April 10, 2021
Saturday Gardening and Puttering Thread - April 10, sorta wild [KT]
— Open Blogger
And this was my second effort, ten days later, after getting and studying the 3-hour Workshop video.
— Open Blogger
Hi, everybody! Learning how this new site works is kind of exciting!. Think our post today is gonna be somewhat shorter than usual. I'm on a learning curve. Thought that today it would be nice to concentrate on things that are not too formal. I am not up to formal today.
Below, a couple of photos from 40 miles north.
Irises, amaryllis, nectarine and a plant that shall not be named.
Anybody having trouble yet this year with the Plant that Shall Not Be Named? We have some rambunctious stems coming onto our porch.
Baby Blue Eyes. One of the Nemophilas native to California.
When I saw them, I thought they were a
When I saw them, I thought they were a
California version of Forget-me-nots.
What do you think?
Anonymous lurker in the Sierra foothills has been busy.
This weed has the prettiest little flowers. I love seeing them every year just before honey mows them down.
Do you know what they are? The roots are good for baiting gopher traps. I love the flowers, too.
Here is another wild-ish scene for today:
The redbud trees are blooming too. Honey calls them purplebuds.
PUTTERING
Empire1 has something fun for us:
This was my first effort at the Bob Ross wet-on-wet painting technique, after watching a number of the half-hour episodes.
And this was my second effort, ten days later, after getting and studying the 3-hour Workshop video.
I love that we have an actual Bob Ross artist in The Horde. Any more out there?
And for those who might have to do a little hand work, how about some lighted gloves? I have hemming to do. Might help.
On the Farm
Illiniwek sent in some photos:
Bradford Pear in front, Bartlett Pear behind, invisible in background between them is a 2 year old Moonglow Pear.
peaches
lots of peaches, and some nectarines in back, which I've never harvested.
You might want to prune those while they're in bloom, Illiniwek. Especially the peaches and nectarines. Why haven't you harvested the nectarines?
Of course, ornamentals like the Bradford Pear are pruned differently from fruiting pears.
The Plant that Shall Not Be Named endures around the porch.
Tulips emerged a year late, most daffodils are done but these are late arrivals, and a maintenance free dandelion shows its face.
Have a Great Weekend!
Hope you get to spend a little time in the yard or garden. Or puttering.
Posted by: Open Blogger at
01:21 PM
| Comments (78)
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Very nice work, Empire1. Still some work to go but you're on your way.
I used to paint but haven't in years.
I used to paint but haven't in years.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at April 10, 2021 01:27 PM (OU+8W)
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Beautiful flowers today! The mystery flower looks like henbit, which my yard is full of here in TN. Loved it when I was a kid.
Posted by: skywch at April 10, 2021 01:28 PM (Y/Ps0)
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The paintings are pretty good. I haven't played with paint since my wife and I went to Florida about 3 years ago. Some mickey mouse watercolors of the ocean.
Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at April 10, 2021 01:30 PM (3H9h1)
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Yes really did replace handle on a pitch fork for wife, took old handle cut and shaped it for metal sleeve, drilled out for old forks.
Have my mini green house ready for plants with soil turned over and sifted compost layer on top. Working on sifting out rest of 2 year old compost, have a couple more hours to go.
Posted by: Skip at April 10, 2021 01:31 PM (Cxk7w)
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Good morning green thumbs. (yes it is still morning in my timezone)
A few daffodils blooming here. Too early to plant veggies since I'm not doing snow peas. I've been tearing down some old woven wire fence. It has been harder than that sounds because it had 2x6s on top and was wired to several posts where the posts wouldn't hold a staple anymore. Plus I've been pulling all the staples instead of just tearing it all up with a tractor and tossing posts and wire together into a dumpster. But it's a good reason to be outside for a couple hours in the afternoons when I need a break from the computer before I finish up my WFH day in the late evening.
A few daffodils blooming here. Too early to plant veggies since I'm not doing snow peas. I've been tearing down some old woven wire fence. It has been harder than that sounds because it had 2x6s on top and was wired to several posts where the posts wouldn't hold a staple anymore. Plus I've been pulling all the staples instead of just tearing it all up with a tractor and tossing posts and wire together into a dumpster. But it's a good reason to be outside for a couple hours in the afternoons when I need a break from the computer before I finish up my WFH day in the late evening.
Posted by: palerider at April 10, 2021 01:35 PM (Aashi)
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Very good Empire 1, don't stop doing them, you will learn as you go.
Posted by: Skip at April 10, 2021 01:35 PM (Cxk7w)
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Thanks KT. I went outside but still a bit chilly for my taste. It was 30 last night. Later this afternoon. Planted some seeds indoors last night. Rosemary, basil and garlic chives. Need to find some pots for the little wrought iron shelf I got for the front porch. Need to find some flowers for some small pots. Have lots of bigger pots for flowers in the front yard.
Empire, much improvement. I'm impressed.
