Frozen Blossoms on the Clematis

  Totally out of control last fall, I cut the clematis, in my garden, back nearly ground level. They must have been nearly five feet tall and the new growth somewhat hid the dead beneath. Major pruning took place before the first frost.

I wondered if the plants would recover. I thought my vines might return to a sleep…first year sleep…second year creep and third year leap…you know what I mean. Instead they skipped over the first two stages of growth and took more than a giant leap. All three vines returned with a flourish and have made such a showing this spring.

Hundreds of years ago, Clematis flourished in Europe and was often referred to as Travelers Joy. Since the early 1800s it has been cultivated in the United States and has made a special statement in many gardens.

I sit in the warmth of the family room near a blaze in the fireplace and stare out the window at an unseasonably cold winter day in May.  It hasn’t snowed in May during my lifetime. News broadcasts tells me the last time was 1907 and I laughingly tell my family, “none of us saw that snow except Dad, he was twelve.”

At that age he probably enjoyed it. On the other hand, I’m not particularly happy to see the Christmas scene outdoors but, I must admit, it is pretty.

It must be wishful thinking or my imagination has run wild. I walk to the window in need of a closer look; my eyes are playing tricks, no doubt.

Snowflakes have gathered on the vines larger than white clematis rosettes. They are spaced similar to the blossoms I gaze at and gather all summer. They seem to insist snowfall in May is tolerable.

There, indeed, perfectly situated on the vine are six or eight clusters of flakes pretending to be blossoms.

I often talk to plants but today they speak to me. Could it be nature wanted to send a message? Like the frozen rosettes hanging on the vines they seem to say, “hang in there because spring is not far off.”

Henbit

Spring wants to hide but the garden shows signs of growth. Not necessarily all imposing beauty. With a little bit here and a little bit there, here a bit, there a bit, everywhere a Henbit;   Carole’s Garden has the woes, ee I ee I oh!

Note heart-shaped scalloped leaves that grasp   the stem.

The henbit is a member of the mint family. All mints that smell like a mint and look like a mint are edible, but they must do both. There are a lot of mints that only smell minty, some of them are edible and some of them are not. In fact, some of the mints can make you ill.

Henbit does not smell minty, but it is an edible mint. By the way, there are no poisonous look alikes. As for toxicity, we’re safe but it has causes “staggers” in sheep, horses, and cattle.

Its botanical name, Lamium amplexicaule (LAM-ee-um am-plex-i-kaw-lee) causes much confusion. As usual, there isn’t much problem with the species name, amplexicaule, which means “clasping” or in this case how the leaves grab the stem. It’s the genus name, Lamium, that causes problems. Most writers say it is Greek through Latin then define it to mean a thin layer, plate or scale, or in this case the corolla tube between two lips. Unfortunately, that is not correct. And at this point remember that another common name for Henbit is Giraffe Head.

The plant dislikes the sun, which is a delightful thought. If you don’t care to crawl around on your knees in spring, the hot summer sun will kill it out. It has a very shallow root system, however, so if it is not a major invasion, a firm but gentle tug will produce good results. Growth between sidewalk seams, of course, can be attacked with a week killer, but better to yank in the garden if you wish to protect your neighboring plants.

Not everyone is bothered by the sight of Henbit. I know people who have written poetry and verse on the topic. It is quite eye-pleasing in an open field, particularly once it flourishes with purple blossoms.

With Henbit here and Henbit there, here a bit, there a bit, everywhere a Henbit, I, for now, shall continue my song of ee I ee I, woe.

Kat Tales Volume II

Love this! Happy Easter!

Rising From the Shards

I have given Rising From the Shards a new cover, tell me what you think…and if you have read or plan to, please, please, please give me a review on Amazon. Thank you very much.

Woody

We are having the most beautiful pre-spring day so far this year, and I can’t wait to get out on the deck to see what nature has in store.

Huh-uh-uh-UH-uh…huh-uh-uh-UH, uh, remember the call from the Woody cartoons way back when? Well, maybe it is my aching sciatica, lately, or the wind that threatens to blow me off the wood framed deck, but the sound of a real woodpecker is not nearly as soothing to the nerves at this moment.

“It is mating season,” my husband announces.

“He surely isn’t going to attract a mate to that ugly, dead Cottonwood. I have been in hopes our neighbors would remove the eye-sore for months.”

Tony laughs at my strange reaction to the observation.

“Look, he must be doing something right, there are two of them.

“They only make all those piercing noises when they are mating,” he continues. “Woodpeckers are known for tapping on tree trunks in order to find insects living in crevices in the bark.”

