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Sunflowers are a symbol of summer
We don’t grow many sunflowers commercially in this part of the country, but they are one of our most recognizable flowers. Many folks grow them on a small scale. There are so many reasons to grow sunflowers. They are beautiful, … Continue reading
Controversy about GMO crops never seems to go away
We’re all familiar with the term GMO, and many have already made up their minds about these crops. Unfortunately, most people don’t really know how they were developed or how they are different from any other commodity. That doesn’t stop … Continue reading
Jimsonweed is another poisonous plant in the potato family
Last week I wrote about angel trumpet, an ornamental plant in the potato family. Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a very close relative and a weedy plant some people think is attractive enough to be used that way. In fact, numerous … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged alkaloids, Angel trumpet, annual, atropine, Datura stramonium, devil's snare, jimsonweed, poisonous, potato family, southern US, spiny seed pod, weedy plant
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Angel trumpets love the summer heat
We’ve had some beastly hot weather recently, and many landscape plants are suffering. One that isn’t is angel trumpet (Brugmansia sp.), a member of the potato family. Angel trumpet plants grow to the size of a large shrub, but … Continue reading
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Tagged Angel trumpet, Brugmansia, butterflies, full sun, huge flowers, hummingbirds, poisonous, potato family, rich moist soil, stem cuttings
3 Comments
Dill is a useful herb, but many people struggle to grow it
Everyone has eaten dill pickles, by themselves or in salads or sandwiches. Some love them and some may not, but dill (Anethum graveolens) is a spice often overlooked. Many folks try to grow it in their herb gardens with varied … Continue reading
Remembering a past Mother’s Day
My father passed away last June, so this is my mom’s first Mother’s Day without him. I know it will be difficult for her. They were married for nearly 64 years. When I was a kid, Mother’s Day usually signaled … Continue reading
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Tagged Fiddleheads, Mother's Day, pink and red carnations, salmon fishing, traditions
1 Comment
All pollen is not created equal
I took a relaxing boat ride on the Perquimans river recently and noticed copious amounts of tree pollen floating on the water. I suspect much of it was from bald cypress trees since most loblolly and longleaf pine pollen … Continue reading
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Tagged bald cypress, goldenrod, grass pollen, insect pollinated, loblolly pine, longleaf pine, oak pollen, pollen, ragweed, self-pollinated, sticky pollen, wind pollinated
1 Comment
Wild fennel is an invasive weed, but I still like it.
Actually, it’s not truly wild. It’s escaped and naturalized, and it has been for a long time. Wild fennel is like fennel found in nurseries and stores, and you can find it anywhere. I ran into a bunch of it … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged anise scent, culinary herb, digestive aid, Foeniculum vulgare, invasive, medicinal herb, sunny places, well drained soil, wild Fennel
3 Comments
Lily of the valley is a blast from my past
When I was young, my grandfather had a huge patch of these tiny fragrant white flowers all around his house. I used to pick them and place them in jars to bring some aroma inside. Nobody ever cautioned me about … Continue reading
Mockingbirds are interesting creatures few people notice
Mockingbirds are cool. We have a few at school, and one likes to play games with me. He’ll fly beside me and stop a short distance in front of me while I talk to him. When I get within four … Continue reading
