tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-363282082024-03-07T18:13:19.783-06:00pollinators-welcomeA weblog to record the developement of a wildlife friendly garden.Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-33350040363537911522014-10-10T11:11:00.001-05:002014-10-10T11:11:31.809-05:00Monarch Butterflies Migration Google Earth Tour<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uqDwvuleRYc" width="480"></iframe><br />Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-2310445411461215492012-03-19T18:21:00.007-05:002012-03-19T23:21:46.475-05:00Pollinators In The Garden In March<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZO3yrFTZjWZJoGi5gbiJqbNc6iyFZlkjFuQLQab0YQJEnKaw8f_0vdoUMSh0FE6TSDyE2wfjK99TZjQ_uOeeEVcpCiINOnqqBUAWITN5TIKqoi1IgbF2ACy0aw4zeoJ2Kex7/s1600/spring2012+121.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721767637838103314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZO3yrFTZjWZJoGi5gbiJqbNc6iyFZlkjFuQLQab0YQJEnKaw8f_0vdoUMSh0FE6TSDyE2wfjK99TZjQ_uOeeEVcpCiINOnqqBUAWITN5TIKqoi1IgbF2ACy0aw4zeoJ2Kex7/s400/spring2012+121.jpg" /></a><br /><br />What is this with the way too warm temperatures? Not just air temperatures but soil temperatures and night temperatures have caused the garden to go into hyperdrive. Everything is greening up...fast. Flower buds formed and bloomed within days. The insects are responding as well. Bees and butterflies are sipping at blossoms. Going to keep a camera at hand and a close eye on the garden to try and record this fairly odd spring.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpErimsdu8DWpXBkMMfozBZc5cvTRieQ9RVs9ZZZXGKH3WtLJpxC5lxMv5l8ZMGs_frExVojEnqogWvlSaV1OW7uel2cxgMoY0f95zImI-PranKAeb3isnW5WKPMeCADMGleeA/s1600/spring2012+147.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 382px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721767626201169970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpErimsdu8DWpXBkMMfozBZc5cvTRieQ9RVs9ZZZXGKH3WtLJpxC5lxMv5l8ZMGs_frExVojEnqogWvlSaV1OW7uel2cxgMoY0f95zImI-PranKAeb3isnW5WKPMeCADMGleeA/s400/spring2012+147.jpg" /></a> Another non-native species small cabbage white<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Trp45p4al8l8GBcSzVpGTsU6j20DkzerxoNv4y-5zcwS32g8m-J-o_VPjpE-NpIwl-w6IHV-ENXvI2-bHJhOon9GYzdybQhBj8iClYIbrArIzwXDSFZMfaxlV2ki7lDvSEDG/s1600/spring2012+129.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 341px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721761266392198274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Trp45p4al8l8GBcSzVpGTsU6j20DkzerxoNv4y-5zcwS32g8m-J-o_VPjpE-NpIwl-w6IHV-ENXvI2-bHJhOon9GYzdybQhBj8iClYIbrArIzwXDSFZMfaxlV2ki7lDvSEDG/s400/spring2012+129.jpg" /></a> You can not see from this picture but I think this was a Bombus bimaculatus. None of the other pictures were clear enough to show ID.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNorbPlBzDbg-Ulr5gF1CpuQvZgm3fbnrpRvnrFBf_XhYAB4Re35B7PF70lmpeHpuN8OjnsSHzxpz0VfQi9cGlCsh09dhT8nIJhlc_MjrvJFJW8huVhy1LCng3LXXcyRNCJnA/s1600/spring2012+107.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721756916857819890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNorbPlBzDbg-Ulr5gF1CpuQvZgm3fbnrpRvnrFBf_XhYAB4Re35B7PF70lmpeHpuN8OjnsSHzxpz0VfQi9cGlCsh09dhT8nIJhlc_MjrvJFJW8huVhy1LCng3LXXcyRNCJnA/s400/spring2012+107.jpg" /></a> The daffodills are nice and early.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4o0LJEI_QgbxDX3dhmGfhC8bsFo_C2ejku66ZBZ-riF87TQW_cLHOuzxfL1gtcgJktHobNf6BIPhlwpCOLpr8F56b3Xi5NpDK2yhvIhDMdzekA6R-9OzzQ3-scEASdlSyBNR/s1600/spring2012+083.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721756911475346386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4o0LJEI_QgbxDX3dhmGfhC8bsFo_C2ejku66ZBZ-riF87TQW_cLHOuzxfL1gtcgJktHobNf6BIPhlwpCOLpr8F56b3Xi5NpDK2yhvIhDMdzekA6R-9OzzQ3-scEASdlSyBNR/s400/spring2012+083.jpg" /></a> Virginia bluebells / Mertensia virginica. this garden needs more early spring blooming native plants. A few native shrubs or tree that blooms very early. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQE-cNtAPa5KzQ7kbQN60iYpG_lvT2IkOKyoiG34JDwfkYzcR-X82c8lAj3UDF3MQCFZ3tMEHhpzGkXg1s_waVu6dVTZGieOxObPGX7M1m6LOAeAl1MJZEpEB-iV0cVwlmTPO/s1600/spring2012+122.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721756903979055810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQE-cNtAPa5KzQ7kbQN60iYpG_lvT2IkOKyoiG34JDwfkYzcR-X82c8lAj3UDF3MQCFZ3tMEHhpzGkXg1s_waVu6dVTZGieOxObPGX7M1m6LOAeAl1MJZEpEB-iV0cVwlmTPO/s400/spring2012+122.jpg" /></a> Nanking cherry.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9dUFHfvlNsq0eXB_qdKZIQzSknrq__lfPIKwrjo4zunUvCuIMjzKWK181ge6BXZWVf2aw1OO7EWEqa9nLpEGW0qorUNUBzCAELwZTTjGM3oF752M7BMX3uV7pkPlBhtEe5E6/s1600/spring2012+121+2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 385px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721756899068611538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9dUFHfvlNsq0eXB_qdKZIQzSknrq__lfPIKwrjo4zunUvCuIMjzKWK181ge6BXZWVf2aw1OO7EWEqa9nLpEGW0qorUNUBzCAELwZTTjGM3oF752M7BMX3uV7pkPlBhtEe5E6/s400/spring2012+121+2.JPG" /></a> This Osmia cornifrons is not a native bee.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0_0sO_fpvX8O4QuK-4hMbHlJK3kT-RQAUBirLMrruR2rulPuUQbAmQnBvrzWOpgxN8P8-ouRS8ede3FgDLN2jGvBND7gcb2QQoG95UCUqa0J-CPTTQIQcw1UC35HiEJdLjRE/s1600/Copy+of+spring2012+093.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 363px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721756893467494818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0_0sO_fpvX8O4QuK-4hMbHlJK3kT-RQAUBirLMrruR2rulPuUQbAmQnBvrzWOpgxN8P8-ouRS8ede3FgDLN2jGvBND7gcb2QQoG95UCUqa0J-CPTTQIQcw1UC35HiEJdLjRE/s400/Copy+of+spring2012+093.jpg" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>But this bumble bee is native. Maybe Bombus impatiens.Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-43718456749272740232012-01-15T15:14:00.007-06:002012-01-15T16:13:58.055-06:00Winter in a our back garden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRX8DKm1JZui0QFnxRlgijcxY9WEnCYJLo14nztQiy4w5Nk3sDyr9-vma7UZmQCmFt8hl16TC2zKkiCvJdm4wZX6fy1gx3kJCAZOu88S1zCbq8bXCtLTZZNNBfCndBV4bq6FG/s1600/winter+wonderland+005+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 387px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697976270684675778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRX8DKm1JZui0QFnxRlgijcxY9WEnCYJLo14nztQiy4w5Nk3sDyr9-vma7UZmQCmFt8hl16TC2zKkiCvJdm4wZX6fy1gx3kJCAZOu88S1zCbq8bXCtLTZZNNBfCndBV4bq6FG/s400/winter+wonderland+005+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a> This first picture is of the Hobbit garden, the south facing side garden. An almost secret garden.<br /><br /><br /><div>Can you see the wildlife friendliness?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasxKVr7semXitYSY3SAbylkhrCMg9UBggGLiFjy7BAId9cp5gnmUGS5K-rTen65L_E7Fv2H-f-VPv2wopfxdtBYmNZ3M-zYnM12qrOl9bzgw6s6ek4RrSWAvyTkPc9Vssf3Wu/s1600/january+2012+020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697973381493634898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasxKVr7semXitYSY3SAbylkhrCMg9UBggGLiFjy7BAId9cp5gnmUGS5K-rTen65L_E7Fv2H-f-VPv2wopfxdtBYmNZ3M-zYnM12qrOl9bzgw6s6ek4RrSWAvyTkPc9Vssf3Wu/s400/january+2012+020.JPG" /></a> At the back of the garden our little woodland edge. Can you see the wood mulch paths lined with logs? The "real" christmas tree will remain until spring when the branches will be removed and used for mulch on the path and the trunk added to line paths.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697973375211812962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUbDNGW3P2oogRapIAIo96Mk4ORx-8gYSKIh0aObmafjwWTUpt51z2JCuzyIW2C0-eqNMPQCldt0eWf7hWCP2QUHoG7OQZ8AVuV98u2zoHxttUZRS_JNfcQApy1hX4_C0Xtix/s400/january+2012+015.JPG" />More mulched paths through the gardens.Brick like pavers line the edges of the beds. </div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SmGuiwdNjnlAvUqdCYtdZhjxeemFlUROIL0Gi9_y8fR9fj3NHVuoGNA9Jo-qdzLuk4abaXOVVh4TGQR5yItAlO4jigMYwa1jSNsK1kilzzKqdhs_MbBH7WsqsM15Ci_n198J/s1600/january+2012+010+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 348px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697973372605226050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SmGuiwdNjnlAvUqdCYtdZhjxeemFlUROIL0Gi9_y8fR9fj3NHVuoGNA9Jo-qdzLuk4abaXOVVh4TGQR5yItAlO4jigMYwa1jSNsK1kilzzKqdhs_MbBH7WsqsM15Ci_n198J/s400/january+2012+010+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a> Close to the house there is usually more sun so, more native perennial forbs and grasses.While not every plant is native that is the goal for any future planting.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4k4bLdlKNltbb9hSb2iskVsZ0KFJjNBuWywA-EyAVHpMo-g7Sx8Qnl0XoZpw2dYyhyphenhyphenUwsYKmzoNdTowEeCEJh2l1DfvWOZHvW6Zuo319gLcndd85L6MRTKBS44o3kZrx_hwBW/s1600/january+2012+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697973364847253458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4k4bLdlKNltbb9hSb2iskVsZ0KFJjNBuWywA-EyAVHpMo-g7Sx8Qnl0XoZpw2dYyhyphenhyphenUwsYKmzoNdTowEeCEJh2l1DfvWOZHvW6Zuo319gLcndd85L6MRTKBS44o3kZrx_hwBW/s400/january+2012+007.JPG" /></a> Looking out the back window during recent snow.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKeU5yIsPqHZ9jLfsJGePZ_j4xIIEO9AMobCOqANAbiUBnQ3frVDaq3rZD9Yog9xihBCVMW7Xi7EaImjFrVZ3A65wAe1Pb5xwUhDWzEoopEc1SuQPzTGm__-rPjJJF77_5Kjq/s1600/winter+wonderland+018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697971560703924578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKeU5yIsPqHZ9jLfsJGePZ_j4xIIEO9AMobCOqANAbiUBnQ3frVDaq3rZD9Yog9xihBCVMW7Xi7EaImjFrVZ3A65wAe1Pb5xwUhDWzEoopEc1SuQPzTGm__-rPjJJF77_5Kjq/s400/winter+wonderland+018.JPG" /></a> A well tended water spot for birds and other creatures. Every morning and some days again in the afternoon frest water is added through winter. Sun often shines enough to heat the metal pan and keep it free of ice for a few hours.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYGiM0K1uPo5V9W8583_fIAzLEIoSuzSOKS6aiXCEyDJsfOQRsUQr3E6jgxdw5MVRbuGbEndIovRd-jXpIq5B8sfUWU6XhRPhHNBeLPLheWLfEgyOEoHraVLy58pwUgyrNSTD/s1600/winter+wonderland+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697971556966878466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYGiM0K1uPo5V9W8583_fIAzLEIoSuzSOKS6aiXCEyDJsfOQRsUQr3E6jgxdw5MVRbuGbEndIovRd-jXpIq5B8sfUWU6XhRPhHNBeLPLheWLfEgyOEoHraVLy58pwUgyrNSTD/s400/winter+wonderland+014.JPG" /></a> One must step to the rear of the garden to see the area behind the garage. Compost, brush piles,vines and other undisturbed native plantings grow here. Many birds love this area.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FKnGx_ySVoDTJPPG9yT4wfyUWrSNMHBM_ajVIVlclpgbxq21xHJwU8HWYuYNtizpm20xPLI0NkBXwt0ZP5xvbZIRZxsqMUVp5mG02ErgP19mogKq1v_Li_PpeLbUC9YPQ_Rr/s1600/winter+wonderland+011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697971548811635970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FKnGx_ySVoDTJPPG9yT4wfyUWrSNMHBM_ajVIVlclpgbxq21xHJwU8HWYuYNtizpm20xPLI0NkBXwt0ZP5xvbZIRZxsqMUVp5mG02ErgP19mogKq1v_Li_PpeLbUC9YPQ_Rr/s400/winter+wonderland+011.JPG" /></a> A small pond sits here in summer. Now a planter with evergreens and redtwig dogwood stems.A common theme for winter planters in Chicago.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEXIvquEC8W0eG88o7yqu7T61lqZ4yWUNFI-e7gaPLqrW4XvVgJ4iedqkxcIdWZftSin_wW9BC1PVkXrX7S-MkeKuDt-DjTsxBwd637TgHfmvA4ONC5EDOxpvHEgRI7exDtrv/s1600/winter+wonderland+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 309px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697971543835424514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEXIvquEC8W0eG88o7yqu7T61lqZ4yWUNFI-e7gaPLqrW4XvVgJ4iedqkxcIdWZftSin_wW9BC1PVkXrX7S-MkeKuDt-DjTsxBwd637TgHfmvA4ONC5EDOxpvHEgRI7exDtrv/s400/winter+wonderland+009.JPG" /></a> A mulched path on the right leads one through to the back of the garden and the area behind the garage.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-73554070346824149112012-01-03T13:06:00.023-06:002012-01-12T18:12:26.022-06:00Save Starved RockWhat are they thinking in Lasalle County? To approve such a mining operation right next to Starved Rock State Park is not a good idea no matter how it is looked at. Please heed the Illinois Chapter Sierra Club's action and contact Lasalle county board before the January 12th open meeting.<br /><br /><a href="http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=223022.0&dlv_id=191748">Sierra Club Illinois Save Starved Rock</a><br />LaSalle County's natural areas and Starved Rock are unique assets that not only offer a chance to experience Illinois' natural heritage, but are also a strong economic engine for the County as well. The Mississippi Sand proposal jeopardizes both these unique natural resources and the attractiveness of this outdoor recreation attraction.<br />Starved Rock State Park and the rare salt marshes in and around the proposed mine site provide valuable habitat for a wide array of plant and animal life that will be directly and indirectly impacted by mining activity.<br /><br />Furthermore, over two million people visit Starved Rock State Park each year providing LaSalle County businesses with customers and local governments with revenues. This positive economic activity is based entirely on the experience of the visitor as they step out of their car into the beautiful canyons and listen to the sound of the waterfalls cascade. An active mine brings loud machinery, dust pollution and ceaseless truck traffic.<br /><br />A mine adjacent to the park won't just scare off wildlife, but will lower park visitation rates and diminish the economic benefits LaSalle County receives thanks to its beautiful natural areas.<br /><br />Jobs and economic development are needed in LaSalle County but the location of this proposed mine threatens Starved Rock State Park, one of the County's primary economic engines, and contradicts the county's priorities for preserving natural areas and productive farmland.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x1015652256/Controversy-grows-over-proposed-sand-mine-near-Starved-Rock">Controversy grows over proposed sand mine near Starved Rock-Springfield-The State Journal-Register</a><br />“Many of use feel it will have a negative effect on Starved Rock,” said John McKee of the Starved Rock Audubon Society. “The mine will be right next to Illinois, Ottawa and Kaskaskia canyons.<br />“And there will be blasting and dust, and light pollution to disrupt night migrating birds,” he said. “This particular mine is the wrong place<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mikenowak.net/podcasts/?p=episode&name=2011-12-18_20111218_20111218_lasalle_sand_mine.mp3">Mike Nowak Starved Rock Sand Mine conversation</a><br /><br />Jack Darin, Illinois Sierra Club Director, talks to Mike about a proposed open pit sand mine adjacent to Starved Rock State Park that would seriously affect the environmentla aesthetics of the the park. They are joined by LaSalle county residents Mike Phillips and Debbie Burns, who testified in a recent LaSalle County Zoning meeting against the project. Should you wish to voice your objection to the mine, you can log onto this Illinois Sierra Club web page.