Empire, much improvement. I'm impressed.
Posted by: Infidel at April 10, 2021 01:35 PM (E0OEG)
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Will get some peppers, Anaheim for sure and maybe try a sweet though they never work for me. Also have cut off of green onions from store trying to grow. My oregano is only thing coming up so far from last year.
Posted by: Skip at April 10, 2021 01:38 PM (Cxk7w)
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I have to fight off envy for people who can draw and paint. But I haven't got empty hours to fill anyway, and thanks to modern tech I can just enjoy the results of talented folks so that does help the battle.
Posted by: palerider at April 10, 2021 01:40 PM (Aashi)
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Learning how this new site works is kind of exciting!
For certain values of "exciting." I usually end up repairing a lot of the comment formatting in HTML mode, but I'm OCD like that.
After yesterday's deluge, the front porch was covered with dirt and stuff (much of which poured out of the rotten gutters that need removing). So, this morning I gave the porch a good sweeping. Pulled out some of the long-dead tomato vines that were hanging over their boxes, clutching leaves and debris like a hen hugging its chicks. So, Spring cleaning and getting some boxes ready for this year's attempts to get something that lives.
Desperately need to prune back the pair of pears.
Biggest job ahead is a lot of the yard that was neglected in past years and is overgrown. The cats love to hunt there, but I get worried about what's in there that's hunting the cats. Want to get it back to lawnmowable.
One thing that really looks great this year is the redbud. Pretty much no maintenance required, which is the only reason it survives.
Posted by: mindful webworker - planted foolishly, harvested chaos at April 10, 2021 01:40 PM (BqVVi)
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Wonderful thread. Empire1, Excellent Bob Ross paintings.
Posted by: Mrs JTB at April 10, 2021 01:41 PM (7EjX1)
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I'm taking a hydration break after some deconstruction work. It is going to be lovely today so hopefully I will get in a horseback ride later. I need to reserve some play time.
Posted by: palerider at April 10, 2021 01:45 PM (Aashi)
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A host on a radio garden show this morning mentioned that anyone concerned about cicada damage on small trees could protect them by using lightweight coverings. Am assuming he meant something like the white thin fabric used for frost or sun protection.
Posted by: Mrs JTB at April 10, 2021 01:46 PM (7EjX1)
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Painting is a medium I have not had much experience with, but I love how bob Ross made it looks so easy. I do a lot of work in pencil, charcoal, in and pastel, and I really want to add painting to my repertoire.
I do know I stink at watercolor though. That's a tough one.
I do know I stink at watercolor though. That's a tough one.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, in the Big Sky Country at April 10, 2021 01:46 PM (4l77G)
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The plant that shall not be named.
I completely agree, it's not just a weed, it's a total menace equal to kudzu only it grows slower.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 10, 2021 01:46 PM (gtatv)
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I transplanted tomatoes yesterday. I'm about a week earlier than our usual last frost date, but the weatherman seems confident we're not getting below 45 for the next week. So I went ahead. I'm trying Bella Rosa and Baby Boomer tomatoes this year. Both are new to me, so we'll see how they do. I've got some Tatchi paste tomatoes I'll transplant once they get a little bigger.
Pepper transplants will be tomorrow if it stops raining. I'm trying Slovana sweet peppers and jalepeno hot peppers this year... also both new to me.
I just planted Black Beauty and Butterstick squashes. Black Beauty was a huge producer for me last year, so I'm excited about them for this year now that I know a little more about growing them.
Pepper transplants will be tomorrow if it stops raining. I'm trying Slovana sweet peppers and jalepeno hot peppers this year... also both new to me.
I just planted Black Beauty and Butterstick squashes. Black Beauty was a huge producer for me last year, so I'm excited about them for this year now that I know a little more about growing them.
Posted by: G. Gnome at April 10, 2021 01:50 PM (OQcPl)
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I skipped most spraying, so my fruit trees don't produce good fruit. The nectarines especially get a skin fungus, and for a few years the Japanese Beetles would swarm them. ... Yeah, I'm behind on pruning as well ... treat them as ornamentals, but also as a prepper backup plan. ... (or maybe I'm just too lazy?) ...
I have gotten 40 or so Bartlett pears a year, but they are a nuisance to get the timing right ... pick when they come off the tree easily, put in the frig for a week, then take them out to ripen for a couple days as needed. Maybe if one is canning them they could all be picked at peak ripeness, idk.
I'm not getting the plant that shall not be named thingy ... but it looks like the same plant in both pics.
I have gotten 40 or so Bartlett pears a year, but they are a nuisance to get the timing right ... pick when they come off the tree easily, put in the frig for a week, then take them out to ripen for a couple days as needed. Maybe if one is canning them they could all be picked at peak ripeness, idk.
I'm not getting the plant that shall not be named thingy ... but it looks like the same plant in both pics.
