tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7210554615314072672024-03-18T05:15:10.100-04:00The Sage ButterflyThe butterfly counts not months, but moments, and has time enough. - Rabindranath TagoreThe Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-77736588813628794412014-09-15T12:47:00.001-04:002014-09-15T12:47:47.666-04:00The Scattering of Seeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Throughout the growing season, there is a scattering of seeds from all sorts of plants in the garden. There is a cycle of life that supports a spreading and sharing of more life. Life begets life. Once the echinacea flower has completed its summer display of colorful and exquisite blooms, it forms seeds that, when ready, gently float on a breeze to land in a moist and fertile spot for next year's growth. Although the original plant remains in its spot for many more seasons of beauty, it continues to send out the physical embodiment of small, but powerful, sparks for new life each season. This is the essence of many parts of nature, to expand, to grow, to spread. Life sprouts, life flourishes, life propagates.<br />
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Nature has a way of demonstrating to us that it is always good to move and spread from one place to another. Creatively and spiritually, we were meant to grow, to branch out, to learn. On our life paths, we move and grow from one experience to another, taking the lessons with us and expanding out to share and teach and advance one step at a time to a place of wisdom and maturity, to a place of wholeness. Just like the plants of our gardens, we are destined to scatter our seeds over the vast plain of experience.<br />
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And so, I have decided to embark on a new path of creativity and wonder that I hope will take me to places that inspire and comfort me through the next phase of my life. The Sage Butterfly has provided me with much joy and a wealth of lessons I take with me as I move forward. My garden will remain a sanctuary that I tend and cherish forever--sharing it with those that wish to take a walk with me in the beauty of all that nature provides either through my written words or through the lens of my camera or through a welcomed visit. Gardening and nature are passions that persist and are a part of my soul. There can be no one who truly knows me without knowing my garden or my love for gardening.<br />
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I have so enjoyed sharing my garden with you and reading many of your comments over these past few years. You have encouraged me, supported me and inspired me. I wish you all the best with many new plants and flowers ahead. One thing I love about gardening is it seems to be a lifelong master class of which I am an avid student. So now, I join you in that class and in our gardens, watching and waiting and working in that place we love most. Happy gardening!<br />
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I am joining Carol of <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/">May Dreams Gardens</a> for one last <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2014/09/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-september-2014.html">Garden Bloggers Bloom Day</a>.<br />
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<i><b>Note:</b></i> <i>I will leave The Sage Butterfly up for a while, and you can always find me at my web site, www.michelleaynpotter.com. For a quick visit, click on the photo below to go to my web site.</i><br />
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<b><i>My best wishes go out to you and yours....</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2014 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-77386096414548181042014-04-22T14:16:00.000-04:002015-03-19T12:28:34.525-04:00Composting Part III: How to Make Perfect Compost<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuvVbMnLYE6v6nKleqxZXfJYcqCTHe21f4Enc-3MpB18FS_bwFJ2UVwPggmG5VMJANZAfwNVRvbcX2CcX4SAqSHiRyf8p0viLMzvHJAxuveCM-M-02CGb_Dt3jXaY1Bzlc-MeZcjeD0Ra/s1600/composting02a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuvVbMnLYE6v6nKleqxZXfJYcqCTHe21f4Enc-3MpB18FS_bwFJ2UVwPggmG5VMJANZAfwNVRvbcX2CcX4SAqSHiRyf8p0viLMzvHJAxuveCM-M-02CGb_Dt3jXaY1Bzlc-MeZcjeD0Ra/s1600/composting02a.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse</td></tr>
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Decomposition will happen no matter what you do with kitchen scraps or garden waste, but in this post we want to talk about how to make it happen more quickly. This is sometimes referred to as Active Composting or Aerobic Composting. By performing a few tasks when composting, you can ensure that you will have perfect compost in a few months. Perfect compost is organic matter that has fully decomposed and is ready to use as a natural fertilizer in the garden. It is easy to make and so beneficial for your plants.<br />
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Location, Location</h3>
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One of the most important elements to making perfect compost is to locate the compost pile or bin in the best possible place.<br />
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First, the compost pile or bin needs to be located in a spot that is convenient for you to visit on a regular basis. If you live on a large piece of land, you do not want to locate the pile very far from the house because you will be adding organic matter to the pile, turning the pile, and observing the pile regularly. Having said that, you may not want to locate it right beside the house because compost does naturally attract insects and spiders and some mammals. There are some things you can do to keep the mammal pests out of your compost, but the insects and spiders are always going to be part of your pile. Try to locate the compost pile or bin away from the house but close enough that you do not find it a chore to frequently walk out to the pile.<br />
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Second, the pile should not be located in a spot that receives full sun the entire day. The sun and heat will dry out the pile, and you will be watering it more frequently than necessary. Compost needs to always be moist. Try to locate the compost bin or pile in an area that receives part shade and part sun throughout the day.<br />
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Third, your compost pile or bin should be located on a well-drained site. If you notice the area where you would like to locate your compost bin or pile puddles after a rain, that may not be the best place for your compost pile. The water will puddle into the pile and create a waterlogged pile. This can cause all sorts of problems, preventing you from creating a healthy environment for your compost pile.<br />
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And finally, try to locate your compost pile or bin away from large trees. If you locate your pile or bin under a large tree, the tree's feeder roots will find all of that nutritious compost and create a webbing around parts of the pile. If this is your best spot for the pile, then spread weed fabric or a mesh on the bottom of your pile to prevent this from happening.<br />
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Size Matters</h3>
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The size of your compost pile or bin matters. If your compost pile or bin is too large, there will not be enough oxygen to reach the center of the pile. If the compost pile or bin is too small, there will not be enough of a heat build-up for the decomposition to happen rapidly. Remember, decomposition will happen no matter what you do, but in this post we want to accelerate that process. With a compost pile that is too large or too small, the accelerated composting process will be compromised. For optimal decomposition, the best size for a compost pile or bin is larger than 3' x 3' x 3' and smaller than 5' x 5' x 5'. Any sizes between those sizes is fine as well, such as 3' x 4' x 3' or 4' x 4' x 5', etc.<br />
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Composting Ingredients</h3>
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The composting process requires a recipe of organic materials to accelerate the decomposition process. When you combine these elements at the right amounts, the decomposition process begins to happen immediately. Organic matter added to a compost pile is comprised of greens, browns, air or oxygen, and water.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - University of Illinois Extension</td></tr>
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Greens and Browns</h4>
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Greens, the nitrogen element, is made up of kitchen waste, grass clippings, or garden waste, to name a few. Browns, the carbon element, is made up of things, such as leaves, newspaper, or cardboard. One way to differentiate between these two composting elements is to think of Greens as a more wet part of the recipe and Browns as a more dry part of the recipe. Greens provide a source of protein to the microbes in the pile breaking down organic matter. And Browns provide a source of energy to the microbes in the pile.<br />
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Oxygen</h4>
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Oxygen is added to the pile when you periodically turn the pile. The oxygen is required by the microbes to function properly. Turn the pile a couple of times a week in warm weather and once a week in cooler weather. The pile needs to be turned to add oxygen to the pile and to prevent the pile from overheating. If the pile gets too hot, some organisms may die, reducing optimal decomposition time. Optimal temperature of the pile should be between 135<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.360000610351563px;">°</span> F and 160<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.360000610351563px;">°</span> F.<br />
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Water</h4>
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All the decomposing organisms in your compost pile need water to live. Microorganisms and macro-organisms require a moist environment to properly function in the pile.<br />
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Composting Recipe</h3>
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Layer or mix Greens and Browns. The ratio of Browns to Greens should be 4:1 by volume. In other words add four times as many Browns to one part Greens in the pile.<br />
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Shape the compost pile so the center is lower than the sides to ensure water can penetrate the center of the pile. If the center is higher than the sides, water will roll off the sides and not penetrate the pile.<br />
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Maintain proper moisture levels for optimal composting. Moisture content of the pile should be the same as a well-squeezed sponge. This means there will be times when you need to water the compost pile to maintain this moisture level.<br />
