|
Wildflowers, What Are They?
I was sent some wildflower mixes from American Meadows, which inspired me to share a little info and ideas about the topic of what we mean by the phrase.
There is a certain vague definition when we say plants are "wildflowers". Are they native? Are they exotic? Are they pretty, yet aggressive, weeds? Check the actual names, Latin or Common, in the wildflower mix to make sure you are planting what you truly planned for.
The Dogtooth violet, Bloodroot, Mayapples, are all common wildflowers in Ohio, and natives. Equally common are Queen Anne's Lace, Chicory, and Dandelions- they are introductions. |
|
Winter Hangs On
It did not want to leave, but I think winter is finally giving up its hold. I had an unexpectedly long stay in the Atlanta, Georgia area and spring decidedly arrived there. Up in cold Ohio, it has taken longer. I am looking forward to seeing my spring garden when I return.
|
This year I will plant
The annuals in among the permanent plantings. Veggies, and a few large containers.
If you would like to tell me about your plans or what you think about anything garden related, and post pics of your gardens, etc. Please join my Ilona's Garden Facebook page. I wish I could interact more on that page with readers.
A Bit Late
Besides winter delaying the garden, I ran into some personal things. Luckily the garden is quite forgiving. After helping family member I returned home to blooming scillas, crocus and daffodils just beginning to bloom.
|
Naturalizing Bulbs
Mimicking the look of wildflowers, there are bulbs which can be naturalized for the look of spring flowers covering a woodland floor or sweeping through a grassy area. I have some pages on the ones I like for this effect.
Snowdrops
5 Small Bulbs for Spring
Glory of the Snow |
|
What's happening on the sites?
I have been writing and participating in the Squidoo community this past year. I decided to take a departure from my usual garden topics to become a contributor in the "Aging Gracefully" niche. I wish I could say I've been writing up a storm, but instead I'm doing the other thing that is high on my priority list: helping out my family.
The last two weeks have found me in Atlanta Georgia helping my daughters family while she recovers from a surprise "health event". I get extra time with her and my grandkids.
She is starting a blog, so I'm also coaching her in that.
Going Wild
The theme of this newsletter is a bit of a hint about the direction I'm going to take in articles, photos, AND in my garden. I am going to be planting more of the natural look, including some of the flowers mixes from American Meadows that I will be giving a trial. They sent cute burlap sacks of a honeybee mix and one of annuals; read about them, here.
In my gardening I started in that direction a couple years ago with the prairie patch.
The Prairie Patch Project
I've always liked the self seeding of such plants as Nigella, Shirley Poppies, Centaurea cyanus (Bachelor buttons, so this is a continuation of that "cottage style" manner of planting. The results will be mirrored in th ecoming posts.
|
|
|
Spring Salad
1 head butter lettuce
8 radishes
1 avocado
1 sliced scallion (discard dark green parts)
2 T. chopped fresh dill
Tear up the lettuce, toss with sliced radishes, scallion, and dill.
Whisk together:
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Salt and Pepper
Add in 2 tablespoons oil while whisking.
Toss salad with dressing, top with avocado slices.
|
Good Links
Since we are talking about wildflowers, here are some links that might interest you:
American Meadows has informative articles and planting guide.
Wildflower Planting Guides |
Tools I Like
Soaker Hoses
Have you ever tried these? They are permeable black hoses which lay along the ground and allow water to seep out slowly into the ground.
I think watering the garden during dry spells is a really onerus job, and spraying water can cause disease problems. So the soaker hose, laid in place and then connected to when necessary was a great help in the vegetable garden.
This year I will plant The annuals in among the permanent plantings. Veggies, and a few large containers. If you would like to tell me about your plans or what you think about anything garden related, and post pics of your gardens, etc. Please join my Ilona's Garden Facebook page. I wish I could interact more on that page with readers.   |
|
