Yi0VU26AFTfGmIGFfwZ74tqyC3RQ1mB42oZAtsHzRhmV1ltlWeuqwTMrrKgP8ymkvraTAGRTuTuoawBsRqxjveucaOGn4YXnOPY0JenAV5Zu5_tYiabQWzcXUusFdQ0m2N/w266-h400/IMG_4873.jpg" title="Rabbiteye Blueberries for Late Season Color" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blueberry shrubs are easy to grow in the right soil and light conditions, preferring acidic soils with a 4.5 to 5.5 pH and at least 6 hours of sun. In the home landscape blueberries are an attractive shrubs that can be planted in masses to create a hedgerow or privacy screen. They can be used as a focal point in the landscape or grown in containers for smaller spaces or patio gardens. Now is a good time to plant them. </span></div></div></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-52435319381192531902020-11-30T12:58:00.000-05:002020-11-30T12:58:38.758-05:00Adieu Autumn, a last look at fall foliage<p>This year more than any other, I am thankful for all the time spent outdoors getting healthy doses of Vitamin N [Nature]. Whether it is working or relaxing in our garden, the time is a much appreciated distraction and positive contributor to my emotional wellbeing in this unprecedented year. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikM8Yqoy4nZwwz69ude3EZPTXXOVLaLXUUDxBS4v1gpuL9YDLiGMsMqkCISmaNpBMX6k17k0B2eoBLPo-pch2vpSFOEZRLY7p5BKMPllH-swcc04-SacD49oKAUWApU5SrAAvFO4CS6TS/s6000/DSC_0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikM8Yqoy4nZwwz69ude3EZPTXXOVLaLXUUDxBS4v1gpuL9YDLiGMsMqkCISmaNpBMX6k17k0B2eoBLPo-pch2vpSFOEZRLY7p5BKMPllH-swcc04-SacD49oKAUWApU5SrAAvFO4CS6TS/w400-h266/DSC_0776.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamamelis 'Diane'<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I always feel better after spending time in our garden; breathing fresh air, absorbing vitamin D, hearing the calming sounds of the birds, feeling the soil run through my fingers or simply caring for the plants. This time absolutely restores me. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ49ObDbNOUmZCKmGaQ5Q2FaJAyDU8JlbkgE598887keTNgeoqv5goGwJQQw0JTdZEl0xNxtDAWIOYYpJAzLxhEhlXMj8dsqezUSLyVABSPZMi6zGY3jjbMvKtA_JoBIoWQlnwjktaOEn/s2048/IMG_E4796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1819" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ49ObDbNOUmZCKmGaQ5Q2FaJAyDU8JlbkgE598887keTNgeoqv5goGwJQQw0JTdZEl0xNxtDAWIOYYpJAzLxhEhlXMj8dsqezUSLyVABSPZMi6zGY3jjbMvKtA_JoBIoWQlnwjktaOEn/w355-h400/IMG_E4796.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="355" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astilbe (in container) with Dwarf Fothergilla <br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>As we close out the month of thankfulness, I am sharing views from around our gardens. It was a damp day with heavy mist turning to rain later in the day. This didn't deter me, as it was my last chance to photograph the foliage before the winter weather arrives. We are expecting freezing temperatures this week, so we can say adieu to autumn. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtnnqGSbSAjkFDylF-9HeMyjn7aMNHsDIiAo779RxcWYbguQ_5zGB90vpJirT1Gh4ulE2JYyTwQT0DvHXP0Nuaa8luO808ixDBvcsxETUDZIZZ8Og-7DpD7III48xbCjFoVN_ZtMhYd4P/s4613/DSC_0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4613" data-original-width="3890" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtnnqGSbSAjkFDylF-9HeMyjn7aMNHsDIiAo779RxcWYbguQ_5zGB90vpJirT1Gh4ulE2JYyTwQT0DvHXP0Nuaa8luO808ixDBvcsxETUDZIZZ8Og-7DpD7III48xbCjFoVN_ZtMhYd4P/w338-h400/DSC_0773.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="338" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H. quercifolia 'ruby slippers'<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The fallen leaves from the tree canopy blanket the plantings around the dry creek bed. Oakleaf hydrangeas (<i>H. quercifolia</i>) with luscious burgundy and purple foliage are accented with the golden tones from paw paw tree (<i>Asimina triloba</i>) and smooth hydrangea (<i>hydrangea arborescens</i>). </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXVit4dIOQOR6Tf9LKmtiiGyGcxsukknEWvIPZf8ya3Q6cTtDQhZW7uJ6z5RpzKbnF4hXy5NKicECfIXiPKqmmq9lmBKHuW_q7SjacIfvKJexofm-dfZzVrrvE7HeLOy0E_tSfkpZbNMs/s6000/DSC_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXVit4dIOQOR6Tf9LKmtiiGyGcxsukknEWvIPZf8ya3Q6cTtDQhZW7uJ6z5RpzKbnF4hXy5NKicECfIXiPKqmmq9lmBKHuW_q7SjacIfvKJexofm-dfZzVrrvE7HeLOy0E_tSfkpZbNMs/w400-h266/DSC_0779.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H. quercifolia 'Pee Wee'<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Here is the view further down the garden path looking up into the woodland garden. On the right is the planting area with the dry creek bed (shown above). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSsFH5XYpQiRWqG_xURg0OhKOe_6Rd3VM7QPVvyhW71V76QTLoQ8f5NyjOB2JUXpzodI52ZOs7PkH8z6CBT_zb73M_seWp53Qb9mbJX_08cGgeba3JkdlPSmrrj6LdfeQdySObUFITUnp/s5737/DSC_0771+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3319" data-original-width="5737" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSsFH5XYpQiRWqG_xURg0OhKOe_6Rd3VM7QPVvyhW71V76QTLoQ8f5NyjOB2JUXpzodI52ZOs7PkH8z6CBT_zb73M_seWp53Qb9mbJX_08cGgeba3JkdlPSmrrj6LdfeQdySObUFITUnp/w400-h231/DSC_0771+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Bottom left is winterberry holly (</span><i style="text-align: left;">Ilex verticulata</i><span style="text-align: left;">) 'Winter Gold' adorned with bright orange berries. See how the birds devour them in </span><a href="https://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2017/01/how-birds-prepare-for-snowmageddon.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">this post</a><span style="text-align: left;">. Far back center is </span><i style="text-align: left;">Viburnum nudum. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndSM9O6P2bs6moejc_e0CmtakKTi8krLIut0njRzkhfGptc_ekqpj-SoUSte6_OEss6PPyu1lWNHIGIkMDUBsHbwmazOXL_vUfrv7kld72KzNUplevbkAMwifZiOol8-eG2iXjJFzKmu6/s640/IMG_4797+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndSM9O6P2bs6moejc_e0CmtakKTi8krLIut0njRzkhfGptc_ekqpj-SoUSte6_OEss6PPyu1lWNHIGIkMDUBsHbwmazOXL_vUfrv7kld72KzNUplevbkAMwifZiOol8-eG2iXjJFzKmu6/w300-h400/IMG_4797+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Viburnum nudum</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Three Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy' shrubs brighten the transition area between the side garden and woods. They are at their peak color, glowing with reds, oranges and yellow. They rival blueberry shrubs for fiery color. </div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1j4xCLCP4KsBIUJ8_VWEDA7m01XdBpYZRjTx1n9ubXp8v_Irq0Z69QIQSLZb5sStyyY3B-DiubZJNxtbAl5XfyuK24VGqjiQWFGwbc1TeS8AiWat6XdMGY_KqpaubAyB36HENCkg_J-Q/s6000/DSC_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1j4xCLCP4KsBIUJ8_VWEDA7m01XdBpYZRjTx1n9ubXp8v_Irq0Z69QIQSLZb5sStyyY3B-DiubZJNxtbAl5XfyuK24VGqjiQWFGwbc1TeS8AiWat6XdMGY_KqpaubAyB36HENCkg_J-Q/w400-h266/DSC_0785.