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These are simple measures that anyone can integrate into their composting process to create perfect compost. After a while, the composting recipe and process will become an easy part of your gardening tasks.<br />
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Next month <b>Composting Part IV: What to Compost, What Not to Compost</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> If you missed the start of the series, here are the first two posts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/05/composting-part-i-all-about-compost.html">Composting Part I - All About Compost</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/06/composting-part-ii-advantages-and.html">Composting Part II - Advantages and Disadvantages of Compost Bins and Piles</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2014 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-2486248248569749322014-04-09T16:07:00.001-04:002014-04-09T16:07:35.554-04:00Tracking the Journey North<br />
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Since we had a harsh winter, I was wondering if there would be a delay in the arrival of the Ruby-throated hummingbird. The delay only seems to be about a week according to reported sightings of these creatures on their migration journey northward.<br />
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The Ruby-throated hummingbird migrates north in the spring to breed. They fly from Central America up to the U.S. In winter, they feed from southern Mexico to northern Panama. Their journey north may begin as early as January, feeding off of insects found in northern Mexico. They fatten up, nearly doubling in weight, for the long journey, sometimes flying for 8 to 10 hours at a time with no rest until they reach the southern coast of the U.S. Then, the birds move northward at about 20 miles a day, feeding on the nectar from plants as they move along. The entire migration north takes about three months for all the birds to reach their destinations. They tend to return to the same place every year, usually the area where they were born visiting the same feeders.<br />
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Recently, I found a very helpful resource in tracking the migration of these incredible birds. <a href="http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/Maps.html">The Annenberg Learner web site</a>, a teaching and learning resource, provides migration maps for various birds and other creatures. The site has maps that track the migration of Monarch butterflies, Gray whales, and Baltimore Orioles, just to name a few. The <a href="http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/humm_ruby_spring2014.html">Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2014 Migration Map</a> shows reported sightings of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds as they migrate north.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NlccVCmdKxba3vPBMV_jB7RLYJQUybpChlGQW6KfJLqL2X0sM_Hrt_FqNcco8VhXxUnSHdNZHgNlyazEtI4FwCduC6zvZR5GhCrQySjQf0JY5bflhcX0BxlXKnohpMlfyZWjt4s0R8EA/s1600/hummig14b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NlccVCmdKxba3vPBMV_jB7RLYJQUybpChlGQW6KfJLqL2X0sM_Hrt_FqNcco8VhXxUnSHdNZHgNlyazEtI4FwCduC6zvZR5GhCrQySjQf0JY5bflhcX0BxlXKnohpMlfyZWjt4s0R8EA/s1600/hummig14b.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have already put my feeders out as I do not have very many flowers blooming except for daffodils, cherry blossoms, and hellebores. I am ready for their arrival, waiting for that flutter of a wing, so quick, so delightful.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2014 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-21395297028768045712014-04-01T07:46:00.000-04:002014-04-09T16:08:34.655-04:00My Garden Notebook - April 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMIjDpOHT1deDIQl_0c0HBg1xO8Jb5ElUEsYjvc_x4roUHXx7MtLbFLblBSh6_Nf1Vx4aXvG17UwWTQzKbfh5AOEcaffsbkxO6O6ewmDbVM4f7RySQwITET09ovUHXSz7hiCl2tqVhPli/s1600/crocustsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMIjDpOHT1deDIQl_0c0HBg1xO8Jb5ElUEsYjvc_x4roUHXx7MtLbFLblBSh6_Nf1Vx4aXvG17UwWTQzKbfh5AOEcaffsbkxO6O6ewmDbVM4f7RySQwITET09ovUHXSz7hiCl2tqVhPli/s1600/crocustsb1.jpg" height="640" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King of the Striped Crocus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Winter seems to have made a strong refusal to leave and allow spring to take over. We have had snow this month, very cold temperatures, and some periods of rain and wintry mix precipitation. However, all of that does not seem to hinder the emergence of spring for many of the plants in the garden. Spring manages to squeeze in a few days here and there of warm temperatures that whisper a soft tune to all the plants that spring is coming despite winter's resistance.</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">stats</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gardening Zone: 7a</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>March High Temperature: 73 degrees F</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">March</i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Low Temperature: 10 degrees F</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Precipitation: 3.10 inches</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">wildlife</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The American Goldfinches have molted and are glimmering with their spring plumage.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrhwrR6nA_UqI59iTq0ENcfc8NWx57Zu4LcO7rfo6zyrHYbQafQhkEqbfucazHA1qOvwV0nYxSEofN5peb8jJBiDuUTviav1QrlvL2RDIFtHGHyRjvsEK5puP5ky3o9HEjfm7sdR4bQ2x/s1600/finchtsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrhwrR6nA_UqI59iTq0ENcfc8NWx57Zu4LcO7rfo6zyrHYbQafQhkEqbfucazHA1qOvwV0nYxSEofN5peb8jJBiDuUTviav1QrlvL2RDIFtHGHyRjvsEK5puP5ky3o9HEjfm7sdR4bQ2x/s1600/finchtsb1.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male American Goldfinch in spring plumage</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This hawk has been a frequent visitor to my backyard hunting for small birds. It is either a Sharp-shinned or a Cooper's hawk. The two are very hard for me to distinguish. Perhaps you have an idea which one this is.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2ihH66XPo1eSbTTArYm7c5ERFEKpq9cS_DJzELdBQRkTexigEUUIIwUSywfKJFzSEaD6nPA_z8StCAdtt2mwwisVfD6H11-4KEtiMy4LncIuIkW6ZcbP1s0KmGfgkMCogNqfF6tKnDDG/s1600/hawktsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2ihH66XPo1eSbTTArYm7c5ERFEKpq9cS_DJzELdBQRkTexigEUUIIwUSywfKJFzSEaD6nPA_z8StCAdtt2mwwisVfD6H11-4KEtiMy4LncIuIkW6ZcbP1s0KmGfgkMCogNqfF6tKnDDG/s1600/hawktsb1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>A flock of Red-winged Blackbirds came by to visit during a snow storm.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0e9U4Ud5o8W8Vy5otKYakK6PdsLUGdhoykPMAwHDKIUw-ads8kPsYuOE7GWGjFUHL8gBN9IQtEJgAQOg3g1PwxZMPmI70_Y3bBFCyR06DxTImbojpAjR8IpdMIdE4VflRUbvc4DAh5_w/s1600/bbirdstsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0e9U4Ud5o8W8Vy5otKYakK6PdsLUGdhoykPMAwHDKIUw-ads8kPsYuOE7GWGjFUHL8gBN9IQtEJgAQOg3g1PwxZMPmI70_Y3bBFCyR06DxTImbojpAjR8IpdMIdE4VflRUbvc4DAh5_w/s1600/bbirdstsb1.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-winged Blackbirds</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">what's blooming, sprouting</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The daffodils are opening up. Each day, I find a new clump blooming.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMQpiJ7SaLDjYyiZ75WjdfyBNngg_rSuk2lCOzVYY7NPm3UARkdv9pcsDDIlTexXs4Cy0ZYTKbEll8Lb3xNWYkgsFsLwbGPsCUOXhW5gh0o7g7jJ2La0VNyDNgWCw8I1gcwTbkFdGcEOy/s1600/dafftsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMQpiJ7SaLDjYyiZ75WjdfyBNngg_rSuk2lCOzVYY7NPm3UARkdv9pcsDDIlTexXs4Cy0ZYTKbEll8Lb3xNWYkgsFsLwbGPsCUOXhW5gh0o7g7jJ2La0VNyDNgWCw8I1gcwTbkFdGcEOy/s1600/dafftsb1.jpg" height="640" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narcissus - Las Vegas daffodil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lilies are breaking ground.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23iv7Ook_Y-r8t1pUbtALfpv5jEmRU8VW7QOgdTWfidhJH99DTByb057OMyxLm8NipSL0XMDpr1gHWn-v3Gb3FAmKZBkXCkY-2nxzabgIMUqSi2p1-XBDW5o5vGJWM9b6rKprC0rXY8P4/s1600/lilytsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23iv7Ook_Y-r8t1pUbtALfpv5jEmRU8VW7QOgdTWfidhJH99DTByb057OMyxLm8NipSL0XMDpr1gHWn-v3Gb3FAmKZBkXCkY-2nxzabgIMUqSi2p1-XBDW5o5vGJWM9b6rKprC0rXY8P4/s1600/lilytsb1.jpg" height="562" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daylilies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Roses are leafing out.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0NZRf5D6bKuL9HwT9pmRtxXv3sjvZ7H2L60sBdksbuedsf22pLUlr27zFb-I_W77VmFPNtZ5myrHEV55cNqIKYvTIPCN1or_0AdzpS6bceu6VvvrmP9_cnBb43_e8DeIQH1UVs4_sTtm/s1600/rosetsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0NZRf5D6bKuL9HwT9pmRtxXv3sjvZ7H2L60sBdksbuedsf22pLUlr27zFb-I_W77VmFPNtZ5myrHEV55cNqIKYvTIPCN1or_0AdzpS6bceu6VvvrmP9_cnBb43_e8DeIQH1UVs4_sTtm/s1600/rosetsb1.jpg" height="610" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knock-out Roses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tulips are showing their leaves through the ground.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iV5EHP5KbiPUHqSml4b9j8h6tRpojeKpcetidQdFk16jLx5Ir4CCd1JPFZoGQnGQI8TSJptYakzSyHwFF_o9Ob__1w_qnbw57cp3Omu2nJClHlSCARScArMOhj0nmQRA3O507tp7TTu8/s1600/tulipstsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iV5EHP5KbiPUHqSml4b9j8h6tRpojeKpcetidQdFk16jLx5Ir4CCd1JPFZoGQnGQI8TSJptYakzSyHwFF_o9Ob__1w_qnbw57cp3Omu2nJClHlSCARScArMOhj0nmQRA3O507tp7TTu8/s1600/tulipstsb1.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various tulips breaking ground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The dogwood blooms are beginning to grow larger--even with the decorative hat of a feather.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoqCWOYECMILmAU8DFMGtxS2zWJv6kh59VTz_4M95ZRIwxdwn6Phxp4k9Jfg6JZgdOOIDfWOAGBISUpd4twl9A8rfVHQt5xJr2Xt-gnkezVbJM9wESuDkZnszhMoRvUqZy9kXZU4-t8VH/s1600/dogwoodtsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoqCWOYECMILmAU8DFMGtxS2zWJv6kh59VTz_4M95ZRIwxdwn6Phxp4k9Jfg6JZgdOOIDfWOAGBISUpd4twl9A8rfVHQt5xJr2Xt-gnkezVbJM9wESuDkZnszhMoRvUqZy9kXZU4-t8VH/s1600/dogwoodtsb1.jpg" height="640" width="630" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Dogwood bud</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Maple blooms are spreading their fingers.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FtqNxZDNY-B-eIWG6NTWuLxXAe28iTSwoou1ItNWtI2EQwkvwLe0pvQSLDURVrxxv84fAefVTZOtXcYSvFEd4Bw2JJsCjdnW24JU9VKbU5Zip1gs70opafdd_MMr2piHGh3IsZ-5ZiPZ/s1600/mapletsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FtqNxZDNY-B-eIWG6NTWuLxXAe28iTSwoou1ItNWtI2EQwkvwLe0pvQSLDURVrxxv84fAefVTZOtXcYSvFEd4Bw2JJsCjdnW24JU9VKbU5Zip1gs70opafdd_MMr2piHGh3IsZ-5ZiPZ/s1600/mapletsb1.jpg" height="640" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acer rubrum - Red maple tree blooms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Eastern Redbud tree is preparing for that lovely spring display.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvNB3v4PBTZtwixuEjsVVPHylc_Oo__gJP15pwJaRXUkPPdR791gtzDQLn28vtjIji8P10hkLXAwtspgb9K9zO5mE1YI-C1t03uIXdepCniw6nXcmkBvz1btgfotbyCVVi6FUJyLhETZ1/s1600/redbudtsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvNB3v4PBTZtwixuEjsVVPHylc_Oo__gJP15pwJaRXUkPPdR791gtzDQLn28vtjIji8P10hkLXAwtspgb9K9zO5mE1YI-C1t03uIXdepCniw6nXcmkBvz1btgfotbyCVVi6FUJyLhETZ1/s1600/redbudtsb1.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cercis canadensis - Eastern Redbud buds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">in the vegetable garden</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The peas are coming along, but there have been some snows that have crushed them and covered them. I created a wall of tarps around the bed to protect them and contain some warmth because they are hard to cover. Even with frosts and heavy snows, they are holding their own. </i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvBgSHRiFqhVLVUOUlInI5Zla5tgNlmCBsqB-uP8MkyiRA7GtU8tdnLe1c1BCIgnpxJ-URsElu3_yFlnpLCwVXEIPSFTy8UbXcIiJmo2Nq5nftMH-T6_EOatwTjMsubAT0_WUXKUUFOsE/s1600/peastsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvBgSHRiFqhVLVUOUlInI5Zla5tgNlmCBsqB-uP8MkyiRA7GtU8tdnLe1c1BCIgnpxJ-URsElu3_yFlnpLCwVXEIPSFTy8UbXcIiJmo2Nq5nftMH-T6_EOatwTjMsubAT0_WUXKUUFOsE/s1600/peastsb1.jpg" height="506" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peas - Avalanche<br />