Posted by: illiniwek at April 10, 2021 01:51 PM (Cus5s)
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We have dogwood. I mean, we have dogwood EVERYWHERE! I've never seen them like this. They're HUGE and they bloomed a month earlier than they did last year. I'm loopy for dogwood and am going to drive off one of these mountains because I can't tear my eyes away from all the glorious bursts of white lurking among the trees.
Is anyone else watching the YT channel "Crime Pays but Botany Doesn't"? Guy with the thickest NJ accent you've ever heard. Sounds like he ought to be a car mechanic but he knows more about plants than anyone I've come in contact with.
Is anyone else watching the YT channel "Crime Pays but Botany Doesn't"? Guy with the thickest NJ accent you've ever heard. Sounds like he ought to be a car mechanic but he knows more about plants than anyone I've come in contact with.
Posted by: creeper at April 10, 2021 01:51 PM (XxJt1)
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Thinking about the old graybox days.
It isn't easy being green.
Posted by: mindful webworker - planted foolishly, harvested chaos at April 10, 2021 01:52 PM (BqVVi)
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LOL at people with weed privilege to worry about the plant that shall not be named. Sandy alkaline soil here and low annual rainfall. Feels like every kind of stickery weed is all that thrives. Anything that doesn't have painful stickers or annoying seed tick burrs? is left alone to keep the more noxious weeds from having an empty space to invade.
Posted by: palerider at April 10, 2021 01:53 PM (Aashi)
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Gardening.
I am propagating some flowering cactus, one has orange flowers, one a bright lavender, and one yellow with a red center.
More to be started, a big unruly prickly pair with bright red flowers and a Mexican post (columnar with every tiny flowers).
More to be started, a big unruly prickly pair with bright red flowers and a Mexican post (columnar with every tiny flowers).
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 10, 2021 01:53 PM (gtatv)
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Those are cool, Empire1. Ross made it look so easy.
Posted by: ... at April 10, 2021 01:56 PM (uEbPt)
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I haven't done any Bob Ross artwork yet, however I did watch the youtube his son did and will probably try out his technique. The thing with Ross paintings is you need the correct tools: fan brushes, palette knives. It's not any kind of sophisticated or ingenious brushwork.
If I ever get around to it I will send the pic
I love that we have an actual Bob Ross artist in The Horde. Any more out there?
I haven't done any Bob Ross artwork yet, however I did watch the youtube his son did and will probably try out his technique. The thing with Ross paintings is you need the correct tools: fan brushes, palette knives. It's not any kind of sophisticated or ingenious brushwork.
If I ever get around to it I will send the pic
Posted by: kallisto at April 10, 2021 01:58 PM (DJFLF)
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I love the trees. Especially the redbud.
The peaches and nectarines are sorta overgrown.
(that was pre-populated in the comment bow when I re-freshed the page)
The peaches and nectarines are sorta overgrown.
(that was pre-populated in the comment bow when I re-freshed the page)
Posted by: AltonJackson at April 10, 2021 01:59 PM (DUIap)
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"I completely agree, it's not just a weed, it's a total menace equal to kudzu only it grows slower."
mine gets crowded out by other weeds, but has "endured" in places ... I wish it would take off around the porch ... mowing would stop it from spreading in my case, or 2-4D if necessary. Maybe in the south it is more problematic, but in New Orleans I recall it was a common ground cover.
I've read the Bradford Pear is also invasive, but again, have never seen that around here. Lots of little maple/oak trees pop up every year, but I have not noticed any small Bradford Pears.
mine gets crowded out by other weeds, but has "endured" in places ... I wish it would take off around the porch ... mowing would stop it from spreading in my case, or 2-4D if necessary. Maybe in the south it is more problematic, but in New Orleans I recall it was a common ground cover.
I've read the Bradford Pear is also invasive, but again, have never seen that around here. Lots of little maple/oak trees pop up every year, but I have not noticed any small Bradford Pears.
Posted by: illiniwek at April 10, 2021 01:59 PM (Cus5s)
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Posted by: Pug Mahon, in the Big Sky Country at April 10, 2021 01:46 PM (4l77G)
I did pencil all my life then moved to digital pencil and now digital painting. I have found myself strangely drawn to charcoal this last few years. I think I have some software that does a good approximation of it but I haven't installed it yet.
Agree with you about watercolor. No chance for me there.
I did pencil all my life then moved to digital pencil and now digital painting. I have found myself strangely drawn to charcoal this last few years. I think I have some software that does a good approximation of it but I haven't installed it yet.
Agree with you about watercolor. No chance for me there.
Posted by: ... at April 10, 2021 02:00 PM (uEbPt)
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Empire1, I would proudly hang either of those paintings.
Posted by: creeper at April 10, 2021 02:01 PM (XxJt1)
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I did a lot of Bob Ross painting in high school, had a book or 2 by him. The great thing about his technique is that you get noticeably better each time you paint. Also, it is fun to paint mountains with a knife. Oils are expensive though, so painting often can get spendy.
