A New Use for Vinegar

When your son doesn’t pay attention and adds dishwashing liquid to the dishwasher instead of detergent — yes, you know what that means — here’s a tip:

After cleaning up as much bubble mess as you can (i.e. the floor, so you can get to the dishwasher), pour vinegar into the dishwasher. It helps break up the bubbles, and you get far less foaming.

I’m adding it to the list.

Well, I’d been meaning to run vinegar through the dishwasher anyway. Guess now was as good a time as any. Well, better, actually!  🙂

Blooming! GBBD September 2009

The extended rains last week did Central Texas much good. While we are still in a major drought, the rains brought much needed relief to the scorched earth and cooler temperatures for wonderfully pleasant days.

birdart09-15-09.jpgAnd the plants responded right away — greenness abounds, and among the green are the most vibrant blooms of all colors. I think fall just might be my new favorite season. I forgot how beautiful it is. Although technically, I guess it’s still summer! Here are just a few of what’s blooming in my yard today, for Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day.

Amazingly, of my three surviving Endurance Sunflowers, I still have three, and all are blooming. Although I’ve loved sunflowers all my life, this is my first time growing them, and I finally understand why bees love them so. Even my young sunflowers are really putting out the pollen, and they are only going to grow bigger and bigger. I’m thrilled! My sunflowers have a few specks of dirt on them — because they are still babies and low to the ground, they got splashed during the rain.

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I’m finally starting to see color combinations in the yard again. In the main butterfly garden, the Gregg’s Mistflower is starting to bloom once more, with Blackfoot Daisy and Zexmenia nearby. The butterflies are already fluttering about again. I missed them when all my plants gave up their blooms in the heat.

greggsmistflower09-15-09.jpgThe Pigeonberry plants are blooming like crazy. They berry, too, but the birds pick them off so fast.

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Here, I found a berry.

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Speaking of berrying plants — I was woken up in the middle of the night with one of the dogs trying to break through the window screen to get to something outside. While I hope it wasn’t a prowler, I did get up to discover my American Beautyberry plants were missing berry clusters. I went outside to see if I could see anything — seriously hoping at that point that it wasn’t a prowler! No creature found. Bolted. Who wouldn’t when that massive husky is trying to lunge for them though a mere window screen? Thank goodness it held tight.

This Red Yucca’s is technically on my neighbor’s property, but it’s right where our yards meet, and I think I’m the only one who pays attention to it. But oh I could photograph those blooms all day. Love, love, love. Someday mine will bloom!  

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The Salvias are blooming like mad. They are such an interesting flowering perennial — it can be challenging to photograph them, as they tend to look straggly even when they really aren’t, but they look wonderful backdropped by other blooming yellows, blues, or even just trees.

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Though most of my Turk’s Caps are the traditional red, I do have a pink bloomer in the front. It’s quite special. Makes me feel like a little girl, loving that pink.

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I have a new plant in the yard — actually all over the yard, as I placed them in many spots. It’s the native Texas Poinsettia, also known as Wild Poinsettia, or Fire on the Mountain (Euphorbia cyathophora). These were given to several class members of the Habitat Steward Training I’m in — we got to pull them directly from the gorgeous wildlife garden of Cathy Nordstrom. Thank you, Cathy! The reddish-orange you see is part of the leaves, just like the red of the Christmas pointsettias. I think it’s amazing. It’s a spreader, so at some point I’ll probably be giving some away. It’s so easy to pull and replant, too. I planted them all over because I have so much land to fill.

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And I have a surprise bloomer — blooms on my newest Key Lime tree? Of course, they are all at the level where the husky lifts his leg. I don’t even want to think about why the tree is blooming only there. Nor do I want to think about what I’ll do if limes actually show up and get peed on.

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Speaking of the husky… Camouflage FAIL, Loki.

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And stop laying on my Lindheimer Muhly! And get out of the butterfly garden! And stop peeing on my plants!

That’s Not a Wildflower on My Head…

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That’s not a wildflower on my head, but please don’t pick it, either!