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</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have prepared some beds in the garden and planted more vegetables, such as Romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, Napa Chinese cabbage, chard, mustard, and kale.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuhFOfg7Mglr-DIw25MT8nX21RvKz3mdYp3WhulnCN_DeLM7iqS0DMIqECtHrGskqgkUva9Yh8WPgqhdBjZ2vFTyuxPx5aX9qN2dxY_BuXb8w_GXYOqgHlTR2T-V_tW7sg44m81eheyuq/s1600/gardentsb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuhFOfg7Mglr-DIw25MT8nX21RvKz3mdYp3WhulnCN_DeLM7iqS0DMIqECtHrGskqgkUva9Yh8WPgqhdBjZ2vFTyuxPx5aX9qN2dxY_BuXb8w_GXYOqgHlTR2T-V_tW7sg44m81eheyuq/s1600/gardentsb1.jpg" height="406" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the spring vegetable garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">completed chores</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">pruned back liriope</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">pruned roses</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">tested soil</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">prepared vegetable garden beds for planting</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>moved damaged White Fringe Tree with hopes of some growth</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>planted new White Fringe Tree in old location</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">planted peas, lettuces, spinach, kale, Chinese cabbage, mustard</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">spread lime</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">chores for April</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">clear away plant debris and leaves in planting beds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">weed garden beds</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>spread compost</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>plant annuals in containers</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>spread mulch</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">observation notes</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Some of my Carolina Jessamine vines have suffered in this harsh winter. I hope they will find life again, but I am not sure there will be blooms this year.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice and cold damage to Carolina Jessamine vine (Gelsemium sempervirens)</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What is in your garden notebook for April?</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">notes</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am joining in the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/2014/03/31/nature-notes-254-in-the-spring-i-have-counted-136-different-kinds-of-weather-inside-of-24-hours-so-if-you-dont-like-the-weather-just-wait-a-few-minutes-mark-twain/">Michelle of Rambling Woods hosts Nature Notes</a>. A weekly meme, Nature Notes is for sharing all those observations in nature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/end-of-month-view-march-2014/">Helen of The Patient Gardener hosts End of Month View</a>, a monthly meme where gardeners share there gardens at the end of the month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://macromonday2.blogspot.com/2014/03/little-paws.html">Gemma Wiseman of Macro Monday 2 hosts Macro Monday</a>. This weekly meme is for sharing all of those lovely macros from the garden.</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">coming in April</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will post the next installment in the composting series, <b>Composting Part III: How to Make Perfect Compost. </b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> If you missed the start of the series, here are the first two posts:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/05/composting-part-i-all-about-compost.html">Composting Part I - All About Compost</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/06/composting-part-ii-advantages-and.html">Composting Part II - Advantages and Disadvantages of Compost Bins and Piles</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2014 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-40018944570126424262014-03-27T09:02:00.001-04:002014-04-09T16:08:51.700-04:00The Magic and Wonder of Leaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Leaves sprinkle across the landscape, unmistakable and established. They are a token of most landscapes, providing the backdrop for a pleasant view or gorgeous vista. Beautiful alone, in pairs, or in groups, they hold the dazzling charm of nature's breath.<br />
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Draped over a fence or resting on the snow, they often go unnoticed because they are seen by many each day.<br />
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They hold water...<br />
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and ice.<br />
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They gather frost...<br />
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and find respite.<br />
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They catch the sun...<br />
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and drift across water.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Some Facts About Leaves</span></b><br />
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1. Leaves use photosynthesis to convert energy from sunlight to feed the tree or plant.<br />
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2. The green in leaves is the chemical, chlorophyll, which allows leaves to perform photosynthesis.<br />
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3. Leaves provide nesting material for animals and birds.<br />
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4. Veins in leaves transport food, water, and minerals to the tree or plant.<br />
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5. Leaves on trees provide shade to animals, plants, people, and buildings.<br />
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6. Each leaf has a waxy coating for protection called a cuticle.<br />
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7. Leaves change color in fall because the cooler temperatures signal trees and plants to store food. The chlorophyll breaks down and creates the beautiful golds, oranges, and reds of autumn.<br />
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8. Leaves that have fallen in autumn provide coverage for the forest floor, protecting roots and providing refuge for animals.<br />
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9. Leaves break down and eventually provide more nutrients for plants and trees in the form of compost.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2014 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-2776276643483642772014-03-12T09:29:00.000-04:002014-03-12T09:29:14.006-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2014 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-61312916816542573052014-03-01T00:02:00.000-05:002014-03-27T09:09:52.480-04:00My Garden Notebook - March 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hello, dear friends. This time away has been a great time to get things in order and to look ahead to the gardening year. Grief has a way of transporting us to a place where we can see the mist in front of the sun, hear the low chortle before a bird's chirp, and sense the enormity of silence. It is a time to do many things, it is a time to ponder.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Winter has a way of slowing me down, forcing me to sit back and ponder. With all of these snowy days, the best place to do that is in front of a window--to see nature paint the bare branches or brush the evergreens with just enough crystals as to keep them warm. Although this winter has been harsher than most, it certainly has been one of the more beautiful. Snow always seems to add a dimension that makes the gray and brown of this chilly season more bearable.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Mb8WE4lW2dRY-MqPFN4e1zz0uVOGRsHXggUL4sXLhpcrhXWeSh_pXrMdfDzhPHmGBjp0drZyPVn3mPRBTZnntlhnu1TFRCcVZJ-tAKN3GB72pPIG5yflVR4ieT2EOP7T3Yp2nZjNMw1o/s1600/snow3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Mb8WE4lW2dRY-MqPFN4e1zz0uVOGRsHXggUL4sXLhpcrhXWeSh_pXrMdfDzhPHmGBjp0drZyPVn3mPRBTZnntlhnu1TFRCcVZJ-tAKN3GB72pPIG5yflVR4ieT2EOP7T3Yp2nZjNMw1o/s1600/snow3a.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>There is not very much happening in the garden because the harsh cold and ice and snow have kept growth and sprouting to a bare minimum. However, there are a few things I am doing to prepare.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V5GyPBNf8KbPdAiq1X-pAkPJHXYcjei9Hyhi0S5zFqZEV5qdqNLoIFeExGKhkUWqgFVgqDyi7187JfD1hZ8xWOhE6Ho-6Qg5JaTlP3h3Dpo9MDuyEklIRdLYNvdib-aAIYIANxLqaGx5/s1600/icea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V5GyPBNf8KbPdAiq1X-pAkPJHXYcjei9Hyhi0S5zFqZEV5qdqNLoIFeExGKhkUWqgFVgqDyi7187JfD1hZ8xWOhE6Ho-6Qg5JaTlP3h3Dpo9MDuyEklIRdLYNvdib-aAIYIANxLqaGx5/s1600/icea.jpg" height="570" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">stats</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gardening Zone: 7a</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>January/February High Temperature: 64 degrees F</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">January/February</i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Low Temperature: 6 degrees F</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Precipitation: 4.26 inches</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">wildlife</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is a cardinal pair frequenting the feeder. The male is always so regal and beautiful.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqQysp0is64GJsqvBbAftB2M7MjDFK4fD3EXJrhyitzs759UxWavOWC1EUn1467yiQGKMpNFlhpbxpQOhsIniVLSaRicbimOkwaFTg4P28aCcBLfWd7d4f_1osqnp9zs1gl5sXD-apSbm/s1600/cardinala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqQysp0is64GJsqvBbAftB2M7MjDFK4fD3EXJrhyitzs759UxWavOWC1EUn1467yiQGKMpNFlhpbxpQOhsIniVLSaRicbimOkwaFTg4P28aCcBLfWd7d4f_1osqnp9zs1gl5sXD-apSbm/s1600/cardinala.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The wren sings every morning here by the feeder to remind me not to forget to put a little seed out for him.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O5rW71XYsjUykcZRHqccBoIlPcITEgBpGc32tiL3p5dTSeZwpTQVesB7EjyBogdzX8BJwuStkyau_GUSsDfsvXZsvgnPzAt9H1yMw6A-aMQ6WQTe6UJ1QafKc30CEnNnYIdjHh4bFBdo/s1600/wrena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O5rW71XYsjUykcZRHqccBoIlPcITEgBpGc32tiL3p5dTSeZwpTQVesB7EjyBogdzX8BJwuStkyau_GUSsDfsvXZsvgnPzAt9H1yMw6A-aMQ6WQTe6UJ1QafKc30CEnNnYIdjHh4bFBdo/s1600/wrena.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">what's blooming, sprouting</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The daffodils are coming up in spots all over the garden.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRWzX5PYEU3_cl4L7yPn4pH6kPn7MOLWJiVR4Yz4GOPX08CJ3R3fnzw9piLx5jir-8-MbpYQT6UHbdiRAZsoCUm11XRf21Znll03c-xb-apBG1PSWefseC8ljOkDvDKIxkv8d7oVB63f1/s1600/daffsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRWzX5PYEU3_cl4L7yPn4pH6kPn7MOLWJiVR4Yz4GOPX08CJ3R3fnzw9piLx5jir-8-MbpYQT6UHbdiRAZsoCUm11XRf21Znll03c-xb-apBG1PSWefseC8ljOkDvDKIxkv8d7oVB63f1/s1600/daffsa.jpg" height="640" width="600" /></a></div>
