Thursday, January 31, 2013

Watching for Woodpeckers


Here is the Amaryllis that will carry us into February
 
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past Groundhog Day and possibly into spring
 
(she said, quizzically, hopefully)
 
one would think, given the dreary skies of January, the little varmint would not see his shadow.
But I’ll bet you twenty cents he does!!
 
However, I have heard this morning
that there is another harbinger of spring upon which to put one’s trust
and anticipation.
 
It is said that the courting of the woodpecker
is the way to track Spring's advance as she loiters along snow covered lanes
in the wintry woods.
 
and it is reported that even now, as we speak,
the sap rises in the pileated woodpecker and they are a-courting!!!!
 
Do not be discouraged if Ground Hog Day is sunny -
 
put your faith in the Woodpecker.
 

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

ABC Wednesday


The letter of note this week is C
C is for Cleome

cleome
 
Cleome
“Spider Plant”
 
A lovely flower, known for its exceedingly long seed pods which develop below the flowers as the bloom progresses upward, giving the plants a spidery look.
 
As do the projecting stamens of the flowers.
 
Cleome grows in great clusters of flowers, six to eight inches in diameter, perched upon stems that grow up to six feet high.
 
Cleome grows well in average soil located in full, or nearly full sun.  It is not a shade plant and likes to  display its spectacular beauty right out in the sunshine
 
Sow Cleome when the ground is warm, – or start it indoors four to six weeks before you plan to plant it.
So, can’t you see this beautiful plant at the back of your flower bed?
 
Planted in clusters of pink, white or lavender shades it makes a most satisfying annual. and if you treat it properly and live right the seeds will probably propagate the next year.
 
I sent away for my Cleome seeds yesterday, and plan to make a new bed in the back garden where they will hide the chain link fence and add a bit of drama to the East.
 
 
cleomebed
 
For more about the letter C visit here at ABC Wednesday, with thanks to Mrs. Nesbitt who founded this Meme and all who work to maintain it.