Rusty metal

When the Diggers Hotline people came out and marked the yard earlier this year, they marked one spot that I could not figure out.

Yesterday, my curiosity got the best of me and I dug that spot with a shovel to discover two large pieces of rusty metal.

One was a two-inch diameter metal pipe about two feet long.

The other was part of a heavy-gauge metal fence post.

My guess is that they were part of an old pasture fence line from before the subdivision was built.

The result is a deep hole back-filled with an excellent soil mix.

Maybe I can plant a tulip tree there.

Rainfall

Less than 1/8" overnight.

Lasagna gardening

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/1999-04-01/Lasagna-Gardening.aspx

Very interesting.

No, this is not growing pasta and cheese in the garden.

This is a non-traditional, no-till method of layering organic materials.

Spinosad

Spinosad is produced by the fermentation of a soil-dwelling bacterium, Saccharopolysora spinosa. It is quick acting, attacking the nervous system of insects. It is most effective against caterpillars, flies (mostly leafminers), and thrips and is also reasonably effective against leaf beetles and grasshoppers and similar insects that consume a lot of foliage. Examples include Garden’s Alive Bulls-EyeTM, Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew, and Green Light Lawn and Garden Spray.

- Jeffrey Hahn, entomologist with University of Minnesota Extension (link here)

Aristolochia fragrance

The flowers of most Aristolochia emit a powerful stench, which smells like rotting meat.

- http://www.hondurasescape.com/orchid.htm

Unfortunately, there is a huge range of fragrance associated with Aristolochia.

I was hoping for the powerful stench of rotting meat, but will probably get the fragrance of lemons or magnolias.

Eastern Comma

Handsome butterfly in the garden today, very similar to this specimen.

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/82-eastern-comma

Yellow Bleeding Heart

Corydalis lutea

Available from Monches Farm (link here)

St. John's Day

Today is St. John's Day.

I burned a generous amount of St. John's Wort (I have plenty to spare) to ensure good luck for the coming year.

Garden pool update

There is still a lot of water in the garden pool, full to overflowing. I am surprised that the fatheads prefer the shallower overflow parts of the pool.

I saw a frog (not a toad) in the pool. The first time I ever saw a frog in the pool.

There was a raccoon splashing about the edges of the pool. Maybe it was hunting frogs and fatheads.

Go On A Plant Safari

(Thanks to Elizabeth for calling my attention to this entry.)

Spending time with people with knowledge of botany can really deepen your appreciation of your locale. Chances are, there are plenty of wild things growing near you. Going on a plant safari starts with finding a natural area–wild space if you have access to it, a backyard or park if one is nearby, or a botanical reserve if you’re feeling ambitious.

- http://www.newdream.org/lgbym/?p=777

Based on my own experience, this kind of plant safari can be a lot of fun and educational.

Recent plantings

(1) Allium cernuum (Nodding Pink Onion)
(1) Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio Spiderwort)
(1) Carex grayi (Morning Star Sedge)
(1) Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate' (White Snakeroot)
(1) Epimedium youngianum 'Roseum'
(1) Digitalis purpurea 'Shirley' (Foxglove)
(1) Iceland Poppy 'Wonderland Mix'
(1) Hosta 'Love Pat'
(1) Fallopia japonica 'Variegata'
(1) Sedum spurium 'Fulda Glow'

Chocolate

Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate'

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=V230

Another addition to my chocolate garden.

Morning Star Sedge

http://www.mobot.org/GARDENINGHELP/PLANTFINDER/Plant.asp?code=J660

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/gray_sedge.htm

Carex grayi

The seed heads look like medieval morning stars ( a type of mace-like weapon).

Compost worms

http://www.findworms.com/index.html

Features a compost worm farm online database.

Drip irrigation

http://www.dripworksusa.com/

They offer an impressive array of products.

Akita-yatsubusa

Acer palmatum 'Akita-yatsubusa'

Available from Wayside Gardens (link here)

Would love to have one.

Red Bishop's Hat

Epimedium alpinum 'Rubrum'

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=C640

Recent plantings

(4) Verbena 'Obsession Pink'
(1) Epimedium alpinum 'Rubrum' (Bishop's Cap)
(8) Begonia 'Sweetheart Red'
(4) Zinnia 'Thumbelina Mix'
(4) Coleus 'Wizard Mix'
(1) Baptisia australis (False Indigo)
(1) Oenothera tetragona (Sundrops)

Coyotes in the garden

Well, maybe not right in the garden, but they woke me up last night with their howling, so they were close.

Very spooky.

Stinking Ginkgo Fruit

It is the time of year [October] that female ginkgo trees drop their fleshy fruit, which when crushed by passing cars or pedestrians release a stench that has been likened to rotten butter, vomit, or dog excrement. It is what gives the ginkgo tree a bad name.

- Karen Daubmann, New York Botanical Garden (link here)

If I had planted one when we first moved to Hales Corners, the entire neighborhood would reek every fall.