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The hellebores are budding a little later this year. They usually bud in January.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtjbnKccTF91lLuSIQKX6MBm_Ns1VyxU7V7SaJqB7GieiLKVUx4MbcPyxVMqg-FtY9LqEbFb1J6mW5LD7LlbZCoguIKfn2QTbP4XUjws2wAvMx4Ci2eVeCkgaDLnyeWMlo6dYCXp9zH_e/s1600/lentenrosea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtjbnKccTF91lLuSIQKX6MBm_Ns1VyxU7V7SaJqB7GieiLKVUx4MbcPyxVMqg-FtY9LqEbFb1J6mW5LD7LlbZCoguIKfn2QTbP4XUjws2wAvMx4Ci2eVeCkgaDLnyeWMlo6dYCXp9zH_e/s1600/lentenrosea.jpg" height="640" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lenten Rose - hellebore - Red Racer</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I added four witch hazel plants to my garden last year. They are still very, very small, but one is blooming.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8fiwDXk-5UcG2xR-joVWf_-Letax7xxWIjRsnACSHsdxbDunDMuJZHVDMmUTxKjPFayys5R1oFUqWTWcWMfh-IMxJYf80xTjhA0xWK3h2AsUTDBAT-B4nMDqLLboOoV4QGNxLtLXoQjv/s1600/witchhazela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8fiwDXk-5UcG2xR-joVWf_-Letax7xxWIjRsnACSHsdxbDunDMuJZHVDMmUTxKjPFayys5R1oFUqWTWcWMfh-IMxJYf80xTjhA0xWK3h2AsUTDBAT-B4nMDqLLboOoV4QGNxLtLXoQjv/s1600/witchhazela.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Witch Hazel - Hamamelis mollis primavera</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">in the vegetable garden</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I did not plant a fall/winter garden this season. I let my garden have a break. I am very glad I did because with all of the snow and ice we have had, it would have been quite a challenge to keep everything alive.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9T6Gew_N6JRuv7bFUiS2OfDD1M6QsxBG8OSf-fiuRV0UgvPVTh-jn1L3QBhqaYPoPifVekA_tWggZoai5igRQzeMFZBVYEIx2M_7WQ-W3i0cxyzRmQtWyhEFB6rkOzlHXqYwIYN29vKvB/s1600/snowgdna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9T6Gew_N6JRuv7bFUiS2OfDD1M6QsxBG8OSf-fiuRV0UgvPVTh-jn1L3QBhqaYPoPifVekA_tWggZoai5igRQzeMFZBVYEIx2M_7WQ-W3i0cxyzRmQtWyhEFB6rkOzlHXqYwIYN29vKvB/s1600/snowgdna.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how the vegetable garden has looked most of the winter.</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I planted peas indoors and hope it will be warm enough to plant them outdoors in March.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87a7K1fQCBETTUZketA_KjFMGLWeC0Maax5kKi6mTr4go_HTk305G9Qq9lv44XM5yXamLZEYFbThjx45KWrVqdxZauWsdzeFxLof14GfIB5iMqlWQF7Gdlu8oMLm65BUFH_4lvm8eUUrb/s1600/peasa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87a7K1fQCBETTUZketA_KjFMGLWeC0Maax5kKi6mTr4go_HTk305G9Qq9lv44XM5yXamLZEYFbThjx45KWrVqdxZauWsdzeFxLof14GfIB5iMqlWQF7Gdlu8oMLm65BUFH_4lvm8eUUrb/s1600/peasa.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowpeas - Avalanche</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">completed chores</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">pruned buddleia shrubs</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>pruned raspberry bushes</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">pruned Atlas Cedar</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">sowed peas indoors</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">chores for March</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">clear away plant debris and leaves plant beds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">weed garden beds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">prune back liriope</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>test soil</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>spread lime</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>spread compost</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">notes</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My dear Simba passed away last month. He was a week shy of 19. Pets have a way of delicately reaching in and caressing the heart. They seem to become a part of that heart. We will miss him terribly, but we know he is free of his aging and failing body and frolicking with ease and little care somewhere in a magical forest made just for him. That's how I see him, anyway--curious, chattering, and with an ageless sparkle in his eye.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrz8drTwo7ft3hQjOghdYKAbajdZxInkGJiHly1lbMf0BQhcTXyM63h9omdMwhgw9JVf2e7Z8QzdvaljiHgz_NDzTbgHjH-223O8JqqjgSWxCJKKyx6gAFX5f4hUniipdlUkZstUGxosV/s1600/princelya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrz8drTwo7ft3hQjOghdYKAbajdZxInkGJiHly1lbMf0BQhcTXyM63h9omdMwhgw9JVf2e7Z8QzdvaljiHgz_NDzTbgHjH-223O8JqqjgSWxCJKKyx6gAFX5f4hUniipdlUkZstUGxosV/s1600/princelya.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet and spicy Simba</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">plans</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I planted a White Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) last year, but the ice broke the very small and tender trunk. So, I am hoping to add one in its place and move the broken one elsewhere. Perhaps it will find new life.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What's in your Garden Notebook for March?</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I plan to continue the composting series this year. If you missed the start of it, here are the first two posts:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/05/composting-part-i-all-about-compost.html">Composting Part I - All About Compost</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/06/composting-part-ii-advantages-and.html">Composting Part II - Advantages and Disadvantages of Compost Bins and Piles</a></i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This spring, I will post the next article in the series, <b>How to Make Perfect Compost</b>.</i> <i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2014 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-60416588281840006022013-09-23T15:54:00.000-04:002014-03-27T09:10:49.502-04:00A Time for Stillness...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DFpNgPd5tT4nTjMRVATvbXCM2q1bqGzaXPGv5lD1PLeaBOE0qE3j-XhR5H4Gl0ZeKlDi4co02jVdQK3GduqaaM6h_aFnvuDjh0uI5iaGHauNJh6ouwsTfs9y1gr1frdBPmmiS1_GooZU/s1600/hummer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DFpNgPd5tT4nTjMRVATvbXCM2q1bqGzaXPGv5lD1PLeaBOE0qE3j-XhR5H4Gl0ZeKlDi4co02jVdQK3GduqaaM6h_aFnvuDjh0uI5iaGHauNJh6ouwsTfs9y1gr1frdBPmmiS1_GooZU/s640/hummer.JPG" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Death is a part of life, a transition that inevitably affects every living thing. Nature takes it in stride as if it were a change of season. But then, isn't it? What affects us most when a loved one passes is not so much the change of season or their death but the ultimate loss. Not being able to see them, talk to them, embrace them seems like a harsh ending of sorts, almost a punishment. On this earth, we live so much in the physical realm, in the senses. These senses make us feel alive and connected. When we are unable to use those senses to connect to another, it feels like some kind of abandonment. Memories are all that is left. Sometimes, in my dreams, I take hold of a visiting angel's wing and travel to that place far away in the misty ether where loved ones go in their change of season. Being in their presence, seeing their smiles, is enough to calm my stirring heart, if only for a night.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmOVfod8MehkdRQS7AQOG-_dLKOdl_8x_xSQnvOmOAB8i5PaYxxDGMMS6zAkCHQL9JrxmNcE_d6jFssWSOtPur3ZgA6SMl8cphyNk3IEsGofQkkXGXY8aKfhiAW5Z036xOoIaR5WZKZA9/s1600/moonflower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmOVfod8MehkdRQS7AQOG-_dLKOdl_8x_xSQnvOmOAB8i5PaYxxDGMMS6zAkCHQL9JrxmNcE_d6jFssWSOtPur3ZgA6SMl8cphyNk3IEsGofQkkXGXY8aKfhiAW5Z036xOoIaR5WZKZA9/s640/moonflower.JPG" height="620" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>I want to thank many of you who left such lovely comments and sent comforting emails. I am deeply grateful for your kindnesses. Thank you, thank you. As there is a time for everything, this will be my time for stillness as I spend more time with my family while we navigate this road ahead without one of our loved ones. I will take a short break from The Sage Butterfly but will return next year. I wish you all a beautiful autumn season and happy holidays to come.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-24564185058239867072013-07-28T07:29:00.000-04:002013-07-28T07:29:15.190-04:00Mourning a Loss...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmBKUT4mH-el8brcTgaZSd3gugQ9kPw7bmJuHeUGtyUUiDuof_1FGEA43zH37OjC_LIbItn6L72-FULn0KqSMAebhp-X9mLtZ4rTgKQzljqVX6dQydLIcMLK8xz-81nMNnT_IzK_3z6UH/s1600/mourning2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmBKUT4mH-el8brcTgaZSd3gugQ9kPw7bmJuHeUGtyUUiDuof_1FGEA43zH37OjC_LIbItn6L72-FULn0KqSMAebhp-X9mLtZ4rTgKQzljqVX6dQydLIcMLK8xz-81nMNnT_IzK_3z6UH/s640/mourning2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-14635722131349596542013-07-15T00:05:00.001-04:002014-03-27T09:11:05.217-04:00Quest for Beauty - GBBD, July 2013<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0q7D9wt3UYqkDwWpEZDPV1lypw9NjmxwaZtxZtnVJeAhykC1KPNEkZ5FCHFwbnDkFyzQGAga9N5xCp9789nEzsLFANDYf0JVG-Y4Q6p5pMmyoUk6CcPRbWKDCNpjGjqPF3Gr8Xfqu7CG/s1600/glad713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0q7D9wt3UYqkDwWpEZDPV1lypw9NjmxwaZtxZtnVJeAhykC1KPNEkZ5FCHFwbnDkFyzQGAga9N5xCp9789nEzsLFANDYf0JVG-Y4Q6p5pMmyoUk6CcPRbWKDCNpjGjqPF3Gr8Xfqu7CG/s640/glad713.JPG" height="448" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladiolus - Lucifer</td></tr>
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It seems the garden is on a quest for beauty each summer. The blooms grow bigger, taller, more colorful on that journey to unfold and splash into splendor. With all of the rain we have been having, most of the blooms are thriving and the quest has been supported by plenty of moisture.<br />