<br /><br /><strong>Sunday January 8th </strong>listen to this weeks show as Mike Nowak again takes up the issue of a sand mine permit at the east entrance to Starved Rock State Park. If you miss the show check back for the archived audio version.<br />With the full board's vote scheduled for Thursday, January 12, LaSalle county residents have started to organize opposition to the proposed Mississippi Sand LLC operation. A number of those people are joining me on the show today: John McKee, President of the the Starved Rock Audubon Society; Daphne Mitchell of the Illinois River Coordinating Council; Joseph Standing Bear from Midwest Soarring Foundation; Merlin Calhoun, whose LaSalle county property is in the firing line of the proposed sand mine; Tracy Fox, activist and technical writer, who reportedly spoke eloquently but futilely at the zoning board meeting; Katie Dumke Troccoli, who is helping to organize a rally against the decision tomorrow in Ottawa; and perhaps more.<br /><br />Listen to Mike Nowak and guests discussing the issue.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mikenowak.net/podcasts/index.php?p=episode&name=2012-01-08_20120108_20120108_starved_rock.mp3">1-8-12 Mike Nowak Show podcast Save Starved Rock</a><br />Rally held in Ottawa Sunday 1-8-12...news video.<br /><br /><a href="http://ottawadelivered.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=44&ArticleID=7744">1-8-12 Rally Ottawa Illinois Save Starved Rock</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=id_FhIaxus0">Rally youtube video</a><br /><br />Mr. Jerry Hicks, ChairmanLaSalle County Board<br />707 East Etna RoadOttawa, IL 61350<br /><br />Starved Rock State Park area legislators:<br /><br />Representative Frank J. Mautino<br />221 East Saint Paul StreetSpring Valley, Illinois 61362<br />Telephone: 815-664-2717Fax: 815-663-1629<br /><br />Representative Pam Roth<br />3605 North State Route 47, Suite FP.O. Box 808Morris, Illinois 60450<br />Telephone: 815-416-1475Fax: 815-416-1476<br /><br />Senator Sue Rezin<br />103 Fifth StreetP.O. Box 260Peru, Illinois 61354<br />Telephone: 815-220-8720Fax: 815-220-8721<br /><br />Statewide:Governor Pat Quinn,<br />207 State Capitol Springfield,Illinois 62707<br />Telephone: 217-782-0244 Fax: 217-524-4049<br /><br /><strong>Chicago Tribune finally notices what is going on at Starved Rock State Park.<br /></strong><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-starved-rock-sand-mine-20120111,0,65589.story">Chicago Tribune starved-rock-sand-mine-</a><br /><br />Local citizens, farmers and environmentalists fight for the land.<br /><br />Read the letter from Lt Gov Sheila Simon to Lasalle county board chairman and members, requesting a postponement of Jan 12th 2012 meeting of the board. Scroll down at link for the entire letter.<a href="http://www.mikenowak.net/simonstarvedrock.htm">Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon on Starved Rock The Mike Nowak Show</a><br /><br />Quote:<br />BREAKING NEWS: <em>Lt. Governor Sheila Simon is requesting that the LaSalle County Board postpone its decision on whether to allow an open pit sand mine next to Starved Rock State Park. She states, "...the public, including the staff members in my office, should be afforded an opportunity to thoroughly review the public record." This, in the wake of news that only THREE people will be allowed to testify at tomorrow's board meeting. The full letter is posted on my website.</em><br /><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-sand-mine-near-starved-rock-gets-ok-by-lasalle-county-board-20120112,0,4605518.story"><strong>Chicago Tribune Sand mine near Starved Rock State Park gets OK by Lasalle county board today 1-12-12</strong></a>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-60399480487109675782011-10-17T17:03:00.008-05:002011-10-17T22:01:28.929-05:00Chicago, Forest Preserve District Cook County, Bike Trails.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiGMS5UnqVQkkPN4mzMvQa_kCWL_l2tpdwlJyvBG77_Rp6c5AOIZ6vFntdlsZnVKwapxrCubfPfX8F-Agdq8wGKMIdDvTkkuULmkgjJRE1WKP8H3RAVw8sy4aKLNLTIvP5OnK/s1600/Peter%2527s+pictures+080+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664590715484984962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiGMS5UnqVQkkPN4mzMvQa_kCWL_l2tpdwlJyvBG77_Rp6c5AOIZ6vFntdlsZnVKwapxrCubfPfX8F-Agdq8wGKMIdDvTkkuULmkgjJRE1WKP8H3RAVw8sy4aKLNLTIvP5OnK/s400/Peter%2527s+pictures+080+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a> The Mr and I have been taking to the forest preserve bike trails on recent weekends. A great way to get a bit of exercise and be outdoors for a few hours. So far we have reused the same couple of trails that are very near home so that the time can be spent on the trail. But we would like to check out several of the other trails especially some of the longer ones. When I feel ready it would be nice to spend the whole day out biking. Now it takes two or three hours,which is about what we were looking for in a regular ride.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L5LNG1xyk2dmoC76JXn0mnwyR2Hv4CRqL4rpAETK1bI23PAwbadLH5ThKpsWtAOEKbi2qRG-xJiXKbFUoolrB2SFtSN5QCnS1nyOpQsZqgreR1UJ-mmPBk6dYosVzVqjC5g4/s1600/Peter%2527s+pictures+075.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664590735362574514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L5LNG1xyk2dmoC76JXn0mnwyR2Hv4CRqL4rpAETK1bI23PAwbadLH5ThKpsWtAOEKbi2qRG-xJiXKbFUoolrB2SFtSN5QCnS1nyOpQsZqgreR1UJ-mmPBk6dYosVzVqjC5g4/s400/Peter%2527s+pictures+075.jpg" /></a> These first pictures are from Tinley Creek trail (north) 18.80 miles<br />A loop so that you end up where you started.Some inclines but not too bad. Most of the few road crossings had traffic lights and were well marked.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7hN9ZC5hCIxldygWrB-7jHC7ULrXV69lF0wYK1gsn5i4UIA5aRHGBhDQ5TjbVa2_qraZJESG_pw-UV0beyMufEvwY0gSEWb2ZYkBCY1qPLNM8jsIMYKl6Mn2teGq9GEaE2uB/s1600/Peter%2527s+pictures+077.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664590718759234754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7hN9ZC5hCIxldygWrB-7jHC7ULrXV69lF0wYK1gsn5i4UIA5aRHGBhDQ5TjbVa2_qraZJESG_pw-UV0beyMufEvwY0gSEWb2ZYkBCY1qPLNM8jsIMYKl6Mn2teGq9GEaE2uB/s400/Peter%2527s+pictures+077.jpg" /></a> Small lakes, meadows, creeks, bridges and a tunnel plus long wooded sections gives this a secluded from your urban surroundings feel that makes the ride very enjoyable.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikvRDGo6CdDdaqMLWSxDjihAoHbCcYKzgHLLEd7CA9YWReFgB9R1jwvGpjEa0z5YzVhFtFpmmP3_lm8CcpRbcsS1leONt5_80RWosV1qbIdeGLe4RY-LyeSHwan2wZT9fq1jY/s1600/Peter%2527s+pictures+081.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664590713066865442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikvRDGo6CdDdaqMLWSxDjihAoHbCcYKzgHLLEd7CA9YWReFgB9R1jwvGpjEa0z5YzVhFtFpmmP3_lm8CcpRbcsS1leONt5_80RWosV1qbIdeGLe4RY-LyeSHwan2wZT9fq1jY/s400/Peter%2527s+pictures+081.jpg" /></a> We saw many birds,butterflies and other insects and a few animals like chipmunks and once a coyote. If alone I would probably stop way too often to enjoy the scenery but the Mr. mostly keeps us moving.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LxnzSZi8qj2aLKgdXb9TxzG9fXI4xCIgv2uElJBLp0msfvuKaSqDd476lED0Rd0HsmZoccP0M-4AnD_3KCLzZx2_qoQH7CAOk3iRhqwj5BzAxqyOJA4cgjA4_yxvq-mj5SSo/s1600/Peter%2527s+pictures+087.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664589953351901202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LxnzSZi8qj2aLKgdXb9TxzG9fXI4xCIgv2uElJBLp0msfvuKaSqDd476lED0Rd0HsmZoccP0M-4AnD_3KCLzZx2_qoQH7CAOk3iRhqwj5BzAxqyOJA4cgjA4_yxvq-mj5SSo/s400/Peter%2527s+pictures+087.jpg" /></a> Can not resist a few pictures of the native grass and forbs.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLQii1BDw99NPFc0DtxLGCfeI1aNgEhjBIwXmeeWm9oQQ3EPETrIzgEm2w1e_K3Pd5dzjN-1jn0-pjBYyPpZICrRYY-t1fewE3KchTVEfwtEkxLb_8vpVmrEXTLMEVuIGqZyW/s1600/Peter%2527s+pictures+090.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664589944140961666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLQii1BDw99NPFc0DtxLGCfeI1aNgEhjBIwXmeeWm9oQQ3EPETrIzgEm2w1e_K3Pd5dzjN-1jn0-pjBYyPpZICrRYY-t1fewE3KchTVEfwtEkxLb_8vpVmrEXTLMEVuIGqZyW/s400/Peter%2527s+pictures+090.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvSsoum6Ym5e1S8NZlAk4GZDDY7ohwbQ-OhgOL5DKB-CP2djirNOD6DJItwnMnOIbvXQj6WCIHsMiBxwhj5GmrtS0cs6uWB3Nvpo4mPxaEgUEjhgO_3IgLe2CB6ctlGF3KAEB/s1600/Peter%2527s+pictures+091.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664589940672337506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvSsoum6Ym5e1S8NZlAk4GZDDY7ohwbQ-OhgOL5DKB-CP2djirNOD6DJItwnMnOIbvXQj6WCIHsMiBxwhj5GmrtS0cs6uWB3Nvpo4mPxaEgUEjhgO_3IgLe2CB6ctlGF3KAEB/s400/Peter%2527s+pictures+091.jpg" /></a> A bridge took us over this small creek.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiAxbnwbTYCbBTUxGLzsL1sscuQXDbBufoYCHGKecwVy66z39qF9LbALNHQcvm9_kua1cYhhy_jpE1Yod3ewzva2A4lDDUDj3qPO8hQt6RbkNSBCHhU0KafY-c-ZlZttugRxR/s1600/bike+trail+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664589931155456434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiAxbnwbTYCbBTUxGLzsL1sscuQXDbBufoYCHGKecwVy66z39qF9LbALNHQcvm9_kua1cYhhy_jpE1Yod3ewzva2A4lDDUDj3qPO8hQt6RbkNSBCHhU0KafY-c-ZlZttugRxR/s400/bike+trail+015.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLemQ4E7Y3h4fstnIyWckALA8qFxZpc5g2IA9XQIV7oYVDLmxmatoihuBuz0HTjXwV2Y0ztRHTGrHyf2l8U4IusHqd05n678GAabrVldLgLDeCsRVMPWAPVdPAVIJuLxFfiebR/s1600/bike+trail+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664589928283732962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLemQ4E7Y3h4fstnIyWckALA8qFxZpc5g2IA9XQIV7oYVDLmxmatoihuBuz0HTjXwV2Y0ztRHTGrHyf2l8U4IusHqd05n678GAabrVldLgLDeCsRVMPWAPVdPAVIJuLxFfiebR/s400/bike+trail+002.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Lately even with the unusually warm weather autumn is showing signs of arrival. These last few pictures are from Salt Creek Trail 7.1 miles between Bemis Woods and Brookfield Zoo, then continues north to Busse Woods a total 25 miles, more if you head into the Busse Woods Trail. </div><br /><br /><div>This trail is not a loop so we only go to the Zoo and back which is 14 miles. The best part of the trail because it is a wooded forest preserve area but crosses several heavy traffic roads. Some of the trail passes along the very edge of the forest preserve and one side is a few private backyards. It would be nice to have a garden end at a wooded trail but might seem intrusive on active summer weekends.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOoxEg_3OYwIyFjztjtSnILAChWyT39A8-z262Jm4TBLufbMrbVFdbWTx_gwzgHOddDaRezESBENDbxLLY6sjKLX3A4o1-3bxjEBxOummUifLNJ3sFEk1gpq_7KCI8CiUQMgf/s1600/bike+salt+creek+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664588882037345458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOoxEg_3OYwIyFjztjtSnILAChWyT39A8-z262Jm4TBLufbMrbVFdbWTx_gwzgHOddDaRezESBENDbxLLY6sjKLX3A4o1-3bxjEBxOummUifLNJ3sFEk1gpq_7KCI8CiUQMgf/s400/bike+salt+creek+002.JPG" /></a> Oak leaves changing color.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oyXj5oRhrOSxfTu6tmFTavBsWlz3Hr_YZ0w_bK0zJW5gS7qRyLYkla4MJTS8ZDcqe1izFOLrtqtmgXF8oT-9Wz7TMtP6vTp7_rHJGbDxOo4FDVtVA0Ln5nEfCcPbaKHqA9Ff/s1600/bike+salt+creek+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664588863648106050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oyXj5oRhrOSxfTu6tmFTavBsWlz3Hr_YZ0w_bK0zJW5gS7qRyLYkla4MJTS8ZDcqe1izFOLrtqtmgXF8oT-9Wz7TMtP6vTp7_rHJGbDxOo4FDVtVA0Ln5nEfCcPbaKHqA9Ff/s400/bike+salt+creek+009.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8fUbwqNHHLtWDtnCU7v0YjP0TEzK5ZD1QDoyHKW3D0oSRhPS_kUymxmY_Qzu0MfyyCExXIZ4gklXqcZVWgA4QYxhN_r01z0kPJmEvobTqObz1pIfEOtOCAklWIOKD4GxRwPB/s1600/bike+salt+creek+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664588862001554962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8fUbwqNHHLtWDtnCU7v0YjP0TEzK5ZD1QDoyHKW3D0oSRhPS_kUymxmY_Qzu0MfyyCExXIZ4gklXqcZVWgA4QYxhN_r01z0kPJmEvobTqObz1pIfEOtOCAklWIOKD4GxRwPB/s400/bike+salt+creek+012.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G5z0TzA29d_uj-PjLvSiKJHtRQuF6re6z_8Hj2ITBPqyzn5HHTHBPr-kJ7Qz4wy2J8Y3ZqabJBQakOft4f9hGuh3kbidiM5gCOjfkCDRR2FP-HBR7E9SRleMcdBrRcsI3GmW/s1600/bike+salt+creek+025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664588858157338578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G5z0TzA29d_uj-PjLvSiKJHtRQuF6re6z_8Hj2ITBPqyzn5HHTHBPr-kJ7Qz4wy2J8Y3ZqabJBQakOft4f9hGuh3kbidiM5gCOjfkCDRR2FP-HBR7E9SRleMcdBrRcsI3GmW/s400/bike+salt+creek+025.JPG" /></a> Looking up to black walnuts still clinging. Under this tree there were many on the trail but no where else was there anything but leaves.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsNAUQR6zPH9D9OXtkFsi10RzOqhx6N61RI0bHVj1TN1rpNMjcUFsO6bBMEnsUxv6pcuDte5urm5r2_nZ_UZ3Ed7uHUo3gU-Oa4vejja2tpY1Idfm9nTccA2fyt1RoRABTCdv/s1600/bike+salt+creek+032.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664588846306645154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsNAUQR6zPH9D9OXtkFsi10RzOqhx6N61RI0bHVj1TN1rpNMjcUFsO6bBMEnsUxv6pcuDte5urm5r2_nZ_UZ3Ed7uHUo3gU-Oa4vejja2tpY1Idfm9nTccA2fyt1RoRABTCdv/s400/bike+salt+creek+032.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />Sections of Salt Creek flowed along side the trail.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traillink.com/">Trail link</a><br /><br /><em>TrailLink.com is a FREE service of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a non-profit dedicated to assisting local communities in converting unused railroad corridors into trails. Discover more than 30,000 miles of bike trails, walking trails, equestrian trails, and hiking and running trails including interactive trail maps, trail descriptions, photos, reviews and more. </em><br /><br /><a href="http://trailsforillinois.tumblr.com/">Trails For Illinois</a><br /><br />An information site for Illinois trail advocates.Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-48299749278597596702011-09-18T19:36:00.014-05:002011-09-18T22:40:04.427-05:00Lincoln Park Zoo's Nature Boardwalk<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM_65DRv2E7smVbjXYrf-UgpMQ9xYoYsO6Ttw_7D_osrGgdwO3Vs16bTCoWZE2bWMmzOpitAu2EPsKrNPO_d8FBS2Xasws4ez5fAXdq7iLYYr47vkP79i-xHLkxWWhaimcDGf/s1600/Chicago+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653869831027391346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM_65DRv2E7smVbjXYrf-UgpMQ9xYoYsO6Ttw_7D_osrGgdwO3Vs16bTCoWZE2bWMmzOpitAu2EPsKrNPO_d8FBS2Xasws4ez5fAXdq7iLYYr47vkP79i-xHLkxWWhaimcDGf/s400/Chicago+007.JPG" /></a> In 2010 Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo opened the new Nature Boardwalk. What was the South Pond, where visitors could rent paddle boats to venture out onto the water, is now a pond and planting designed to attract the creatures that inhabit our urban ecosystem.