“Is that all they live on, Tony? No wonder their sound is so unpleasant.”

“No, they also eat acorns, nuts, and fruit, too. But, primarily insects.”

It isn’t easy to carry on conversation during the urgency of the mating call.  Then the commencement of the tap, tap, tap, tap begins.

“They will probably find more then a ten-course meal in the dead tree,” I insist.

“They are not very big, like Woody,” I mention as I imitate the mating call. “Huh-uh-uh-UH-uh ! Huh-uh-uh-UH-uh!” Tony rolls his eyes.

“Woodpeckers have bristle-like feathers over their nostrils to help keep wood particles from being inhaled.”

“What else do you know about woodpeckers?”

“I know these two don’t have the red top-knot like your Woody, Tony continues.  Woody was a Pleated, over 16” long and with raucous call similar to a peacock. There are many different types though. Probably hundreds. The smallest woodpecker in the world is the North American woodpecker or perhaps it is the Downy. They only get 6-10 inches long and I would guess one of the species is what we are watching.

“Male and female woodpeckers work together to excavate a cavity for a nest, and then incubate eggs for approximately two weeks. Babies are born blind and without feathers. Normally, I think they leave the nest within a month.”

“Well, my darling woodpecker encyclopedia — I love Woody, but these two raise more ruckus than a whole school yard of young children.

“And with that quip, I shall take my achy back, frayed nerves and wind-blown mop back indoors. Maybe I am not ready for spring after all. Enjoy the drummin’ courtship.”

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Apple of My Eye

The Apple of My Eye

Sometimes months seem long, especially while I wait but I know patience is also a virtue. Not that I claim to have the stick-to-it-iveness to do nothing — sit back, sedentary.

My Bromeliad is not a plant I purchased while it was in bloom and I did not expect re-bloom. It has reached toddler stage (referred to as a “pup”) and it has never bloomed so I did some research.

If it were an old plant, it would not bloom again on the same rosette of leaves.  But since it is a new “pup” just a few steps of care should bring me the bloomin’ results I seek.

I recently watered the “pup” and placed the suggested sliced apple (halfed) on each side of the potted specimen. I covered it with a plastic bag as my investigation of information revealed I should do. The bag needs to be air-tight so I could either tie it at the top with a twisty or tuck it under the heavy pot very securely. I have followed the instructions to the letter.

Then it was time to wait again, exercise the laid-back persona, which is not easy for some of us – keep an eye on the apple – talk and sing to the plant persuasively. The apple turned very brown and shriveled. I‘m not sure if it was the sound of my voice or the cold, silent stare.

The Bromeliaceae are a family of monocot flowering plants. There are thousands of species native to the tropical Americas with a few species found in the American subtropics one in tropical west Africa, called the Pitcairnia feliciana.

Many bromeliads are able to store water in a structure formed by their tightly-overlapped leaf-bases.

The largest bromeliad is Puya raimondii, which reaches 3–4 m tall in vegetative growth with a flower spike 9–10 m tall, and the smallest is Spanish moss.

After ten days of eye balling my controlled green-house, I removed the plastic bag and tossed the shriveled, rather disgusting apple. I still stare at the “pup” often and have yet to see signs of color.

I haven’t stressed though, as the refrigerator is well-stocked with luscious, ready to go to work, apples and I think I carry an adequate tune. I can always consider voice lessons.

But, in merely six to fourteen weeks I should have a colorful bloom, oh boy!

Sprinkle or Soak

There is still a drought in Kansas City. Even though we recently were showered with more than an inch of rain and then a dusting of snow, we need to consider our thirsty plants and vegetation need water. After all, many of us have made significant investments.

We become rightfully concerned about our landscape. Our home foundations are an issue too. During a winter drought we should water trees, lawn and shrubs by using sprinklers and soaker hoses.

Water can be applied to landscape plants any time the temperature is above freezing. Warmer temps reassure us the soil is not frozen and the water can soak into the ground. Once the water is applied, the temperatures can drop below freezing and there will be no harm to the plants.
As a general rule of thumb, soak the soil to at least a depth of 6 to 8 inches. This holds true for the lawn, flowers and some trees and shrubs. This depth provides moisture to the crowns and a vast majority of the feeder roots. Other trees should be soaked more deeply. Research may be necessary.

How long to let the water run depends on the system applying it and the water pressure. The best way to measure your water output is with the use of a rain gauge. For example, to apply an inch of water using an impact sprinkler in a full circular pattern often takes four hours or more.
A soaking every two to four weeks is normally sufficient. When in doubt, probe the soil using a screw driver or metal rod. When the soil is dry, reapply water according to the above recommendations.
Plants most likely to suffer from winter moisture shortage are fall-established lawns, young trees and shrubs which are five years of age or less, and especially evergreens, which are at the greatest risk during a winter drought.