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Gladioli stretch out and up, reaching for the blue of the sky. Tall and lanky, they burst forth with petals galore.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladiolus - mixed</td></tr>
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A look closer into the center of the bloom brings a surprise worth waiting for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuczvRUhHWH0r524mox0yg-yJSq3F3ckKhdXwJ-M0fd5XQy97ZKx6N_QuhfdibT7q8sL-gg2hysgDkG9CZppRDATjrG7dC-lcGXkjlPd7wHlzrFCJSh1h6Qwdd7JAIyxrsbfzqmZKCAkm/s1600/glad5713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuczvRUhHWH0r524mox0yg-yJSq3F3ckKhdXwJ-M0fd5XQy97ZKx6N_QuhfdibT7q8sL-gg2hysgDkG9CZppRDATjrG7dC-lcGXkjlPd7wHlzrFCJSh1h6Qwdd7JAIyxrsbfzqmZKCAkm/s640/glad5713.JPG" height="494" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladiolus<br />
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Their petals seem to paint the garden in a palette of colors.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladiolus - Purple Mate</td></tr>
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Daisies scatter across the garden as if to skip through the stalks with a happy dance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh97_tyBzM7DMpS5svx8q3b_bqPxp7rl5sY6VCC-6mu5tN2GrnPtyjvrCwdwurbpWHi6Ug1UJ_pg9H0vDasFiUh7McK0ecNuIAoIOXWu74jyZ9V1hpjNvMJAGIhrYCbi7K_LVHyispNQY/s1600/daisy713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh97_tyBzM7DMpS5svx8q3b_bqPxp7rl5sY6VCC-6mu5tN2GrnPtyjvrCwdwurbpWHi6Ug1UJ_pg9H0vDasFiUh7McK0ecNuIAoIOXWu74jyZ9V1hpjNvMJAGIhrYCbi7K_LVHyispNQY/s640/daisy713.JPG" height="494" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shasta Daisy - Leucanthemum x superbum</td></tr>
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The rose, a queen of beauty, illuminates the garden even when wet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaS761dE9YS-deD9K10HpUCzFRsa3fc5WAs6dt8wmbcfu1QMFPis4-YRPXuJxDttQokbxyBOaJfac3u8U50nAWK1qFXTh-1YZYEFBN7TOSYLJ0wXGKe140-ZWzHdFAMaWlf2-LFdYSInP/s1600/rose713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaS761dE9YS-deD9K10HpUCzFRsa3fc5WAs6dt8wmbcfu1QMFPis4-YRPXuJxDttQokbxyBOaJfac3u8U50nAWK1qFXTh-1YZYEFBN7TOSYLJ0wXGKe140-ZWzHdFAMaWlf2-LFdYSInP/s640/rose713.JPG" height="574" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Knockout Roses</td></tr>
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Their beauty attracts many who admire all the things about them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VIcC9aHhPtQTCaTbFWfTOzdrKiDnyerH7saWOSdQYE93DbM6OcpKbhsYunAqACnlZL2mfVAOJVG1hlRrLbuGbnaIORGyzjlxSpTsv_gQoNQHzHGC9OfPfwYNMBnZObtxrGL_ovd3MAxh/s1600/hibis713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VIcC9aHhPtQTCaTbFWfTOzdrKiDnyerH7saWOSdQYE93DbM6OcpKbhsYunAqACnlZL2mfVAOJVG1hlRrLbuGbnaIORGyzjlxSpTsv_gQoNQHzHGC9OfPfwYNMBnZObtxrGL_ovd3MAxh/s640/hibis713.JPG" height="546" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hairy Large Flowered Hardy Mallow - Hibiscus moscheutos var. incanus</td></tr>
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Even when there is one bloom a day, the beauty can be breathtaking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZj6JJKI_w028RDKDMmDeMFOFl9ORfC04Q3CRYdBKDP0W5ra3CqccIb0eBtGrNuH0SbtwT16cRNvkKXuLqwfhZgfM43_yNBlfoit70F0JpThVHInoaNI5vkH7VO7bzrXIX6ramSsFpG1-/s1600/lily713-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZj6JJKI_w028RDKDMmDeMFOFl9ORfC04Q3CRYdBKDP0W5ra3CqccIb0eBtGrNuH0SbtwT16cRNvkKXuLqwfhZgfM43_yNBlfoit70F0JpThVHInoaNI5vkH7VO7bzrXIX6ramSsFpG1-/s640/lily713-001.JPG" height="374" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daylily, Jubilee - Hemerocallis</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2013/07/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-july-2013.html">I am joining Carol of May Dreams Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day on the 15th of each month.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyE8cL5YamZdGxUAOSbvd1fVn5r6kn9zZ-I8Pyy55jmpxt3mQXD1RXIRJqVnZWyN0TwzD3rEyWAX7IiH0uXKYzCDC_pEKzPONcSzNKtuYCisZmFffpLmXLyOFuZGj4arza8I58kMJKMPjX/s1600/lily2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyE8cL5YamZdGxUAOSbvd1fVn5r6kn9zZ-I8Pyy55jmpxt3mQXD1RXIRJqVnZWyN0TwzD3rEyWAX7IiH0uXKYzCDC_pEKzPONcSzNKtuYCisZmFffpLmXLyOFuZGj4arza8I58kMJKMPjX/s640/lily2713.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daylily, Jubilee - Hemerocallis</td></tr>
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The fading Oakleaf Hydrangea blooms add even more beauty with a subtle color change.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGZfmM-yfr4d_EdxZ4IS-L0Jec85cjtuwP5Kvglxe9FxgeuKkvyNmYMMEJ8kpF-mXsTFSO5vSzn0mtM0dGoRLA8M-ltcH4d2nFFNjg194gmxZyKt6gxEbV-lDr1pTvW5yCWsX3pn7-tBu/s1600/hydra713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGZfmM-yfr4d_EdxZ4IS-L0Jec85cjtuwP5Kvglxe9FxgeuKkvyNmYMMEJ8kpF-mXsTFSO5vSzn0mtM0dGoRLA8M-ltcH4d2nFFNjg194gmxZyKt6gxEbV-lDr1pTvW5yCWsX3pn7-tBu/s640/hydra713.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oakleaf Hydrangea, Alice - Hydrangea quercifolia</td></tr>
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Clematis declares that the time for beauty has not ended by creating a decorative and elegant seed head.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZSlfnnjpjhAZRm_0YlbP5lYsIXW3KfPScVGw_fGWKXjvDBYaG0GGLbfShyzXLd0t9YOhD7brLL6Oq0LSJCl6JT3MuLm_nCRB_rxk-Ex_HQj_wI1gpG8jHiimmAgXMHNQ4OBjmolzW4Cp/s1600/clem713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZSlfnnjpjhAZRm_0YlbP5lYsIXW3KfPScVGw_fGWKXjvDBYaG0GGLbfShyzXLd0t9YOhD7brLL6Oq0LSJCl6JT3MuLm_nCRB_rxk-Ex_HQj_wI1gpG8jHiimmAgXMHNQ4OBjmolzW4Cp/s640/clem713.JPG" height="566" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seed head of Clematis - Jackmanii</td></tr>
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Small, minuscule mushrooms peak from between grass blades to sing a song of charm and grace.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTbBwTQ4fAOxlQlyOTzx5zX1PghQsL-e8EZtwUYCo77wmH99Oe66VVXdhypMkQVNVjxXEfhyphenhyphenkUxmlTQFLY9KfNOHYbjdlrugexuRtUlToB6mg4Iu5s3Z2sKPjeuCLdiggKM465Use_pdv/s1600/mush713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTbBwTQ4fAOxlQlyOTzx5zX1PghQsL-e8EZtwUYCo77wmH99Oe66VVXdhypMkQVNVjxXEfhyphenhyphenkUxmlTQFLY9KfNOHYbjdlrugexuRtUlToB6mg4Iu5s3Z2sKPjeuCLdiggKM465Use_pdv/s640/mush713.JPG" height="614" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small mushroom - unknown</td></tr>
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What beauty quest is in your garden?<br />
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I have begun a composting series with the following posts.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/05/composting-part-i-all-about-compost.html">Composting Part I - All About Compost</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/06/composting-part-ii-advantages-and.html">Composting Part II - Advantages and Disadvantages of Compost Bins and Piles</a></span><br />
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Later this month, I will post the next article in the series, <b>How to Make Perfect Compost</b>.<br />
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My eBook, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/150-Things-You-Compost-ebook/dp/B00A7W0GAK/" style="font-family: inherit;">150 Things You Can Compost</a>, is available on Amazon for only 99 cents. I wrote this as a resource for myself and others who compost. Often, we forget how many things other than kitchen waste or garden scraps/leaves can be composted.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-34014423940563003462013-07-01T09:29:00.000-04:002014-03-27T09:13:16.876-04:00My Garden Notebook - July 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV0dTQJrqK1qjRnWhZ4PqRwmrMuUuNxwl149Ir6r_zRY91S1m3mfZO32T4ELW0DLSZCq__pzwY9shWIZyOXZsgl8Pg9_DKH-sZdzBI6z05MxnrCPrE6g4ugK_gJZ-PGPL0t-oTxSss094/s640/lily0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV0dTQJrqK1qjRnWhZ4PqRwmrMuUuNxwl149Ir6r_zRY91S1m3mfZO32T4ELW0DLSZCq__pzwY9shWIZyOXZsgl8Pg9_DKH-sZdzBI6z05MxnrCPrE6g4ugK_gJZ-PGPL0t-oTxSss094/s640/lily0713.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The mild spring that blessed us with cool temperatures has eased into the first days of summer. Although we have had some hot days, many of the days are cooler than normal. At this time of year, I am usually watering often and running out of water in the rain barrels. In June we had a lot of rain. I don't see any major fungal issues yet on the plants. They seem to thrive in this weather. Still, I wonder what summer will bring. With the spring bestowing a blessing of tolerable weather, it will be interesting indeed to see what kind of summer we have.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gardening Zone: 7a</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>June High Temperature: 106 degrees F</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">June Low Temperature: 55 degrees F</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Precipitation: 7.52 inches</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">wildlife</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I see so many dragonflies in the garden this year.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs26OLPSz_73pWOl-dnqORYAUJvDskNPWWh9W2mOJEgoQU5r6iH1C61cU8BpWd6UgP_3F7_mXJTUvpcl6rPpp560FPLbKFzXlE0Gg41vUvKJf5upRbUnEnqaaklNmSRACdW-Zq3-8dKcAu/s640/drfly0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs26OLPSz_73pWOl-dnqORYAUJvDskNPWWh9W2mOJEgoQU5r6iH1C61cU8BpWd6UgP_3F7_mXJTUvpcl6rPpp560FPLbKFzXlE0Gg41vUvKJf5upRbUnEnqaaklNmSRACdW-Zq3-8dKcAu/s640/drfly0713.JPG" height="436" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonfly in Butterfly Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This Black Swallowtail had just come out of the chrysalis a few moments earlier. It is one I sheltered in the butterfly house until this moment.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJv7fS3YeUvyVcGjKpK8tUuKVSiWd7eb63Psx-MXjC-DsYZkMVxO684__lRa-ODfdwG8FD_cCBhMXJa2qMV5R8yUv455bkNUN6yS87nx5Fo0OrXlfgJr60egd-AZhNhyKkqAYNpbynzZS/s640/btfly0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJv7fS3YeUvyVcGjKpK8tUuKVSiWd7eb63Psx-MXjC-DsYZkMVxO684__lRa-ODfdwG8FD_cCBhMXJa2qMV5R8yUv455bkNUN6yS87nx5Fo0OrXlfgJr60egd-AZhNhyKkqAYNpbynzZS/s640/btfly0713.JPG" height="410" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Swallowtail Butterfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These Fritillary butterflies were playfully chasing each other from one flower to another.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrspmCLE9-unCy83MQILDNz_n3bE_1DLsc1SaZ9jtj_R2QmNJGNX5yVyr2ia_zmWV41aALTSSGN6GFgVZswmOaR2csDr9dL1XpkuOwezCqmWAE2IBHlIf4zYIR5fUJfRMJDChLbvJydtGU/s511/btfly20713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrspmCLE9-unCy83MQILDNz_n3bE_1DLsc1SaZ9jtj_R2QmNJGNX5yVyr2ia_zmWV41aALTSSGN6GFgVZswmOaR2csDr9dL1XpkuOwezCqmWAE2IBHlIf4zYIR5fUJfRMJDChLbvJydtGU/s640/btfly20713.JPG" height="640" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Spangled Fritillary Butterflies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I heard the call of the Pileated Woodpecker and looked up.