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBTLXMNaqLlByd8t6BIvW8m9SCOTslrlRJ4rMMQLUogH7j3KpxZJ9uIxOqegdJNCEeebKAIAzvHHMzMG_n9hz9JkKO2JVsM423knHrhUTKKlHSpxGFCNXr6oRLRaZYddQKbec/s1600/Chicago+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653869823780509042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBTLXMNaqLlByd8t6BIvW8m9SCOTslrlRJ4rMMQLUogH7j3KpxZJ9uIxOqegdJNCEeebKAIAzvHHMzMG_n9hz9JkKO2JVsM423knHrhUTKKlHSpxGFCNXr6oRLRaZYddQKbec/s400/Chicago+009.JPG" /></a> No cages or walls needed to keep the creatures around or protect them. They come and go or stay as wont. Feeding,breeding and passing through during migration ,the zoo boardwalk is a growing haven for urban wildlife.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBH4ageZ4o3kaHNxxSCf0Ask_BYluxGIvf3T_bf713HlbJecSTFm6iWpsrib3fjO2_DQPu4X25Tzt-N8gPvRXjo3PVJiBmreJG1Ry0mFytGDwVtFWfraUhEu9adNCabAwWvoe/s1600/Chicago+013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653869812620460082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBH4ageZ4o3kaHNxxSCf0Ask_BYluxGIvf3T_bf713HlbJecSTFm6iWpsrib3fjO2_DQPu4X25Tzt-N8gPvRXjo3PVJiBmreJG1Ry0mFytGDwVtFWfraUhEu9adNCabAwWvoe/s400/Chicago+013.JPG" /></a> Each year the plants and creatures will increase in abundance to the delight of all who stroll the walk during a zoo visit.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZDAE9RQOr3BlAI49I6t-Uphr9HQE2RDh3Kq2WRXeAFaX7RRt2pJKF1djlqTtVBwxgWPeLzJKyl94QD3HKREpQXh6645LFVBkvtYE2C8kW7geSysFuO2V_tPh74VW1fFLlDDq/s1600/Chicago+018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653869807079678402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZDAE9RQOr3BlAI49I6t-Uphr9HQE2RDh3Kq2WRXeAFaX7RRt2pJKF1djlqTtVBwxgWPeLzJKyl94QD3HKREpQXh6645LFVBkvtYE2C8kW7geSysFuO2V_tPh74VW1fFLlDDq/s400/Chicago+018.JPG" /></a>Native plants like the above hoary vervain and the switchgrass below provide nectar,pollen, seeds and draw insects for food.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-R4xCmOkVKM94fcMVXLWRTL824Mn3l_-oX-KzlfrrVMBQT_gL2A7SuXeFae0Cd-IALUgZ570dp87sly66JjAbNUa3uM7lYy3aJ39GgxYXu6YdFEQ_0p_zo4gKXueO09chYLY/s1600/Chicago+023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653869804296885490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-R4xCmOkVKM94fcMVXLWRTL824Mn3l_-oX-KzlfrrVMBQT_gL2A7SuXeFae0Cd-IALUgZ570dp87sly66JjAbNUa3uM7lYy3aJ39GgxYXu6YdFEQ_0p_zo4gKXueO09chYLY/s400/Chicago+023.JPG" /></a> The pond provides water and shelter for wetland plants and animals.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaVzVgDAzIcb6FQfZazpQVL9I4DSIo4_T18kgH3zDUIAbMEsdCxXfKmiHA9lQzdvY9AFHBvJweZtfoFTD4HsYzTiR9VUJ_J6Ybp4_BYeUJ_VDbZE9I4afmecHG3bFfKOtATAl/s1600/Chicago+026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653869206086633202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaVzVgDAzIcb6FQfZazpQVL9I4DSIo4_T18kgH3zDUIAbMEsdCxXfKmiHA9lQzdvY9AFHBvJweZtfoFTD4HsYzTiR9VUJ_J6Ybp4_BYeUJ_VDbZE9I4afmecHG3bFfKOtATAl/s400/Chicago+026.JPG" /></a> all within view of city skyscapes.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFfsknM9BjF8rb0M6OtA3UMEfD6_gMcBfxR2Zufsh27PDBJD5TgNJYI5z4r3o8yTR0zQCLAo2So8cEcqQUWjALlmc5PSS0A6Qr4x0KmZXwpN5jAEY5vJsMude_G3XUcC1Y1Lp/s1600/Chicago+030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653869200201700674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFfsknM9BjF8rb0M6OtA3UMEfD6_gMcBfxR2Zufsh27PDBJD5TgNJYI5z4r3o8yTR0zQCLAo2So8cEcqQUWjALlmc5PSS0A6Qr4x0KmZXwpN5jAEY5vJsMude_G3XUcC1Y1Lp/s400/Chicago+030.JPG" /></a> The walk is pleasant on a sunny afternoon as adults and children enjoy searching out creatures along the way.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R3bSrCcZStB9y6mplaxWFvNUHcXhJbH-i7Q6FGsXzHTjFM5G0YLtEh9Dxq9Oyckjjj4aWs4B8aBXGL9hEs0DkpXbTNS4k1JFRnjJj1shHg8ST98JYp7zBlXuyS-YOFSTsdFk/s1600/Chicago+031+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653865856731461666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R3bSrCcZStB9y6mplaxWFvNUHcXhJbH-i7Q6FGsXzHTjFM5G0YLtEh9Dxq9Oyckjjj4aWs4B8aBXGL9hEs0DkpXbTNS4k1JFRnjJj1shHg8ST98JYp7zBlXuyS-YOFSTsdFk/s400/Chicago+031+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a> The flowers are very pretty.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoDQpsmFoRsfwtyhBGoQs-KZ69wjN8twHTq9I011uRkzxZjs77VVMyrFs3a7NZzBbk-UUAr9F_Sh_EM_hFBEvmmxm5sf9v3n3HMmVGQSjSVPkfyDhj1G4PSl63BQemIm4AnRK/s1600/Chicago+031+%25283%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 340px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653865847986894290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoDQpsmFoRsfwtyhBGoQs-KZ69wjN8twHTq9I011uRkzxZjs77VVMyrFs3a7NZzBbk-UUAr9F_Sh_EM_hFBEvmmxm5sf9v3n3HMmVGQSjSVPkfyDhj1G4PSl63BQemIm4AnRK/s400/Chicago+031+%25283%2529.jpg" /></a>As is the foliage and the seeds begining to form<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9o1an6490oaP4dhVLGL3JWMp7tyLBZ1ktj0Mw5vsBC74wvDggDwFkp6y7cwBQ_xWziiTZJTa34SPA5QK6vitvs1BprkM31YXtj7ZOrEjn8a6GiNM680hMvHdGuYQaKSDEGbG/s1600/Chicago+035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653865837918426802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9o1an6490oaP4dhVLGL3JWMp7tyLBZ1ktj0Mw5vsBC74wvDggDwFkp6y7cwBQ_xWziiTZJTa34SPA5QK6vitvs1BprkM31YXtj7ZOrEjn8a6GiNM680hMvHdGuYQaKSDEGbG/s400/Chicago+035.JPG" /></a>Partridge pea.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcNvTBsh9dGEYtcd1pI9SkORGq2z8-GNyBI1wGusSyjhedi2M_fE8Z4yd7ZeqpiFQhdTNCG6IPgbi4PEGveoL8fb_T3gdr1HxhH7Vfna5E1DK6XCcnRyvXhl-StOHEbPQ59tw/s1600/Chicago+037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653865832107627266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcNvTBsh9dGEYtcd1pI9SkORGq2z8-GNyBI1wGusSyjhedi2M_fE8Z4yd7ZeqpiFQhdTNCG6IPgbi4PEGveoL8fb_T3gdr1HxhH7Vfna5E1DK6XCcnRyvXhl-StOHEbPQ59tw/s400/Chicago+037.JPG" /></a> Purple ironweed and yellow helenium.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4ouu0EvRBEm9N4eOcu6_PvgD4f4p978UYBWda9ZkGfkSQlHQeTp3j_Cv0zY7aXwRcrp4wF0Kw6hRIP3UKJn5dXO_kkMLQogMUnE2s_BOlTDpAujACOPDNBxAvJvSJhRMM0l9/s1600/Chicago+039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653865822576186914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4ouu0EvRBEm9N4eOcu6_PvgD4f4p978UYBWda9ZkGfkSQlHQeTp3j_Cv0zY7aXwRcrp4wF0Kw6hRIP3UKJn5dXO_kkMLQogMUnE2s_BOlTDpAujACOPDNBxAvJvSJhRMM0l9/s400/Chicago+039.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>For a look at the Lincoln Park Zoo's Nature Boardwalk Blog check out the zoo's website.</div><br /><a href="http://www.lpzoo.org/blog/index.php?blog=19">Nature Boardwalk Blog</a><br /><br />To see a video with old south pond pictures as well as the changes, view here.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V49G-9rV8RY">Nature Boardwalk video</a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-60116385440832222562011-08-25T20:56:00.005-05:002011-08-25T21:53:16.029-05:00Harvesting seed.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKIki8JIqdfpEUEPj45jCOdgLZDGmOxiBjhB8yMAQZUm4UXMsSFDv7og-0YMW47jketg0LGaazrR1_ZM5vYbFvDHmdNxU_gP1lkxYlfruXXJyVW1EH26WVAlgAOeeGSvvTPHr/s1600/seeds2011+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644980778800007714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKIki8JIqdfpEUEPj45jCOdgLZDGmOxiBjhB8yMAQZUm4UXMsSFDv7og-0YMW47jketg0LGaazrR1_ZM5vYbFvDHmdNxU_gP1lkxYlfruXXJyVW1EH26WVAlgAOeeGSvvTPHr/s400/seeds2011+009.JPG" /></a> You are looking at the first seed collected this year from the Canada hawkweed (Heiracuim canadense). The dark part is the seed, the fluff is to carry the seed on the wind if it isn't harvested soon enough. I will be checking daily for the next few weeks as the flowers bloom then go to seed individually.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzlj3P3yywHjDOxfswpq63pJK7K68p_2WDLXy5yXxL5QAKUN7vYmse_vW6wBlqgQOdGUV6wDDvXFW3cbSilicwXdJIIe-u2bZTz4nlRYNboE4smnJGhyW_1rTBz019j0TJTrD/s1600/seeds25+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644980754321694882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzlj3P3yywHjDOxfswpq63pJK7K68p_2WDLXy5yXxL5QAKUN7vYmse_vW6wBlqgQOdGUV6wDDvXFW3cbSilicwXdJIIe-u2bZTz4nlRYNboE4smnJGhyW_1rTBz019j0TJTrD/s400/seeds25+009.JPG" /></a> On the canada hawkweed a seedhead is ready to collect. You can see it has turned fluffy and sort of light tan. The flowers are yellow they close , the seed forms and the seedhead opens and dries then flies with the wind. Except I'll be there to pinch off and save. Comes loose very easily.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHp-4eCSpbkq1x587Xod4saJCtCuO7Pk8yEv4SnVZ8Kgx-IFIUrZEn3XabfKDdoum6BtFoLAaLtJvO8lZeM1yXg3mr5xnrz3JUYffoHCYatFjE0PV6dji7Abr6NNfb23d_evA8/s1600/seeds2011+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644980771568518546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHp-4eCSpbkq1x587Xod4saJCtCuO7Pk8yEv4SnVZ8Kgx-IFIUrZEn3XabfKDdoum6BtFoLAaLtJvO8lZeM1yXg3mr5xnrz3JUYffoHCYatFjE0PV6dji7Abr6NNfb23d_evA8/s400/seeds2011+012.JPG" /></a> Collected a few white baptisia seed pods. Took 4 years for these to flower and produce seed. </div>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH1qD1L6cpDU3YUpTaxZjQ5nuSGb7HaAOc4I7_6pgiDizAKUgn7LwTZ9F8AlRUCXliHFRoVcGKwEqjbazgu_Yb0z13TqB-lckQzHZUSc6mwDAI_ZY9v3hxaVOHRJrM60Rw_BM/s1600/seeds2011+011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644980763174090466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH1qD1L6cpDU3YUpTaxZjQ5nuSGb7HaAOc4I7_6pgiDizAKUgn7LwTZ9F8AlRUCXliHFRoVcGKwEqjbazgu_Yb0z13TqB-lckQzHZUSc6mwDAI_ZY9v3hxaVOHRJrM60Rw_BM/s400/seeds2011+011.JPG" /></a> A closer look at the seeds inside the pod.
<br />
<br /><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUI3VTQ9jDwKwzUUnK9Ab4V-yC8jnyZrE2e3md48yhpSALOSduSIKFA7JVnMJtzHxe7Ej8oXcbn_WHZKlgRfa_aAzg1V_Or4aQjU1CbJxOdYybI-CfwrbK0vBcKgiSw7KCTPLs/s1600/aug+bee+035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644989374067396658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUI3VTQ9jDwKwzUUnK9Ab4V-yC8jnyZrE2e3md48yhpSALOSduSIKFA7JVnMJtzHxe7Ej8oXcbn_WHZKlgRfa_aAzg1V_Or4aQjU1CbJxOdYybI-CfwrbK0vBcKgiSw7KCTPLs/s400/aug+bee+035.JPG" /></a>Leiberg's panic grass/Dichanthelium leibergii . Will soon be able to harvest a few seeds from the panic grass if I can keep the birds away. Nice to have found a plant that produces seed the first year, even if it is just a little.
<br /></div></div></div>
<br />Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-7300390134046930462011-08-18T17:33:00.006-05:002011-08-18T18:51:28.642-05:00Elementary School Rain Garden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODtGnJsBpITmNdtaLMIcFcy0UvqX1IEf68DXkBR__-G-4hDVm0XLm04ypGxHyePbHqBsryfmeNOy_z2hAQsAMaZ-8QToUl5LammtfqSyHeDPutX9MhEl2b6ZOQEwCniaTemg5/s1600/bike+ride+3+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642331068465362850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODtGnJsBpITmNdtaLMIcFcy0UvqX1IEf68DXkBR__-G-4hDVm0XLm04ypGxHyePbHqBsryfmeNOy_z2hAQsAMaZ-8QToUl5LammtfqSyHeDPutX9MhEl2b6ZOQEwCniaTemg5/s400/bike+ride+3+005.JPG" /></a> This is a rain garden at a local school. I came across it while riding through the area on a bicycle. It was after regular school hours and only a few staff members were around that didn't seem to know much about the garden. It seems a storm water runoff area has been dug out similar to those in some neighborhood parks but instead of mowing it is being allowed to grow out. There are several wetland loving plants that look like may have been seeded in but otherwise is being left alone. Out of curiosity I will make some calls to see what maintenance is planned. A fall or spring mowing maybe?
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_XQcOeFYLYPGvlItJJMrJGZJOBpXBT_Dr5Paun6dC58Zuuyy-d8fqm_ehFzTQreeBQPXLcWJwBfZ7m_vnLw7LIQgSy-0JrykHskxhwvs7_vHgdiaqPx5lTm4CiQRNOzfyTTl/s1600/bike+ride+3+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642331064837508850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_XQcOeFYLYPGvlItJJMrJGZJOBpXBT_Dr5Paun6dC58Zuuyy-d8fqm_ehFzTQreeBQPXLcWJwBfZ7m_vnLw7LIQgSy-0JrykHskxhwvs7_vHgdiaqPx5lTm4CiQRNOzfyTTl/s400/bike+ride+3+008.JPG" /></a> You can see plenty of swamp milkweed. A few monarches flew out where ever I came close and a dragonfly pair kept passing by chasing one another about.
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU07AAW-TQ2kvpHX2pkvRFVB-9j3lpHkiv6w5oTuxiZz7shckWljzhaFXGoekR3YL4V91Vc7lBH4nY9SnWXgkY_iOj5M1i6fY8MMuBgLOnFnCCDurKI-XWNLLHm8B4FuYohGJJ/s1600/bike+ride+3+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642331051024474706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU07AAW-TQ2kvpHX2pkvRFVB-9j3lpHkiv6w5oTuxiZz7shckWljzhaFXGoekR3YL4V91Vc7lBH4nY9SnWXgkY_iOj5M1i6fY8MMuBgLOnFnCCDurKI-XWNLLHm8B4FuYohGJJ/s400/bike+ride+3+009.JPG" /></a> Cattails flourished and may have self seeded as they are common in low wet spots.
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTdGJbDA_iwGB5kE42yhWwu2_sD-DBwqSrm91a5svwJjclZty5dtUybDGtMFnZY8iWBF3VNzV1ono03_5tZV_nL-VlL2Xb9FnxVnWnfWS3IIZedwpDQRsQ2aQbX58cCRCRUuK/s1600/bike+ride+3+011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642331038882675458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTdGJbDA_iwGB5kE42yhWwu2_sD-DBwqSrm91a5svwJjclZty5dtUybDGtMFnZY8iWBF3VNzV1ono03_5tZV_nL-VlL2Xb9FnxVnWnfWS3IIZedwpDQRsQ2aQbX58cCRCRUuK/s400/bike+ride+3+011.JPG" /></a> A ribbon of rocks simulating a streams flow makes its way through the garden.
<br /></div>
<br /><div>
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgektMMVfVp_vzClM26PVtRkB64xlBRuV1jPaLBjaHqZXB0PSmiyEfnHi97rmf4l9jhEDaKc_4OwY1ZoGn0qEvDe6uFIXA267bWIv4yHKFhL_mXB2Sie2VY1B2FgZBLqV-RFHly/s1600/bike+ride+3+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642330605075321426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgektMMVfVp_vzClM26PVtRkB64xlBRuV1jPaLBjaHqZXB0PSmiyEfnHi97rmf4l9jhEDaKc_4OwY1ZoGn0qEvDe6uFIXA267bWIv4yHKFhL_mXB2Sie2VY1B2FgZBLqV-RFHly/s400/bike+ride+3+016.JPG" /></a> Helenium /sneezeweed is abundant and just beginning to bloom. I would not have thought of helenium as a good rain water plant but it seems to thrive.
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrAnFjsVUTM4OtfHgKOt9TIMXXMTItE8eakz_akkJtcd3yjggyHYN1epxkgGV_4U-RW4ZPkNQ9Yr7JjXtx_5zvDUu6dwUr5uZn0KiiqeVqsSmVBOMj_1KQqdWHYa4RrWsTD9F/s1600/bike+ride+3+019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642330594597604178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrAnFjsVUTM4OtfHgKOt9TIMXXMTItE8eakz_akkJtcd3yjggyHYN1epxkgGV_4U-RW4ZPkNQ9Yr7JjXtx_5zvDUu6dwUr5uZn0KiiqeVqsSmVBOMj_1KQqdWHYa4RrWsTD9F/s400/bike+ride+3+019.JPG" /></a>Many honey bees were active on the blooms. I will have to go back a few times and see what other bees are utilizing the garden.
