A family of turkeys came through our neighborhood this afternoon between storms.
We spotted atleast three young birds with two adults. If their markings show which sex they are, they are called Jakes and Jennys. I could not tell if they were mature enough for that.
We have had several storms each day. Sometimes we get a glimpse of a bright rainbow. I love it here on the mountain.
FLOW
I will be very particular with my plant purchases for Zone 5. I have wasted a lot of money in my Zone 7 gardens over the years. That will not happen again. I now research every plant for deer resistance.
So far there are four new plants that have not been devoured by deer. They are cone flower, lantana, ice plant and an Epimedium.
The Echinacea Sombrero ‘ Red Salsa PP#23105 tag says Zones 4-9. It seems happy on a slant near a wall.
Ocean Sunset Orange Glow Ice Plant survived being stepped on by a hunky EMT named Kurt. This Delosperma’s tag claims extreme coldy hardy.
‘Hot Blooded’ red Lantana camara is growing uneaten in the front flower bed. It is hardy to 32°, so it will be treated as an annual.
My latest Epimedium is named ‘Pink Champagne.’ I could not resist any plant nicknamed Fairy Wings. It also claims to be hardy in Zones 5-9. This is not blooming but also not being eaten.
My favorite plant store in Boone gave me this list several years ago. I will be referring to it religiously from now on. Thanks Mustard Seed.
FLOW
I am having to learn what works in Zone 5. The deer are not the only foes here on the mountain. There’s a new slug in town and I’m gonna beer it!
I have purchased slug traps. I may do experiments to see which brand of beer is preferred. I do hope they turn out to be cheap drunks, so I do not have to sacrifice my Blue Moons. I will do what I must.
The slugs are eating the top of that pink bee balm that caused my latest hip dislocation. Talk about adding insult to injury!
My only basil plant has been demolished. When I moved the pot, there was a slug sleep-over in progress underneath.
It seems slugs are eating this Brunnera. I have not witnessed this, so plan to come out after dark to investigate. It too will be surrounded by Little Green Slug Tiki Bars.
The deer have slowed their snacking on my flowers. This could be due to Deerscram, RepelsAll or their preference for watermelon. This experiment has no control group, so no cause can be determined.
That’s my report from Zone 5. I am happy to announce that I can safely leave the porch due to the new all-terrain wheels on my walker.
FLOW
I brought up some ‘Lucifer’ Crocosmias to put in our mountain garden, because the deer never ate the blooms in our Zone 7 gardens.
The night before the planned photo shoot featuring a perfectly shaped stand, the deer here came through and beheaded most of the clump.
There is a new type of slug here. Great!
I will be switching to blogging about nature instead of battling it when I fully recover. I have been at war too long. I will always want nature to win, despite my dreams of gorgeous flowers and tasty herbs.
My family sent me photos from home of my flowers. Here are two plants thriving in my absence.
FLOW switching tactics
I love anything weird. Anomalies get my attention and steal my heart. My favorite creatures include octopi, bats and mushrooms and slime molds and lichens.
Yes, I love all fungi. My favorite is the Stinky Squid Stinkhorn. I found one in my yard decades ago and the affair has continued.
My visiting friend, Lucy, spotted these in my neighbor’s yard. Santa Randy was nice enough to send photos since the all-terrain wheels for my walker have not arrived yet.
These are relatives of my first-love the stinkhorn. It will not surprise you that the genus name of the group is Phallaceae. Many indelicate nicknames for shapes include the word penis with the potential owner’s name before it: dog, man, devil’s…or even a scientist’s name. These scientists want to be famous any way possible!
Since I am unable to examine these more closely, I must guess at the identification. Features for identification include egg colors, “stem” color and texture, length and smell of the slime on the cap.
I have no problem in skipping this process, since I cannot bend over and would rather not be seen measuring and sniffing anything phallic. I do have my limits!
My guess is it could be Phallaceae rubicundus or P. rugulosus.
I recommend you be on the lookout for these fascinating fungi. I hope the link below embeds correctly. There is an octopus stinkhorn and a lizard’s claw I would love to see.
You sticklers are welcome to come be here with gloves, a digger and a ruler to further investigate. As for me, I will watch you from my porch and take pictures.
Thank you to Lucy and Santa for your contributions to this post.
FLOW
https://a-z-animals.com/blog/stinkhorn-fungi-different-types-and-why-they-stink/
I had to share this from our local news.
So creative. Attention to detail.
Hooray Band!
I hope this works. Click on the red link to see some incredible work by a young band member.
FLOW
Also vote for Nicolas at link below.
No worries followers. The revision surgery went great. I have a PT assessment this morning with my fun physical therapist. I will be fine.
The events in the news have cracked me open. There are people who are unable to see the world through the same lense I peer through. They know not what they do.
If I ever do get a tattoo; it will be about Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark, and her dog, Gilbert. We need to do all we can to keep souls like hers with us in this broken world.
More hate will not help. Stand firm in your truths. Stand in front of our non-white, non-rich, non-dicotamous brothers and sisters.
Breathe in their pain and breathe out love and hope.
FLOWER
PS: Today is mine and Mr. FLOWER’S 40th anniversary. We went out last night. Under that flowery dress is a loooong line of itchy stitches.
Young women from the past
were told by our culture
wait to be chosen.
You do not know enough to choose.
We will choose for you.
We know what is best.
We will plan your path.
We know what you need.
You need our guidance.
Yes, they loved you
but did they know you?
Young women today…
Do not change to be chosen.
YOU must choose.
Do not forfeit your power.
Choose you. Be true to you.
Choose a choice that will last.
Do not allow the mores of the past
to hijack your future.
You be you.
Always and forever.
FLOW
The unfinished book is locked in my safe, but never far from my mind. Especially now, when choices are being made by powerful people that have not earned trust and do not have the same heart as many.
Mercy for all.
My family came up to the mountains today. They thoughtfully brought some of my flowers from home.
I used the only vase in this house to put them in. I am happy to see these familiar faces.
‘Lucifer’ Crocosmias, Whooperee daylily, ‘Tootie Fruitie’ Yarrow, ‘Firepot’ dahlia, ‘Snow Country’ dahlia, ‘Glory Blue’ Hydrangea, ‘Captain Romance’ calla, ‘Breed Apart’ daylily
FLOWER
floweralley 