Recent plantings

(1) Ocimum 'Licorice Basil'
(1) Ocimum 'Lemon Basil'
(1) Sedum pachyclados 'White Diamond'
(1) Sedum acre (Stonecrop)
(1) Sedum cauticolum 'Lidakense'
(2) Mazus reptans
(1) Papaver bracteum (Scarlet Poppy)
(4) Salvia 'Vista Red'
(1) Coleus (variety unknown, purchased at New Berlin Farmers Market)

Scarlet Poppy

Papaver bracteum

Available from Heritage Flower Farm (link here)

Heritage Flower Farm

Today, we drove out to Heritage Flower Farm (link here).

It is listed as a destination in:

In Search of Great Plants: The Insider's Guide to the Best Plants in the Midwest (2004) by Betty Earl.

Interesting display gardens and a good selection of heirloom plants.

We purchased a few treasures such as a ginkgo, poppy, Baptisia, and sundrops.

Well worth the drive.

Rainfall

Another 2.5" overnight.

The sump pump is working overtime.

Black Hollyhock

Alcea rosea 'Nigra'

Available from Spring Hill Nursery (link here)

Stunning.

Fine Line

Rhamnus 'Fine Line'

http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=7749

This is the buckthorn for me.

The Case Against Tillers

They’re not cute or cuddly, these little critters. You can’t hug ‘em, and even if you could you wouldn’t want to. Most of them look like something out of a horror movie. But God bless them, what they do makes it possible for me to grow my food, and lots more. Those tillers have to go.

Peter Garnham, Horticulture magazine (link here)

Entertaining if one does not take it too seriously.

Leaf mulch vs. dandelions

http://horttech.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/19/2/297

This study shows that leaf mulch reduces dandelions in turf grass.

Ornamental Onions

http://www.garden.org/regional/report/arch/inmygarden/3152

Good article on ornamental onions.

I need to make more of an effort to augment my allium collection.

Black Beauty

Rudbeckia occidentalis 'Black Beauty'

Currently unavailable from Heronswood (link here)

Northern Sunset Perennials

http://www.northernsunset.com/index.htm

This is the source for many of the native perennials I bought at the Wehr Native Plant Sale.

And the source for the Scarborough Faire herbs that I bought at local nurseries.

Stepables

http://www.stepables.com/

This is the source for some of the groundcovers that I buy at local nurseries.

Rainfall

2.5" overnight.

The garden pool is filled to overflowing.

Recent plantings

(9) Ranunculus
(4) Marigold 'Boy O' Boy Mix'
(4) Celosia 'Castle Orange'
(8) Cosmos 'Sonata Mix'
(1) Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem)
(1) Leptinella x 'Platt's Black' (Black Brass Buttons)
(1) Ipomoea batatas 'Ace of Spades' (Sweet Potato Vine)
(1) species unknown (prostrate habit, finely divided foliage, pastel daisy-like flowers)
(8) Impatiens 'Sun Devil White'

Recent plantings

(1) Tomato 'Early Girl'
(1) Tomato 'Better Boy'
(1) Tomato "Yellow Plum'
(1) Petroselinum crispum (Curled Parsley)
(1) Borago officinalis (Borage)
(moved) Lamb's Ear [from under Elderberry 'Black Lace']
(41) Gladiolus (Mixed)
(1) Ocimum 'Purple Ruffles' (Basil)
(1) Origanum majorana (Marjoram)
(1) Polygonum aubertii (Silver Lace Vine)
(1) Rosa 'Hansa' (Rugosa Rose)
(1) 'The Best Mint' [from Boerner Herb Faire]
(1) Clematis tangutica 'Radar Love'
(1) Valeriana officinalis 'Arterner Zuchtung'
(4) Aquilegia 'McKana Giants' (Columbine)
(1) 'Chater's Double Mix' Hollyhock
(4) Cleome 'Queen Pink'

Nana

Potentilla neumanniana 'Nana'

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?Code=T290

Would make an interesting groundcover.

Rainfall

1/8" in the last 24 hours.

Red-spotted Purple

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/96-red-spotted-purple

Gorgeous butterfly in the garden today.

Looked very similar to this specimen.

Wild sarsaparilla

Aralia nudicaulis

http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/herbs/aralianud.html

Disappointing that it is not generally available from commercial sources.

Sooty

Dianthus barbatus nigrescens 'Sooty'

Available from Thompson & Morgan (link here)

Rabbit Shadow Farm

http://www.rabbitshadowfarm.com/index.html

Source for the Valerian that I bought at Ebert's Greenhouse Village.

Odd that it traveled all the way from Colorado.

Seneca Hills Perennials

http://www.senecahillperennials.com/

A potential source of unusual varieties.

For example, they sometimes offer Comfrey 'Axminster Gold' (supplies do not satisfy demand).

Comfrey

http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/comfrey.html

Lists several newer cultivars (e.g., 'Goldsmith' and 'Rubrum').

We only have the old-fashioned comfrey in our garden.

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick

http://www.freeplants.com/harry-lauders.htm

Some interesting ideas about pruning to get the best shape.