Oy. GREEN dangit.
Oy. GREEN dangit.
Posted by: G. Gnome at April 10, 2021 02:01 PM (OQcPl)
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AltonJackson at 01:59 PM
That was me. Thanks.
For Illiniwek, one problem with Bradford Pears is that they tend to shatter in storms. Especially if they are forked. You want to keep a strong central leader branch on those trees.
That was me. Thanks.
For Illiniwek, one problem with Bradford Pears is that they tend to shatter in storms. Especially if they are forked. You want to keep a strong central leader branch on those trees.
Posted by: KT at April 10, 2021 02:08 PM (BVQ+1)
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Maybe you can get some inspiration from this painting by my boyfriend John Singer Sargent:
Now that's a watercolor!
I do know I stink at watercolor though. That's a tough one.
Maybe you can get some inspiration from this painting by my boyfriend John Singer Sargent:
Now that's a watercolor!
Posted by: kallisto at April 10, 2021 02:11 PM (DJFLF)
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One of my favorite colors is the 'plant that shall not be named'.
I was just thinking about those flowers the other day; when I was eight or nine years old I used to pick them from my neighbor's flower garden, which was conveniently located along the roadside. Boy did that piss her off.
I was just thinking about those flowers the other day; when I was eight or nine years old I used to pick them from my neighbor's flower garden, which was conveniently located along the roadside. Boy did that piss her off.
Posted by: squeakywheel at April 10, 2021 02:11 PM (mL2J9)
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one problem with Bradford Pears is that they tend to shatter in storms. Especially if they are forked.
There's house down the road a ways that has a really long driveway lined with Bradford Pears. Two years ago we had an ice storm that decimated them. They look like shit today because the owners never trimmed them.
There's house down the road a ways that has a really long driveway lined with Bradford Pears. Two years ago we had an ice storm that decimated them. They look like shit today because the owners never trimmed them.
Posted by: Martini Farmer - Now a Pirate, Hoisting the Black Flag at April 10, 2021 02:12 PM (3H9h1)
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The only painting I ever did was painting by the numbers. Very good job, empire1.
Posted by: Ronster at April 10, 2021 02:12 PM (ymjdW)
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aargh my link at 32 was supposed to go to a beautiful evocative watercolor of a Venetian alley. You have to scroll down to see it. But in the meantime you will view some otherworldly mastery of every medium. Sargent was also an accomplished pianist.
Posted by: kallisto at April 10, 2021 02:14 PM (DJFLF)
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oh snap it wasn't even Venice, it was Avignon.
I thought it was too high key to be Venice. His paintings of that city are pretty moody and dark.
I thought it was too high key to be Venice. His paintings of that city are pretty moody and dark.
Posted by: kallisto at April 10, 2021 02:15 PM (DJFLF)
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I tried growing tomatoes in the old garden mom did such a good job at. Alas, , over 20 yrs of dad and his weed barrier, bark and fake green plants on spikes, it's destroyed. The crumbling 46 yo railroad ties don't help on the terraced garden. Gonna cost a lot to replace. Will have to hire it out unless this old lady gets in rock hard shape.
Posted by: Infidel at April 10, 2021 02:16 PM (E0OEG)
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Bolsheviks have indoctrinated a couple of generations now in ideas so vapid that they cannot withstand logical scrutiny. Therefore, it is imperative that Bolsheviks outlaw speech that disagrees with them because their own positions are logically flawed and unsupportable. Thus we reap the death of free speech.
Posted by: wareagle82 at April 10, 2021 02:22 PM (+Kpte)
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Maybe I will have better luck posting about gardening.
At Christmas I received an amaryllis bulb. I planted it and it produced lovely pink and white blooms in the dead of winter. I noticed something growing in the pot alongside it, a couple volunteers. (I'd grabbed a pot off the deck in which to plant the amaryllis.)
I didn't pull them, because I wanted to see what would grow.
The other day I was astonished to see two plants of Salvia Summer Jewel (pink), just as healthy and dainty as can be, grown indoors! Didn't know it was possible.
It's too cold to put them out just yet, I'm going to wait until next week.
Pansies from last year made it through the winter and are back. Daffodils, and my violet patch is expanding. It's the deep purple-blue shade. I'd have preferred some lighter violets mixed in, but I takes what Mother Nature sent me and I likes it.
My redbud is blooming despite the landscapers merciless pruning of it last year. It survived!
At Christmas I received an amaryllis bulb. I planted it and it produced lovely pink and white blooms in the dead of winter. I noticed something growing in the pot alongside it, a couple volunteers. (I'd grabbed a pot off the deck in which to plant the amaryllis.)
I didn't pull them, because I wanted to see what would grow.
The other day I was astonished to see two plants of Salvia Summer Jewel (pink), just as healthy and dainty as can be, grown indoors! Didn't know it was possible.
It's too cold to put them out just yet, I'm going to wait until next week.