The rains will come again. It is already February and April showers are not that far away.

January is all about energizing with exercise and through a healthful diet.  I am not immune to New Year influences but try to keep up the effort the rest of the year too. New approaches are always of interest and there is much to be heard after a holiday binge.

I find Dr Oz’s recommendations  to be more appealing than others. A short month ago I was facing the holidays and it would have been a major task to even consider his suggestions.

I usually dress casually. My holiday frocks are limited so re-wearing is a must. I have never owned any ugly sweaters. Isn’t that what they call those Santa or Jingle Bell frocks? More and more party invitations appear in the mail and each time I dress for a holiday celebration I notice the same ol’ outfit is more snug. It is so difficult to resist sampling one more scrumptuous delight. My goodness, my friends are good cooks. I come home with a fist full of recipes that I try not to bake.

“Detoxify,” Dr. Oz says. “Week one,  I want you to eat no carbs. No carbs means just that. Forget the complex carbs too.”

Oh no! I love fruit.

“Week two, I want you to eat all the fat you want but it has to be good fat, preferably,” he insists. “Week three, You may go back to adding carbs but make them the dark ones, nothing white. By this time you will have not only detoxified your body but you will be past the point of craving sweets and foods that are not good for you. Drink lots of water.”

At least, I consume more than the required amount of water.

I have gotten the Nintendo Wii back out and have been on the fitness program for thirty to forty-five minutes for the last ten days. Somewhere there is that body I used to have. Seems as I age, it is the middle that needs to be widdled and the joints get stiff  too. Lack of exercise is not a good thing. I need to stay motivated, be  regimental. . . my energy level is so much greater when I stick with it.

I can’t be bothered to go to the gym. I always work out at home. Time is wasted getting dressed, having to drive somewhere, shower when I finish and dress and drive home again. I did it years ago, but now I find staying put in the comfort of home works best for me.

First thing after I hit the floor, I engage in forty-five minutes of cardio, core exercise, yoga, or lower body/upper body exercise. Then I turn off the TV, shower, dress and indulge in a healthful breakfast I am sure Dr. Oz would bless. Then I am free to write, catch up with emails, or just do whatever feels good.

Oh yes, more than two resolutions and I am setting my self up for failure, Dr. Oz shared. So I will lose ten pounds by the end of March and I will finish my Kat Tales, Volume II project.

Right now, I am watching them do Zumba dancing on television, I understand if you think about the movements, the same amount of calories are burned. the dancers can’t be more than twenty years old.

Yikes, I owe you an apology, Dr. Oz. I ate white. My husband’s potato soup was delicious on this cold night.  Tomorrow, I shall do better.  

Seasonal Splendor

To block out sorrowful tragedies I search for solace everywhere possible and find some relief.

If you haven’t been to Swope Park’s greenhouse in Kansas City, it is worth the trip. The Poinsettia seem to be more breathtaking each year. Intermingled among the twinkling Christmas Evergreen trees, they sing with joy and celebration.

And the nurseries are not hurtin’ either. Family Tree nursery, on Farley near 87^th Street, has twenty-five varieties of Poinsettia.  As you walk into the greenhouse your eyes drink in the geranium reds, peony pinks and corals. Check out the variegated and ruffled plants. One special variety is frilled and a thrill to feast your eyes upon. The uniquely variegated, pale pink and almond are a delicate delight. It is a sea of seasonal splendor. One of my favorites, among many, is the deep cranberry with streaks of subtle yellow appearing to have been struck with a loaded paint brush. A person could never pick a real favorite which makes selecting a fun task.

During the month of May the nurseries start their Poinsettia from seed. I can’t fathom the care and nurturing needed to bring them to their peak performance for the holidays. And, I wonder how the stores will sell the number available.

I remember, years ago, it was considered a poisonous plant and dangerous to have near your animals. That has changed, too, just like many other things. To buy the plant or not buy the plant is no longer a question. They are no longer poisonous, I am told. I only wonder for a moment what they did to correct the problem, but my house is full of them.

So feel free to fill your world with the wonderful cheer furnished by Poinsettia. While you are at it, consider the Christmas Cactus as it is another amazing addition to holiday décor.

Some elderly folks no longer wish to bother with putting up a tree. I’m just sayin’, place your gift under a Poinsettia. It is a pretty qualified substitute.

After the holidays, when I wish to clear the house, I deliver them to the nursing homes. The residents enjoy them through the long, cold winter months extending the seasonal splendor.