</i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_C5fl7tKvcnDeMcWNSo9nOdl2LJQjP5HvA675kkCAxWyetDSfllXDeV0z7eJ-0Ow0kmQd3wYaSDj9K6RbLXHYIX9M0-RJME6NosQiQCDBa3ATNoui6543yRdocGVeYLDjF06xixBl3bA6/s640/pilwp0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_C5fl7tKvcnDeMcWNSo9nOdl2LJQjP5HvA675kkCAxWyetDSfllXDeV0z7eJ-0Ow0kmQd3wYaSDj9K6RbLXHYIX9M0-RJME6NosQiQCDBa3ATNoui6543yRdocGVeYLDjF06xixBl3bA6/s640/pilwp0713.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pileated Woodpecker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I found this Luna Moth in the branches of a Colorado Blue Spruce tree.</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuVTrmTLPp6KIjQqfuPOLkrWdlh5Hrveo4BICF7fVT_7fi27Is326EYtSLxfdmEu4jqVv4Y9E-9Ce1XfKaM5kwu3dXjKIoyws6CQFgNMi6iVU2qHHtKTvrypRp-gimbF7M3JGozCz0jJK/s640/luna0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuVTrmTLPp6KIjQqfuPOLkrWdlh5Hrveo4BICF7fVT_7fi27Is326EYtSLxfdmEu4jqVv4Y9E-9Ce1XfKaM5kwu3dXjKIoyws6CQFgNMi6iVU2qHHtKTvrypRp-gimbF7M3JGozCz0jJK/s640/luna0713.JPG" height="436" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luna Moth (in sepia)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>There are many who come to the bird feeder, but one morning there was a new visitor.</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OzpLKzkXIt6m-mePMt-aLeZEVlcdi0DOj5ca0_4d8PTlc_K_oA-GASC6a9nvruQTsPYQb8d91AhyphenhyphenTUJxiKyAwcfH3u-RFWwhz8iYdxIPY5YF5lviWO0vugAX_huPOjQr1ufC1yRrJrZW/s640/bturt0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OzpLKzkXIt6m-mePMt-aLeZEVlcdi0DOj5ca0_4d8PTlc_K_oA-GASC6a9nvruQTsPYQb8d91AhyphenhyphenTUJxiKyAwcfH3u-RFWwhz8iYdxIPY5YF5lviWO0vugAX_huPOjQr1ufC1yRrJrZW/s640/bturt0713.JPG" height="470" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Box Turtle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">what's blooming, sprouting</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I planted some bee balm last fall in various places in the Butterfly Garden aka the Hummingbird Garden aka the perennial bed. It is a winner, rising tall and flowering beautifully.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37SN681eJHDwoaLs0wzSb5yoDZyWcrWOEpcqIA5-E9VXvwUbnoc6SNSD0MEKh5PwZqJK5ZM9BJhCfskYx2yXcFqkSTXL9aU6_rEBRzy8i34TNkPrdYAl4IrGsistDJnBsmjLDnkddm5dA/s640/monarda0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37SN681eJHDwoaLs0wzSb5yoDZyWcrWOEpcqIA5-E9VXvwUbnoc6SNSD0MEKh5PwZqJK5ZM9BJhCfskYx2yXcFqkSTXL9aU6_rEBRzy8i34TNkPrdYAl4IrGsistDJnBsmjLDnkddm5dA/s640/monarda0713.JPG" height="412" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Supreme Bee Balm - Monarda didyma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Shasta daisies are popping up everywhere and always make me smile.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYL0MaBGSXD2IfKIgIoCrU3v3LKoxFm0I2NYRoybqOQPWlPN-BWVieqTDuPqbPV_q3NQnL4gEb3PL5lEyE5mx7HfmyCxBty_69OJfD-1GS2Vzb26BEhch7JTy7S0iBoIium18tqIE0zdw/s483/daisy0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYL0MaBGSXD2IfKIgIoCrU3v3LKoxFm0I2NYRoybqOQPWlPN-BWVieqTDuPqbPV_q3NQnL4gEb3PL5lEyE5mx7HfmyCxBty_69OJfD-1GS2Vzb26BEhch7JTy7S0iBoIium18tqIE0zdw/s640/daisy0713.JPG" height="636" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shasta Daisy - Chrysanthemum maximum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>This is the first year that this clematis made a bold display because it had finally reached a size to spread out and shine.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH0jkWkKjtAbx7VdMGsXaHl_AVcD4z86j2cxvxE_AKRdGNEhOAlOVNVYHHScm9Hx1SRpeBIjc4_rtm39RocHJtjrqyKFPm9Hs_-cglo42qo7a7LqZEbASy8P89ARciOsH1SZWbSj1ZqEC/s521/clem0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH0jkWkKjtAbx7VdMGsXaHl_AVcD4z86j2cxvxE_AKRdGNEhOAlOVNVYHHScm9Hx1SRpeBIjc4_rtm39RocHJtjrqyKFPm9Hs_-cglo42qo7a7LqZEbASy8P89ARciOsH1SZWbSj1ZqEC/s640/clem0713.JPG" height="640" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clematis, Jackmanii</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>One of my favorite flowers is echinacea, and I have been adding a few each year to the perennial beds. They never disappoint.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtnrtWufKn42Mq2aLhOi5YCKUTWYWJcd0K9LnDWhx8w-87xWDNccNTqQ5hPM1ydLGrUa6toFYQiRWf8dKpS9sHoPu5_o3Uxj1IFTXjlJONpOUojewkllYZBXOPuQfRSNIBbUImSC4d4PL/s521/echin0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtnrtWufKn42Mq2aLhOi5YCKUTWYWJcd0K9LnDWhx8w-87xWDNccNTqQ5hPM1ydLGrUa6toFYQiRWf8dKpS9sHoPu5_o3Uxj1IFTXjlJONpOUojewkllYZBXOPuQfRSNIBbUImSC4d4PL/s640/echin0713.JPG" height="588" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echinacea purpurea - Flame Thrower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Another favorite flower of mine is gladioli. In the past week, the spikes have begun to rise above the other perennials and open into a rainbow of colors.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA_-1cT1idM-Kw0JRlNliz9R0QDVxkv0RYjeUcSj2YMSeiD1HXr1KtgYHNj6YHGyAFEn236RC_HJeLy2lLFstjfO-oq-7LYNEgIXZr294Z8Iifi6OGlJnfH4jYJ6AfOl0ixOqAjN5JgHu/s640/glad0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA_-1cT1idM-Kw0JRlNliz9R0QDVxkv0RYjeUcSj2YMSeiD1HXr1KtgYHNj6YHGyAFEn236RC_HJeLy2lLFstjfO-oq-7LYNEgIXZr294Z8Iifi6OGlJnfH4jYJ6AfOl0ixOqAjN5JgHu/s640/glad0713.JPG" height="460" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladiolus - Lucifer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Some blooms offer a simple complexity that matches no other.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAXiqb3bH8vvRO4NkBSLJoIYgWP3LfcXwhTvk5h6t1DE5c7AhPeTKjjkzxlnipZ8KHhwYR3tsTtYh0OlCh5P_y22N0j-vIXfJk2aK-qgpFqSqpVHPRCHS5Be8XtCdXdaI12uBwsiIwaQO/s640/hydra0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAXiqb3bH8vvRO4NkBSLJoIYgWP3LfcXwhTvk5h6t1DE5c7AhPeTKjjkzxlnipZ8KHhwYR3tsTtYh0OlCh5P_y22N0j-vIXfJk2aK-qgpFqSqpVHPRCHS5Be8XtCdXdaI12uBwsiIwaQO/s640/hydra0713.JPG" height="468" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Alice - Hydrangea quercifolia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The roses have been especially prolific this year, what with the milder temperatures and frequent rain.</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQkyHGfY_Z1BCUFqvvASNYJuoXfwZOcNyTEC3U66eQ-j2d72LPLCwGoDzaCNf3s-Na6BmhFtqwLk5uUJUoWM3iytFhZvRnZ2f2d5PTquv4-wRsRKSSIl6Vj9stda1gRiyAyerWL_Y3tOu/s640/rose0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQkyHGfY_Z1BCUFqvvASNYJuoXfwZOcNyTEC3U66eQ-j2d72LPLCwGoDzaCNf3s-Na6BmhFtqwLk5uUJUoWM3iytFhZvRnZ2f2d5PTquv4-wRsRKSSIl6Vj9stda1gRiyAyerWL_Y3tOu/s640/rose0713.JPG" height="640" width="460" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knockout Rose, Pink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">in the vegetable garden</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The vegetable garden is filled with squash, cucumbers, red cabbage, Swiss chard, asparagus, tomatoes, bell peppers, peas, and some lettuce. I planted about 10 cucumber plants, and they are providing us with lots to harvest.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn7LcI_AdnEwYoAh-Xp4RCuuIr4F4ggvT4IQ_BftjtOo1ip_boZnY6MXrjMOfxRQHUmZkrHD7fFq31-3l4AsSgDjs0iniXD6yIuHfcRwuZs5X1w_a8-bbcIccUPp3027O6EzCvGuXT2Lf/s640/cuke0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn7LcI_AdnEwYoAh-Xp4RCuuIr4F4ggvT4IQ_BftjtOo1ip_boZnY6MXrjMOfxRQHUmZkrHD7fFq31-3l4AsSgDjs0iniXD6yIuHfcRwuZs5X1w_a8-bbcIccUPp3027O6EzCvGuXT2Lf/s640/cuke0713.JPG" height="450" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cucumber, Supremo Hybrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I have one raspberry bush that has spread, and it has been quite prolific with all of this rain.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSezWO-SCExpmPXFBBWAhyphenhyphencIBfjK07TS2MCYpYsMDoPW01TGI9_HcoMERehngAha1qORiKBg1CjLahJ0l6JRCEZw0hPwoDwxzv2L0ZeGyVyc5kDS8bcOLxakeqzKErCIHIKICwIxFSoZ57/s640/rasp0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSezWO-SCExpmPXFBBWAhyphenhyphencIBfjK07TS2MCYpYsMDoPW01TGI9_HcoMERehngAha1qORiKBg1CjLahJ0l6JRCEZw0hPwoDwxzv2L0ZeGyVyc5kDS8bcOLxakeqzKErCIHIKICwIxFSoZ57/s640/rasp0713.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberry, Encore Red - Rubus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The peas are nearing the end of the harvest, and I will most likely plant okra in that bed.</i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCA3vNOvBlJq23QG4bY9d8yWnljir-zwrucrJ2UIJ1LdgF3a8pZ7FeTBMWu0Z_cQBvQagWQP2dIBhS6AFglJ5-6D6uwDBxXjwc4Wm3WRd1Xkrql549M-4VGEP8QeC7D-MfbVrOsbq0_nH9/s640/pea0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCA3vNOvBlJq23QG4bY9d8yWnljir-zwrucrJ2UIJ1LdgF3a8pZ7FeTBMWu0Z_cQBvQagWQP2dIBhS6AFglJ5-6D6uwDBxXjwc4Wm3WRd1Xkrql549M-4VGEP8QeC7D-MfbVrOsbq0_nH9/s640/pea0713.JPG" height="640" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pea, Avalanche</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The peppers are still small, but they are fruiting.</i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnskHYeo3nKBZ6Fpq7SEf1wLp3doUc0cQsfFzezd9zR8NxDjK1Ai5WA4Htj8ZeWtSGKkpEDA4k6R46Jptqnmbkw_7Fclw3ZnnELZWWEng1JqBf1U1n5h220pHcLQf0Apgp-SbXpMLBPmv1/s640/pepr0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnskHYeo3nKBZ6Fpq7SEf1wLp3doUc0cQsfFzezd9zR8NxDjK1Ai5WA4Htj8ZeWtSGKkpEDA4k6R46Jptqnmbkw_7Fclw3ZnnELZWWEng1JqBf1U1n5h220pHcLQf0Apgp-SbXpMLBPmv1/s640/pepr0713.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell Pepper, California Wonder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>In the past week, a few tomatoes have begun to ripen. And I am quite anxious to have a taste.</i></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLUhCRcaNwLWBhnsay_InYcP0qNo7aJ5wPKzS_sHx6bRC8i21XuAAlxj6nwp0Mhcc4A22JT_PX0TwLBZ_Gpy13UPpNObTwVG7KiimGSwjvqOi-_hDc3QNqP77qTGOgim2KLDPp4wLxeMf/s640/tom0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLUhCRcaNwLWBhnsay_InYcP0qNo7aJ5wPKzS_sHx6bRC8i21XuAAlxj6nwp0Mhcc4A22JT_PX0TwLBZ_Gpy13UPpNObTwVG7KiimGSwjvqOi-_hDc3QNqP77qTGOgim2KLDPp4wLxeMf/s1600/tom0713.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato, Beefmaster</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I usually do not have cabbage in the garden this far into the year, but with the mild temperatures I left it in to grow larger. I will be harvesting some soon.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekjPOoyVIlko1AQqBZvcB_n5uqqsEp97bu9OpQeejz6oyS1H1LxUO_rU_9CkOSxNb2cKcHiDGbO7ghm4Z7uiQFbtM4A2YFaTP4GRT6DeGiPf9evm1oAAB9WilpV_tXM105a3108MiiUap/s577/rcabb0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekjPOoyVIlko1AQqBZvcB_n5uqqsEp97bu9OpQeejz6oyS1H1LxUO_rU_9CkOSxNb2cKcHiDGbO7ghm4Z7uiQFbtM4A2YFaTP4GRT6DeGiPf9evm1oAAB9WilpV_tXM105a3108MiiUap/s640/rcabb0713.JPG" height="532" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red cabbage, Cairo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">completed chores</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">spread milky spore powder</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">sowed green beans</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>trimmed Carolina jessamine vines</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>sowed moonflower seeds</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>spread cow manure on lawn</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">chores for July</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">pull out peas</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">sow okra seeds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">deadhead flowers</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">check under squash and cucumber leaves for squash bugs and eggs and remove</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">prune tomato plants</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">remove and destroy poison ivy plants from cottage garden</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What's in your Garden Notebook for July?