Note from Linda: This essay is written by Rachel White, a board member of Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (FOMR) – Malheur is in eastern Oregon. Paul and Carol from Pennsylvania sent it to me writing that they had visited Malheur, enjoyed the refuge, signed up for their newsletter, and look forward to reading […]
Santolina is an herb that makes a wonderful perennial or small shrub, Santolina is not a common plant east of the Rockies – in part because it likes hotter, drier sites. West of the Rockies, it is a lovely addition to many gardens. Its requirements for water are quite low, it loves hot sun, and […]
Note from Linda: What about keeping a journal? A diary? A notebook? Is this something you want to do? Explore your connections to nature? Record your feelings, your emotions? Susan from central Illinois is sharing her latest journal page with all of us and giving us something to think about. There are several things I […]
Geese! And they were everywhere!!!! Not everyone likes geese and depending where you live, I can understand the reasons for wishing them elsewhere. But I love them! Particularly the Canada Geese who live year-round on our small lake here in central Illinois. If you have been reading my blog, you know that last spring we […]
The following poem is from the book Ten Second Rainshowers: Poems by Young People. The poems were compiled by Sanford Lyne and the book is illustrated by Virginia Halstead. Published by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing – 1996. Carol from Pennsylvania sent this to me and also recommends this book to everyone. Sometimes children have […]
Stress hooks its claws into the brain creating false truths and unreal realities to confuse, to assault, to breaking point There’s no refuge in the past or future The only answer? Breathe. When thoughts spiral out of control like a jet plane on a fatal collision course there’s no respite and no saving grace. When […]
Fuchsia Fuchsias can be trailing – these are the ones used in hanging baskets and pots. But there are also Fuchsias that are upright. These can also be used in containers or planted right into the ground. If you are buying single plants, check the plant tags for growth habit. Light: This can be tricky […]
Crocosmia is both the botanical and common name for this plant. I find it interesting there seems to be no two-part Latin species name for the ones you buy here in the United States. On plant tags, you will find them called Crocosmia with the variety/cultivar listed next: Crocosmia ‘Fire King’, Crocosmia ‘Citronella”, and Crocosmia […]
Light: Full to part sun. Soil and water: Average garden soil. Likes the soil to be moist to wet but it will tolerate drought conditions. The drier the soil, the less it will spread. Hardiness Zone: 3-9. Size and shape: 3-4 ft. Upright. Does not need to be supported. Bloom period and color. Deadheading: Pink or […]
Attracts hummingbirds! This is a vine which must have vertical support and unless you are in the southern parts of our southern states, either grow it as an annual vine or as a container vine that can be brought in for the fall, winter and early spring. Mandevilla will not tolerate one moment of frost. […]