A wasp seen on the left flies away as two bumble bees fight to get at the nectar which has been poured into a hummingbird feeder. We are told that feeders should be cleaned once a week so that our hummer friends will not be harmed by mold, bacteria or germs. Pure white table sugar … Continue reading Waiting for the Hummingbirds
Lilies are part of the Lilium family and grow from bulbs, unlike daylilies, which grow from tuberous roots. Their six-petaled blooms last a long time, and they make excellent cut flowers. A lily flower may form the shape of a trumpet, with a more-or-less elongated tube. Or the petals may curl under or spread out … Continue reading Our July Blooming Lilies
Chives are a type of herb related to onions, garlic, leeks and shallots. They are the smallest, but one of the finest-flavored of the Allium plant family. At one time they were considered to be part of the lily family, but genetic studies have since reclassified it into its own family. The most popular ones … Continue reading Perennial Chives
Our peony plants have reached their blooming peak this season and we’re always sad to say goodbye to their beautiful, fragrant blossoms. Native to China and the European coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, the peony derived its name from Paeon, known as a physician to the Greek gods. Today, peonies are a popular choice for … Continue reading It’s Peony Peak Season
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are very controversial. A perennial weed with a long, strong taproot, it has been called “the nail in the earth” for its long taproot, which draws nutrients and moisture from deep in the ground. It was surprising to find out that “At one time there were no dandelions in North America. They … Continue reading To Weed or Not to Weed