Pansies from last year made it through the winter and are back. Daffodils, and my violet patch is expanding. It's the deep purple-blue shade. I'd have preferred some lighter violets mixed in, but I takes what Mother Nature sent me and I likes it.
My redbud is blooming despite the landscapers merciless pruning of it last year. It survived!
Posted by: kallisto at April 10, 2021 02:24 PM (DJFLF)
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I rarely have anything to contribute to the gardening thread. I grew some grape vines to make wine once and that was a failure, because they were concord grapes from a long lost family member's garden. I also grew tobacco, and man, that was a very fun, pain in the ass. Other than that, I mostly grew herbs you could eat. I had the best luck with mint and Rosemary. The worst I ever did was with Cilantro. The slugs ate them so much there was nothing but stubs.
Posted by: Quint at April 10, 2021 02:27 PM (fjS2+)
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I can't seem to grow bell peppers either, but I can grow horn or bullhorn shaped sweet peppers. Some of the catalogues call them Italian. They're nice and sweet, especially when they turn red.
End of season fruits are good for slicing and storing in freezer bags. They add a lot of flavor to cooked dishes.
End of season fruits are good for slicing and storing in freezer bags. They add a lot of flavor to cooked dishes.
Posted by: OldDominionMom at April 10, 2021 02:28 PM (dH/BH)
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From Boise area: Please note, I may be very late next time- Project Appleseed weekend!
A few more gutter screens installed, project nearly done. Some indoor tomato starts moved to larger pots. I'm still working on the "dead strawberry leaf removal" project- only 1/6 of the 2nd bed left to go. Husband spread grass seed over places where we removed sod (HOA irrigation is due to start up soon). He also started spraying weeds.
Blue hyacinths wilted first, white ones did so this week. First 2 tulips bloomed, in relatively protected space behind kitchen. Many buds on the 51 lilacs. Maples flowering. Dogwood and new peach tree have opening buds. Johnny Jump-Ups have bloomed continuously over winter.
Some pea, spinach, radish sprouts outdoors. We're having some cool windy days which will slow things down.
Speaking of nasty weeds - bur buttercup has been flowering and is already setting burrs. 
Since I live in flip-flops all summer, I hate 'em.
Since I live in flip-flops all summer, I hate 'em.Posted by: Pat* at April 10, 2021 02:29 PM (2pX/F)
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thanks KT ... good idea, it is kinda bushy right now. From 40+ years ago I vaguely recall central leader for apple, open center for peach. I cut off the top off the Bartlett Pear (in my pic) but it has about 15 rogue shoots (suckers, watersprouts?) that need to be cut.
My worst invasive is Bush Honeysuckle, which crowds out all undergrowth ... but at least they aren't thorny like the terrible honey locusts that also spread like wildfire. It is all the good fight, and now I have a chipper-shredder to bring to the battle, which helps a lot. Honey Locust (I think) is the only tree with compound thorns .... the thorns have thorns, hard on tires if left laying around.
My worst invasive is Bush Honeysuckle, which crowds out all undergrowth ... but at least they aren't thorny like the terrible honey locusts that also spread like wildfire. It is all the good fight, and now I have a chipper-shredder to bring to the battle, which helps a lot. Honey Locust (I think) is the only tree with compound thorns .... the thorns have thorns, hard on tires if left laying around.
Posted by: illiniwek at April 10, 2021 02:30 PM (Cus5s)
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The Masters is coming on at 3pm est. Even if you don't like golf, that place is a gardener's dream. Ok, to be fair, if you truly don't like golf, it will probably suck. But that place has to be the most sculpted plot of land in the country. The Magnolias are their calling card. Many who don't ever watch golf, watch The Masters, in April because to them, it is the official start of Spring.
Posted by: Quint at April 10, 2021 02:30 PM (fjS2+)
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Good on you Empire1 for picking up brushes and sharing!!!
I started painting late in life and I'm just in love with this hobby. Keep up the good work!!!
I started painting late in life and I'm just in love with this hobby. Keep up the good work!!!
Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at April 10, 2021 02:30 PM (aA3+G)
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Wifes amaryllis bloomed. Had 5 blossoms on a single stalk. A week after the blossoms wilted, the amaryllis sent up a new stalk and 5 more blossoms. A little unusual I think.
Posted by: Ronster at April 10, 2021 02:32 PM (ymjdW)
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Good on you Empire1 for picking up brushes and sharing!!!
I started painting late in life and I'm just in love with this hobby. Keep up the good work!!!
I started painting late in life and I'm just in love with this hobby. Keep up the good work!!!
Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at April 10, 2021 02:30 PM (aA3+G)
that is something I could never do. Churchill did likewise, so you are in good stead. He wanted to challenge himself in different ways. Funny, because war daring do, writing great book, and leading a nation in a time of existential threat were not enough I guess.