</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I have begun a composting series with the following posts:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/05/composting-part-i-all-about-compost.html">Composting Part I - All About Compost</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/06/composting-part-ii-advantages-and.html">Composting Part II - Advantages and Disadvantages of Compost Bins and Piles</a></i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Later this month, I will post the next article in the series, <b>How to Make Perfect Compost</b>.</i>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am joining in the following:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Helen of </span><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Patient Gardener</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> hosts </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/2013/06/30/end-of-month-view-june-2013/">End of Month View</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. This monthly meme is where garden bloggers share their garden views for the end of the month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Daphne of <a href="http://daphnesdandelions.blogspot.com/">Daphne's Dandelions</a> hosts <a href="http://daphnesdandelions.blogspot.com/2013/07/harvest-monday-july-1st-2013.html">Harvest Monday</a>. This weekly meme offers garden bloggers the chance to share their harvest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lisa of <a href="http://macromonday2.blogspot.com/">Macro Monday 2</a> hosts <a href="http://macromonday2.blogspot.com/2013/06/marvelous-morning-glory.html">Macro Monday</a>. This weekly meme is for sharing all of those lovely macros from the garden.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2699372/?claim=csm92rmkfz4">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-19898367903533187192013-06-27T15:01:00.001-04:002015-03-19T12:32:38.760-04:00Composting Part II: Advantages and Disadvantages of Compost Bins and Piles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8jxtuUq_R1IfW9wT8gltDBO38V-PpwyEO2nKmFJvBQ-TzfYzPWhJtbn1hSFM_K4IhULrj2RsMkBRejhVUZ_wIKcgzgmgdnsBNKWI9AW2wkN8dQWo87h8qf4biuM9ZGBiVbTWpO_nCQla/s270/compost5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8jxtuUq_R1IfW9wT8gltDBO38V-PpwyEO2nKmFJvBQ-TzfYzPWhJtbn1hSFM_K4IhULrj2RsMkBRejhVUZ_wIKcgzgmgdnsBNKWI9AW2wkN8dQWo87h8qf4biuM9ZGBiVbTWpO_nCQla/s270/compost5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Courtesy of nycompost.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Various types of compost bins are now available for purchase. Some are completely enclosed, some are open at the top. Some are made of wood, some are made of plastic. Some are tall, some are wide. All of these are viable compost makers. Compost will happen with or without a fancy contraption. Compost will happen in a pile on the ground.<br />
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There is no perfect compost bin or pile. Each comes with its own brand of solutions and challenges. What one person swears is the best compost bin they have ever had may not be the best one for you. The best way to determine which compost bin is best for you is to consider what your needs are for composting. For instance, if you live in an area where there is a lot of wildlife visiting your yard, you may opt for a compost bin that is enclosed on all sides to prevent wildlife from eating or removing some of the kitchen waste. A compost bin that fits your particular needs will be the best compost bin for you.<br />
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Below is a list of some of the more common compost bins and piles with a list of their advantages and disadvantages:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4fu_7IFro6qq7WEe0_5MY1eItvaVnWvb0GdcPltO_CdouZNydW1Yi6Geahxw5bdcpaxIVfNTDTKPkpk9o0Vf4UrRQf8ggDarx_AcrJul2o8ZUY4e1YrVeBpLHevumZF4wpeiwkNVcSZu/s789/compost-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4fu_7IFro6qq7WEe0_5MY1eItvaVnWvb0GdcPltO_CdouZNydW1Yi6Geahxw5bdcpaxIVfNTDTKPkpk9o0Vf4UrRQf8ggDarx_AcrJul2o8ZUY4e1YrVeBpLHevumZF4wpeiwkNVcSZu/s400/compost-banner.jpg" height="100" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Courtesy of the Town of Maynard, MA (Composting)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Freeform Pile or Heap</b></span><br />
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<b><i><u>Advantages</u></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Easy to create - A freeform pile or heap is very easy to create. Find a spot and begin throwing kitchen and garden waste in a pile.</li>
<li>Easy to use</li>
<li>Inexpensive to create - A freeform pile is the most inexpensive compost <i>bin</i> because there is no need to purchase a bin.</li>
<li>Easy to turn - Using a pitchfork, it is easy to turn the compost in a freeform pile.</li>
</ul>
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<b><i><u>Disadvantages</u></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Compost material can roll out and be blown by the wind because there is nothing to contain it.</li>
<li>A freeform pile can be unsightly if located in a community with specific rules about waste disposal.</li>
<li>A freeform pile loses heat very quickly because it is not contained.</li>
<li>If the pile is too large, it will be difficult to turn. (I will go over the optimal size of a pile or bin for active composting methods in a future post.)</li>
<li>Wildlife can easily forage in the pile because the compost is not contained.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9R77xqPgTNnMJy6Y3GO9oAlGVKiJLsrwCVH2cokYtI3ObwqYOzpy3g7XgiN2NRbydTdxU5_MAZsRn9V0AULP7-TH3Lnh5nnSeLBcHinaFJnchl7ndGRCzq3qLJQVdA4oP_Qhy4iSjYDW5/s556/compostbinwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9R77xqPgTNnMJy6Y3GO9oAlGVKiJLsrwCVH2cokYtI3ObwqYOzpy3g7XgiN2NRbydTdxU5_MAZsRn9V0AULP7-TH3Lnh5nnSeLBcHinaFJnchl7ndGRCzq3qLJQVdA4oP_Qhy4iSjYDW5/s640/compostbinwd.jpg" height="554" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wood Bin or Bins</b></span><br />
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<b><i><u>Advantages</u></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>All compost material is contained. As you aerate the pile, all of the compost material will remain within the enclosure.</li>
<li>Multiple bins allow for several stages of the compost process. One bin can be the bin where compost material is added. Another bin can be the bin where compost material is no longer added but the pile continues to be turned as the material decomposes. And yet another bin can be a pile of finished compost used around the garden.</li>
<li>Enclosure retains heat for good composting process - High heat is very important in the composting process to break down organic material. Having compost in an enclosed space ensures heat will be retained for longer periods.</li>
</ul>
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<b><i><u>Disadvantages</u></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Can be hard to turn because of the enclosed area - Sometimes it can be hard to turn the compost in a bin because it is difficult to reach over the top.</li>
<li>Heavy, difficult to move</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIIVhp070r2-pWj5BFBIpmfKnndbl9cKr0ZozlWS6DkNqs2IlLQlC5AiiZBwHQ4ecFD3mjrSeborp4asmlERzCcmtSCYIfOuh-JYnQ0mPMt6I-Q8egJ-J6SKFUKCwMBMev2VcavjboTCd/s263/composting_palletBin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIIVhp070r2-pWj5BFBIpmfKnndbl9cKr0ZozlWS6DkNqs2IlLQlC5AiiZBwHQ4ecFD3mjrSeborp4asmlERzCcmtSCYIfOuh-JYnQ0mPMt6I-Q8egJ-J6SKFUKCwMBMev2VcavjboTCd/s263/composting_palletBin.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Courtesy of Maryland Department of the Environment</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wooden Pallet Bin</b></span><br />
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Instructions for building a wooden pallet composting bin can be found at <a href="http://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Land/RecyclingandOperationsprogram/EducationandOutreach/Pages/programs/landprograms/recycling/education/compostbin.aspx">Maryland Department of the Environment.</a><br />
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<b><i><u>Advantages</u></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Free or inexpensive - Wooden pallets are a good way to recycle materials.</li>
<li>Easy to make</li>
<li>Can make one side a hinged door for easy access</li>
<li>Enclosure retains heat for good composting process - High heat is very important in the composting process to break down organic material. Having compost in an enclosed space ensures heat will be retained for longer periods.</li>
<li>All compost material is contained. As you aerate the pile, all of the compost material will remain within the enclosure.</li>
<li>Pallet cube is almost a perfect cubic yard - This is a good size to reach a high heat in the compost pile.</li>
</ul>
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<b><i><u>Disadvantages</u></i></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Heavy, difficult to move</li>
<li>Some wooden pallets are made from chemically treated wood.</li>
<li>Can be hard to turn because of the enclosed area - Sometimes it can be hard to turn the compost in a bin because it is difficult to reach over the top.</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gjf0CBs9KLCA4UuKM7yzCuKXa3g_qHX0yvCFYCeUHkfa60YP7-54nLxWaGGJJGihQLhaaeMc3i2eItJDamkoU9qy6CFUeup8Fsh691uXCXEEv5zl6aZNHINxWlU6Lc7Ud6Oe3lyrgCRh/s139/compostbins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gjf0CBs9KLCA4UuKM7yzCuKXa3g_qHX0yvCFYCeUHkfa60YP7-54nLxWaGGJJGihQLhaaeMc3i2eItJDamkoU9qy6CFUeup8Fsh691uXCXEEv5zl6aZNHINxWlU6Lc7Ud6Oe3lyrgCRh/s400/compostbins.jpg" height="400" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of www.recyclestuff.org</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Cement Blocks or Bricks Bin</b></span><br />
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<i><u><b>Advantages</b></u></i><br />
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<br />
<ul>
<li>Blocks or bricks absorb and retain heat to maintain a good temperature for composting.</li>
<li>Sturdy and can be a permanent place for making compost</li>
<li>Having an open front makes it easy to turn the pile for aeration.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Disadvantages</u></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Blocks or bricks can be knocked over easily. If you decide to use this type of bin, be sure to cement the blocks and bricks into place.</li>
<li>The blocks or bricks can absorb too much heat and overheat the compost pile. Be sure to build this structure with vents in between the blocks or bricks for added circulation.</li>
<li>Difficult to move</li>