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqd9ChZ4mSpv0PfJRq52pRG_RDnQDIldDjU_1MTJSykl77-m-k4M5x8JHuQb_ABpG2PFLMugsKMuJqJ3-_3t_1lm3DtDZmf1cmw7K25Iia5fhTczE4kqT0AFhJlnaELbCFFq_/s1600/bike+ride+3+020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642330587336243234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqd9ChZ4mSpv0PfJRq52pRG_RDnQDIldDjU_1MTJSykl77-m-k4M5x8JHuQb_ABpG2PFLMugsKMuJqJ3-_3t_1lm3DtDZmf1cmw7K25Iia5fhTczE4kqT0AFhJlnaELbCFFq_/s400/bike+ride+3+020.JPG" /></a> A skipper was another butterfly making use of all the blossoms.
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOYqFRHsvt7mB41us9ikixP7xIfWiKE6n_IuwwJCDkWfkaaOIURZWCH7NGzSVNMa5ZuGuY5WGb8_VK4B3iNDQ9DTCrZKpgWNFZy7B5I0TJBdyxaFNrNcQEAVsaDOFIBa12aSV/s1600/bike+ride+3+022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642330584041387650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOYqFRHsvt7mB41us9ikixP7xIfWiKE6n_IuwwJCDkWfkaaOIURZWCH7NGzSVNMa5ZuGuY5WGb8_VK4B3iNDQ9DTCrZKpgWNFZy7B5I0TJBdyxaFNrNcQEAVsaDOFIBa12aSV/s400/bike+ride+3+022.JPG" /></a> Big black wasps and these more colorful brothers were attracted to the feast as were many flies.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>It was a pollinator haven...
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwACj3gf9rrkSp4zOjTvRa81d-wyXYL9VOIPPsMihSl6fJeiJV861KRmmzwfnciJGNvMzWTRACUSTHVgJJWaY8GlzvWega1-DbnhhDhbKtQsRQtSPoKpzLj3fOwEHqsIlPTRj/s1600/bike+ride+3+024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642330077039609618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwACj3gf9rrkSp4zOjTvRa81d-wyXYL9VOIPPsMihSl6fJeiJV861KRmmzwfnciJGNvMzWTRACUSTHVgJJWaY8GlzvWega1-DbnhhDhbKtQsRQtSPoKpzLj3fOwEHqsIlPTRj/s400/bike+ride+3+024.JPG" /></a> In the forefront of this picture are a few not yet blooming forbs that are probably a goldenrod
<br />with a late summer/fall bloom.
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLxxYWLChHRZzCslakPQ2qucI_urdi3cS76PMTzyjv4orIeqfcvq7TXC1FPnejRsI8BV3ecbQNNZ1eEL3FGX_OuZ07hepGUpSTwWzcTih9iIaOqvELUFHyONq4iRilVMkFj8F/s1600/bike+ride+3+025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642330064953350802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLxxYWLChHRZzCslakPQ2qucI_urdi3cS76PMTzyjv4orIeqfcvq7TXC1FPnejRsI8BV3ecbQNNZ1eEL3FGX_OuZ07hepGUpSTwWzcTih9iIaOqvELUFHyONq4iRilVMkFj8F/s400/bike+ride+3+025.JPG" /></a> A closer look at the helenium. Did you notice the lack of grasses? I wonder if that is deliberate.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKogIT96ivOFoIttcJpmfzEv4aA42pHw5Z6V3bJV50C8YOS0YUCLMyuUOPMmrRUJ7JycpAdlbNCcTeDnD6yFCxls9q1N4H7fabpClpBUpMlvUQ_r0TOrAJqHYmfVH6nvplJm5k/s1600/bike+ride+3+027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642330055553753586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKogIT96ivOFoIttcJpmfzEv4aA42pHw5Z6V3bJV50C8YOS0YUCLMyuUOPMmrRUJ7JycpAdlbNCcTeDnD6yFCxls9q1N4H7fabpClpBUpMlvUQ_r0TOrAJqHYmfVH6nvplJm5k/s400/bike+ride+3+027.JPG" /></a> The white flowering plant will need another look. Care to make a guess?
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAWuiy2yIZWdKtWD_MOHfgdmwIv3IdCRLskzIztM3hn33kxh17UmvNm92bFznxrYambxCQd_OR-1JhiEiVZIA4EEa7cpgcW2aBgBnv_x3w81X1zYGSHXvBI74Hu409DHnz7sr/s1600/bike+ride+3+029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642330043680609074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAWuiy2yIZWdKtWD_MOHfgdmwIv3IdCRLskzIztM3hn33kxh17UmvNm92bFznxrYambxCQd_OR-1JhiEiVZIA4EEa7cpgcW2aBgBnv_x3w81X1zYGSHXvBI74Hu409DHnz7sr/s400/bike+ride+3+029.JPG" /></a> Way to many young tree seedlings growing. Are there plans to remove them? A spring burn seems unlikely so just a mow down? Hopefully this is on the agenda.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>What ever the plans for this remarkable garden, kudos are due to the administrators bold move to make a try at this storm water management that is such a great habitat.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
<br />Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-89828365831369566532011-07-23T17:01:00.012-05:002011-07-24T10:39:37.202-05:00Rattlesnake Master Pollinator Information<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tL1kMZ-cHspfdNeb7HEZ0UQ01y_Jcs3dpq83ax_MQNk8k2m1vpSUM_TGcgiR9_qjWHZWbytsp42sZtJmtI1Xs5Xi__S_KvpwESpMHPqFHsq7bIiTPZmo9fTH9ik5RT0I6dlG/s1600/peter+091.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632675363059658258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tL1kMZ-cHspfdNeb7HEZ0UQ01y_Jcs3dpq83ax_MQNk8k2m1vpSUM_TGcgiR9_qjWHZWbytsp42sZtJmtI1Xs5Xi__S_KvpwESpMHPqFHsq7bIiTPZmo9fTH9ik5RT0I6dlG/s400/peter+091.JPG" /></a> Rattlesnake master /eryngium yuccifolium is frequented by various pollinators. Wasps and flies seem particularly fond of the flowers on very hot humid days.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Dgw6dWhmEQcOowropvL1ZXwdMRKlp_xdLhT2zkb5cKpXJT-R4Z3JhXiTh1nc1PDHCMdgAiRw9Jax2qrnZ3J6e66-WQ8QlPahbxmsnpg3zVngPU3ZagWpdW0fVquQBkpoESP/s1600/rattlesnake+master+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632673646259547474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Dgw6dWhmEQcOowropvL1ZXwdMRKlp_xdLhT2zkb5cKpXJT-R4Z3JhXiTh1nc1PDHCMdgAiRw9Jax2qrnZ3J6e66-WQ8QlPahbxmsnpg3zVngPU3ZagWpdW0fVquQBkpoESP/s400/rattlesnake+master+001.JPG" /></a> Though I have seen very few bees and no bumbles on the rattlesnake master in our own garden, others have recorded bumble bees at the rattlesnake master so it may be a need for specific habitat condition for bumbles to utilize eryngium yuccifolium.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietoBExJLR1MQwY92jnr4TqF5TpCrhQXX8Gpdn5tVAD6f_tXf5M8YyB2h6L8n7fW31P2NjaSvdkxZdWWPq23Z-Nguu6Rp3jEd8ieJAMOAuC4AjjB0SqV922BHalKuZTec1gpxg/s1600/rattlesnake+master+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632673637999038514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietoBExJLR1MQwY92jnr4TqF5TpCrhQXX8Gpdn5tVAD6f_tXf5M8YyB2h6L8n7fW31P2NjaSvdkxZdWWPq23Z-Nguu6Rp3jEd8ieJAMOAuC4AjjB0SqV922BHalKuZTec1gpxg/s400/rattlesnake+master+002.JPG" /></a> Many sites, even reputable gov. an edu. sites, state that rattlesnake master is self pollinating.<br />While rattlesnake master is self fertile it is also xenogamous displaying temporal dioecism.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDqQd88ToY8Y_c1mbD1dG38zxTa0LKpv3DLGq66JeUtoADZd2Z0G2QXHIBnZVM6nx6hEeWF70Z12GkKNxitjD9J3HD61XOWktY8JPXfg-KEw0g-FngvKKVEti7_13_Wgz5jhv/s1600/rattlesnake+master+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632673630043903586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDqQd88ToY8Y_c1mbD1dG38zxTa0LKpv3DLGq66JeUtoADZd2Z0G2QXHIBnZVM6nx6hEeWF70Z12GkKNxitjD9J3HD61XOWktY8JPXfg-KEw0g-FngvKKVEti7_13_Wgz5jhv/s400/rattlesnake+master+004.JPG" /></a>Temporal dioecism is, in essence, a flowering sequence which is synchronized so that there is little to no overlap between staminate and pistillate phases of an individual plant.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x155x6IRMjzkzSXLUee9l2OFCjaIS1l1eOUITd3KGefa9bsLNYCXyih4MCIs9M8V58V21k9jmkR_PrUZ1LJgPtNifT5n55rn0hHUmE0UklcnC_ATFXjPKrOZMqtqs8bpjW71/s1600/rattlesnake+master+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632673619290348434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x155x6IRMjzkzSXLUee9l2OFCjaIS1l1eOUITd3KGefa9bsLNYCXyih4MCIs9M8V58V21k9jmkR_PrUZ1LJgPtNifT5n55rn0hHUmE0UklcnC_ATFXjPKrOZMqtqs8bpjW71/s400/rattlesnake+master+009.JPG" /></a> With the pollen produced by the stamen at times when the stigma is unreceptive on individual plants self pollination is rare without hand pollination or enclosure of the blossom.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc9ZVYYz5RT6w87K4BkB8rzRSXN8HtwWEXaveKmny5NIua_3OKPZ7Dt0kqOokAvf_sW8b6T8gnw7e6Xpey_gp5PwVN2Cty03C4idpd9V4Hl5te-XZQxS71yq_FVkXP_igV8FL/s1600/rattlesnake+master+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632672631219145586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc9ZVYYz5RT6w87K4BkB8rzRSXN8HtwWEXaveKmny5NIua_3OKPZ7Dt0kqOokAvf_sW8b6T8gnw7e6Xpey_gp5PwVN2Cty03C4idpd9V4Hl5te-XZQxS71yq_FVkXP_igV8FL/s400/rattlesnake+master+012.JPG" /></a> Insect pollination therefore must occur to assure seed production and genetic variability with some rare self pollination as a backup.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhu1aISf_k5D_iNn1oqNSJiPMw5EqJhpkitIfid_XNYJcc1H9qSctQ4IqteAq9J7-Fc63Yw5RogNgV17RxL3fadDdsfqgJYnShZF6nHi6G-l6D9c6_3FqvSHbmhMJgmJt_uaz/s1600/rattlesnake+master+013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632672624669555650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhu1aISf_k5D_iNn1oqNSJiPMw5EqJhpkitIfid_XNYJcc1H9qSctQ4IqteAq9J7-Fc63Yw5RogNgV17RxL3fadDdsfqgJYnShZF6nHi6G-l6D9c6_3FqvSHbmhMJgmJt_uaz/s400/rattlesnake+master+013.JPG" /></a> Educational sites in particular should be more explicit.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rRE1JpDJU1RtDmgMd4GyOr1T0nsNBJjYftMwO63Tda6ZQ8BsS9y39sRIviU0QXlGuymCwRkqoCwF9H-rf1dPLw23Y6VsZ-FEhjNkVX3xxtol3EqWqX6X2BF3oocq-Y1ShVV7/s1600/rattlesnake+master+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 364px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632672614994882642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rRE1JpDJU1RtDmgMd4GyOr1T0nsNBJjYftMwO63Tda6ZQ8BsS9y39sRIviU0QXlGuymCwRkqoCwF9H-rf1dPLw23Y6VsZ-FEhjNkVX3xxtol3EqWqX6X2BF3oocq-Y1ShVV7/s400/rattlesnake+master+015.JPG" /></a> </div>This reminded me that I should acquire plants or seeds from more than one source since our garden is rather isolated from other native plant gardens and many insects do not travel far to find other nectar and pollen sources of the same species.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdjtugjCASSRgaHOiUY3yBMP1_qgfyXst9nrh6l_uZSQqYa5NO7W6FFij9cindNJD7M4JD3diws8122FBcFPOcF3KMcjZpPv9UwXnToDWdwm0H6_JHH_iuZKXWgsqyx5hBOnP/s1600/rattlesnake+master+020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632672597879759298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdjtugjCASSRgaHOiUY3yBMP1_qgfyXst9nrh6l_uZSQqYa5NO7W6FFij9cindNJD7M4JD3diws8122FBcFPOcF3KMcjZpPv9UwXnToDWdwm0H6_JHH_iuZKXWgsqyx5hBOnP/s400/rattlesnake+master+020.JPG" /></a> Bees are unique in the propensity of individual bees to keep going from blossom to blossom of the same species seeming to dislike changing to another species until the one they are working runs out. This is what makes them ideal for agricultural pollination.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLL9gezNsKxq2PFkK64wJi5vh3KcIzXS7I4hxqURsWmEX0UInS5mog8wdvfYCWKGX2iajlhLu-GGBRahu66tZxVJ6K4CH-7S3Ebgso3T4BhIN-RqWFfX8lhh39mAduvitfiKmN/s1600/rattlesnake+master+021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632672594731710770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLL9gezNsKxq2PFkK64wJi5vh3KcIzXS7I4hxqURsWmEX0UInS5mog8wdvfYCWKGX2iajlhLu-GGBRahu66tZxVJ6K4CH-7S3Ebgso3T4BhIN-RqWFfX8lhh39mAduvitfiKmN/s400/rattlesnake+master+021.JPG" /></a> Click on pictures to enlarge for a better look at the pollinators.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.litzsinger.org/research/slegesky.pdf">slegesky research</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.litzsinger.org/">Litzsinger</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-9146260057291480512011-07-15T11:20:00.010-05:002011-07-15T12:19:22.671-05:00Wildlife Garden In Bloom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmhQMQKx36Ef2sO7WQdAyQyl5Z_-R-Ch9M9vh43jBsaY-Lr95ZJli5JcHdJKc_zUISdeypjaRKdywPxXoSyJbickBPnWhaTEpT8NaMIzYGh5n82_fNOUVmGJuY0WkLz0P4tuy/s1600/July2011+044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629624813476988914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmhQMQKx36Ef2sO7WQdAyQyl5Z_-R-Ch9M9vh43jBsaY-Lr95ZJli5JcHdJKc_zUISdeypjaRKdywPxXoSyJbickBPnWhaTEpT8NaMIzYGh5n82_fNOUVmGJuY0WkLz0P4tuy/s400/July2011+044.JPG" /></a> Oakleaf Hydrangea against redtwig dogwood.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvv4BwfdgYsUCLh_pFRf7zKu590vllEfztM15Vacn93BQAgwomO7OR5FWQufLlq2TmzKmzrmT9oVm5Z7H8LBsadyiFpc8KCCftVlKGHCivGY58b3SoRgrr6MHECuAL3XUWw7L/s1600/July2011+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 334px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629622302596306850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvv4BwfdgYsUCLh_pFRf7zKu590vllEfztM15Vacn93BQAgwomO7OR5FWQufLlq2TmzKmzrmT9oVm5Z7H8LBsadyiFpc8KCCftVlKGHCivGY58b3SoRgrr6MHECuAL3XUWw7L/s400/July2011+004.JPG" /></a> Purple Coneflower/Echinacea purpurea.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0Qwi3IGxCDJx_KdyLCEcKcqvmVzvRtvlf7tELGlUYb5Dcd9JxKUfC6vV1IjSgHf3RWeUeCew-tG8pGGNLHtW_p3fsuv5oLAZagRAXW1sajJyKO_prbTdag0GI69DYqyLxqr7/s1600/July2011+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629622298651532274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0Qwi3IGxCDJx_KdyLCEcKcqvmVzvRtvlf7tELGlUYb5Dcd9JxKUfC6vV1IjSgHf3RWeUeCew-tG8pGGNLHtW_p3fsuv5oLAZagRAXW1sajJyKO_prbTdag0GI69DYqyLxqr7/s400/July2011+016.JPG" /></a> Echinacea purpurea amid little bluestem and switchgrass.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC7u0UwSBkk3xCWUe5mQErzKmCwW9Or7VUVYtbOD34ePVJ6VS7vP5_P6N24YBaoqap9BLzTVRj1qb36kzg6j8LZ3ZWljfG_6B7U69rBtnkpiVg5UrQeThRWLZr5pYbFLYuSLS/s1600/July2011+023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629622296548481282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC7u0UwSBkk3xCWUe5mQErzKmCwW9Or7VUVYtbOD34ePVJ6VS7vP5_P6N24YBaoqap9BLzTVRj1qb36kzg6j8LZ3ZWljfG_6B7U69rBtnkpiVg5UrQeThRWLZr5pYbFLYuSLS/s400/July2011+023.JPG" /></a>The butterflies are active today.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OixdlsZDtBJ3g5vRt0-_Bk7C7KVhPVQnpnucdfthcO4dNCDwz3w2WHL0rcoYdi8WYnsnNJt2dzlKiwqRd_ewelXlj-dr3tJDBqJlBZduLf6ovyiSjh32VTUEa2C2fYeY0Z5p/s1600/July2011+024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 372px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629621458034964866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OixdlsZDtBJ3g5vRt0-_Bk7C7KVhPVQnpnucdfthcO4dNCDwz3w2WHL0rcoYdi8WYnsnNJt2dzlKiwqRd_ewelXlj-dr3tJDBqJlBZduLf6ovyiSjh32VTUEa2C2fYeY0Z5p/s400/July2011+024.JPG" /></a> Lots of native bees on the job as well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rDty1WkcDVh91c0ZpxBASQnZUqB8TuLT29CAjFREutT2lk-nf_wZEOrqW_MVvpWdw3YLsa8Lf-qVuWO1kGfeJs-C20v7XSTHJPzodyspBil7A3lY_hZw14AbicgtfdbIauG3/s1600/July2011+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 309px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629618888235039154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rDty1WkcDVh91c0ZpxBASQnZUqB8TuLT29CAjFREutT2lk-nf_wZEOrqW_MVvpWdw3YLsa8Lf-qVuWO1kGfeJs-C20v7XSTHJPzodyspBil7A3lY_hZw14AbicgtfdbIauG3/s400/July2011+008.JPG" /></a> Ratibida pinnata/yellow or gray coneflower.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorRgic9_mBAMr21Q-fMaMvfXjmYwZ18LjmfB5xvmBQMwdKzoUHJhx7orCX55hSrazPuBPUOi300WHTIuhMSaT9S7r7n_zVz_e5_X3KxvKvtiu761J4JiTBfFs5nLHAxIor__5/s1600/July2011+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629618879602964754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorRgic9_mBAMr21Q-fMaMvfXjmYwZ18LjmfB5xvmBQMwdKzoUHJhx7orCX55hSrazPuBPUOi300WHTIuhMSaT9S7r7n_zVz_e5_X3KxvKvtiu761J4JiTBfFs5nLHAxIor__5/s400/July2011+007.JPG" /></a> Ratibida pinnata with Liatris and coreopsis.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3r3XvP6Ym6jiR5DIEOpBRg4V-yrDDlO_rIPtY8jcJX_bXxmrd2mU4gxD21HHl-A9gIHlhUXH3bnBDDPTTBdeYoK9lq6wRisK4Ynk4XaSygrSEW3yLg3hL-8oGpDPSHz4y4w3R/s1600/July2011+030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629617463839444258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3r3XvP6Ym6jiR5DIEOpBRg4V-yrDDlO_rIPtY8jcJX_bXxmrd2mU4gxD21HHl-A9gIHlhUXH3bnBDDPTTBdeYoK9lq6wRisK4Ynk4XaSygrSEW3yLg3hL-8oGpDPSHz4y4w3R/s400/July2011+030.JPG" /></a> Heliopsis.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7cFhxkeHgLx86tdrnbUpX5oEmFIChaEosSdaLv6ki1vC71ANX0JfyG76HH2IMpMo82FNzm6M28wwK_Oen8l8lYWgCK_i1CKrKTUMfxvTyEusLUD7Hi5p3e5qrRM-_E9C-ths/s1600/July2011+013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629616778052296562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7cFhxkeHgLx86tdrnbUpX5oEmFIChaEosSdaLv6ki1vC71ANX0JfyG76HH2IMpMo82FNzm6M28wwK_Oen8l8lYWgCK_i1CKrKTUMfxvTyEusLUD7Hi5p3e5qrRM-_E9C-ths/s400/July2011+013.JPG" /></a>Joe-pye weed standing tall.