Recent plantings

(seeds) Beet (Detroit Dark Red, Medium Top)
(4) Caladium 'Fannie Munson'
(seeds) Nasturtium 'Semi-Tall Double Gleam Mix'
(1) Santolina rosmarinifolia (Green Santolina)
(repotted) Rhubarb [to plant at the mansion in Michigan]
(repotted) Prickly Pear
(moved) Dwarf Goatsbeard [crowded by the St. John's Wort]
(moved) St. John's Wort [pieces dislodged by move listed above]
(seeds) Nasturtium 'Empress of India'
(1) Pelargonium (Scented Geranium, Mosquito Plant, Citronella)
(1) Zucchini 'Aristocrat'
(1) Cucumber (Pickling)
(60) Gladiolus (Mixed)
(1) Bergenia cordifolia (Saxifraga, Pigsqueak)
(1) Datura 'Ballerina Yellow'

Ebert's Greenhouse Village

Yesterday, we drove out to Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia (link here).

Fabulous display gardens and an excellent selection of plants.

I was able to obtain a few treasures such as Angelica, Valerian, Dutchman's Pipe, and Porcelain Berry.

Well worth the trip.

Ivory Bells

Ivory Bells Fritillaria

Available from Dutch Gardens (link here)

$25 for one bulb!

Trifoliate Bittercress

Cardamine trifolia

Available from Heronswood (link here)

Added to my wish list.

Rainfall

We got 0.25" overnight.

Early Amethyst

Callicarpa dichotoma

Purple Beautyberry

Available from Bluestone Perennials (link here)

Oregano

Article on growing oregano from Organic Gardening (link here).

Mine grows well, even though I lack the gravelly loam and full sun.

Fleabane

Erigeron

http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/erigeronphil.html

Quite a few in bloom in the garden right now.

Garden pool update

I saw the fatheads in the garden pool this morning.

Amazing how durable they are.

Spotted knapweed

http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity/herbarium/invasive_species/cenbie01.htm

Rainfall

We got 1.25" Sunday night and 0.25" Monday.

NAPPC

http://www.nappc.org/

North American Pollinator Protection Campaign.

Features lots of information on pollinators.

Herbs for Bees

Interesting article on Herb Gardens for Bees from The Herb Companion (link here).

Purple Heart

Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart'

Available from White Flower Farm (link here)

A much different look than the old fashioned mountain bluet.

Chocolate Cosmos

Cosmos atrosanguineus

Available from Heronswood (link here)

False indigo

False Indigo (Baptisia australis)

This prairie native is superbly adapted to growing in our Wisconsin gardens. It is tolerant of our extreme temperatures and glaciated soil conditions. Its blue pea-like flowers were historically used as a blue dye substitute for true indigo (thus the common name "False Indigo"). It forms a large 36"-48" shrub-like specimen of glaucous green foliage topped by racemes of purple-blue flowers in early summer. The flowers are followed by attractive black seed pods that we leave standing throughout the winter for off-season interest. Baptisia has adapted to growing in less-than-ideal conditions by putting down firm roots. Once planted Baptisia should be left undisturbed as it has a tremendous taproot and resents disturbance. We have several varieties available (some in small supply). Some cultivars include 'Purple Smoke', 'Midnight Prairieblues', 'Screaming Yellow' , Baptisia minor and a Purple & Yellow seed strain. All are supreme garden plants. Hardy to Zone 3.

- Monches Farm (link here)

Recent plantings

(1) Rosa 'Radtko' (Double Knock Out Rose)
(1 pkg. seeds) Tropaeolum majus 'Cobra' (Nasturtium)
(1 pkg. seeds) Nasturtium 'Fordhook Favorites Mix'
(1) Datura 'Ballerina Purple'

Recent plantings

(1) Hedera helix 'Gold Child' (Ivy)
(1) Zizia aptera (Heart-leaf Golden Alexander)
(1) Phlox divaricata 'White Perfume' (Woodland Phlox)
(1) Geranium sanguineum 'Album' (Cranesbill)
(1) Ricinus communis (Castor Bean Plant)
(1) Datura 'Belle Blanche'
(1) Lupinus perennis (Wild Lupine)
(1) Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
(1) Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

Rainfall

0.25" overnight.

Recent plantings

(1) Borage
(1) Calendula
(1) 'Black Pearl' (Ornamental Pepper)
(1) Hepatica acutiloba (Sharplobed Hepatica)
(3) Myrrhis odorata (Sweet Cicely)
(2) Melissa 'All Gold' (Lemon Balm)
(1) Gaultheria procumbens (Spreading Wintergreen)
(1) Helleborus orientalis 'Royal Heritage Strain' (Lenten Rose)
(4) Impatiens 'Super Elfin Red'
(3) Coleus Wizard Sun Golden'
(4) Coleus Wizard Velvet Red Sun'
(4) Coleus 'Wizard Mix'
(1) Astilbe 'Elisabeth van Veen'
(1) Meadow Sage 'May Night'
(1) Iboza vine
(1) Salvia 'Lady in Red'
(1) White Creeping Phlox
(1) Vinca minor "Illumination'
(1) Pineapple Sage
(1) Stevia rebaudiana
(1) Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
(1) Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Basil)
(1) Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant' (Bleeding Heart)
(1) Helleborus 'Sunshine Selections'
(1) Jacob's Ladder