 

***Got any other captions to suggest? Please share!***

Photo is of a resident peacock at Mayfield Park and Preserve in Austin, Texas. This park is a historical estate known for its beautiful gardens, lovely old cottage, gorgeous peafowl, and many acres of nature preserve. It was pretty wet and drizzly during much of my visit, but I plan to do a photo tour at a later date.

The feathers on top of the peacock are called its crest. It’s interesting to note that the peacock’s crest is blue to match his feathers, and the peahen’s crest is brown to match hers. Here’s another view.

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The peafowl were happily looking for bugs on the damp ground. Did you know they eat ticks? They could walk behind the deer in our city and just feast away.

The Aptly Named Beautyberry

The American Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, is truly a sight to behold in the fall. The strikingly vibrant magenta-colored berries stand out boldly against the light-green foliage of this open, airy shrub.

beautyberrya09-12-09.jpgBut aside from its beauty, what makes this shrub truly valuable is that it is a fall and winter food source for more than 40 different songbird species, as well as other birds. It also is enjoyed by mammalian wildlife, including the opossum and raccoon. Its deer resistance probably depends on your area and the harshness of seasonal weather. In some areas, deer leave the mature plants alone, but they’re happy to nibble on young shrubs and sometimes the berries. In general, though, it’s best to plant the shrub in a protected area if you are concerned about deer.

American Beautyberry is an excellent shrub for understory growth, and understory plants are a key part of successful wildlife habitats. They can provide food and/or places to hide, and despite its airy nature, the Beautyberry does both, particularly when several of the shrubs form a small colony.

beautyberryc09-12-09.jpgIn the summer, the shrub has delightful pale flowers. But it is the beautiful clusters of purple berries that really provide that wow factor come fall. There is also a white variety, but if choosing a color most attractive to birds, I’d stick with purple.

beautyberryb09-12-09.jpgThe deciduous shrub is typically 5-6 feet tall when mature, but I’ve seen some get more than 8 feet tall. It prefers partial sun/partial shade, but with extra water and attention, it can handle more sun, too. But as an understory plant, it is at its best.

American Beautyberry, according to wildflower.org, is native to all the states of the southern U.S., on up into Maryland, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It thrives in a variety of conditions of soil, water, and light conditions, and it is easily grown from seed as well. A worthy plant for your wildlife habitat! 

The Purpose of (Native) Weeds

This post is dedicated to Tatiana of mycoldprairie, who commented on my last post regarding the purpose of weeds.

Well, there are multiple purposes, actually. I want to first point out that exotic invasive weeds, to me personally, have no other purpose than to rape native lands of nutrients, water, and space and to destroy balanced ecosystems (guess what’s in my yard and why I’m grumpy). BUT, speaking of native weeds in particular, they legitimately have a purpose in their habitat, and as many will point out, there’s not really any such thing as a weed, anyway, other than being an annoying plant to a gardener.

What was mentioned in class last night was that weeds grow first in poor soil, and over time as they die off and decompose, they make the soil more fertile for other plants to move in and establish. True indeed. But weeds also can be valuable food sources for wildlife, through seeds, nectar, leaves, berries, and whatnot. They can serve as erosion control and as shelter to birds, lizards, and other creatures. Some even have medicinal value or food value to humans! They do have their purpose, even if you’d prefer they not be in your yard. Speaking of which, did I really manage to not get any dandelions this year? I guess they were scared off by the rampant evil nutsedge that has found its way into my yard. It has become the bane of my gardening existence. But it too has a purpose — apparently Canadian geese and ducks and squirrels and other wildlife like it. Guess I’m not wild enough to join them in such fondness for the WEED.

Oh, and weeds are also there apparently to teach Tatiana patience. She said it, not me!   😀

 

Habitat Steward Class begins!