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIez6t5ojWHQfEXzcQ_ABJOf-0FeOVk4MqINtkkG7WjqmMGy9ENR1u2rUr_YSUkQso4ZeQq_JXNBWe04uGRo1X0Vlnt8wz9ICYcj70WcrHMzjSyYuBQVTgImSLm-7rGgQcPM8/s1600/July2011+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629616767776547282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIez6t5ojWHQfEXzcQ_ABJOf-0FeOVk4MqINtkkG7WjqmMGy9ENR1u2rUr_YSUkQso4ZeQq_JXNBWe04uGRo1X0Vlnt8wz9ICYcj70WcrHMzjSyYuBQVTgImSLm-7rGgQcPM8/s400/July2011+012.JPG" /></a>Another Joe-Pye that self seeded into a good spot.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkT7PtGiEPU2EOB0F39c1umz7ZoKX4gzM_AU19pnOWHN__if33G46m3ulYVHSZPnT3oScllNwMVLHXwTrO0WKdzQNpvTOUQ_DQvRhJzfoZqYuUwTyz5fq_vIMHv67mB3c3Wn7/s1600/July2011+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629615854299483170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkT7PtGiEPU2EOB0F39c1umz7ZoKX4gzM_AU19pnOWHN__if33G46m3ulYVHSZPnT3oScllNwMVLHXwTrO0WKdzQNpvTOUQ_DQvRhJzfoZqYuUwTyz5fq_vIMHv67mB3c3Wn7/s400/July2011+009.JPG" /></a> Liatris tall and purple, coreopsis low and yellow.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7U64UIg-ThgLSGuv-ABQiTx3hwWtX1E2yVuh6-Tbn-tOfN5oqZJqXmMXxJB6zU6-G0Dc5ndzNpdSpwv7DjO0ny2mFlqyL_q3WxbNekD8GMQqia-5MQDR34_6xLkICJHa0NyE/s1600/July2011+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629615179063805282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7U64UIg-ThgLSGuv-ABQiTx3hwWtX1E2yVuh6-Tbn-tOfN5oqZJqXmMXxJB6zU6-G0Dc5ndzNpdSpwv7DjO0ny2mFlqyL_q3WxbNekD8GMQqia-5MQDR34_6xLkICJHa0NyE/s400/July2011+003.JPG" /></a> Liatris with a backdrop of Eupatorium,chocolate and boneset.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-50085644696552654962011-07-06T16:30:00.010-05:002011-07-06T22:12:12.290-05:00Planted and Protected<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm219XV-WzB1yJSaoGigxhcgiCKcSOdIiTKHzgnIg214KhPlo019IX0WqeSmbmqVZfjWH5X0bQVMvPzGOCxJBMas6rPq2NKepH1sSRVYWiBy9fCgdHLRuKcEYyCl9nCNROkWrs/s1600/rabbit+foil.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626358585741741474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm219XV-WzB1yJSaoGigxhcgiCKcSOdIiTKHzgnIg214KhPlo019IX0WqeSmbmqVZfjWH5X0bQVMvPzGOCxJBMas6rPq2NKepH1sSRVYWiBy9fCgdHLRuKcEYyCl9nCNROkWrs/s400/rabbit+foil.jpg" /></a> Worried that rabbits would eat the seedlings before they could grow and establish we added a wire fence. This will be a pretty little area with a lower profile than so many of the taller species in our garden. The plants from <a href="http://www.nativeseedgardeners.org/">Native Seed Gardeners</a> are the only plants in our garden protected from herbivores.<br /><br /><br />The camera is facing north so this open area gets full sun which these prairie plants should do well with. Trying to decide what to use as a light mulch over the bare soil until seedlings grow to cover. This blog will now become a journal to record the story of gardening to harvest native prairie seed, along with the wildlife gardening.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://pollinators-welcome.blogspot.com/2011/06/native-seed-growers-seedling-pick-up.html">To see this years seed crop list</a>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-42173061896932825782011-06-26T10:02:00.010-05:002011-06-29T16:53:31.390-05:00Another Random Garden Video DayFor rainy day viewing pleasure watch what other people are doing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvaP9W6YoZ0">Deep Middle Blog Garden Tour Video</a><br /><br /><a href="http://deepmiddle.blogspot.com/2011/06/tour-my-garden-pics-video.html">The Deep Middle Blog</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.openroad.tv/video.php?vid=400">Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project Video</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/pore/photosmultimedia/multimedia_gwrp.htm">NPS site</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p6we9xx1Tg&feature=related">Greenleaf Lawn Alternatives video</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btijSOmfQhk&feature=related">Native Plant seeds Warren Wilson College video</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01SlhLqz2Sw&feature=related">Ecological Landscaping video</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WBaStm16sU&feature=related">Lawn Alternatives Nebraska Extention video</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAsfGfVHlRU&feature=related">Native Landscapes Nebraska Extention video</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0jrFlX7E00&feature=related">Water Garden Davinci Arts Middle School</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.vimeo.com/coastalprairie/videos/sort:date">Coastal Prairie Video</a><br /><br /><br /><object id="media-container" width="400" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://video.cws.oregonstate.edu/std/zfbts.swf"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><br /><br /><embed src="http://video.cws.oregonstate.edu/std/zfbts.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="250"></embed></object>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-29557156476220670582011-06-23T13:09:00.005-05:002011-06-23T14:06:31.633-05:00Feral Honey Bees - Urban Habitat?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6agbvBn74Ib9dtNDkcQA1vfwUWQBJSCUudQyBepT5Y_-V2sVdeW1X82tRM_9R3F7wGpoFkWO-Ka0F42R7IyODsWfhOO6Cn1DBQ0wqPyrQiebY-XkqnbLesWrMILWnO6ArM-6/s1600/santa_ana46+bee+habitat.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621492548809686434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6agbvBn74Ib9dtNDkcQA1vfwUWQBJSCUudQyBepT5Y_-V2sVdeW1X82tRM_9R3F7wGpoFkWO-Ka0F42R7IyODsWfhOO6Cn1DBQ0wqPyrQiebY-XkqnbLesWrMILWnO6ArM-6/s400/santa_ana46+bee+habitat.jpg" /></a><br />While plants for nectar and pollen are important for gardeners to provide, I have another theory as to why honey bees seem to be around less, at least in my neighborhood.<br /><br />Wild populations are necessary for the health of any species. So where do those feral population live in an increasingly urban world? No one wants a huge bee colony nearby,even individual bees scare the bejeebees out of most.<br /><br />In our neighborhood honeybees were very common most of my life. They tended to colonize old trees that had rotted out centers that could be entered high above the heads of the pedestrian population of humans, so go unnoticed. But many severe storms and a replacing sidewalks program and utility companies worried about future damage cutting the trees to the point of causing death or such an ugly site that owners finally removed the entire tree, has caused a real lack of honey bee habitat to occur in this community. So honey bees have just about disappeared unless you live near someone with hives raising honeybees.<br />My own daughter had just such colony in a tree in her front yard and lost it to a new sidewalk and the presumption of its aging danger.<br /><br />So I'm guessing our feral honeybee population will remain minimal for many years to come. Chicago seems determined to replace its lost trees but it will take many years and a change in attitude toward aging trees and the seeming danger of storms to recover anywhere near the population of wild honey bees once enjoyed here.<br /><br />At the native California plant garden , Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden, near LA in California there is a wonderful site. The slowly disappearing felled tree known to house a honey bee colony for over 400 years which is still thriving within the remains. Where else could this be left to continue to provide a habitat for bees?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvV7PsdLkXwfxDsVW0eonjA1yZKL-17uGBF-LaemF5gQx5ZkWI5b8eJcMTq9skLRDrn-4k-seuiy5c1HZd47SDGdj8fedeWZzZcJLqD_hQM2BnauTDcd6-ei9dMiQ3ucili85/s1600/santa_ana44+bees.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621492538826371314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvV7PsdLkXwfxDsVW0eonjA1yZKL-17uGBF-LaemF5gQx5ZkWI5b8eJcMTq9skLRDrn-4k-seuiy5c1HZd47SDGdj8fedeWZzZcJLqD_hQM2BnauTDcd6-ei9dMiQ3ucili85/s400/santa_ana44+bees.jpg" /></a>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-68939181305755802132011-06-10T12:34:00.006-05:002011-06-10T15:44:06.081-05:00Life In The Leaf Litter ...and other organic debris.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfsvxY3KTCXSQ6ZupgRPL6nXSYPYL8irEgXXO5QK0TkrWbp0zbE0aZ-QTtVAwsmSGkj31oZfDaEiEzuJpao0nRYRGMfKTZ3138Ucqd9JONo_Y9uR2BrWQWV0XEDqU5N2WaiNJ/s1600/2010+garden+1007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616671610688912882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfsvxY3KTCXSQ6ZupgRPL6nXSYPYL8irEgXXO5QK0TkrWbp0zbE0aZ-QTtVAwsmSGkj31oZfDaEiEzuJpao0nRYRGMfKTZ3138Ucqd9JONo_Y9uR2BrWQWV0XEDqU5N2WaiNJ/s400/2010+garden+1007.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>The publications page at the <a href="http://cbc.amnh.org/center/makeadifference.html">The Center For Biodiversity and Conservation</a><br />has made available several resources of interest.<br />One in particular <a href="http://cbc.amnh.org/center/pubs/index.php">Life in the Leaf Litter... Johnson, Elizabeth A.Catley, Kefyn M.</a> seems of importance to wildlife gardening and biodiversity conservation in urban areas.<br />I have mentioned this before here at pollinators-welcome in the post <a href="http://pollinators-welcome.blogspot.com/2007/05/mulch-natural-duff-living-cover.html#links">Mulch-Natural Duff-Living Cover</a> . Since then it has become increasingly apparent just how necessary this layer is to the function of ecosystems and wildlife habitat.<br /><br />"Life In The Leaf Litter" is free and easy to download , consisting of 1.58 MB, just 17 pages of text and a few drawings. You can save it or just read and delete.<br />Within those few pages is an introduction to the function and form of leaf litter and the various occupants and their roles.<br /><br />A wildlife garden produces an exceptional amount of biomass. While compost is part of the option for managing this decomposing organic matter there are other options. One is just leaving in place within the garden. This is very much the same in the meadows and garden beds as under trees and shrubs. While mowing, cutting back or burning such accumulation is needed periodically, to do so too often recks havoc with the wildlife by destroying nests,overwinter protection and many in larval stages unable to easily relocate.<br />Another option is composting until most matter is unrecognizable then without sifting using as a mulch.<br />None of this means you must leave the garden looking completely unkempt. But a relaxation of the expectations of neat and orderly in our urban gardens and local parks will go far to provide ecosystem function. </div><br /><br /><div>Function in the form of services, such as allowing water to filter more easily through into the soil and providing habitat for tiny invertebrates that feed on organic litter, breaking it down into smaller pieces which bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms then decompose into soluble chemicals and minerals such as nitrogen, calcium and sulfur. These nutrients are then recycled and used again by trees and other growing plants .<br />Service such as keeping the soil from overheating in urban heat islands and creating a spongy layer that resists compaction. </div><br /><br /><div>It is something to think about.<br /><br /></div>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-36241621149758899962011-06-05T18:50:00.009-05:002011-06-05T20:04:12.581-05:00Native Seed Growers Seedling Pick-up Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyYnbPn9vUE2mlcTVou1n3XWQDD3TGzCRqOlXdb4Xx8gfsIEx1gTDmutsFgd9J5iMvNddHnTebVuohnjJ5XnzYztXggk3vvxJz1LGTogNnINqUKTIaMpPBRn_oRGPiAk9GW4s/s1600/seed+growers+6511+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614894036846206034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyYnbPn9vUE2mlcTVou1n3XWQDD3TGzCRqOlXdb4Xx8gfsIEx1gTDmutsFgd9J5iMvNddHnTebVuohnjJ5XnzYztXggk3vvxJz1LGTogNnINqUKTIaMpPBRn_oRGPiAk9GW4s/s400/seed+growers+6511+001.JPG" /></a> Volunteers are such friendly helpful people.<br />I was able to schedule an appointment for pickup and preorder the plants from the available list online. Then a helpful volunteer had the plants ready and waiting when we arrived.<br /><a href="http://www.nativeseedgardeners.org/">Native Seed Growers</a><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnOj241aAw932Tf0qpUCLNN-prH5Bgd7nAn88w43ExZRZNk8y7HlJuLD9O09LaVaEx8hwQh-Btyd98_sg-aV-ATqre5yPZtG2cRZqpiK3L98dlR7U9UzN88XE6_7bYF4auONK/s1600/seed+growers+6511+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614893860919650386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnOj241aAw932Tf0qpUCLNN-prH5Bgd7nAn88w43ExZRZNk8y7HlJuLD9O09LaVaEx8hwQh-Btyd98_sg-aV-ATqre5yPZtG2cRZqpiK3L98dlR7U9UzN88XE6_7bYF4auONK/s400/seed+growers+6511+008.JPG" /></a> Set-up in the shade of trees were tables of trays full of seedlings looking for a home, just in case you had not pre-ordered or were able to take a few of the extras. Someone was there to help walk you through the plants and assist with removing plugs from the plant trays.</p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J7B33R92guLMCDSDYgLSRrncPsGY9UFZt6xwn4IrQDWrmo2mBPab2Mx03JMo2SHhxnzSiO6DWipGSBd0m2wrC-0EaKKvH_DNETxH9T7MvUPwr_STPrtLJpVaRXC0qrBdENDO/s1600/seed+growers+6511+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614893857849957874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J7B33R92guLMCDSDYgLSRrncPsGY9UFZt6xwn4IrQDWrmo2mBPab2Mx03JMo2SHhxnzSiO6DWipGSBd0m2wrC-0EaKKvH_DNETxH9T7MvUPwr_STPrtLJpVaRXC0qrBdENDO/s400/seed+growers+6511+007.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_gmHfRc14esgm75Uq1Mgroqg1oKEZI_UAkSWyFkPqFYt0xKxBYwaqngwN961i4D4_ZW707wlbUXoI6bP8fkVxss9i0AjGWY4Xg4dzh-IvddGKN1HsIOUEQdSvLUAjNriCDVi/s1600/seed+growers+6511+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614893850379431538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_gmHfRc14esgm75Uq1Mgroqg1oKEZI_UAkSWyFkPqFYt0xKxBYwaqngwN961i4D4_ZW707wlbUXoI6bP8fkVxss9i0AjGWY4Xg4dzh-IvddGKN1HsIOUEQdSvLUAjNriCDVi/s400/seed+growers+6511+004.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcwfKlmXGittqKpg3AQW6KoAJXSVhjvCWkMty-hshRlIOPquVDh2bw7a2EbiUmLxSgYBvqemHCJ_SKS3AkB7ab-B4yfTcYN2yH_iZTuI9nNOac3BzhCx3M7HQ4-vCuRAyv3pz/s1600/seed+growers+6511+034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614892552874400898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcwfKlmXGittqKpg3AQW6KoAJXSVhjvCWkMty-hshRlIOPquVDh2bw7a2EbiUmLxSgYBvqemHCJ_SKS3AkB7ab-B4yfTcYN2yH_iZTuI9nNOac3BzhCx3M7HQ4-vCuRAyv3pz/s400/seed+growers+6511+034.JPG" /></a> The above photo is of the four sunny prairie plants that I chose. We were encouraged to take at least three of each.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3Sq70kVyC_FPa8ZPawnsywm1avmaHScLSqsdfwIidOgVnGdpeQcRN93DvxdnAziuNu2WSX_a55QIXAD7EzvD4JMt4xQ2hoXYsABa9P9CUAPYR7NvJrIF06PWIQTHpbTQGXop/s1600/seed+growers+6511+042.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614892550858707698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3Sq70kVyC_FPa8ZPawnsywm1avmaHScLSqsdfwIidOgVnGdpeQcRN93DvxdnAziuNu2WSX_a55QIXAD7EzvD4JMt4xQ2hoXYsABa9P9CUAPYR7NvJrIF06PWIQTHpbTQGXop/s400/seed+growers+6511+042.JPG" /></a><br />Set right to potting up to hold the seedlings for a bit while the planting area is finished.<br /></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Aster oblongifolius / Aromatic Aster</strong>Late blooming; one of the last asters to bloom. Once established this aster is drought tolerant. The flowerheads and crushed foliage are fragrant.<br /><br />Compact form, with small stiff leaves. The entire plant is covered with flower heads when in bloom. Well suited for small spaces as the plant doesn't flop over when flowering.