Posted by: Quint at April 10, 2021 02:43 PM (fjS2+)
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Put my tomato seedlings in their big boy containers this week, and trundle them around with a hand truck to get enough sun. Pepper seedlings need another week or so. Y'all are making me nervous talking about bell peppers being hard to grow
they will be in containers too so maybe that will work.
they will be in containers too so maybe that will work.Posted by: skywch at April 10, 2021 02:44 PM (Y/Ps0)
51
I planted some radish seeds left over from last year and most of them came up. That's all we have in the garden right now but if I could find some green orange seeds I would plant them.
Posted by: f'd at April 10, 2021 02:53 PM (Tnijr)
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Empire1,
That is wonderful and I'm so glad to see you trying to learn painting. I want to try myself and have not given up but my lack of talent for drawing might be world class. That doesn't keep me from trying.
Just FYI. Sir Winston Churchill wrote an essay, "Painting As A Pastime". It describes the value of the hobby, how he got started in his 40s during WW I, etc. It is an excellent piece and worth the short time needed to read it if only for inspiration to keep at it. I have the fancy book version but it is available free online.
That is wonderful and I'm so glad to see you trying to learn painting. I want to try myself and have not given up but my lack of talent for drawing might be world class. That doesn't keep me from trying.
Just FYI. Sir Winston Churchill wrote an essay, "Painting As A Pastime". It describes the value of the hobby, how he got started in his 40s during WW I, etc. It is an excellent piece and worth the short time needed to read it if only for inspiration to keep at it. I have the fancy book version but it is available free online.
Posted by: JTB at April 10, 2021 02:56 PM (7EjX1)
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Great post, thanks. Wish I could paint, but I can't. I need to get off my lazy azz and head out to the yard.
Posted by: Novadog at April 10, 2021 02:59 PM (x8pNI)
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A old retired podiatrist (Ed Dupont) was a neighbor in New Orleans, he started painting, got good ... was selling his watercolors for like $200+ each. I have a couple he gave me that he was not satisfied with .. he was probably 80 at the time.
Internet allowed me to find a tribute page to him, with his work. Seems like a nice rich life after 65. -- "He switched to watercolor after watching the late Ed Whitney conduct a watercolor workshop in City Park in New Orleans. He promptly fell in love with the medium, and for the next 21 years produced hundreds of watercolors. He won numerous awards and sold most of his paintings through French Quarter galleries. For years he taught watercolor through the People's Program in the New Orleans Recreation Department"
https://tinyurl.com/4maum72s
Internet allowed me to find a tribute page to him, with his work. Seems like a nice rich life after 65. -- "He switched to watercolor after watching the late Ed Whitney conduct a watercolor workshop in City Park in New Orleans. He promptly fell in love with the medium, and for the next 21 years produced hundreds of watercolors. He won numerous awards and sold most of his paintings through French Quarter galleries. For years he taught watercolor through the People's Program in the New Orleans Recreation Department"
https://tinyurl.com/4maum72s
Posted by: illiniwek at April 10, 2021 03:02 PM (Cus5s)
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All the rain Ohio has gotten recently has ensured a green and flowering Spring. *SNEEZE* Tomorrow I need to trim back the barbwire plant, aka my English Rose bush. Need to hack back the volunteer ground cover to give the hostas a good start this year.
Posted by: exdem13 at April 10, 2021 03:08 PM (W+kMI)
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Y'all are making me nervous talking about bell peppers being hard to growthey will be in containers too so maybe that will work.Posted by:skywch
I've only grown peppers in containers. The big thing is to keep them fertilized and watered in well-draining soil. Last year I couldn't find pepper seeds or plants in the store, so I grew peppers from seeds I got from a grocery store pepper. I overcrowded them and cut them back severely and made all kinds of mistakes. I still had more peppers than we could eat. I think it depends on heat more than anything. I'm in Georgia, so not having enough heat isn't a problem usually for us.
Posted by: G. Gnome at April 10, 2021 03:21 PM (OQcPl)
59
Your Plant that Shall Not Be Named looks like the ones in my yard. Wonder if they are the same?
https://tinyurl.com/5a4k3nk
https://tinyurl.com/5a4k3nk
Posted by: Dr. Varno at April 10, 2021 03:25 PM (vuisn)
61
I spread 200# of grass seed on the road at el farmo this week. Does that count as gardening? Or farming?
Posted by: Weasel at April 10, 2021 03:34 PM (MVjcR)
62
Maybe you can get some inspiration from this painting by my boyfriend John Singer Sargent:
Now that's a watercolor!
-----------
Favorite oil and charcoal portraits of any other painter along with his watercolors. To see one up close is really something to see.
Now that's a watercolor!
-----------
Favorite oil and charcoal portraits of any other painter along with his watercolors. To see one up close is really something to see.
Posted by: dartist at April 10, 2021 03:36 PM (+ya+t)
63
Thanks for all the nice comments, folks! Fortunately, the Ross method doesn't involve being able to draw, because I can't! And as you saw, you can get decent results from the very beginning if you pay attention to him.