Training began last night. Although it was the first night, which typically goes over the basics one might already know, I’m pleased to report that it was a great first class and I definitely learned quite a bit. Two of the lecturers shared some of their favorite native plants, some I hadn’t seen before, and I learned of the purpose of weeds (they have a purpose!). Little tips and tidbits here and there, and I said a lot of “Good to Know!” in my mind. One of the best parts was learning to “Read the Land.” This is something I’ve probably done a little subconsciously, but I know more about studying the state of plants and forests to determine how healthy it is (history, condition, and future potential). On Saturday we are going to visit some local habitats. Can’t wait! Here’s a glimpse of something I created for our first homework. The whole drawing is much bigger — I might share it in the wildlife habitat pages I’m working on. Friends know how much fun I have in Paint — the assignment didn’t require anything as detailed as I made it. I just felt inspired. It’s not great art, mind you. Just some fun sketching a wildlife habitat.

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Less Paint, More Grout

I haven’t seen a weather report like this in a long time, but here’s what it shows for Austin today.

austinweather09-09-09.jpgI spent a gleeful morning thinking of rain to come. But here at my house, as of almost 2:00 this afternoon, we’ve gotten exactly 3 drops of water (ok, maybe not EXACTLY 3 drops, but close). Does that mean I’ve already met my 80% chance of rain for the day?

Regardless of what percentage of rain I do get today, it’s 100% chance of zero-progress on painting the exterior of the house, which was the original goal for today and the rest of the week. So I turned my eyes to the garden and spent the morning getting new seeds into soil so that they could enjoy the benefit of the next few days of 3 drops of water, I mean rain. Veggies, bird-favorite perennials (pigeonberry and turk’s cap), and even a few tree seeds (just to see what would happen) all got planted today. Since the rain didn’t/hasn’t come, they even got watered by me.

Of our many sunflower seedlings I planted this summer, only 3 have survived the heat and the dogs. The dogs were the main culprits in the demise of most of the seedlings — they trampled every spot I planted the little sprouts. But the three that remain all have buds, with one slightly ahead of the others.

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Over by the side yard, the birds are getting fat from the birdfeeder. Hmmm, I never realized how those bamboo windchimes in the backyard look from the front of the fence, partially hidden by the feeder. Ah well, I know where to move them!

cardinal09-09-09.jpgOne of life’s little ironies is that while most of the sunflower seeds I purchased, planted, and nurtured didn’t make it, I have several growing wild under the birdfeeder. I guess I should have saved the money on the other seeds!

sunflowerseedlings09-09-09.jpgOne sunflower seed even managed to make its way into one of the terra cotta pots the kids left nearby. Seeing how it found its own little pot to grow in reminds me of a little homeless kitten mewing at one’s doorstep — pulls at the heartstrings. You better believe I’m going to let it grow!

sunflowerseedling09-09-09.jpgSo the chance of rain has ruined my painting plans, but it’s the perfect opportunity to work on another project. I’m going to finally mosaic our birdbath. It’s a great time to do it, and in the meantime the little birdies will have lots of other water available, I hope, when the rains do begin to pour. Oh please, oh please, oh please!

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Vegetable Families

I’ve been getting organized, doing research, and getting my cool-season veggies underway. I’ve also been working on my 3-year plan for my veggies (always subject to change, of course). In doing so, I realized that it was hard to find a decent list of veggie families — many sources only listed a few types or had out-of-date information, and after awhile the editor in me got frustrated enough to do something about it. So I gathered more information, checked the facts, and then compiled a more complete list. This list will be available on my sidebar for easy access at any time. I will also be adding a list of companion plants, and my current garden plan is there, too. I’m taking my time on the 3-year plan, as there is much to be learned, young grasshopper that I am. Wait, I’m no grasshopper (they are evil gluttons) — I’d rather be a young padawan.

Vegetable Families

Asteraceae/Compositae/Daisy family – Asteraceae (Compositae)

  • Lettuce
  • Chicory/Endive
  • Jerusalem Artichoke
  • Globe Artichoke
  • Dandelion
  • Sunflower
  • Safflower
  • Tarragon
  • Artemisia
  • Salsify/Scorzonera
  • Chamomile
  • (Marigolds and Chrysanthemums are also in this family)

Allium family – Alliaceae

  • Onion
  • Shallot
  • Garlic
  • Chives
  • Leek

Crucifer/Cabbage/Mustard family – Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)