<br /><br />Attracts:Butterflies<br /><br />Harvest:<br /><br />The seed matures during late October-November. When the seed head is tan and fluffy, the seeds can be carefully removed so as to not disturb adjacent mature seed heads which can easily lose its seed if it is slightly bumped.<br /><br />Allow the seeds to air-dry completely to assure that all moisture in the seed is removed for storage.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Baptisia leucophaea / Cream False Indigo</strong>One of the first plants to bloom in the prairie, the blooms are lush but brief. The cream-colored flower groups are borne laterally near the ground in the spring. This plant develops slowly and once established it should not be transplanted.<br />The foliage can be easily damaged in the wind therefore it needs support from companion plants, particularly little bluestem.<br /><br />Suggested Companion Plants:<br />Little Bluestem, Rough Blazingstar, Spiderwort, Leadplant.<br /><br />Protection:<br />Indigo is not normally bothered by mammalian herbivores because the foliage is poisonous. If livestock, such as horses, eat sufficient quantities of this plant, as well as other wild indigos, they can be seriously poisoned by it.<br /><br /><br />Attracts:<br />This plant is pollinated primarily by queen bumblebees.<br /><br /><br />How to collect the seeds:<br /><br />Seed pods are elliptical, fuzzy and have a pointed beak<br /><br /><br /><strong>Psoralea tenuiflora / Scurfy Pea</strong>An open, bushy plant with gray hairy stems. Very intolerant of root disturbance, they are best planted into their permanent locations.<br />The plant is a good soil stabilizer.<br /><br />Suggested companion plants:<br />Downy Phlox, Little Bluestem Grass, Purple coneflower.<br /><br />How to Collect the Seeds:<br />A one-seeded pods are 3/16” long and are covered with black spots.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=DICLEI">wisconsin plants panic grass</a><br /><br /><br />Family Poaceae<br /><strong>Dichanthelium leibergii </strong>(Vasey) Freckmann<br />Leiberg's panic grass, prairie panic grass<br />Dichanthelium: Greek dich for "two" and anthelium for "flowering" - a fair translation is "twice-flowering"<br />leibergii: for John Bernhard Leiberg (1853-1913), its discoverer<br /><br /><br /><strong>Panicum leibergii / Leiberg’s Panic Grass</strong>A characteristic grass of dry prairies. Among the rosette grasses, Leiberg’s panicgrass is recognized by having leaf blades that are hairy on both surfaces.<br /><br />Protection:<br />Foliage may be grazed by herbivores.<br /><br />Suggested companion plants:<br />Prairie alumroot, Hoary Puccoon, Heath Aster, Wild Bergamot.<br /><br />How to Collect the Seeds:<br />Leiberg’s panicgrass is characterized by two distinct blooming periods. The primary flowering heads are eventually held above the foliage and are produced from late May into early June. The secondary flowering heads are produced from the leaf axils from late June into September. The primary flowering heads usually have a lower seed set than the secondary ones, which have flowers that remain closed and are self-pollinated.<br /><br />The small tan, round seeds are mature when they are easily pulled from the stem.<br /><br />Allow the seeds to air-dry completely to assure that all moisture in the seed is removed for storage.Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-42711682795402123322011-05-27T10:07:00.030-05:002011-07-05T13:36:19.989-05:00Plants grown from seed Spring 2011Weather and the recent sewer work have caused havoc in the garden but we are beginning to recover. Two areas have been completely replanted and the third ,hopefully will be done this weekend. The rain garden plants have all returned as well as the nearby,slow to emerge scurfy pea,which I was afraid had been lost.<br />All of the seedlings that were still in pots over the winter have grown big enough to be transplanted into gallon sized pots or put into the ground. I love starting native prairie plants from seed then watching them grow.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMFWPJ1rw7aLRKiPVeUMzEgKYeRUHy6yKobdfjZp36vLPMfydFRuizrOjNE3G3WYtYXqGsUDFcRUCAjGsIGgloctYAPSf6scThB-iIYqiWOVo2hxe7WZmiYF_Fs09s-taUEzi/s1600/garden+spring+2011+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611416247343578818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMFWPJ1rw7aLRKiPVeUMzEgKYeRUHy6yKobdfjZp36vLPMfydFRuizrOjNE3G3WYtYXqGsUDFcRUCAjGsIGgloctYAPSf6scThB-iIYqiWOVo2hxe7WZmiYF_Fs09s-taUEzi/s400/garden+spring+2011+007.JPG" /></a> This first picture is switchgrass / Panicum virgatum. Very easy to grow from seed and a fast growing plant.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUGce8hBKrcMGH1Oo5-Hx13jaLeeTJQ9yxe5uoVX6aQNvQzz9y8d4TlYnxFeRXQ89VZB5PMnHYqemgva6PWy3zacWL8PtmJFb3ZGBzc4cbvkuynFccta4RGb0l4TdvudwFch5/s1600/garden+spring+2011+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611416029783114098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUGce8hBKrcMGH1Oo5-Hx13jaLeeTJQ9yxe5uoVX6aQNvQzz9y8d4TlYnxFeRXQ89VZB5PMnHYqemgva6PWy3zacWL8PtmJFb3ZGBzc4cbvkuynFccta4RGb0l4TdvudwFch5/s400/garden+spring+2011+006.JPG" /></a><br />Here are a few prairie dropseed and rough blazing star just planted from pots last week. Both were from seed I started last year using winter sowing in milk jugs 2009-2010.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Q-fijruvI8aVBDNAjImvcbaILUVUtKHnFXGbKv7W6lTMmErxo7p4v5MDsfPqJjTBxiHLOurbi5yn-ydi2Hw6kKOBumT9kK7cuG87En0D7eB6f9E6qCxQxYKAdMe5xLzEzyv1/s1600/garden+spring+2011+018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611415848204861202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Q-fijruvI8aVBDNAjImvcbaILUVUtKHnFXGbKv7W6lTMmErxo7p4v5MDsfPqJjTBxiHLOurbi5yn-ydi2Hw6kKOBumT9kK7cuG87En0D7eB6f9E6qCxQxYKAdMe5xLzEzyv1/s400/garden+spring+2011+018.JPG" /></a> A rough blazing star and a pale purple coneflower/Echinacea pallida, somehow in the same pot.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI_DWK3G8je_bRTIFZ5R6Be1-A5YJGVR3VnUb0fPgeRoQfc_TtVsjZzC5Z0KN8tZsFIGZ9Hzz6opBiMcTnyTYAXnrnVXCzh1XZd_RL-BiIqZHsVJ7UCMP2dY-MAaQXxRWfkbQ/s1600/garden+spring+2011+017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611415634938201138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI_DWK3G8je_bRTIFZ5R6Be1-A5YJGVR3VnUb0fPgeRoQfc_TtVsjZzC5Z0KN8tZsFIGZ9Hzz6opBiMcTnyTYAXnrnVXCzh1XZd_RL-BiIqZHsVJ7UCMP2dY-MAaQXxRWfkbQ/s400/garden+spring+2011+017.JPG" /></a><br />More seedlings started last year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ln3oDIsGQNiKgmtn27oATa1WsMOKVZrHZWDYGEMIKZ_hyphenhyphenUxr3WRHW9P6VTinTLG_EwD-UgFjtGosfy-JNn3MtIpDKA03nML9EfCW7_21ZLeDwlUmob3fWKvXVh4mEBoYPwHB/s1600/garden+spring+2011+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611414818187735506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ln3oDIsGQNiKgmtn27oATa1WsMOKVZrHZWDYGEMIKZ_hyphenhyphenUxr3WRHW9P6VTinTLG_EwD-UgFjtGosfy-JNn3MtIpDKA03nML9EfCW7_21ZLeDwlUmob3fWKvXVh4mEBoYPwHB/s400/garden+spring+2011+002.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO9dZHBGNrqjISmA9tRpfJPuiQi6snpLgL7iYdq6hryCcbkgMj-K_-umUnpt1q8MxcRE3PNjKmKhk6zm0lYyJ78e369f8HzMPE6j9qBFTALTyPwSCg-rTjieLCxZjrJY73yrR/s1600/new+growth+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611414575911714562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO9dZHBGNrqjISmA9tRpfJPuiQi6snpLgL7iYdq6hryCcbkgMj-K_-umUnpt1q8MxcRE3PNjKmKhk6zm0lYyJ78e369f8HzMPE6j9qBFTALTyPwSCg-rTjieLCxZjrJY73yrR/s400/new+growth+003.JPG" /></a> This is one of four clumps of prairie dropseed started from seed about 4-5 years ago. The small clumps in picture above came from seed from these plants.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJzfl_FYjRWAt1WUDYVaW94jSNbrVtSsuEa8tWjJto54pmHBBc5VRaj1Iv3NR9mXjy2NAf1I1E8wvEGVB2ni7U3mwo81hsGl7Ux-WeRNlNyyoiTSWY0umbHTt7FqYPWYY4IqQ/s1600/new+growth+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611414238428579650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJzfl_FYjRWAt1WUDYVaW94jSNbrVtSsuEa8tWjJto54pmHBBc5VRaj1Iv3NR9mXjy2NAf1I1E8wvEGVB2ni7U3mwo81hsGl7Ux-WeRNlNyyoiTSWY0umbHTt7FqYPWYY4IqQ/s400/new+growth+012.JPG" /></a> Northern bedstraw returned. This is the third year. Hoping for flowers and seed this year.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBap9DyCY2CGyxDtlU8pJsxfY5hHLsCU2056N1NH8SgJWjJke5eubagthoRJBgGjBJJZKGvSpa6D4ubMsPYk24ipa5dhw_UJffOi7-KMpg2djHQal1uqVvcePZENTsPFNchoQ/s1600/new+growth+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611414069571343954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBap9DyCY2CGyxDtlU8pJsxfY5hHLsCU2056N1NH8SgJWjJke5eubagthoRJBgGjBJJZKGvSpa6D4ubMsPYk24ipa5dhw_UJffOi7-KMpg2djHQal1uqVvcePZENTsPFNchoQ/s400/new+growth+002.JPG" /></a> Canadian hawkweed will be huge this year. I will be collecting seeds for a long time as it flowers over several weeks. </p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n1Z2PSrlDxjvnH66B0vU4D5L0DaGXyPsdSrx7MCkzTNxhHGkP4iJDpHCRx3duGlZJneniPfQH0YE6DBieP8ZQkuZoT1Zfhyphenhyphenbu9jowKSEFE_93nLSj9zfvpl-PciJ0vSLbvBh/s1600/peter+078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625937098562652594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n1Z2PSrlDxjvnH66B0vU4D5L0DaGXyPsdSrx7MCkzTNxhHGkP4iJDpHCRx3duGlZJneniPfQH0YE6DBieP8ZQkuZoT1Zfhyphenhyphenbu9jowKSEFE_93nLSj9zfvpl-PciJ0vSLbvBh/s400/peter+078.JPG" /></a><br />And last but most important,finally signs of the scurfy pea. I am so grateful not to have lost this plant. Next weekend I will be picking up a few more to make sure there is plenty of pollen to transfer between plants when they finally start to flower. I did not start these last three plants from seed but was given them as very tiny seedlings to grow and collect seed from, to be seeded into restored prairie at Spring Creek.<br /><a href="http://www.nativeseedgardeners.org/">Native Seed Gardeners</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/scurfy_pea.htm">Scurfy Pea Illinois Wildflowers</a><br /><br /><br /><em>Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and soil that contains gravelly material, a little sand, or clay-loam. New plants can be started from seeds, but growth and development are slow. Established plants don't produce foliage until rather late in the spring, but they develop quickly thereafter from the nutrients inside their taproots. Resistance to drought is excellent.<br /><br /><br />Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by small to medium-sized bees, including the Digger bee Svastra obliqua, the Plasterer bee Colletes willistoni, and the Dagger bee Calliopsis andreniformis. These bees are attracted to the nectar of the flowers. Some grasshoppers eat the foliage, including Melanoplus femurrubrum (Red-Legged Grasshopper), Melanoplus foedus (Striped Sand Grasshopper), and Melanoplus packardii (Packard's Grasshopper). The caterpillars of the flower moth Schinia jaguarina feed on the developing seedpods, while the leaf beetle Luperosoma parallelum feeds on the foliage. The foliage of Scurfy Pea is occasionally browsed by White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbits, even though it has been reported to be mildly toxic to livestock. It is possible that some upland gamebirds and granivorous songbirds eat the seeds, but records about this are lacking.</em><br /></p><br /><p>Scurfy Pea<br />Psoralidium tenuiflorum<br />Bean family (Fabaceae)</p>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-13392093538174798392011-05-04T11:08:00.008-05:002011-05-04T15:36:33.938-05:00Papaipema MothsEveryone loves the beautiful( very evident by its daytime activity) butterfly. Few think about conservation efforts for the less evident night flying moths.<br />So let us look at a group of moths that are prairie plant host specific.<br /><br />Each species of papaipema moth tends to be specific to a different host or group of host plants.<br />There are many, but to name a few there is ...<br />Papaipema beeriana / Blazing star borer<br />Papaipema eryngii / rattlesnakemaster,Eryngium yuccafolium borer<br />Papaipema cerussata / Ironweed borer<br />Papaipema nebris / Common stalk borer ,small grains grasses and corn<br />Considered a pest but with little economic significance.<br /><br />In the literature available it says that for many of these moths habitat seems to be nearly as important as host plant. That is because these prairie plants that provide food for the larval stage are habitat specific. Undisturbed prairie is hard to come by these days. But the moths can be introduced to restored or reconstructed prairie and do quite well.<br /><br />Will these moths frequent our prairie plants in the garden? A few liatris or rattlesnake master may not a habitat make. But if(as stated in some sources) as few as 100 plants can make a difference, then a few wildlife gardeners and maybe an enlightened park district in the neighborhood planting in prairie style, should do something. It seems to work with butterflies.<br /><br />There is more to wildlife gardening than growing plants. One must learn to leave protected places for different stages of insect life. The more we know about the life cycle of each member of a habitat community the more useful our garden becomes to the wildlife we cherish. This actually turns out to be less work, as the one thing we can do most often is disturb less.<br /><br />Read more...<br /><br /><a href="http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/abstracts/zoology/Papaipema_beeriana.pdf">MSU edu Papaipema beeriana pdf</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/wildlife/tes/ca-overview/docs/insects/BlazingStarStemBorerMoth2003.pdf">Forest Service US Blazing star moth pdf</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/wildlife/tes/ca-overview/docs/insects/EryngiumRootborer2003.pdf">Forest Service US Eryngium root borer pdf</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/tl_ironweed.htm">Illinois wildflowers ironweed</a><br /><br /><br /><em>The caterpillars of various moths feed on Vernonia spp. (Ironweeds),<br />particularly the pith of their stems and their roots. These species include Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth),<br />Papaipema cerussata (Ironweed Borer Moth), Papaipema limpida (another Ironweed Borer Moth), Perigea xanthioides (Red Groundling),<br />Polygrammodes flavidalis (Pyralid Moth sp.), and Polygrammodes langdonalis (Pyralid Moth sp.).</em>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-69804284244494550582011-04-28T13:57:00.008-05:002011-05-04T10:51:47.921-05:00Fritillary life cycle evolved around its host the VioletChanced upon a post at <a href="http://www.beautifulwildlifegarden.com/the-great-spangled-fritillary-in-the-wildlife-garden.html">Beautiful Wildlife Garden</a> about the violet being the host of the Fritillary. Having heard this before, I knew enough to let violets grow in the gardens just in case a fritillary was about laying eggs. But all the talk recently concerning native plants and native insects going around the blogs and forums have had an effect. Just what is the life cycle of a Fritillary and what besides the fact that the violet is a host plant should I know in order to keep from sabatoging efforts in the wildlife garden?<br /><br />Well first of all there are many Fritillary and many violets.<br /><a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=SS6s7tck0fIC&pg=PA80&lpg=PA80&dq=violets+caterpillar+timing&source=bl&ots=x2xbm-B1wx&sig=ZX0aDVP9FD7U1EkqO91K3xRmh6k&hl=en&ei=ba25TZa7Cqfv0gHdm4XdDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false">Caterpillars in the field and garden Allen, Brock, Glassberg</a><br /><br />A fritillary female lays eggs in late summer but not on the host plant. Instead she lays the eggs into the duff individually and up to about a 1000 of them. The eggs hatch in fall then spend the winter as first instar not needing to eat (not growing) just hunkering down into a safe hiding spot amid the debris. Come the sunshine of longer days and warmer temperatures of spring and our little guy or girl starts looking for food. Once finding a violet it eats quickly then hides in the plant debris or under a leaf until it eats again. Growing quickly and traveling from violet to violet hopefully the caterpillar finds enough food and lives until the time to pupate in early spring. This is also done in the decaying organic materials creating a duff on the surface of the soil, well hidden from predators and most people.