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Mount Airy' dwarf Fothergilla </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JEnrjTCP8g1Bty4-o8ziGc24J6Dt9FCq3nB3PujTLZqKE1xPimQxW7BHFUS2uuTB5Ogy5PSufhXbPrGBoNaXKdeCBruxU6FCElY8WjAAYgijE87hH8XQrWZJkOlTicyQvRhEaJ2X1QL-/s6000/DSC_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JEnrjTCP8g1Bty4-o8ziGc24J6Dt9FCq3nB3PujTLZqKE1xPimQxW7BHFUS2uuTB5Ogy5PSufhXbPrGBoNaXKdeCBruxU6FCElY8WjAAYgijE87hH8XQrWZJkOlTicyQvRhEaJ2X1QL-/w213-h320/DSC_0784.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4i8R4zDA9Ydfe_xB_FcGkQhAoam-Gegmv_VQWl6ixhl_WqpFz9IWNpwKNu5E9RmNfUTMd7nHn_YgY8W1480nGnrrxPzEetxmVPHR8jBBsGlgt6inj5GnOqaepflhmIfiPTYsDXQy_DYm/s6000/DSC_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4i8R4zDA9Ydfe_xB_FcGkQhAoam-Gegmv_VQWl6ixhl_WqpFz9IWNpwKNu5E9RmNfUTMd7nHn_YgY8W1480nGnrrxPzEetxmVPHR8jBBsGlgt6inj5GnOqaepflhmIfiPTYsDXQy_DYm/w213-h320/DSC_0783.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="213" /></a></div></div><br />One of my favorite trees, the American Beech (<i>Fagus grandifolia</i>) is one of the last of the deciduous trees to put on color. They provide buttery yellow flavor throughout the understory. Their leaves persist through winter. [<a href="https://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2016/01/beech-winter-standout.html" target="_blank">read more about their fabulous marcescent leaves here</a>] <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCCOKEjrDFAg-gecgTye_fwLZt73jVh66RVfEU8e3XFDfYFJpcnym3qrgDavGxmA2jF0YSvbxGXNsLspcnfEW1SYlsuaMRqtgzStsTfDyGjy7E8bxgV3ZCYG1Z_nolLKCet_1neP3iGOF/s5961/DSC_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3626" data-original-width="5961" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCCOKEjrDFAg-gecgTye_fwLZt73jVh66RVfEU8e3XFDfYFJpcnym3qrgDavGxmA2jF0YSvbxGXNsLspcnfEW1SYlsuaMRqtgzStsTfDyGjy7E8bxgV3ZCYG1Z_nolLKCet_1neP3iGOF/w400-h244/DSC_0787.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">In the foreground [left] are upland sea oats (</span><i style="text-align: left;">Chasmanthium latifolium</i><span style="text-align: left;">), the bright green foliage is Florida anise (</span><i style="text-align: left;">Illicium parviflorium</i><span style="text-align: left;">) 'Florida Sunshine', which will become a pale yellow as winter advances.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeosTYMoqmsxMebO9o8FgqH_9uRbzy3lTUtMXc4-GhyJ2Wb8F9U-tFiumSmWioveczK1tQ7_YaX51RUbRqrdG86eR4hTwJWTIIoB7sdFDMXvIXsYc8nfpm_WIqiIoUsjnCwE9asQMqRmH_/s6000/DSC_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeosTYMoqmsxMebO9o8FgqH_9uRbzy3lTUtMXc4-GhyJ2Wb8F9U-tFiumSmWioveczK1tQ7_YaX51RUbRqrdG86eR4hTwJWTIIoB7sdFDMXvIXsYc8nfpm_WIqiIoUsjnCwE9asQMqRmH_/w400-h266/DSC_0782.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Adieu Autumn" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>R. austrinum</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>Some of the native azaleas are still providing some nice touches of reddish orange to purple foliage. The leaves persist later in the season on the shrubs that are more protected from the elements. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhFeFsO_lJxMNgeD1DTAGwTX8BsMjQvRWP26m-nrUQ_REaRLQNQP2Xhx2JgQhvwyidRntl_Bkm8juG5dTp1Fgyj_xxApv8MXNI66TrZe3wSAfamOdTgW0ZptftzRqycihrg2jcrULeJFc/s4808/DSC_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3984" data-original-width="4808" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhFeFsO_lJxMNgeD1DTAGwTX8BsMjQvRWP26m-nrUQ_REaRLQNQP2Xhx2JgQhvwyidRntl_Bkm8juG5dTp1Fgyj_xxApv8MXNI66TrZe3wSAfamOdTgW0ZptftzRqycihrg2jcrULeJFc/w400-h331/DSC_0778.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Dogwood (Cornus florida) 'Celestial Shadow' has transitioned from its variegated yellow and lime to deep purple foliage. The deep leaf veins create wonderful depth to these fabulous leaves. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqGDccKQ1bwvxzY1iovRuCC8J8YKQPS6-r_CeSjMuHl85rOk5uiNvlXUxHjlzQPTyS0cxHvy3x-NjWIs0IH8ZQT3y6rkmFw8zzBfvF-bBxIASbj8fqBjBH5vDqMiF9IlFr9F-tV7aOLo4/w213-h320/DSC_0766+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="213" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXVphWYAho_NibhpxfqTM8NxXQ14c1t46WoONI7VMfCphbFRQqoz-HvLfpneUc1GN8F44iwBU4D9PIfelec85C2dYYc7Aj9TxOc5uojYU_vQfwJnB0tYbgD2PR3-kxYfuz6_T97dIWdHM/s4112/DSC_0765+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2741" data-original-width="4112" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXVphWYAho_NibhpxfqTM8NxXQ14c1t46WoONI7VMfCphbFRQqoz-HvLfpneUc1GN8F44iwBU4D9PIfelec85C2dYYc7Aj9TxOc5uojYU_vQfwJnB0tYbgD2PR3-kxYfuz6_T97dIWdHM/w320-h213/DSC_0765+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Adieu Autumn" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqGDccKQ1bwvxzY1iovRuCC8J8YKQPS6-r_CeSjMuHl85rOk5uiNvlXUxHjlzQPTyS0cxHvy3x-NjWIs0IH8ZQT3y6rkmFw8zzBfvF-bBxIASbj8fqBjBH5vDqMiF9IlFr9F-tV7aOLo4/s6000/DSC_0766+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div>In addition to enjoying the fall foliage, we put up all our hoses in the potting shed so that the squirrels don't chew holes into them over the winter, covered our spigots before our first freeze and removed the floating plants from the pond. We are overwintering them in the potting shed in plastic bins and supplemental lighting. This is the first year to do this, so we'll see how well they do. </div>How are you celebrating the last fall days? Any last minute tasks to get the garden winter ready? Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-2792657376009074582020-10-28T20:25:00.000-04:002020-10-28T20:25:24.181-04:00Wildflower Wednesday: Schizachyrium scoparium<p>When we think of wildflowers, we often picture flowering perennials in meadows or a natural landscape. For this month's Wildflower Wednesday post, I am deviating from this traditional view and focusing on another important player in a meadowscape, grasses. One of my favorite meadow and landscape grasses is little bluestem (<i>Schizachyrium scoparium</i>). A trademark plant of the tall grass prairies, this native, warm season, perennial grass is found across the United States (except Nevada and Oregon) and the lower provinces of Canada. You can view the map at <a href="https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SCSCS" target="_blank">USDA NRCS site</a> and zoom in on your county to find even more specific data. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO49hPCb2HIZAg-RXqHIs8B91AfybOEcta-EHhC2qlrGQ1XMZplvKiG1tBUQl4ObmWQ7NOo198Bcvi0wNNRB2mz1WFmGvtmrORyMAxkzpij1yFxN3Lc8f66dxXOse7FyMJc5mZpo_bMEd/s2048/01F71726-F370-4F25-90FB-D5018889DFBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO49hPCb2HIZAg-RXqHIs8B91AfybOEcta-EHhC2qlrGQ1XMZplvKiG1tBUQl4ObmWQ7NOo198Bcvi0wNNRB2mz1WFmGvtmrORyMAxkzpij1yFxN3Lc8f66dxXOse7FyMJc5mZpo_bMEd/w320-h400/01F71726-F370-4F25-90FB-D5018889DFBC.jpg" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Schizachyrium scoparium" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>In its native habitat, little bluestem typically occurs on dry upland sites, especially along ridges, hilltops and steep slopes, where it gets lots of sun. It is well adapted to a wide range of soils from sandy to clay. Its dense root system, which reaches five to eight feet deep, not only helps restore the soil, but is also helpful in erosion control. </p><p>Little blue stem is a versatile grass for home gardens. Use it as a specimen plant in the landscape, in a container (thriller), in a mass planting or a meadow. Just be sure to show off its fabulous color, which ranges from silvery green and blue tones in spring and early summer, to reds and bronze in fall.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU8b4hlo25EhK5AfeEC8qvoPJJCfyTEDS5Xgmaoe3WvrLSrwzdmHciZmBgipmu8CdmxU9o5G48jTYhiv7UTx_gbzXtNYp-T03Wq9-soDq7z7wF8W1TIQ7T6fawaA7vRPwlEcTLM6rRfNp/s1600/DSC_0009-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU8b4hlo25EhK5AfeEC8qvoPJJCfyTEDS5Xgmaoe3WvrLSrwzdmHciZmBgipmu8CdmxU9o5G48jTYhiv7UTx_gbzXtNYp-T03Wq9-soDq7z7wF8W1TIQ7T6fawaA7vRPwlEcTLM6rRfNp/w266-h400/DSC_0009-002.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Schizachyrium scoparium" width="266" /></a></div><p>Little blue stem pairs well with other flowering perennials. It can be used as a back drop to a whole host of perennial forbs. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEHF91lG5JPkMwhgkbp9A8FS6lv_gfR8Dhyphenhyphen0Tpb9SR3jf_4cY-Qce6Raq9fwMaplpJy8eletsR2zhpqV1KdUywsIstoYc_6xbtlXnsfXz_PK6fR5NA7oti02qLPY16aK_NapRX0cL5Bcm/s5741/DSC_1316+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3827" data-original-width="5741" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEHF91lG5JPkMwhgkbp9A8FS6lv_gfR8Dhyphenhyphen0Tpb9SR3jf_4cY-Qce6Raq9fwMaplpJy8eletsR2zhpqV1KdUywsIstoYc_6xbtlXnsfXz_PK6fR5NA7oti02qLPY16aK_NapRX0cL5Bcm/w400-h266/DSC_1316+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Schizachyrium scoparium" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little blue stem paired with homestead verbena and coreopsis<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />And it parties well with flowers that grow about 3' tall. Try it with asters, coreopsis, echinacea and/or silphium. One of the lovely characteristics about this grass is the wonderful movement it brings to the garden as it sways in the wind. The clumping habit of this grass also makes it work in a formal or informal style. <div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8wdDh4jkySUDcLXwkU5KPhJIR179FjTF3-v8M7h8JdehL3hiyphHSLd0T0GaOHnvX0UsnF7xXHmDMWxneFY6Zymrj8Xset-Wty7SC0q_YWxO8UMGct-idPn0Sniw4IiZJjPAsBh7R6un/s1600/DSC_0394+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8wdDh4jkySUDcLXwkU5KPhJIR179FjTF3-v8M7h8JdehL3hiyphHSLd0T0GaOHnvX0UsnF7xXHmDMWxneFY6Zymrj8Xset-Wty7SC0q_YWxO8UMGct-idPn0Sniw4IiZJjPAsBh7R6un/w400-h266/DSC_0394+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Schizachyrium scoparium" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little blue stem with stone mountain daisy<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>One of the best native grasses for nesting and roosting habitat for wildlife, little blue stem is a staple in a habitat garden. It is also a significant food source for birds, such as white throated sparrow and quail, but especially those song birds that overwinter in meadows.</p><p>It is a larval host plant for several species of skipper butterflies and the common wood-nymph. The dusky skipper butterfly caterpillars overwinter in tube tents above the base of the clumps of this grass. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVzsyiRBzQ1bNsAfUmovPIn1QzMN8m0Qs7kNQOn_smu_sLeNwwayozbXi6UUZmEEBjEuPFHzqziR0_KP1-Z4g-zhyphenhyphenSHCBAQo2dytdbXXLqzR4MEb7cD57_MC5fguUwsqviR2BR4zTeFLK/s3877/DSC_0210+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3214" data-original-width="3877" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVzsyiRBzQ1bNsAfUmovPIn1QzMN8m0Qs7kNQOn_smu_sLeNwwayozbXi6UUZmEEBjEuPFHzqziR0_KP1-Z4g-zhyphenhyphenSHCBAQo2dytdbXXLqzR4MEb7cD57_MC5fguUwsqviR2BR4zTeFLK/w400-h331/DSC_0210+%25283%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Schizachyrium scoparium" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I love that the State of Kansas has a state grass [Georgia does not]. In 2010 their state legislature voted on <i>Schizachyrium scoparium </i>because it occurs in every county in Kansas. On the Kansas Native Plant Society website it states "<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Kansas is a grassland ecosystem. As a symbol of the prairies of Kansas, a State Grass focuses the attention of Kansans of all ages on the prairie ecosystem. The heritage of the prairies is strong in Kansas, yet many children and adults who live in cities and towns may not be aware of the many ways the grasslands contribute to our quality of life</i>.</span> "</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are looking to add a little pizzazz to your garden, try this easy to care grass. And be sure to pop over to <a href="https://www.clayandlimestone.com/2020/10/wildflower-wednesday-porteranthus.html" target="_blank">Clay and Limestone</a> to read about more wildflowers. </span></p></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-51158183496671059712020-10-15T14:32:00.000-04:002020-10-15T14:32:37.886-04:00Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October<p>It's Bloom Day, an opportunity to share with you a mini tour of our garden in autumn color. Be sure to visit <a href="https://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2020/10/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-october-2020.html" target="_blank">May Dreams Gardens</a> for more fall inspiration from gardens around the globe. </p><p>October is one of my favorite months of the year. It finally feels like fall in our Zone 8a/7b garden. The light in the garden is soothing and gently and the plants in the landscape standout with some of my favorite colors. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Whites & Yellows</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgCD5lUzBxGqDTDBHg8zUmyw7dgU9rukykEZ5iHAPTONNxvwR79fgMwh23F_6zhGRoRpERLIKzQnDPXt25UGh_anfhGbfXEyN3SUc60K-MF4v4MZc5E-kvYB1C8NmnLvltgjD1xOP5ljw/s5087/DSC_0245.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="5087" data-original-width="3192" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgCD5lUzBxGqDTDBHg8zUmyw7dgU9rukykEZ5iHAPTONNxvwR79fgMwh23F_6zhGRoRpERLIKzQnDPXt25UGh_anfhGbfXEyN3SUc60K-MF4v4MZc5E-kvYB1C8NmnLvltgjD1xOP5ljw/w251-h400/DSC_0245.