I really messed up my third attempt, though. I got started later in the day than I should have, and got in a hurry. Big mistake! I had to scrape off the first part and try to wipe that off, so now it's partly sky, partly the liquid white base coat, and what looks kind of like a sand cloud, all garnished with a light brushing thanks to my cat's tail.
So I'm trying to think what to do with it, using Bob's saying about not making mistakes, but having "happy accidents" instead. Assuming I can make something happy out of it, I'll send along a "now and after" set of pictures. If I can't fix it, I'll let the paint dry while a do something different, and re-use the canvas (now extra primed) after it dries.
I really messed up my third attempt, though. I got started later in the day than I should have, and got in a hurry. Big mistake! I had to scrape off the first part and try to wipe that off, so now it's partly sky, partly the liquid white base coat, and what looks kind of like a sand cloud, all garnished with a light brushing thanks to my cat's tail.
So I'm trying to think what to do with it, using Bob's saying about not making mistakes, but having "happy accidents" instead. Assuming I can make something happy out of it, I'll send along a "now and after" set of pictures. If I can't fix it, I'll let the paint dry while a do something different, and re-use the canvas (now extra primed) after it dries.
Posted by: Empire1 at April 10, 2021 03:41 PM (JJatH)
64
My asparagus started popping up last week but just one row. Hoping the cool weather is the reason the other rows aren't up yet. Fried the weeds in one area of the garden and it looked good until it rained and a bunch started up again. Probably have to hand dig some.
Posted by: dartist at April 10, 2021 03:44 PM (+ya+t)
65
Well, since nobody liked my grass seed story, I'm storming off in a huff to try and figure out how in the hell to write the Gun Thread.
Hmpfh!
Hmpfh!
Posted by: Weasel at April 10, 2021 03:49 PM (MVjcR)
66
Another load of compost ( actually 1/2 a trailer load,) 1 to go.
Have 2 cabbage leftovers planted, no harm in trying, they have roots starting.
Posted by: Skip at April 10, 2021 03:50 PM (Cxk7w)
67
For whatever reason I can get hot peppers to grow like crazy, all the sweet peppers plants I get might get 1 small pepper out of them.
Posted by: Skip at April 10, 2021 03:52 PM (Cxk7w)
68
Planted 50 goot of taters yesterday. - yukon gold and red norland. Also 90 walawala onion plants. The. Went around the garden killin' weeds with fire!
A nice soaking rain now in N. Indiana.
A nice soaking rain now in N. Indiana.
Posted by: Chris Farley to Connie Conehead at April 10, 2021 04:15 PM (n/szn)
69
>> YourPlant that Shall Not Be Named looks like the ones
>> in my yard. Wonder if they are the same?
Yes they are. Those are Vinca Major - a hearty plant, but a bit aggressive. I use them for growing in the dry shade under trees. However, KT is not a fan of them, so I was trying not to draw to much attention to them. Of course, she makes a whole post about them. LOL
Yes they are. Those are Vinca Major - a hearty plant, but a bit aggressive. I use them for growing in the dry shade under trees. However, KT is not a fan of them, so I was trying not to draw to much attention to them. Of course, she makes a whole post about them. LOL
Posted by: 40 Miles North at April 10, 2021 04:16 PM (uWF4x)
70
4th attempt at successful garden. Trying something different this year. Going small. 5 maters, 5 cucumbers, 1 squash, 3 bell peppers and 5 asparagus. Oh, and 2 rows of onions. Late winter I mulched a bunch of leaves and worked them in to the soil in rows. I made rows about a foot high and put mulch around the maters, squash and peppers. Leaves and pine straw between each row for weed and grass control. We have a few plants in 5 gallon pots for backup. JIC. Constant battle with Mother Nature that I have learned to embrace. Bugs, birds, gophers, moles and ants. Hard work but also relaxing. Good luck everybody.
Posted by: TwentytwoLR at April 10, 2021 04:36 PM (NHOrA)
71
The flower that's so pretty before it gets mowed is red deadnettle. Which does not, despite the name, have stinging leaves, making it one of the few weeds in my lawn that doesn't have something to bite, sting, or stick me. If it weren't for the goatheads, thistles, etc. that try to spring up, I'd be happy to leave it lie and not spray!
The Plant That Shall Not Be Named has sprung up in my front hedge this year. I noticed because the flowers are really brightening up the half-dead-from-Snowmageddon hedges. Is it a noxious invasive I should kill with rake and hoe? Must investigate further.
The Plant That Shall Not Be Named has sprung up in my front hedge this year. I noticed because the flowers are really brightening up the half-dead-from-Snowmageddon hedges. Is it a noxious invasive I should kill with rake and hoe? Must investigate further.
Posted by: Not From Around Here at April 10, 2021 04:43 PM (wrzAm)
72
Weasel - might count as ranching, given that one dry year around here, a gent grumbled loudly to the other weatherbeaten gents around the table at the local greasy spoon, "I thought when I started in this business it was all about the cows, but men, I'm just a glorified grass farmer! All my worries now are about how well the grass will grow, and if I'll have to cut the herd again to match!"
