About this time of year you will begin to see damage from twig girdlers. Oak is usually the primary host although other trees include elm, linden, hackberry, apple, pecan, persimmon, poplar, sour gum, honey locust, dogwood and some flowering fruit trees. There will be fallen twigs, sometimes up to 3 feet long. The most likely…
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Busy as a Bee
by Dandy Lion Sometimes we get so busy in life we forget to take the time to appreciate what is around us. A short walk through the Garden can always change that. During a stroll through the tropical garden, you might casually notice a beautiful passion flower. But take a little extra time and really…
Fun Guys
I went to the woods today, but not deliberately. I’m not such a Thoreau thinker – the wind just blew me there. (Actually to be more reflective about my movements, I should be walled-in.) While in the woods I met a bunch of fun guys. They were definitely very interesting and you don’t get to…
Sunrise at the Garden
Have you ever wondered what the Garden is like when no people are here? It is not quite a “Night at the Museum” scenario, but pretty close. Let’s just say I am not at liberty to discuss details. However, a small group of people got to see the Garden this morning at sunrise and had…
Humming Along
by Dandy Lion I’ve spent the last week or so in the Hummingbird Garden and have enjoyed my time here very much. Of course, the purpose of this garden located behind the education wing is to showcase plants that will attract hummingbirds to your garden. For me, it has been a good place to hide. …
Dividing Daylilies
For the healthiest growth and most abundant bloom, you should divide daylilies every three to four years. They can be divided in early spring growth starts, but it is more common to divide them in late summer. Daylilies have a tough root system that can make them difficult to divide. Although plants can be divided…
Tomatoes and High Temperatures
The color of your tomatoes can be affected by high temperatures. Red pigments don’t form properly when temperatures rise above 95 degrees F. The orange and yellow pigments are not similarly affected. The result is often orange-colored tomatoes rather than the usual “tomato red”. There is no reduction in the edibility or taste of the…
Water Hoarding
Thanks to hot temperatures and infrequent rains, the gardeners have really had to work hard to keep the plants watered and healthy these last few weeks. Given our adversarial relationship, normally I would laugh at their misfortune. Instead, since my thirsty roots benefit as much as their targeted plants, I am thankful for all their…
Tomato Cracking
Tomatoes cracking, which usually occurs on the upper part of the tomato can be either concentric (in concentric circles around the stem) or radial (radiating from the stem). The problem is often caused by pressure inside the fruit that is more than the skin can handle. Although a definitive reason for cracking is not known,…
A Cut Above
Have you ever done something that you know is such a bad idea or so dangerous it defies common sense, yet you are compelled to try it anyway? I guess that’s how thrill seekers live much of their life. Well yesterday I went and did that crazy thing and this week we’ll see how well…