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="251" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The heath aster (<i>Symphyotrichum ericoides</i>) is a popular place for bees, wasps and pollinating flies. The tightly packed flowers make it easy for pollinators to walk along the stalk of the plant collecting pollen and nectar as they go. The dainty blooms pair with ageratum in our wildlife hedgerow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk86x4u6_71A_8G75WO8PESyEp73bVRqSjRtnyPySZa9bQKxAWYqlG3bo7YC-VTz82t8mlwqiFMPF0N11BdcJt7VT91JqS99w53K46amk6yyvz3wNdoyPpTNCES5ADMIwfEhL3FoXtAFyt/s5446/DSC_0190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3005" data-original-width="5446" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk86x4u6_71A_8G75WO8PESyEp73bVRqSjRtnyPySZa9bQKxAWYqlG3bo7YC-VTz82t8mlwqiFMPF0N11BdcJt7VT91JqS99w53K46amk6yyvz3wNdoyPpTNCES5ADMIwfEhL3FoXtAFyt/w400-h221/DSC_0190.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Swamp sunflower or narrow leaf sunflower (<i>Helianthus angustifolius</i>) is a favorite of bees and later will provide goldfinches with seeds. Mid-summer, I prune the plants at the edges of the flower beds so they don't grow too tall and flop over into the pathways later in the season. This practice also makes it easier to photograph the flowers and all the bees that visit. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jqcnCr0zfv9xLImSG2JRkx-ciVdqG3wHkX047HuxpevORS4UBw8BSfBhVbhGykIOllYUG-kNPbfG8pIHqbVFvD9EBE35XnXgsgN13pHlC-fzNigzx9Tcdo3WiV5HZz2JXVxBgBBotBvL/s4797/DSC_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="4797" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jqcnCr0zfv9xLImSG2JRkx-ciVdqG3wHkX047HuxpevORS4UBw8BSfBhVbhGykIOllYUG-kNPbfG8pIHqbVFvD9EBE35XnXgsgN13pHlC-fzNigzx9Tcdo3WiV5HZz2JXVxBgBBotBvL/w400-h334/DSC_0268.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Maryland goldenaster (<i>Chrysopsis mariana</i>) is a beauty that is often seen growing along the roadside in Northeast Georgia. It makes a great perennial boarder plant or addition to a wildflower meadow.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9i7Zwf5RQ2Bmqo386Y_p7ZlVlmR9cu9z1TessHHwYkgN4ZlaNx-99MWpWRl0Lv3kQItAZHxU7cvHP7gpn8LiWgMeUCBcWfu4Uhs2ppDLML9uaH-elvkUZfkiHlvT_ue__sdATjFUzx9i/s5329/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3569" data-original-width="5329" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9i7Zwf5RQ2Bmqo386Y_p7ZlVlmR9cu9z1TessHHwYkgN4ZlaNx-99MWpWRl0Lv3kQItAZHxU7cvHP7gpn8LiWgMeUCBcWfu4Uhs2ppDLML9uaH-elvkUZfkiHlvT_ue__sdATjFUzx9i/w400-h268/DSC_0297.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Blues and Purples</h3><div>Hardy Ageratum is a butterfly favorite. Skippers, gulf fritillaries, cloudless sulphurs and migrating monarchs are often found visiting the fuzzy flowers. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI26LJB3UWpcdPLF2P7AAOAcXYpc-N4xbVFEUqQAhGIpNT7I2_-ihkXg7ZFFrdosAegGSt4OIE5hxQz0j5cmpqNaRktyts3vMXbp0htseL3WotbxcMK4LZw4UTIZXitTcT1hL1fr0jxGYT/s2907/DSC_0179.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2907" data-original-width="2531" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI26LJB3UWpcdPLF2P7AAOAcXYpc-N4xbVFEUqQAhGIpNT7I2_-ihkXg7ZFFrdosAegGSt4OIE5hxQz0j5cmpqNaRktyts3vMXbp0htseL3WotbxcMK4LZw4UTIZXitTcT1hL1fr0jxGYT/w349-h400/DSC_0179.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="349" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of our later blooming aster, the Georgia aster (<i>Symphyotrichum georgianum</i>), blooms from October through November. This iconic prairie wildflower grows at our wood's edge, where it receives bright light. Over the years it has reseeded, a happy situation for a rare plant.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkosNjxn3Rh46a-jXrtS0PPw2u2rRqlLnhdqbAWgkCMroYoE4cwFsrj2GMWY8bAPs6bn0GmksJ_j5nNGVClmPirUYVxVMHNq8re94FqTtDY-QmhISubbO5kowpmbwpOKRarWnw24f0j18/s4548/DSC_0122.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4548" data-original-width="3808" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkosNjxn3Rh46a-jXrtS0PPw2u2rRqlLnhdqbAWgkCMroYoE4cwFsrj2GMWY8bAPs6bn0GmksJ_j5nNGVClmPirUYVxVMHNq8re94FqTtDY-QmhISubbO5kowpmbwpOKRarWnw24f0j18/w335-h400/DSC_0122.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="335" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Aromatic aster (<i>Symphyotrichum oblongifolium</i>) is also just getting started. This is a native and honey bee favorite. On a sunny fall day the buzzing is boisterous. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOxYSAJhMmSy241kA9n1bzERWRHMeNfUFYfNdAhyanU3kX6uHr3xL0Ocmh7VxxZSqWFP-UeKnyaHzQ1a1cLu7GSxz3FPFw2pVLhUPTUWVqAHjOiEcFUcPZLFLcNWdl1VBbB_lsUcPDj3R/s4847/DSC_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3967" data-original-width="4847" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOxYSAJhMmSy241kA9n1bzERWRHMeNfUFYfNdAhyanU3kX6uHr3xL0Ocmh7VxxZSqWFP-UeKnyaHzQ1a1cLu7GSxz3FPFw2pVLhUPTUWVqAHjOiEcFUcPZLFLcNWdl1VBbB_lsUcPDj3R/w400-h328/DSC_0328.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7swbUXnFfNIrHvPqHTwehvC-ZCEC-Lmu2bAEGHs0gOKwzFEUGlJ8UgKr1RBRFy7SAWCdYxv1iMDXAayNSoqCktlJ9Vp1LTECABnVOi2v9I_j6rruITeVFiI6-M_NjkgI1KWEmj2GVZ_b/s4797/DSC_0268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The berries on American beautyberry (<i>Callicarpa americana</i>) are a bold statement in the landscape. Here it makes a lovely pairing with heath aster that reseeded nearby. The birds are already frequent visitors gobbling the berries. Soon the leaves will drop making the deep purple fruit standout even more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIh8tpd3f7vMZOOpjp0_q0XlzdXzBgdwiLAp7uqEJPRCIQBkdxm5C-jGnEjSu0Vp1ndpS_qPqY9ieyBwal_MyP3V1_U5KqtcvYRo2QQTekckxbtM3zutCiDUgu3ZuS0SdLB49jbf_t06X/s5060/DSC_0301+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3985" data-original-width="5060" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIh8tpd3f7vMZOOpjp0_q0XlzdXzBgdwiLAp7uqEJPRCIQBkdxm5C-jGnEjSu0Vp1ndpS_qPqY9ieyBwal_MyP3V1_U5KqtcvYRo2QQTekckxbtM3zutCiDUgu3ZuS0SdLB49jbf_t06X/w400-h315/DSC_0301+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It wouldn't feel like fall without the lovely purple plumes of muhly grass (<i>Muhlenbergia capilaris</i>). In my opinion it is one of the most lovely native grasses for the landscape.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxv7QjE0Bk5DrrVmy5b_Wwp-tmibLXos9PmDdOhS7Lb0F8Gcr9D1ZNl3hLxb8fNZNrgpGke0Eg73v1APfByY-Bj_0JHB742uAsf8w9_fF-sp76uVYfm-9fAlwqlvYQGG-StVQjTpytCEI/s5961/DSC_0310+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3691" data-original-width="5961" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxv7QjE0Bk5DrrVmy5b_Wwp-tmibLXos9PmDdOhS7Lb0F8Gcr9D1ZNl3hLxb8fNZNrgpGke0Eg73v1APfByY-Bj_0JHB742uAsf8w9_fF-sp76uVYfm-9fAlwqlvYQGG-StVQjTpytCEI/w400-h248/DSC_0310+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Oranges & Reds</h3><div>Red chokeberry (<i>Aronia arbutifolia</i>) is a wonderful shrub that grows in a vase shape with a slow suckering habit. It is deer resistant and provides a food source for birds and other mammals. The berries persist during the winter providing excellent color in the landscape. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQExC0ps94SKwmf2TpgbGmxuKcfg_jeiJVxx2xPJoVjhDrBrsiDOdsr6AaSNd5QWcwDX0f6oHvXi5Ka6_mvjZrZJLdcq4mDlsawehBZBskRzkzJF7z4RjdRO80apPGl1LubSjJLgG7M9G7/s6000/DSC_0188.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQExC0ps94SKwmf2TpgbGmxuKcfg_jeiJVxx2xPJoVjhDrBrsiDOdsr6AaSNd5QWcwDX0f6oHvXi5Ka6_mvjZrZJLdcq4mDlsawehBZBskRzkzJF7z4RjdRO80apPGl1LubSjJLgG7M9G7/w400-h266/DSC_0188.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpLXicbyrW6mdb_02dgZC2GfRiZc09VnaimdGguZ-vCGRBocJxcyu9OzH3UcE2i_V5ZtIum7sk83J2w2RBOItMdzxihVv9TPsvlLcNDNRqKB4UziCxFRGo20UxVOSn1KjvkkGM7I1gl_9/s6000/DSC_0187+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpLXicbyrW6mdb_02dgZC2GfRiZc09VnaimdGguZ-vCGRBocJxcyu9OzH3UcE2i_V5ZtIum7sk83J2w2RBOItMdzxihVv9TPsvlLcNDNRqKB4UziCxFRGo20UxVOSn1KjvkkGM7I1gl_9/w400-h266/DSC_0187+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our calamondin tree is loaded with fruit this year. We grow this, along with several other citrus fruits, in containers that will be moved indoors before our first frost. Calamondin adds a nice citrus zing to desserts and drinks. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UM8KPe4wqHGvwDF21qiMF2HdSKjLuMc66KCrb_lIQZP7KMP3iiz2bPu_cC-yYBuByGkWiHT_88bHbPUQikPjgl3HgdAMCxRJNMzkUSrdrvPj4OKvxH0RU0jiXSE0niV6cVL5KKhq0AGI/s5846/DSC_0292+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="5846" data-original-width="3981" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UM8KPe4wqHGvwDF21qiMF2HdSKjLuMc66KCrb_lIQZP7KMP3iiz2bPu_cC-yYBuByGkWiHT_88bHbPUQikPjgl3HgdAMCxRJNMzkUSrdrvPj4OKvxH0RU0jiXSE0niV6cVL5KKhq0AGI/w273-h400/DSC_0292+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="273" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We encourage Virginia creeper (<i>Parthenocissus quinquefolia</i>) to grow up trees in the woodland garden. In drought years the leaves drop early, but this year we are seeing some nice foliage color. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-egAFGgY6pM-Io4HYfKhpfK_Ck7XFXKuiyWtEsDq3uaKwlmVcWCdcM31Lu1kmm8qOYnzMvkNdc4mSq67rL6_sDN3k-8rSqstapoX9TmI2VLf__IHpHc6-efFj5ztJsgYpztDoPgpPw6V/s5389/DSC_0255.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="5389" data-original-width="3771" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-egAFGgY6pM-Io4HYfKhpfK_Ck7XFXKuiyWtEsDq3uaKwlmVcWCdcM31Lu1kmm8qOYnzMvkNdc4mSq67rL6_sDN3k-8rSqstapoX9TmI2VLf__IHpHc6-efFj5ztJsgYpztDoPgpPw6V/w280-h400/DSC_0255.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="280" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The seeds of the bottlebrush buckeye (<i>Aesculus parviflora</i>) have fabulous color and a wonderfully smooth texture. Put one in your pocket for good luck. I try to harvested several seeds each year to plant in containers that will eventually be transplanted in our garden. I must collect them quickly after dropping because they are popular with the squirrels.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiRZfRJNNFrvS-dyuNoEWcOmqrZ-LRoALZPSP4a44Y6k-hOdUyBBfaPwrOfN59reF5grtBe1be_qcdqPo2qtUknqcaMNq_HlwJoxzEb_mpDvoy-N1pcYO48z5CYbXC1zJlVC18Q1GFLX2/s5562/DSC_0186+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3775" data-original-width="5562" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiRZfRJNNFrvS-dyuNoEWcOmqrZ-LRoALZPSP4a44Y6k-hOdUyBBfaPwrOfN59reF5grtBe1be_qcdqPo2qtUknqcaMNq_HlwJoxzEb_mpDvoy-N1pcYO48z5CYbXC1zJlVC18Q1GFLX2/w400-h271/DSC_0186+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>More fruit and color is provided by the winterberry hollies (<i>Ilex verticulata</i>). These wonderful foundation shrubs have prolific fruit set. 'Winter Red' grows in a front garden bed with Ryan's mum (<i>Chrysanthemum x morifolium</i>) a local nursery [Goodness Grows] introduction by Ryan Gainey.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4JyV-qgjP1h5x0p0sqrev5lgW1v2ZmB66Abvibv81QLBSo_Zurb9aotdUPYw-8ae68jM3A-rRL_9KpgnR8Rvdey5XY9CRHQJOQNQe7s0_LtDHL4bBaey0ztP7TUNJ3dn6nNYt-3zKfyz/s4000/DSC_0307+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3892" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4JyV-qgjP1h5x0p0sqrev5lgW1v2ZmB66Abvibv81QLBSo_Zurb9aotdUPYw-8ae68jM3A-rRL_9KpgnR8Rvdey5XY9CRHQJOQNQe7s0_LtDHL4bBaey0ztP7TUNJ3dn6nNYt-3zKfyz/w389-h400/DSC_0307+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="389" /></a></div><br /><p>'Winter Gold' has fabulous orange berries which are a favorite of our bluebirds. These native hollies need a male shrub such as 'Southern Gentleman'. Landscape tip: plant the male behind the females since he won't bear fruit and the showy females will be front and center. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0UgKJ2LSdDO3EefrAWmxQ3SL3IWl3yrQdgyn005wkmNMWP5FlC31gAEJwyNq3w_gKp3okuVjCafsJQoAshBYhEbPJkHPK4DkWorvxHWGF5nCAJmeWd0A3VrtUVFTsJWuVZA5-S-GUilh/s5428/DSC_0325+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3985" data-original-width="5428" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0UgKJ2LSdDO3EefrAWmxQ3SL3IWl3yrQdgyn005wkmNMWP5FlC31gAEJwyNq3w_gKp3okuVjCafsJQoAshBYhEbPJkHPK4DkWorvxHWGF5nCAJmeWd0A3VrtUVFTsJWuVZA5-S-GUilh/w400-h294/DSC_0325+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ October" width="400" /></a></div><br />Is your garden showing its fall color? Share your favorites in comments. <p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See more fall photos from our garden on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/southern_meadows/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div></div></div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-14250391747515815392020-10-11T12:32:00.001-04:002020-10-11T12:32:31.059-04:00Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden<p></p><p><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FM4Gw2vPJGI0KD2M1jnJ0EwWWdbjtzV1_-kZeRsVFSAF-RNc5_TXTk3nL60nChhKL3-BzaBJZzJdw6TiD-1AhKNXsN79NTIROZgn8pgS060kJUBjI0IASq9KOav8vQIGiDeAv1EUX1-L/s2048/DSC_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FM4Gw2vPJGI0KD2M1jnJ0EwWWdbjtzV1_-kZeRsVFSAF-RNc5_TXTk3nL60nChhKL3-BzaBJZzJdw6TiD-1AhKNXsN79NTIROZgn8pgS060kJUBjI0IASq9KOav8vQIGiDeAv1EUX1-L/w400-h268/DSC_0246.JPG" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are a regular or long-time
reader of Southern Meadows, you know we work conscientiously to support
wildlife in our garden. I often write about pollinators, birds and beneficial
insects, all essential to a functioning ecosystem, but there are other critters
that play an important role in this habitat that need to be considered, such as
squirrels and chipmunks.</span></p></span></span><p></p>