<br />After emerging the fritillary has no need of the violet as many nectar souces will do for the summer until egg laying time rolls around in a few weeks.<br /><br />So question answered. Leave the violets grow in an undisturb state. Don't do so much clean up or raking in fall. If you do prescribed burns manage carefully or you will burn off the wintering instars.<br /><br />Do a little reading yourself just google Fritillary life cycle or read from the links below.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www3.northern.edu/natsource/ENDANG1/Regalf1.htm">Regal Fritillary northern edu</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=IILEPJ6040">DNR MN</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.milvet.state.pa.us/DMVA/images/regalfactsheet.pdf">Regal fact sheet</a><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regal_Fritillary">wikipedia</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pollinators.blogspot.com/2009/11/pollinators-in-winter.html">Fritillary</a>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-38336514503517326062011-04-27T13:52:00.004-05:002011-04-27T14:40:36.373-05:00Biodiversity, what is it and why is it important?All the plants ,animals,microorganisms,the genetic variations within each species and the ecosystems where each is found and functions is called biodiversity. A compound of the words biological + diversity, defined not just as a giant list but also a data base of community and function that acts together to create the world around us.<br /><br />How much can be lost before function falters?<br />Do our gardens make a difference?<br />Honestly, I don't know but I'm growing some native plants, reading what I can and hanging out with people that are trying to make a difference.<br /><br /><br />Here is a bit of what is available online.<br /><br /><br /><em>Genetic diversity helps organisms cope with current environmental variability.<br />Organisms exist in environments that vary in time and over space. Such variation is often described in terms of the natural or historic range of variability (NRV, HRV) in environmental conditions such as weather, disturbance events, resource availability, population sizes of competitors, etc. (White and Walker 1997<br /><br /><br />A diverse array of genotypes appears to be especially important in disease resistance (Schoen and Brown 1993; McArdle 1996). Genetically uniform populations (such as highly inbred crops) are famously vulnerable to diseases and pathogens, which can (and do) decimate populations in which all individuals are equally vulnerable. Such uniformity also predisposes a population to transmit disease from one individual to another: instead of having isolated diseased individuals, nearly every individual may be exposed to disease by direct contact or proximity. More diverse populations are more likely to include individuals resistant to specific diseases; moreover, infected individuals occur at lower density, and thus diseases or pathogens may move more slowly through the population.<br /><br /></em><a href="http://www.nps.gov/plants/restore/pubs/restgene/1.htm">NPS gov pubs restoration genetics 1</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>There are genetic differences among individuals within most (but not all) populations of plants and animals. There are also differences among populations across the range of each species. In this section we review some basic patterns of how genetic diversity of species is distributed, or partitioned<br /><br /><br />Each species distributes its genetic diversity (one measure of which is the total of all alleles at all loci) in a pattern reflecting both its biology and its history (Wright 1965; Nei 1975). For example, nearby populations of plants that are pollinated by bees may share many alleles because genes (packaged in pollen grains) can flow easily between sites. Such species may have fewer unique alleles in each population, so populations tend to be genetically similar. By contrast, there may be less gene flow among populations of species that are pollinated by ground-dwelling flightless beetles, or whose heavy fruits fall to the ground in the vicinity of the parent tree. Gene flow can also be obstructed by physical barriers (i.e., topography or habitat that a pollinator, disperser, or migrating individual cannot cross), as well as by disturbance (Levin 1981; Slatkin 1987).<br /><br /><br /></em><a href="http://www.nps.gov/plants/restore/pubs/restgene/2.htm">NPS gov pubs 2</a><br /><br /><a href="http://academicearth.org/lectures/factors-affecting-biodiversity">Yale Lecture Video By Stephen C Stearns</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.uprm.edu/biology/profs/chinea/ecolplt/swingland2001.pdf">UPRM edu biology</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/biodiversity/">Stanford edu biodiversity</a><br /><br /><em>Biodiversity, what it is and why it is important is explored in this<br />'Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy' definition.<br />I liked the concept of biological diversity being seen not just as a list of living organisims but<br />but also including ecosystem processes that maintain,support and repair damage .<br />A holistic view that tries to understand how each part works with other parts to create and continue ecosystem services to the whole.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></em>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-14136459211707053762011-04-05T10:52:00.005-05:002011-04-05T11:30:00.205-05:00Native insects native plantsThis morning I read a couple of entries to a blog that brought home, once again, the importance of growing native plants in our gardens. While each years weather patterns may vary greatly there is much more likelyhood of the survival of early emerging insects if a community of native plants are available to be affected by the same weather pattern and emerge early as well. <br /><p>As for the predator insects, they play an important part in a biologically diverse habitat. <br /><p>Biodiversity in our garden as well as in the greater ecosystem provides the backup system for life itself. <br /><p>Please read and see if you agree. <br /><p><a href="http://pollinators.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-bees-and-climate-change.html#comments">Pollinators: My bees and climate change</a> <br /><p><a href="http://pollinators.blogspot.com/2011/03/death-among-flowers.html#comments">Pollinators: Death among the flowers</a> </p>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-73281168745323073792011-03-08T16:08:00.002-06:002011-03-08T16:12:52.911-06:00Biodiversity forum hostSorry about the lack of garden posting this past season. A new season is on its way with much of interest to share.<br /><br />In the mean time if you are interested in the biodiversity of our planet and why it is of some importance to understand and conserve I am hosting the biodiversity forum at Wildlife Garderners.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wildlifegardeners.org/forum/biodiversity/">http://www.wildlifegardeners.org/forum/biodiversity/</a>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-49562772999690736472010-09-27T15:01:00.018-05:002010-09-28T09:46:50.624-05:00Orland Grasslands Autumn Festival<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybF4ITRmBOBWDlPP5lgPXIc0utqrU13DyI4Lh_QnZN8vCCfXY2FpWafVlQV5Boqd2sYvQTO6oDyLLcVPIhHMAhQErWZtJ0-qTjBayD-rvm94vLx5ajcObxAoNqi-vkZ5fO4m0/s1600/autumn+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521694961460979762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybF4ITRmBOBWDlPP5lgPXIc0utqrU13DyI4Lh_QnZN8vCCfXY2FpWafVlQV5Boqd2sYvQTO6oDyLLcVPIhHMAhQErWZtJ0-qTjBayD-rvm94vLx5ajcObxAoNqi-vkZ5fO4m0/s400/autumn+004.JPG" border="0" /></a>Participants attending the Autumn Festival were privileged to find Stephen Packard (man in brown hat) of Chicago Audubon and "<a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Tallgrass-Restoration-Handbook/Stephen-Packard/e/9781597260343">The Tallgrass Restoration Handbook/Stephen Packard</a> " leading a tour of the restoration in progress at <a href="http://www.orlandgrassland.org/">Orland Grassland</a>, a 960 acre preserve that is part of the forest preserve system in Chicagoland.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Oz0QN4IsdF6kmVFhFPFJPddwi-Z725oNT9zrt9Co8JckczCxTZiAEY7wdSar6Rq7IJTJ_O5H2CLDyMUscIs7o-NAP-9Ui6Nv2SRip_WTeytdCG16QnGfKvI6lCVrU3q-vby4/s1600/autumn+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521694288551601186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Oz0QN4IsdF6kmVFhFPFJPddwi-Z725oNT9zrt9Co8JckczCxTZiAEY7wdSar6Rq7IJTJ_O5H2CLDyMUscIs7o-NAP-9Ui6Nv2SRip_WTeytdCG16QnGfKvI6lCVrU3q-vby4/s400/autumn+009.JPG" border="0" /></a> Holding a tiny piece of <a href="http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/ppr_cloverx.htm">purple prairie clover</a> Steve explained how the plant grows very little above ground the first and second year but is busy growing roots a foot or more deep into the soil and that prairie plants often grow root systems many feet deep into the soil. Each stop throughout the walk was filled with information about this restoration and the plants and animals being encountered there.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXoV1H22nhD6wx_zXBFb8Dp8-rWVa-_4m9RWU8YDte6fmAeSAKHYKodMgzeA1vWYPP8IyhPaMJP1Ro7jXomnoJe-opCECoOLJyKWG70MuMfsPtDyQewYRLzPcM6btAluzM4QX/s1600/autumn+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521694280271657906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXoV1H22nhD6wx_zXBFb8Dp8-rWVa-_4m9RWU8YDte6fmAeSAKHYKodMgzeA1vWYPP8IyhPaMJP1Ro7jXomnoJe-opCECoOLJyKWG70MuMfsPtDyQewYRLzPcM6btAluzM4QX/s400/autumn+011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Trekking across the grassland eager to learn more.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TXJLk98Nzc5JiuAQm2G6k8pkUc531Ipn9A5MYA5K-ZjropLXMR73Pl-39m-G2oZuInC1Kr3i7xs_rlCsTU9jwIt4oM5TpaLx2E76q466tgGwniVn-3_UZ3bzFxo5ND6pZTp-/s1600/autumn+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521694266897877570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TXJLk98Nzc5JiuAQm2G6k8pkUc531Ipn9A5MYA5K-ZjropLXMR73Pl-39m-G2oZuInC1Kr3i7xs_rlCsTU9jwIt4oM5TpaLx2E76q466tgGwniVn-3_UZ3bzFxo5ND6pZTp-/s400/autumn+018.JPG" border="0" /></a> Given a bucket with rope attached to hang around our necks freeing hands for seed collection,small paper sacks to keep seeds separate,<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPDXEmrSl3MI5XEChEWQ4ovAx0zjsTlxUyZfR0IqE3RzFVAWBzm0tpCOpmK12EcdBvlMtoyLN602Kuq8kLEI9v8VRw7KEGlq623i-Ez4p7dbWq38aBr7NCA8KL3ZUppRGsie6/s1600/autumn+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521694264813308706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPDXEmrSl3MI5XEChEWQ4ovAx0zjsTlxUyZfR0IqE3RzFVAWBzm0tpCOpmK12EcdBvlMtoyLN602Kuq8kLEI9v8VRw7KEGlq623i-Ez4p7dbWq38aBr7NCA8KL3ZUppRGsie6/s400/autumn+022.JPG" border="0" /></a> and an awesome tool that holds snipped seedheads/pods until released into container, many helped collect seed. Anyone wanting to learn about native plants and seed collection should find a nature reserve at which to volunteer. Hands on experience is the best teacher and help is always appreciated. There is always someone willing to show you the ropes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwEb2GnPFmGNeNpRze87vyWoBeQHEC3vPBztC7_9R3GEf3G_Z4AstedczLrNUTMzatBsd4CedcWYfuiuLdjmTx3Sh3RCXIFd7m0eDXvIJdIMaAK8zdnO7S2bblCrVGTGkhyphenhyphenxI/s1600/autumn+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521689169852997538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwEb2GnPFmGNeNpRze87vyWoBeQHEC3vPBztC7_9R3GEf3G_Z4AstedczLrNUTMzatBsd4CedcWYfuiuLdjmTx3Sh3RCXIFd7m0eDXvIJdIMaAK8zdnO7S2bblCrVGTGkhyphenhyphenxI/s400/autumn+021.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Seed collecting along with other activities will continue several times a month.</div><div><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~ptihys/">Orland Grasslands</a><br />VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS INFORMATION<br />2nd & 4th Saturdays<br />2nd Wednesdays<br /><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~ptihys/photos/newsletter/WonderfulChanges.pdf">Newsletter pdf</a><br /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KVmXkEwEQu6PGcJ9s-FWGMdQRENKPjM3RZR4qkLbZXOGTzoYQwGi27L7UFcA_X00ph8PIhyphenhyphenYb7G5-6EQmLtIeIditMsC3iVTgwzW_9o4XlOncSioY9gI_6b_t5LcInx0tFO1/s1600/autumn+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521689163764954402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KVmXkEwEQu6PGcJ9s-FWGMdQRENKPjM3RZR4qkLbZXOGTzoYQwGi27L7UFcA_X00ph8PIhyphenhyphenYb7G5-6EQmLtIeIditMsC3iVTgwzW_9o4XlOncSioY9gI_6b_t5LcInx0tFO1/s400/autumn+024.JPG" border="0" /></a> Illinois bundleflower seed pods collected in a bag<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWYCtlZL1nqtTf49IYHKR3VI4SPrOzLy3cFF6NO98rmxFLHijwHPSKtHH0eLbr5oqg7HreV_vLRhy3BmcMbWyeD3qvhivGwgYW_m2nNEDbyor4x9brqtY-CDYafR4kQAan6kp/s1600/autumn+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521689160433293170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWYCtlZL1nqtTf49IYHKR3VI4SPrOzLy3cFF6NO98rmxFLHijwHPSKtHH0eLbr5oqg7HreV_vLRhy3BmcMbWyeD3qvhivGwgYW_m2nNEDbyor4x9brqtY-CDYafR4kQAan6kp/s400/autumn+020.JPG" border="0" /></a> Some work, like removal of invasives and more is also being done within the wooded areas surrounding the grassland.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJ-HLlAZ2Kp_KSVc_PD8aZPHco59YRLzIsnGYz7iaiQacP6QWXLsVgNXiDjBdE2P3JInaM_c0O0yjcr1_xQinXOoFbiyW4tOqtxB78Y13TNdk7IpyHLUpB06G97y3Js_jBaNL/s1600/autumn+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521689156815817698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJ-HLlAZ2Kp_KSVc_PD8aZPHco59YRLzIsnGYz7iaiQacP6QWXLsVgNXiDjBdE2P3JInaM_c0O0yjcr1_xQinXOoFbiyW4tOqtxB78Y13TNdk7IpyHLUpB06G97y3Js_jBaNL/s400/autumn+019.JPG" border="0" /></a> A road closed years ago when the property was acquired makes for good access. <div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfi-khf6l2ZuKGqi3mg2zwl8WPMmvacg0buo0E_Yy-qtNroKO-tCh5cK7q5XnuqNj6fuedGo_OIaohLZXpcMa4ZW_YmPp0YUb3bOrORa8qqYoH5VTpDLmbcoGw5o4Q0Pryt1w/s1600/autumn+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521687607271696802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfi-khf6l2ZuKGqi3mg2zwl8WPMmvacg0buo0E_Yy-qtNroKO-tCh5cK7q5XnuqNj6fuedGo_OIaohLZXpcMa4ZW_YmPp0YUb3bOrORa8qqYoH5VTpDLmbcoGw5o4Q0Pryt1w/s400/autumn+008.JPG" border="0" /></a> A prairie legume discussed but which I can not remember even the name.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqXdu1D4iXpuPXzuTfqsOyk4bofrcfZ_sLdmX-qItdI8Y73A5jJ9sief2iGWKmA6rUgm9gUO8OXXrF9huhvoT1IvNgzLTSlGSkLQIseKhtMFmwOZuGvilp8V8fM4g31RIxf3Z/s1600/autumn+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521687602765028642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqXdu1D4iXpuPXzuTfqsOyk4bofrcfZ_sLdmX-qItdI8Y73A5jJ9sief2iGWKmA6rUgm9gUO8OXXrF9huhvoT1IvNgzLTSlGSkLQIseKhtMFmwOZuGvilp8V8fM4g31RIxf3Z/s400/autumn+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/pr_blazingstarx.htm">prairie blazingstar</a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB8M07Gd4kO1WKvhj5FIiGkFKC3-m09_d8WhDNt5rmCntbTDPgNwKKl5XKY9-FA7-1GwrP2uWhOvLLqopvqMBP7E1BJX59ipDBPeS7aPWklBnRLq-v8-PArkNaA8837UDaUFr/s1600/autumn+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521687597105064578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB8M07Gd4kO1WKvhj5FIiGkFKC3-m09_d8WhDNt5rmCntbTDPgNwKKl5XKY9-FA7-1GwrP2uWhOvLLqopvqMBP7E1BJX59ipDBPeS7aPWklBnRLq-v8-PArkNaA8837UDaUFr/s400/autumn+010.