Posted by: Not From Around Here at April 10, 2021 04:50 PM (wrzAm)
73
Hi all you gardeners! I'm mostly an ONT commenter.
However, I love visiting the garden and pet threads!
So, after having been a slug all winter, I've finally stepped out to start gardening...feels, great...but, I totally need to up my game.
Thanks to you all for the vast knowledge I gain here!
Posted by: COMountainMarie at April 10, 2021 04:53 PM (HC+O2)
74
Nice Rossian painting there!
I burned a lot of deadhead, branches, etc. in an impromptu firepit over the maple stumps that refuse to properly rot away. Killing two birds with one stone. And to kill a third, I drained the snow thrower over the pile before starting the fire.
The daffodils need to be divided. Is that a summer job or a fall job?
Insects of various sorts were annoying me today.
I set off a "bomb" to hornets in the shed. Unfortunately, I pulled the outdoor rug first and discovered a lot of blank ants in it. (I hope not carpenter ants, but they were awfully shiny.)
Then, when I was getting ready to transfer the daylilies to the back yard (and transfer the sedum to the front), bumble bees floated up. They build underground nests, and I'm afraid they're coming FROM INSIDE THE LILY BED!!!! *cue cliffhanger music*
I burned a lot of deadhead, branches, etc. in an impromptu firepit over the maple stumps that refuse to properly rot away. Killing two birds with one stone. And to kill a third, I drained the snow thrower over the pile before starting the fire.
The daffodils need to be divided. Is that a summer job or a fall job?
Insects of various sorts were annoying me today.
I set off a "bomb" to hornets in the shed. Unfortunately, I pulled the outdoor rug first and discovered a lot of blank ants in it. (I hope not carpenter ants, but they were awfully shiny.)
Then, when I was getting ready to transfer the daylilies to the back yard (and transfer the sedum to the front), bumble bees floated up. They build underground nests, and I'm afraid they're coming FROM INSIDE THE LILY BED!!!! *cue cliffhanger music*
Posted by: NaughtyPine at April 10, 2021 05:30 PM (/+bwe)
75
This week is the big week where I dig up all of my raised beds and start putting in all the tomatoes and peppers and cucumbers and zucchini ‘s. Well actually my husband is going to dig up the beds. I will simply be planting the plants. It’s a lot of work but at the end of the year it’s so much fun.
I just started doing doing watercolor painting and taking watercolor painting classes as a change from my usual colored pencil and charcoal. Bob Ross "happy accidents†term is taking on a whole life of its own with this LOL
I just started doing doing watercolor painting and taking watercolor painting classes as a change from my usual colored pencil and charcoal. Bob Ross "happy accidents†term is taking on a whole life of its own with this LOL
Posted by: keena at April 10, 2021 06:04 PM (f8FVg)
76
Our gardening here today-
Me: I found the pruning shears, need to get at that apple tree today, the time is just right. Oh crap, it's pouring rain.
J: I'm going outside for a smoke. Me: Oh, here's the shears, whack off some stuff on the apple tree.
J: F' that, I'm not going out in the rain, I'm sitting on the porch and smoking.
End of gardening discussion at the Farmer home. Tho really I'm gonna amble into the kitchen and dig thru the seed box and plan my week of planting. I'll have back surgery on 4/19 so I need to get organized and get some of this done now.
Me: I found the pruning shears, need to get at that apple tree today, the time is just right. Oh crap, it's pouring rain.
J: I'm going outside for a smoke. Me: Oh, here's the shears, whack off some stuff on the apple tree.
J: F' that, I'm not going out in the rain, I'm sitting on the porch and smoking.
End of gardening discussion at the Farmer home. Tho really I'm gonna amble into the kitchen and dig thru the seed box and plan my week of planting. I'll have back surgery on 4/19 so I need to get organized and get some of this done now.
Posted by: Farmer at April 10, 2021 07:29 PM (55Qr6)
77
Thanks for the update, Farmer.
We got some information on sources for carnivorous plants for you. Maybe you can look into them during your surgery recovery.
Hoping everything goes smoothly for that surgery.
We got some information on sources for carnivorous plants for you. Maybe you can look into them during your surgery recovery.
Hoping everything goes smoothly for that surgery.
Posted by: KT at April 11, 2021 11:28 AM (BVQ+1)
78
We love your grass seed story, Weasel. And all the spring planting stories here. And painting stories.
And NaughtyPine's insect stories. There are some sort of aggressive bees that look like bumblebees and nest underground.
And NaughtyPine's insect stories. There are some sort of aggressive bees that look like bumblebees and nest underground.
Posted by: KT at April 11, 2021 11:34 AM (BVQ+1)
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Posted by: Skip at April 10, 2021 01:24 PM (Cxk7w)