Wildflower or Weed – An Roadside Bouquet
Definitely a weed! And invasive. But very pretty. Definitely a wildflower, in spite of the name. I think it is a white aster. My ID skills are nil. I think. For more Wordlessness this Wednesday click here.
Goldenrod or Ragweed?
In August goldenrod fills the fields surrounding our house. It is more than time to get the fields mowed, but for the moment I am enjoying the sunniness of the various types of goldenrod. Therefore, I was taken aback by someone who told me I did not have fields of goldenrod, but with a glare, told me I had fields of ragweed. I am more than willing to doubt myself, so I did not protest. However, it seemed…
Gardening with Free Range Chickens for Dummies
Dogs and cats are so 20th century. Chickens are the new trend in ‘pets.’ They are colorful, cheerful, easy to care for, and productive. Think of all those fresh eggs! Dogs only give you sticks you have thrown for them to bring back. OK, sometimes they bring you the newspaper, too. Cats are too independent to bring you anything. Of course, chickens have different needs than a dog or cat if you are going to include them in…
Fall Dandelion – Leontodon autumnalis
The fall dandelion is making a great show this year, especially at the edges of the lawn where it meets the gravelly driveway. I don't ever remember quite so many in bloom. The fall dandelion is not really a dandelion at all, although the strong similarity explains the name. The fall dandelion is properly known as Leontodon autumnalis, while the common dandelion is Taraxacum officinale. The difference is that the fall dandelion has more narrowly cut leaves with lobes that…
Boston Public Gardens
The Boston Public Gardens begin at the foot of the Boston State House. First is the Boston Common where cattle once grazed, then the Boston Public Garden, the oldest botanic garden in the nation, and finally the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Here are a few photos from my recent visit. Frolicking tadpoles in the Boston Common Frog Pond watched over by parents and the frog statues! The Boston Public Garden, established in 1837 is the first botanic garden…
Fallen Trees Equal Good Fungus
This fallen log on the Wildside Garden's eastern slope is there for a purpose. Good fungus! Sue Bridge has been working with Jono Neiger and the Regenerative Design Group to create a sustainable, edible, permaculture garden. One of the things she learned is that the food chain in her garden doesn't begin with the vegetables and fruits and end with her. The edibility of her garden includes the fungal growth in a healthy, fertile soil. The life in healthy soil…
September 1 Record Fruiting and Tangles
This post is part of my twice a month record of bloom and doings in the garden, on the 1st of the month, and then on Bloom Day, the 15th. As we begin September it is clear that in spite of the hot and dry weather Thomas Affleck continues to thrive. One a very few other rose blossoms are to be seen. What the roses are doing instead of blooming is producing hips. The Rugosas have the biggest…