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DEIL">Illinois bundleflower</a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3A7N6nVXBvLLiQ1RpCzmuQY5gXX8ycH4a3yYq5AMH4G6Z8KIVCmm99wkA1FuRjjkYyv_-DQ09j7xjabxwu2KGopmjH3NUAG0IfmtEDoKqc8LZSt1hZz9fyQyIRy8jD3EPuZU/s1600/autumn+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521686631565516418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3A7N6nVXBvLLiQ1RpCzmuQY5gXX8ycH4a3yYq5AMH4G6Z8KIVCmm99wkA1FuRjjkYyv_-DQ09j7xjabxwu2KGopmjH3NUAG0IfmtEDoKqc8LZSt1hZz9fyQyIRy8jD3EPuZU/s400/autumn+025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Two pictures of a couple of hoary puccoon plants spotted but no seed to gather. It was explained that some seed is always left behind and if there are few seeds none are collected that season. Hopefully the <a href="http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/hry_puccoonx.htm">Lithospermum canescens</a> /hoary puccoon will continue to grow and spread until volunteers are free to gather seed.<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfRdAupk5dQ1mXczKcfvnNFbSy18ccqoDKbur5xPry4MlXxF0D5a4pH-yMmWsy2yoJIadifBoPGnHk0G91K4IQ6zjJc7GhidZo7ZV0iOZvpn6p3RQgeoqvV9oM2YYYmRE9aJH/s1600/autumn+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521686621703841810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfRdAupk5dQ1mXczKcfvnNFbSy18ccqoDKbur5xPry4MlXxF0D5a4pH-yMmWsy2yoJIadifBoPGnHk0G91K4IQ6zjJc7GhidZo7ZV0iOZvpn6p3RQgeoqvV9oM2YYYmRE9aJH/s400/autumn+026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There were tents with displays and free refreshments for guests. Many volunteers were available to answer questions and make everyone feel welcome. See you there next year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-83755334482890653502010-08-12T16:41:00.012-05:002010-08-12T17:31:00.409-05:00More August pictures in our habitat garden.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5xpXdxEfULWDSfmGbb4NTlriYMxMCne6PQqFZCgXhIt0Qk5NM3ByohH-qMHaBoZD-D0qytaKkk9vHvvVIT2mddTIpFk70dlMlFUj0c5nGxlgeGjojeCF1shy953s_T_az5b4/s1600/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504652181741129202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5xpXdxEfULWDSfmGbb4NTlriYMxMCne6PQqFZCgXhIt0Qk5NM3ByohH-qMHaBoZD-D0qytaKkk9vHvvVIT2mddTIpFk70dlMlFUj0c5nGxlgeGjojeCF1shy953s_T_az5b4/s400/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJvtpfll1FlXp-HXnXPrnH2z3FohyZxy8vmVbXDNEV_f6DZhgO3G5BR0NR3YwRgndCdZcGuvK9wfi1ZfFJs-H5V-GJAj8ZeYEj7KN-0PAybrm7k4I3eBK6102LFTFdIPirqZ-/s1600/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504647141784213442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 339px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJvtpfll1FlXp-HXnXPrnH2z3FohyZxy8vmVbXDNEV_f6DZhgO3G5BR0NR3YwRgndCdZcGuvK9wfi1ZfFJs-H5V-GJAj8ZeYEj7KN-0PAybrm7k4I3eBK6102LFTFdIPirqZ-/s400/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+024.JPG" border="0" /></a> Black swallowtail butterfly on Phlox.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ7ZhUG4W4U_SojMDSLr3ezsiPpc0uhD_nnjAAp6Q35IoHf9-cITWhGMrUeyHYIy34KewchzF3YE2y41WJVNVROIry4uYxhmCit9rK26eh4tuMvG2xxdAh4woi7XwS7qITeB8/s1600/new+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504644271882830226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ7ZhUG4W4U_SojMDSLr3ezsiPpc0uhD_nnjAAp6Q35IoHf9-cITWhGMrUeyHYIy34KewchzF3YE2y41WJVNVROIry4uYxhmCit9rK26eh4tuMvG2xxdAh4woi7XwS7qITeB8/s400/new+017.JPG" border="0" /></a> Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' late summer through fall bloom.</div><div> A tall plant that stands out in the panicum/switchgrass.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuRua-DbjwKHbrly26-7pUkeTfBuJMUMna4CZ-BKbBdd6asRfW3jWu79KE4cO75Y40qTpxnCKoXO0V81TG45nA-o5ZnkTo5JsSIa9VG-2bc_iOly_NujLOblMPHXNNIf07Mcs/s1600/new+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504643478501997794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuRua-DbjwKHbrly26-7pUkeTfBuJMUMna4CZ-BKbBdd6asRfW3jWu79KE4cO75Y40qTpxnCKoXO0V81TG45nA-o5ZnkTo5JsSIa9VG-2bc_iOly_NujLOblMPHXNNIf07Mcs/s400/new+006.JPG" border="0" /></a> Look at those pollen lumps on the back legs of the bumble bee.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkf40uh7qes7sOz0Q1cPWDWjuuFjE7u9IVmvOM_jLKukgcgqYgYzZZD899kWa2reLrDg968n47kMD6y5RgbuQq-l2gxAqzlLppStGJJE6bsVyO5UUit31feM0rbaQTzDJmUJ-/s1600/new+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504642997698530066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkf40uh7qes7sOz0Q1cPWDWjuuFjE7u9IVmvOM_jLKukgcgqYgYzZZD899kWa2reLrDg968n47kMD6y5RgbuQq-l2gxAqzlLppStGJJE6bsVyO5UUit31feM0rbaQTzDJmUJ-/s400/new+004.JPG" border="0" /></a> Hoverfly is a plentiful pollinator.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm__mHHMB2uU3_d8DcYPlR93B3PEvV69LgpTnSgKjplMM2GmzoBVoT6A6xYrTvq5Qht8jdpPyK1WbT2RgG7Pmf-GinAKph3EaGZmdvakh4XBbkbZO9apnrP0ghM2lLXJG5c5T/s1600/new+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504642758817251122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm__mHHMB2uU3_d8DcYPlR93B3PEvV69LgpTnSgKjplMM2GmzoBVoT6A6xYrTvq5Qht8jdpPyK1WbT2RgG7Pmf-GinAKph3EaGZmdvakh4XBbkbZO9apnrP0ghM2lLXJG5c5T/s400/new+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> The turtlehead/chelone is doing very well with all the rain this year.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaqxR3H0bYyh7KtWs9Bk6cXA0lDeQuwG_DPbxURpFiYuH9dk8CZ8XjkdCP4wBw4QQCbIWTPwfGvkgswCG1MS9kdDWQDicuxSzn9XsoLhhQ7FrHUl3IeDsNCC3XHqS1-q2auRL/s1600/new+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504642549815118498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 348px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaqxR3H0bYyh7KtWs9Bk6cXA0lDeQuwG_DPbxURpFiYuH9dk8CZ8XjkdCP4wBw4QQCbIWTPwfGvkgswCG1MS9kdDWQDicuxSzn9XsoLhhQ7FrHUl3IeDsNCC3XHqS1-q2auRL/s400/new+019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> Goldfinch through the screen door. If I open the door they always take off.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHjXYJwFlRaDwIqTc_VM7s-_3MzHN05Fuy4JloCQLQ5dHvs35b3lxoCrkQCQoqKPR1tHq-zunjzABbuHb_9ydB1G1ED5pvUIDo-BfDpvYWL3RYlbCRKyundmlRoNq7g-Opq4T/s1600/new+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504642141872981394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 334px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHjXYJwFlRaDwIqTc_VM7s-_3MzHN05Fuy4JloCQLQ5dHvs35b3lxoCrkQCQoqKPR1tHq-zunjzABbuHb_9ydB1G1ED5pvUIDo-BfDpvYWL3RYlbCRKyundmlRoNq7g-Opq4T/s400/new+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-67976465049094797342010-08-10T22:58:00.011-05:002010-08-12T17:46:42.809-05:00Close encounters in a habitat garden 2010.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg491MLTeLLrT-1midrK4sxScIDcYrfsk06GMl74mVwuYBYEWO6_MUGQufQHIm7oasNuMtgA2H-35hPEChlqxNtrleN1Q9z2bDirUtL0LDgEtNqni73FAccrsAIEFMXDNpdu5/s1600/June+29+20010+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504001991207008354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 354px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg491MLTeLLrT-1midrK4sxScIDcYrfsk06GMl74mVwuYBYEWO6_MUGQufQHIm7oasNuMtgA2H-35hPEChlqxNtrleN1Q9z2bDirUtL0LDgEtNqni73FAccrsAIEFMXDNpdu5/s400/June+29+20010+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> Common blue damselfly<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hQoQeSpZg8b1ctB7XcAjCCnP8SYJeq0oxHmr9wdwZmmAmlj32Bm6uuyUUC3PvbFLrub5taSPZydU87YnVr4jwE0Uh6fjZHuK3vKRODNByBBHFYKMHSuCD1Z4BwR-EpDk9bYo/s1600/June+29+20010+054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504000846714414130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hQoQeSpZg8b1ctB7XcAjCCnP8SYJeq0oxHmr9wdwZmmAmlj32Bm6uuyUUC3PvbFLrub5taSPZydU87YnVr4jwE0Uh6fjZHuK3vKRODNByBBHFYKMHSuCD1Z4BwR-EpDk9bYo/s400/June+29+20010+054.JPG" border="0" /></a> Native solitary bee on coreopsis<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6uYlw9q6eXwaEQSJLgFyVU_s1e75f8KIPb0m9D2Z8VqfP1BN4RiLHFchWd-5ad6OT-r_6BLJd-CgLA5fZzZR5aUrmWcifwmPEmxbEBWHCDO9_VId_hmu-Snxr8rWW3kAo44T/s1600/June+29+20010+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504000161283729778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 326px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6uYlw9q6eXwaEQSJLgFyVU_s1e75f8KIPb0m9D2Z8VqfP1BN4RiLHFchWd-5ad6OT-r_6BLJd-CgLA5fZzZR5aUrmWcifwmPEmxbEBWHCDO9_VId_hmu-Snxr8rWW3kAo44T/s400/June+29+20010+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> Red Admiral butterfly on purple coneflower<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Uj1uZbvoxv-6GRUr8Rry9pO-6toxqE0DmetpUIEFs2SH41Lss-8aAkASrL09vEgUm4th29gCB-mRIq3rXWNw5pxs87XMRbFXzk1yPjBglNapy-XK1Z5zRQ1B5Dh_7vuqh1Rl/s1600/dragons+081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503999768913310514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Uj1uZbvoxv-6GRUr8Rry9pO-6toxqE0DmetpUIEFs2SH41Lss-8aAkASrL09vEgUm4th29gCB-mRIq3rXWNw5pxs87XMRbFXzk1yPjBglNapy-XK1Z5zRQ1B5Dh_7vuqh1Rl/s400/dragons+081.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) dragonfly eyeing insects for meal.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pIC3ZKm8jop4D0uoNAr6s1tjIJYRayA7-OuUBhiFs6Y6Z2wh44YTBPsUHps2QeAopbnV_anynAGO_SmSfwApYVpDAwvEI4YO8zJjSocO5un-SUcGhST83dMiJrieCyzOyJdb/s1600/July+dragon+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503999024077872754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pIC3ZKm8jop4D0uoNAr6s1tjIJYRayA7-OuUBhiFs6Y6Z2wh44YTBPsUHps2QeAopbnV_anynAGO_SmSfwApYVpDAwvEI4YO8zJjSocO5un-SUcGhST83dMiJrieCyzOyJdb/s400/July+dragon+016.JPG" border="0" /></a> Green Darner dragonfly.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeUbMLQKgrW1wBc4vlvlmfz7fA9di6uyU9ZyoXmIX_KeqJ5-z2TuNYD6CscxUru6qenS-KYT8mtT8awfs8olE34UVodZt8wxCcXq8HoKXxmiD24c3NltWsQJW09ZV_eXHuqoV/s1600/July++12th+2010lg+073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503998016683188194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeUbMLQKgrW1wBc4vlvlmfz7fA9di6uyU9ZyoXmIX_KeqJ5-z2TuNYD6CscxUru6qenS-KYT8mtT8awfs8olE34UVodZt8wxCcXq8HoKXxmiD24c3NltWsQJW09ZV_eXHuqoV/s400/July++12th+2010lg+073.JPG" border="0" /></a> Eastern Tiger swallowtail butterfly.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsZrGnqUJ7s6nClWA1QDhYpM8GnECwcNMMWTZ9Z0k3gtG5tSnOsRG5qxqcxSFosRdZdiGgdOZT46fJ8kW9c86R-RwdhFfcMqetFANup9tPC6x1PKyJ8OzSAJbyim3u6qvFJl0/s1600/July++12th+2010lg+042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503998007812549650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsZrGnqUJ7s6nClWA1QDhYpM8GnECwcNMMWTZ9Z0k3gtG5tSnOsRG5qxqcxSFosRdZdiGgdOZT46fJ8kW9c86R-RwdhFfcMqetFANup9tPC6x1PKyJ8OzSAJbyim3u6qvFJl0/s400/July++12th+2010lg+042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Spider and a plant hopper on milkweed stem<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4NAHp1nAJkFW7CWVjKNR2UG4WXLF4aPAcdntipniopo4ZX0ArIJkRMtfPYcNNQ_EEzi1sn241745rj6QXerIUYLxzQuUFFShrgOZHHCurit2wilriNzLFcn_sPXABWqzOijl/s1600/July++12th+2010lg+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503997999391136290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 339px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4NAHp1nAJkFW7CWVjKNR2UG4WXLF4aPAcdntipniopo4ZX0ArIJkRMtfPYcNNQ_EEzi1sn241745rj6QXerIUYLxzQuUFFShrgOZHHCurit2wilriNzLFcn_sPXABWqzOijl/s400/July++12th+2010lg+016.JPG" border="0" /></a> Skipper, love that wing structure.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyWZUNwFhhpDiS_qfQFHgBacmq04yRO10Kvf_CwvEQudQx9UejfyklJeFam1f-fvWAF1__QI2N0u7S7q3xODtEV7soI_y0loPPtZATVIj6dVUjIQlO9yYTkEdv5hPgYrepaPW/s1600/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503997994890727650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 355px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyWZUNwFhhpDiS_qfQFHgBacmq04yRO10Kvf_CwvEQudQx9UejfyklJeFam1f-fvWAF1__QI2N0u7S7q3xODtEV7soI_y0loPPtZATVIj6dVUjIQlO9yYTkEdv5hPgYrepaPW/s400/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Monarch hiding in the spotted Joe-pye weed.<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36328208.post-76185417363260218822010-08-03T22:14:00.003-05:002010-08-03T22:50:00.619-05:00Hieracium Canadense/Canadian Hawkweed In Bloom<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzo3_0hkKaO240qsMJtux6Du3wd9HbEn7r9Q3YtHg5Cla0F5sb-gtxvdNt87ok5RxFYBAE-Zjvb7A5LnAgTrKLBt7wEFdRclfSIceAQMdPIHUriJEjn91NykdkZ_52HJuWLPG/s1600/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501389281555317330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 384px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzo3_0hkKaO240qsMJtux6Du3wd9HbEn7r9Q3YtHg5Cla0F5sb-gtxvdNt87ok5RxFYBAE-Zjvb7A5LnAgTrKLBt7wEFdRclfSIceAQMdPIHUriJEjn91NykdkZ_52HJuWLPG/s400/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+031.JPG" border="0" /></a> The small yellow flowers are the hawkweed. Last year this plant stayed very small and did not bloom at all. It is listed as growing from 1 to 5 ft. At least one stem almost made its full height. Lots of flowers means lots of seeds but as it is opening only some flowers each day I will have to keep a close eye on seed development. I have no idea how quickly this may proceed.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQk8fmWNeqKtMbUrLL67RDGjk7-h5u6eoO-edC1ruquKdyT7eBdLTy3AazIkCiGNTJVwL54vs5Xe4d8ieH2Zsi4iiHTnfMCIeHoXjhmFcHwy4c8-9n1FfpAQ35rEbcQDUm3D3/s1600/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501389279477494146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQk8fmWNeqKtMbUrLL67RDGjk7-h5u6eoO-edC1ruquKdyT7eBdLTy3AazIkCiGNTJVwL54vs5Xe4d8ieH2Zsi4iiHTnfMCIeHoXjhmFcHwy4c8-9n1FfpAQ35rEbcQDUm3D3/s400/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+023.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Hieracium Canadense/Canadian Hawkweed is growing well near but not in the rain garden along with prairie dropseed,purple coneflowers and a self seeded Joe-pye weed.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dkG0Tj658m0ITXLHQ-GPquHGAO_edztu6B6wO_KUNR-ZJipabE9uSDoR-v4Hclcnf9YVrS8hPBtVRKdsy2_98hyphenhyphenOhr00GhDgqfQjtb3QrP-mwPymlUufVpac0Z4qVnShFGbU/s1600/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501389272710009474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dkG0Tj658m0ITXLHQ-GPquHGAO_edztu6B6wO_KUNR-ZJipabE9uSDoR-v4Hclcnf9YVrS8hPBtVRKdsy2_98hyphenhyphenOhr00GhDgqfQjtb3QrP-mwPymlUufVpac0Z4qVnShFGbU/s400/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The Northern bedstraw/Galium boreale is growing but not flowering.</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJo9ltMnfWYcUzzI_agx1jRCbEFaPWtNPV326wKXzxC8SpLqmauEb4IZSuz8BUyey9VQRY-id7Sm_b431_ErpyztroyZRT7rHcdqTkNpw_65nnewk_6_tB2bPxOKq94WgK_Z3/s1600/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501395395647884562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJo9ltMnfWYcUzzI_agx1jRCbEFaPWtNPV326wKXzxC8SpLqmauEb4IZSuz8BUyey9VQRY-id7Sm_b431_ErpyztroyZRT7rHcdqTkNpw_65nnewk_6_tB2bPxOKq94WgK_Z3/s400/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>The Psoralea tenuiflora/Scurfy Pea is growing but so far no flowers.</div><div> </div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo9U-GMp17Fp69E7ud5kAFYuErH0AhpeAqFuY-i_EHSiNfh21xOAJvck6kYFxOpDxbxbFlR1Z4HcHvDoz9rdkeaASbxCV9nWlfPJRX5suFhWt2XZwZGRWis90dY_pyzvTL8V7/s1600/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501395391053113826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo9U-GMp17Fp69E7ud5kAFYuErH0AhpeAqFuY-i_EHSiNfh21xOAJvck6kYFxOpDxbxbFlR1Z4HcHvDoz9rdkeaASbxCV9nWlfPJRX5suFhWt2XZwZGRWis90dY_pyzvTL8V7/s400/HAWKWEED+aUGUST+021.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>The Michigan Lily/Lilium michiganese looked fine last summer but did not return this year.</div><br /><div>Native seed gardening is not for the faint of heart.<br /></div><div>I am growing these plants from seeds for <a href="http://www.nativeseedgardeners.org/">Native Seed Gardeners</a></div></div></div></div>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02510052722805573141noreply@blogger.com4