No chemicals

http://www.adn.com/2010/12/29/1624589/gardeners-go-chemical-free-in.html

Easy to say and hard to do.

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

http://www.finegardening.com/item/17231/there-must-be-a-word-for-this

Interesting leaf shapes.

Hawk 1, Squirrel 0

The giant hawk killed and ate a squirrel in the back yard yesterday.

The picture of the hawk was taken after it ate the squirrel but before it was run off by the crows.

Deer track in the garden

Photo taken yesterday of a lone deer track after the big blizzard.

Coyotes in Muskego

http://www.mymuskegonow.com/news/111807994.html

Yes, we have coyotes.

And yes, they are predators.

Plant swarms

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/67424/title/Rooting_for_swarm_intelligence_in_plants

Interesting speculation.

Would make a good sci-fi movie.

Plants are people, too.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Plants?

Compost Gardening

http://www.compostgardening.com/

Sun Chips bags, biochar, and many other interesting topics.

Glowing plants

http://www.adn.com/2010/12/08/1595224/will-glowing-plants-light-arctic.html

Genetically engineered plants that glow in the dark?

I want to try them.

Clay-fighting plants

The "Big Four" list of clay-fighting plants: marigolds, mints, chrysanthemums, and culinary sage.

- Gardening in Clay Soil (1995) by Sara Pitzer

Congesta

Hedera helix 'Congesta'

http://www.finegardening.com/item/17044/an-unusual-english-ivy

Zone 5.

Mystery creature in the garden

Some creature just ran through the woodland garden.

It is pretty dark, but there is snow cover.

I think it was a fox, but I am not 100% sure.

Beekeeping, Or Lack Thereof

Thanks to Nancy for sending me this link.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/09/garden/09Bees.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&emc=eta1

This is fine for people who are lucky enough to live in enlightened communities, but for those of us living in ignorant medieval villages, not so good.

Another one bites the dust

Another mouse bit the big one last night.

Mountain Ash

http://www.adn.com/2010/12/01/1583324/mountain-ashs-magic-steeped-in.html

AKA Rowan

Makes me wish we had one.

Saffron

http://www.herbcompanion.com/herb-profile/grow-cook-heal-saffron.aspx?utm_content=12.07.10+HBC+split+A+(HTML)&utm_campaign=HBC_ENEWS&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email

An artisanal spice.

With its Zone 6 hardiness and its extreme drainage requirements, I could not grow it here.

Basil

http://www.herbcompanion.com/herbal-living/basil-herbal-lore-and-legends.aspx?utm_content=12.07.10+HBC+split+A+(HTML)&utm_campaign=HBC_ENEWS&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email

Fascinating article on the herbal lore of basil.

The next time I plant basil, I am going to do a lot of swearing and ranting.

Attracting Birds

http://www.organicgardening.com/feature/0,7518,s1-4-84-1393,00.html?cm_mmc=OGNews-_-2010_12_08-_-landscapoing-_-attracting_birds_in_winter

I like the idea of baking homemade treats for the birds.

Accent rocks in the garden

http://www.finegardening.com/item/17042/rock-on

This is an excellent example of how much difference just one good rock can make in a garden.

Two mice

Two mice bit the big one while we were in Michigan.

I would like to get a cat but allergies are a concern.

Garden art

http://www.finegardening.com/item/17145/reader-photo-mystery-flowers

Clever use of toilet tank floats in the garden.

Annie Hall

Thymus serpyllum 'Annie Hall'

http://www.finegardening.com/item/17079/reader-photo-a-lawn-of-thyme

Awesome photo.

We have had mixed success with growing thymes, but I would like to try this one.

Dutchman's Pipevine

http://www.hortmag.com/featured/dutchmans-pipevine?et_mid=34605&rid=2093016

We planted two and have high hopes for them.

Fairy Gardens

http://www.finegardening.com/item/17130/reader-photos-fairy-gardens-in-the-land-ofwashington

I am a big fan of whimsy in a garden.