Monthly Archives: November 2016

Harvesting wild rice was a farewell to fall activity


There were times I’d curse it. When I was growing up I loved to duck hunt on the river behind the house. Huge expanses of wild rice lined the shore in the shallow muddy places. My dog wouldn’t go in … Continue reading

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Ground Ivy is an aggressive perennial weed


When gardeners talk about weeds the word vine usually makes them cringe. Their anxiety increases when the word mint is added to the conversation. Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is guilty on both counts. Sometimes called creeping Charlie, this perennial can … Continue reading

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Honoring our veterans should be what November 11 is all about


It used to be called Armistice Day. Celebrated on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, this holiday commemorated the end of World War I in 1918. The actual Treaty of Versailles was signed the following … Continue reading

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Sourwood is an underused landscape tree with magnificent color


Our fall color is beginning to develop and sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is one of the first to show itself. Trees aren’t large but their unique orange to red leaves stand out gloriously. Their color has been pretty for a couple … Continue reading

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For me it’s hard to top a mutt


I don’t mean this as a slap toward people with purebred dogs. I’ve just never had a reason to possess one. I have great admiration for the skills these pedigreed canines can acquire and demonstrate. Overall expense for me was … Continue reading

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