<p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know. I can hear your collective
sighs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many, perhaps most, people
consider them pests. They are known to raid bird feeders or nibble ripe fruit in the vegetable garden but from the critter’s perspective we are offering them a easy access
buffet. Why wouldn't they be regulars in our gardens? But this is not a post
on how to prevent them from taking advantage of your garden's bounty. Instead,
I want to focus on their value [services] they provide to our environment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxeSZdNVQHowyg8Kelwam7RIYN78IttYpJNQsiAPrZqplK74iegA-Y4uFaWrts3femJfbVeJIvh6MaDDH791UugeO2fUTNA93U6Ae5mm0ayFLUPxOo8Ym6UNFZyT4KhLd0itHI9YsC6_U/s2048/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxeSZdNVQHowyg8Kelwam7RIYN78IttYpJNQsiAPrZqplK74iegA-Y4uFaWrts3femJfbVeJIvh6MaDDH791UugeO2fUTNA93U6Ae5mm0ayFLUPxOo8Ym6UNFZyT4KhLd0itHI9YsC6_U/w400-h268/DSC_0236.JPG" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I watch the squirrels and chipmunks busily collect seeds/nuts in our garden, I am reminded of their </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">often undervalued role in our ecosystem. As they hoard nuts for the winter, they are also helping trees disperse seeds. Squirrels won't eat everything they cache, nor will they remember where they hid all the nuts, so the forgotten seeds will eventually sprout and become future trees. Essentially, they are planting seeds for the trees so maybe we should start thinking about them as nature's gardeners. This action is particularly helpful to trees that are heavy nut producers because the new trees will ultimately grow better away from the parent tree where they will receive more light.</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Researchers note that evidence is accumulating that along with blue jays and a few other small animals, squirrels are important in maintaining and regenerating second-growth oak forests, and may even have been responsible for spreading the vast stands of oak throughout North America. (</span></i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">University Of Richmond. "Researchers Tackle The Nutty Truth On Acorns And Squirrels." ScienceDaily)</i></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oak trees have an interesting way of encouraging squirrels to help them. The acorns contain more lipids, a tasty fat, at the top of the
nut, which entices the squirrels. The tannins, a bitter tasting chemical, is at the bottom of the nut, which by design is where the acorn’s embryo is housed and therefore more protected.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><i>The two major groups of oaks--red and white--have seeds that differ generally in chemical makeup. Red oak acorns are rich in fats but are laced with tannins, the compounds used to tan hides. White oak acorns are less fatty and lower in tannins. Red oak acorns lie dormant in winter and sprout in spring; white oak seeds usually sprout soon after falling to the ground in autumn. (</i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;">University Of Richmond. "Researchers Tackle The Nutty Truth On Acorns And Squirrels." ScienceDaily)</i></span></p></blockquote><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">
</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBlvdpSwqf-pI7RvRHjZNnq7qu-6hSkNsDO5WbVrI23uu4RJVstXS6F0mT7WjSeyQp6cgkEucxmrGODf9FBZW7RguLrV3QpfBeFzrLQly3UmUI3PUY6f1Ds38BsQxmc2uIBbMDk0PykiI/s942/DSC_0200-006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="942" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBlvdpSwqf-pI7RvRHjZNnq7qu-6hSkNsDO5WbVrI23uu4RJVstXS6F0mT7WjSeyQp6cgkEucxmrGODf9FBZW7RguLrV3QpfBeFzrLQly3UmUI3PUY6f1Ds38BsQxmc2uIBbMDk0PykiI/w400-h280/DSC_0200-006.JPG" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="400" /></a></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>There is documented proof that squirrels are
largely responsible for the succession of hickory tree forests.” (Burt 102). </i><i><span style="color: black;">In some ecosystems, squirrels are so enmeshed with the reproduction of pines and oaks
that without them it’s possible the ecosystem could collapse.” (Holmes 72) </span>“<a href="https://snlapps.depaul.edu/writing/BargDo%20Squirrels%20Matter.pdf" target="_blank">In Do Squirrels Matter</a>?"</i></span></p></blockquote><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">When a squirrel finds an acorn it will roll it and then shake it. What is it doing? They are evaluating the quality of the seed and deciding whether or not it’s a good one. Acorns can become infected with weevils so if the squirrel determines the acorn has weevils it will eat it immediately. If not, it will store it for later. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4y5w-V1dKisiPRMYQyK9dzxv3Yj1C9ajx6QNVjOszaMPPS9W_9Vm2lYpYDuSwNFoZ_oQ5YbLmK201QG80go6MqCz3e3-MIHZIfYb7PT_9AiQuANunxEGsFUtFxhzj-RJTyscozE3m7Pof/s1770/DSC_0365-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1770" data-original-width="1752" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4y5w-V1dKisiPRMYQyK9dzxv3Yj1C9ajx6QNVjOszaMPPS9W_9Vm2lYpYDuSwNFoZ_oQ5YbLmK201QG80go6MqCz3e3-MIHZIfYb7PT_9AiQuANunxEGsFUtFxhzj-RJTyscozE3m7Pof/w396-h400/DSC_0365-003.jpg" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="396" /></a></span></div><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Squirrels are more clever than you think. Did you know that squirrels cache their nuts by type and size? They also store their most valuable stash in wide open spaces where predation risks are higher and therefore pilferage from other squirrels is lower. A clever strategy! Squirrels also practice 'deceptive caching' where they pretend to stash seeds in various places just in case other squirrels are watching. They don't want to give away their larder locations. </span></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rwkDPEWE_BcRv3prFjd9ErBGgK74j5pmh06qBz0IuOXlDT6idhUatPq0tXGCvn4AW5JwPBCIlzBHJldS1IvTxpA-AS-ad13DfXI2xcTKR9OHBJ4wWhOhwJieye3On7wvKhQFKuRmn1Xb/s2048/DSC_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="2048" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rwkDPEWE_BcRv3prFjd9ErBGgK74j5pmh06qBz0IuOXlDT6idhUatPq0tXGCvn4AW5JwPBCIlzBHJldS1IvTxpA-AS-ad13DfXI2xcTKR9OHBJ4wWhOhwJieye3On7wvKhQFKuRmn1Xb/w400-h259/DSC_0255.JPG" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just the other day I watched a squirrel with a big nut in its mouth, climb up one of our retaining walls, scamper along the top of the wall and never drop the nut. It found a desirable spot to bury it and began digging. When the squirrel reached a satisfactory depth it covered it up with soil and then replaced all the mulch. By the time it ran off I couldn't even tell the soil had been disturbed. Time will tell if the squirrel finds it again over the winter or if a tree sprouts next to our sunroom. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVte7nUpDo1madE3tabwdzMVq-qEMXCbwUU_S_zWvNhSMi7SHsvPbwYZsm5ELzqTW6PGDlvYKbVb4GCKka_GnVXN4UfcZ2gs24mkTGzXpI65E_sn6N_X5UuLAow7CmE-98u074cOIL4lfw/s2048/DSC_0009-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1693" data-original-width="2048" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVte7nUpDo1madE3tabwdzMVq-qEMXCbwUU_S_zWvNhSMi7SHsvPbwYZsm5ELzqTW6PGDlvYKbVb4GCKka_GnVXN4UfcZ2gs24mkTGzXpI65E_sn6N_X5UuLAow7CmE-98u074cOIL4lfw/w400-h331/DSC_0009-001.JPG" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though chipmunks are in the same family as squirrels their caching behaviors are quite different. Chipmunks love to eat and forage constantly. They often scurry around the garden collecting food in their cheek pouches. They are larder hoarders, meaning they hide lots of nuts in one place. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiFmtGQPWixuwNj5iH3WscR1TZRbudoQoX-3i1nyy4HFG3i16Cz6W9eZmojO7TlEmWyh1poAE6Y7qis6jzRZXbz6lTayYjjHArxU_WwEcP-tHteCXcf7rg-0jypGeKdo4vza2N2EZuvR5/s2048/DSC_0032-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiFmtGQPWixuwNj5iH3WscR1TZRbudoQoX-3i1nyy4HFG3i16Cz6W9eZmojO7TlEmWyh1poAE6Y7qis6jzRZXbz6lTayYjjHArxU_WwEcP-tHteCXcf7rg-0jypGeKdo4vza2N2EZuvR5/w400-h268/DSC_0032-003.JPG" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Besides trees, many mushrooms and fungi rely on squirrels and chipmunks to help disperse their spores. When squirrels eat mushrooms and fungi the [unharmed] spores are ejected in their feces. This action is significant for the growth of many plants, particularly those with a symbiotic relationship with roots and hyphae (subterranean fungal filaments). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AeF9Sw7WkhZXVKuW8GEB6xo6SJBqr6a9TRZs_LkEX0bbqoey2TNRt4vI0oae_MwbnU0741GFt0u9PXruwNN5Q9GJVxIyLsChhWd0COCXhPkqtgJY152XzQWsdTiNZnL2FFrJWqmVag8Q/s1600/flying+squirrel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1071" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AeF9Sw7WkhZXVKuW8GEB6xo6SJBqr6a9TRZs_LkEX0bbqoey2TNRt4vI0oae_MwbnU0741GFt0u9PXruwNN5Q9GJVxIyLsChhWd0COCXhPkqtgJY152XzQWsdTiNZnL2FFrJWqmVag8Q/w268-h400/flying+squirrel.JPG" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mushrooms are also an important source of vitamin D, which is necessary for nocturnal animals such as flying squirrels to absorb calcium. Also consider that flying squirrels are significant predators of cicadas, crickets, grasshoppers, grubs and moths, insects that are often considered pests to gardeners. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJvj7xSoiwztBcnNvP32pzJNXzKbOPnzIv0jXfSKKpvCZDlr82feKUte1UbE1t1mOO6ntco57JpzwYz2x3ZVKd1kz7qeF-FmMweQ7taTGQoOYzcJkQ3LUh_g-LZ5QgrCKk44cyTncdkLC/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJvj7xSoiwztBcnNvP32pzJNXzKbOPnzIv0jXfSKKpvCZDlr82feKUte1UbE1t1mOO6ntco57JpzwYz2x3ZVKd1kz7qeF-FmMweQ7taTGQoOYzcJkQ3LUh_g-LZ5QgrCKk44cyTncdkLC/w400-h268/016.JPG" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="400" /></a></div><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Squirrels and chipmunks also hold a significant place in the food chain as an important food source for owls, hawks, snakes, bobcats, foxes and racoons. We have several birds of prey that call our property home. Without food they wouldn't stay around. The hawks often hang around our kitchen garden and are great at keeping the squirrels and chipmunks out of our raised beds. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFD-zKaf6lcPIsaU6MzZruao-WcJTXyjme0YarGcU0NY87ENf5vBiEg2dm5LL23dAKb-CpxTlRJOzIRBeOA6he4V_YsL5b2PFgfSZODD3OVvOOepbyqNC4UNE8C0z8wFqO9yuqo__h_heN/s3077/Cooper%2527s+Hawk-immature.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2903" data-original-width="3077" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFD-zKaf6lcPIsaU6MzZruao-WcJTXyjme0YarGcU0NY87ENf5vBiEg2dm5LL23dAKb-CpxTlRJOzIRBeOA6he4V_YsL5b2PFgfSZODD3OVvOOepbyqNC4UNE8C0z8wFqO9yuqo__h_heN/w400-h378/Cooper%2527s+Hawk-immature.JPG" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="400" /></a></div><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The relationships between animals and plants is what makes our garden thrive and benefit all. Squirrels have a place in the landscape and the benefits they provide to the habitat far outweigh the perceived damage they may do to our gardens. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVmyRaIOzOs5NR68qpg-ctfTiqDpc55RWGnARcq_4eTns6taxdkhj0_mK0HSHyFqu-gaG9_ouaTiS7s3ckmFRBsNtwNL9DHlaznNcJKbQsAjy6N3eNadHiT87dc_UovcxbP0z3Qu6QU6H/s1600/158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVmyRaIOzOs5NR68qpg-ctfTiqDpc55RWGnARcq_4eTns6taxdkhj0_mK0HSHyFqu-gaG9_ouaTiS7s3ckmFRBsNtwNL9DHlaznNcJKbQsAjy6N3eNadHiT87dc_UovcxbP0z3Qu6QU6H/w400-h219/158.JPG" title="Embracing the Value of Squirrels and Chipmunks in our Garden" width="400" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Squirrels are also good indicators of, not just contributors to, the health of a forest. “The
presence, demographics, and habitat use of tree squirrels can indicate the status of
forested ecosystems”, according to John L. Koprowski.</i> </span></p></blockquote><p></p>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5335626764384885870.post-83531568791018139542020-09-23T07:30:00.003-04:002020-09-23T07:30:02.135-04:00Wildflower Wednesday: Elephantopus tomentosus<p>For this month's Wildflower Wednesday post, I am sharing a plant that occurs naturally on our property [we did not introduce it]. These types of plants are worth celebrating because they teach us about the native landscape where we reside and connect us to our local environment. </p><p>[Common] Hairy Elephant's Foot (<i><a href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ELTO2" target="_blank">Elephantopus tomentosus</a></i>) is a native wildflower that we first found in clearings in our woodland garden. It grows in the pathways, which are fairly compact and dry. Plants often choose where they grow best, so we leave them in their chosen location instead of moving them to the landscaped beds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgBMp8-D1dTu_VeCwsCyzERsj01-4DXWnwi6Pnm3jepYXDC7kwIuV90ZI7MYsPTiTOy5c5E5JxI5PjxAHenoMWXCA3nkwz7VCR681nkb7WOU9c7eu9IBnhn7mm5AQxt8HNZKoka1nIBCj/s4239/DSC_1236.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4239" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgBMp8-D1dTu_VeCwsCyzERsj01-4DXWnwi6Pnm3jepYXDC7kwIuV90ZI7MYsPTiTOy5c5E5JxI5PjxAHenoMWXCA3nkwz7VCR681nkb7WOU9c7eu9IBnhn7mm5AQxt8HNZKoka1nIBCj/w400-h308/DSC_1236.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Elephantopus tomentosus" width="400" /></a></div><p>Over the years, this wildflower has colonized in dry, woodland areas and even appeared closer to our home in several flowerbeds. The tiny, pale purple, flowers first appear in late summer and continue into mid fall. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWoAIONHOPL7Ew_gdHnfLHSv55JfhABBNsn61xklNWQ5qpZSXz-VSxhhAnopxCyatRpgriTJ2MV0mc9a0JiM_XbUuhmdtpyqyXhm-c5BK2QAaL-R1ndxctd7A8sfgPhtIcb60a5QI-Kwv/s3526/DSC_1237.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3391" data-original-width="3526" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWoAIONHOPL7Ew_gdHnfLHSv55JfhABBNsn61xklNWQ5qpZSXz-VSxhhAnopxCyatRpgriTJ2MV0mc9a0JiM_XbUuhmdtpyqyXhm-c5BK2QAaL-R1ndxctd7A8sfgPhtIcb60a5QI-Kwv/w400-h385/DSC_1237.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Elephantopus tomentosus" width="400" /></a></div><p>A few small flowers emerge at a time from the flower head. To really appreciate them, it is best to get down low and view them at their level. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTDEwrbhpDWWRfB_amfmx7S-FqkJJXdwd23swsXLU5mkhxNKA3onfswyp2NbCgiCxsD3hLHv9XNCb6uylGqDo99j2L2c0AMx8c68lbrGTV_LoAvKBH-9A3NhLDvuXqBwaOcsCJ0mQ52Np/s2850/DSC_0002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="2790" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTDEwrbhpDWWRfB_amfmx7S-FqkJJXdwd23swsXLU5mkhxNKA3onfswyp2NbCgiCxsD3hLHv9XNCb6uylGqDo99j2L2c0AMx8c68lbrGTV_LoAvKBH-9A3NhLDvuXqBwaOcsCJ0mQ52Np/w391-h400/DSC_0002.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Elephantopus tomentosus" width="391" /></a></div><p>The petite flowers attract small butterflies, bees, flies and other pollinators. These delicate blooms quietly provide a nectar source for our native insects reminding me that there is much that happens in the ecosystem that goes unnoticed or underappreciated. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIArfIGuPgjQ7K_HQG1GCKygfp1402UrhcDisgxvD4RwnKTe0GbeZt8TsewX5Kw-gF8-QpvSY_TQoMH6d2u6YFdBvym0DfriPaB2fayCqL2jeu06DIbJqjn3kYyjbM0bgvp53WmdOoBAt/s1240/Picture72.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1130" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIArfIGuPgjQ7K_HQG1GCKygfp1402UrhcDisgxvD4RwnKTe0GbeZt8TsewX5Kw-gF8-QpvSY_TQoMH6d2u6YFdBvym0DfriPaB2fayCqL2jeu06DIbJqjn3kYyjbM0bgvp53WmdOoBAt/w365-h400/Picture72.jpg" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Elephantopus tomentosus" width="365" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thick headed fly<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Elephantopus tomentosus</i> is classified in the Asteraceae family, commonly referred to as the aster family. The genus name, <i>Elephantopus</i>, comes from the Greek 'elephas' meaning elephant and 'pous' translated as foot. The species name, tomentosus, is Latin for hairy. So hairy elephant's foot becomes its common name. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The large, hairy leaves lay flat on the ground allegedly resembling an elephant's footprint. I think it looks more like an elephant stepped on the plant! The plant's leaves form a basal rosette with different leaf sizes, overlapping around the stems. The leaves are foraged by wildlife.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG59mEzWWCL-Dk6sGt65TBWtIogC2_QADhbmbcxEQuIB2BmImwW3J3L0Qw6nmi_rzGANkNfVb5URS9dgc64ZmOgXhsgCHlj0aUuju9LcZrbAIhYxODtTCvuFmiMgj3OP8LN7CINso2pa75/s5089/DSC_1365.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3641" data-original-width="5089" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG59mEzWWCL-Dk6sGt65TBWtIogC2_QADhbmbcxEQuIB2BmImwW3J3L0Qw6nmi_rzGANkNfVb5URS9dgc64ZmOgXhsgCHlj0aUuju9LcZrbAIhYxODtTCvuFmiMgj3OP8LN7CINso2pa75/w400-h286/DSC_1365.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Elephantopus tomentosus" width="400" /></a></div><p>The flower stalks are bare but small leaf-like bracts appear under the flower heads. These flower heads consist of two to five individual tube flowers. Unlike other composite flowers in this family, these are asymmetrical with the five--pointed lobes of each tube radiating outward.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOvot77te_aLzlPJflRT3HYzk9e5BbDMak9NqA9q0WwkREK-OeRhnF2k7XD2YbaphT0qHuJ4aXtqpJsweydlJpkfnMKhmld7HbZ_034rGuqjnONkMhX8Au_JC7p4mRhN82SlJMiOymGU3/s4654/DSC_1231+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3983" data-original-width="4654" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOvot77te_aLzlPJflRT3HYzk9e5BbDMak9NqA9q0WwkREK-OeRhnF2k7XD2YbaphT0qHuJ4aXtqpJsweydlJpkfnMKhmld7HbZ_034rGuqjnONkMhX8Au_JC7p4mRhN82SlJMiOymGU3/w400-h343/DSC_1231+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Elephantopus tomentosus" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In nature hairy elephant's foot is often found in areas that are managed with fire. In a study on <i>The Understory Plant Community Response to Seasonal Burn in Longleaf Pine Forests</i>, it was found that this plant benefited most from winter/spring burns.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh0cjHV22qHbKF1VVfLIQH-0qnpGWvwUB466K8BxqkyU5MilS5sIgVo2iNFD55soe29ahtAc5IaX-STl41zCfBQvbdOvk2KFFfX8VEwGi3HtjjawP1BJ1NXNXMt87yUyhaKu91PEQTvJ6/s4193/DSC_1357.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3611" data-original-width="4193" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh0cjHV22qHbKF1VVfLIQH-0qnpGWvwUB466K8BxqkyU5MilS5sIgVo2iNFD55soe29ahtAc5IaX-STl41zCfBQvbdOvk2KFFfX8VEwGi3HtjjawP1BJ1NXNXMt87yUyhaKu91PEQTvJ6/w400-h345/DSC_1357.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Elephantopus tomentosus" width="400" /></a></div><p>After blooms have expired, seed clusters begin to form. These clusters dry as the plant goes into dormancy making seeds available to wildlife or dropping to develop into new plants next year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ypLLc9uDXs0heYMnP2OHVhrgef_rk90jH3HE6qYD-YcJpJz7yCghKb0iFA9kyivdwDPeD5PRYKJfODkU4lzYqoyQowuRc4y5bhDXh-Soe-3XbPA5BiSVnedR_pXdxgegwFBSQbhvqfKl/s3362/DSC_1362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southern Meadows Blog" border="0" data-original-height="3362" data-original-width="2649" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ypLLc9uDXs0heYMnP2OHVhrgef_rk90jH3HE6qYD-YcJpJz7yCghKb0iFA9kyivdwDPeD5PRYKJfODkU4lzYqoyQowuRc4y5bhDXh-Soe-3XbPA5BiSVnedR_pXdxgegwFBSQbhvqfKl/w315-h400/DSC_1362.JPG" title="Wildflower Wednesday: Elephantopus tomentosus" width="315" /></a></div><div><br /></div>If you discover the rosette leaves growing in your garden do not disturb them (pull them up thinking they are a weed) and they will reward you with delicate flowers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please be sure to visit <a href="https://www.clayandlimestone.com/" target="_blank">Clay and Limestone</a> to learn about other exceptional wildflowers offered by fellow bloggers. </div>Karin / Southern Meadowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06514989784715204223noreply@blogger.com6