  • Broccoli
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Cauliflower
  • Cabbage
  • Collard Greens
  • Horseradish
  • Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kohlrabi
  • Radish
  • Cress
  • Rutabaga
  • Bok choy
  • Chinese Cabbage
  • Watercress
  • Turnip
  • Wasabi

Cucurbit/Marrow family – Cucurbitaceae

  • Cucumber
  • Honeydew melon
  • Cantaloupe/Muskmelon
  • Watermelon
  • Pumpkin
  • Squash/Marrow
  • Zucchini/Courgette
  • Luffa

Potato/Nightshade family – Solanaceae

  • Eggplant (Aubergine)
  • Pepper
  • Potato
  • Tomato, tomatillo
  • Paprika
  • Chile pepper 

Pea and Bean family – Fabaceae (Leguminosae) (restore nitrogen to soil)

  • Alfalfa
  • Lentil
  • Peanut
  • Bean
  • Soybean
  • Clover
  • Lupin
  • Pea

Umbellifers – Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

  • Carrot
  • Celery
  • Fennel (always plant ALONE)
  • Dill (don’t plant with carrots or tomatoes)
  • Parsley
  • Parsnip
  • Cumin
  • Coriander/Cilantro
  • Caraway
  • Queen Anne’s Lace

 Goosefoot/Beetroot family – Amaranthaceae (Chenopodiaceae)

  • Beetroot
  • Quinoa
  • Spinach
  • Goosefoot
  • Swiss Chard (Spinach Beet)
  • Amaranth
  • Sugar beet
  • (also Lamb’s Quarters)

Poaceae/Grasses family (Poaceae or Gramineae)

  • Corn/Maize (grow after carrots)
  • Oats
  • Rice
  • Rye
  • Sorghum
  • Barley
  • Wheat
  • Mallet
  • Sugarcane

Miscellaneous

  • Lamb’s Lettuce/Corn Salad (Valerianaceae)
  • New Zealand Spinach (Aizoaceae)
  • Purslane, Portulaca, Miner’s Lettuce (Portulacaceae)
  • Rhubarb, Buckwheat (Polgonaceae)
  • Okra (Mallow family, Malvaceae; cacao is also in this family)

Bad Drinking Habits of Citrus

A citrus tree walks into a bar and says to another citrus…

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“Hey, orange you the cutie!”

citrusd09-06-09.jpgThe lime tree should be careful, lest someone think she’s a little tart.

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These little trees developed quite the drinking habit during the summer drought. Maybe they just really wanted to let their hair down.

 
cornsilk09-06-09.jpgBut they should be careful, because excessive drinking can lead to wanton behavior and unexpected results, like babies.

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I guess I should stop now. I’ve probably gone over the top with these bad jokes.

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They’re real lemons.

 

(Disclosure: No plants were harmed in the making of these photos. The bottles are filled with water, of course. FYI, only one makes use of a Plant Nanny, while the others are placed straight into the soil. The key to success with bottle watering is to make sure the soil is wet BEFORE you put the bottle in, then the roots just take in more water as they need to. Also, the eggs are ladybug eggs, from my happy little busy bugs. The corn silk is just beautiful every day. And the sugar pumpkins have at last conquered the 8-foot trellis, and then some.)

Becoming a Habitat Steward

It’s just one week until I begin Habitat Steward training, 2009 class, and I’m very excited. This four-week training program is a volunteer opportunity for the National Wildlife Federation, and in Austin it is co-partnered by the Travis Audubon Society. Habit Stewards work with the community to educate adults and children about wildlife habitats, as well as help remove invasives and plant habitat gardens. There are similar training classes all over the nation, and you can learn more at NWF’s volunteer page or for Austin at the city’s volunteer page. I just finished my first “homework” assignment, and class hasn’t even started!

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The berries of this Yaupon, Ilex vomitoria, are in the process of changing color. During winter, the bright red berries are a favorite source of food for mockingbirds, cedar waxwings, robins, and several other bird species. The berries are only on the female trees — there must be a male tree nearby in order for berries to appear on the female. Cooler seasons can bring food hardships for birds and other wildlife, so planting year-round food sources is a major part of creating a wildlife habitat.