<li>Wildlife can easily forage in the pile because the compost is not contained.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNdbaSHdgv3aR_bSzp4DkRgWL3_U0siFJDf_nW6BkTbyytPnsqn0Iph-GeUMrFPAdNP1n_5P2NExpzcmAUvmmGcs6SUKbRH8EJ4gJ_HsRnTdmy8UXtbh2WdJnpKiN90eY_mas7Rpap29d/s450/wirecompost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNdbaSHdgv3aR_bSzp4DkRgWL3_U0siFJDf_nW6BkTbyytPnsqn0Iph-GeUMrFPAdNP1n_5P2NExpzcmAUvmmGcs6SUKbRH8EJ4gJ_HsRnTdmy8UXtbh2WdJnpKiN90eY_mas7Rpap29d/s320/wirecompost.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Courtesy of The Garden Gates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wire Bin or Bins</b></span><br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Advantages</u></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Can be placed anywhere</li>
<li>Multiple bins allow for several stages of the compost process. (See Wood Bin or Bins for more about why this is an advantage.) You can make several of these and set them side by side for multiple bin composting.</li>
<li>Very portable and lightweight</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Disadvantages</u></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Can be difficult to turn because the pitchfork may get caught in the mesh openings.</li>
<li>Compost material can fall out if the mesh openings are too large.</li>
<li>Can be unsightly</li>
<li>Can be moved by the wind - Be sure to stake these down to the ground.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_KR2xRVrjfR1zYIpqXLm8QPOv0X5_taZI2tr0pNrvRivmpeZsIe5pM_SSYyHLT-HRj_UednIUFHZGamHqEockk_GJV_yqmf8VJjJewDa5hLuDR2nT_f1FFRS3LyoTLgqgXou_K4w5CqX/s350/composttumbl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_KR2xRVrjfR1zYIpqXLm8QPOv0X5_taZI2tr0pNrvRivmpeZsIe5pM_SSYyHLT-HRj_UednIUFHZGamHqEockk_GJV_yqmf8VJjJewDa5hLuDR2nT_f1FFRS3LyoTLgqgXou_K4w5CqX/s400/composttumbl.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Courtesy of Costco.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Tumbler Bin</b></span><br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Advantages</u></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Easy to use</li>
<li>If used properly, tumbler bins can produce compost more quickly than other bins.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Disadvantages</u></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Can be expensive</li>
<li>Limited to size of unit - Once the tumbler bin is full there is no other place to add kitchen and garden waste to continue composting.</li>
<li>Must monitor moisture because of closed design</li>
</ul>
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Earth Machine or Other Plastic Enclosed Bin</b></span><br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Advantages</u></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dark in color to absorb and retain heat</li>
<li>Enclosed to keep out animal pests</li>
<li>Air vents to allow good circulation</li>
<li>Staked to the ground to prevent toppling</li>
<li>Can harvest finished compost from bottom sliding door - Some material decomposes more quickly than other material and falls to the bottom during turning. This material can be easily harvested before the other material has completed decomposition.</li>
<li>Some plastic composting bins are made from recycled materials</li>
<li>Easy to move</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Disadvantages</u></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Enclosed compost bin does not allow rain into compost pile for enough moisture - Before it begins to rain, be sure to take the lid off the compost bin or water periodically to achieve proper moisture level. A compost pile must always be moist to maintain a good composting process. (I will explain more about this in a future post.)</li>
<li>Once the bin is full, there is no place to add kitchen or garden waste for composting.</li>
<li>If large compost material in bin, can be difficult to turn</li>
</ul>
<br />
There are other types of composting bins, but these are the ones most commonly used. Many of the advantages and disadvantages will fit some of these other types of bins. Knowing what these advantages and disadvantages are helps you decide what bin will work best for you.<br />
<br />
I have a wooden bin as a three bin system on one side of the yard, and an Earth Machine compost bin by the vegetable garden. I like both of them. I do take the top off of the Earth Machine before it rains to get moisture inside the bin. And I like my wooden bins because they have removable front slats that help with turning the pile. With all of the things we compost, there is a lot of compost by the end of a cycle, and I am glad we have plenty of room for it.<br />
<br />
Next month in this composting series:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2014/04/composting-part-iii-how-to-make-perfect.html">How to Make Perfect Compost</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-91033102554073210822013-06-18T14:17:00.001-04:002013-06-27T15:02:41.824-04:00Spring into Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;">S</span><span style="color: #073763;"> </span> </span><span style="color: magenta;"><i>P</i> </span> <span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">R </span> <span style="color: #741b47;"><i>I </i></span> <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">N</span> <span style="color: blue;"><i>G</i></span></b></span></div>
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Spring arrived this year like a lamb--emerging slowly with grace and beauty.<br />
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Blooms seemed to last forever, delicately opening to reveal a magical place deep within that remained for longer than usual.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://plantpostings.blogspot.com/2013/06/garden-lessons-learned-spring-2013.html">Beth of PlantPostings hosts Lessons Learned for each season.</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Appreciation</u></i></b></span><br />
<br />
This deliberate and gradual emanation of spring has taught me to appreciate every aspect of the season for I was able to see each and every petal, to breathe in all the aromas, to hear the raindrops on the leaves. A spring that saunters in with a pause here and there is a spring I can devour with my senses. Although I will attempt to accept whatever speed nature intends for each season, I will always yearn for a spring such as this where I can wallow in all of the beauty and elegance presented.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Patience</u></i></b></span><br />
<br />
With a slow emerging spring comes the lesson of patience. Flowers open more slowly. Trees leaf out to the tune of an adagio tempo, sleepily moving forward. As I savored the gradual pace of spring's materialization, there were times when I was anxious for some aspect of the spring I knew from past years. Taming my yearning for something more quickly taught me to sit back and let nature work in its own time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">S</span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">U</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>M</i></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i>M</i></span> </span> <span style="color: lime; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">E</span> <span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">R</span></b></span></div>
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And now comes the season of summer. After having experienced the moderate pace of spring, I am curious as to how this summer will emerge. Summer is usually hot and dry and somewhat of a rest for this gardener who spends much time preparing the garden in spring. Will there be rain? Will there be drought? Will there be heat or will cool breezes waft through the branches to relieve the garden for a moment?<br />
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No matter what summer brings it is welcome and a time for relaxing in the shade and watching all the lovely bursts of life in the landscape. Summer brings lazy days of drinking lemonade on the patio, slow rambles by the creek catching a glimpse of dragonflies, and early warm mornings listening to birds awaken and stretch through the sky.<br />
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<a href="http://gardenseyeview.com/2013/06/01/seasonal-celebrations-summer-surprises-2013/">Donna of Gardens Eye View hosts Seasonal Celebrations</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-67270117869241822013-06-01T00:03:00.001-04:002013-06-27T15:02:54.002-04:00My Garden Notebook - June 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Spring has continued on its slow emerging path throughout May with long bloom periods and a consecutive flow of color and beauty. I have enjoyed this spring more than many because it has been cooler, and with that cool weather I have been able to savor so many elements of the garden as the gradual evolution unfolds. When I am outside working in the garden, there is a calm and consistent steadiness to the garden that never makes me feel rushed or as if I am behind. It has been a joy this spring to be a part of that slow and steady flow.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>In the past week, the weather has begun to turn warm, hot. We may have a few days here and there of cooler weather, but the inevitable heat of summer is on its way. And with that heat has come the 17-year cicadas. We do not have them in as high numbers as some other areas, but they are singing a boisterous song. By mid-June or so, they will have completed their mating and will die. The birds and other creatures are having a feast on these creatures. I have a few young trees that could possibly be damaged by the egg laying of the female cicada, but I am hoping the small numbers will reduce the chance of any damage to my trees.</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">stats</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gardening Zone: 7a</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>May High Temperature: 88 degrees F</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">May Low Temperature: 39 degrees F</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Precipitation: 2.87 inches</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">wildlife</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There has been a whirlwind of activity in and around the garden as the birds are raising young. Over the past few years, I have not had success in witnessing the raising of any American Robins that have nested in my yard. This year was the exception as a family was raised successfully this spring.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfS7uMbhU8lg-4QuYo1I0NI83wiSUtc8ueQl85nmmgeDmJvPjvl8dMVHj9Ru4ayODp1_I9t1IrdRmyx_if7Iv-hsOEcVVg_PhttK3aJQvb0JVY4n1JjYyODlhtut-DJWgbF4UM-IpT_iY/s1600/robines0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfS7uMbhU8lg-4QuYo1I0NI83wiSUtc8ueQl85nmmgeDmJvPjvl8dMVHj9Ru4ayODp1_I9t1IrdRmyx_if7Iv-hsOEcVVg_PhttK3aJQvb0JVY4n1JjYyODlhtut-DJWgbF4UM-IpT_iY/s640/robines0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Robin Feeding Fledgling</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is Bubba who sleeps in this drainage pipe by day and emerges in the evening to spend the night hunting and catching insects. He must find quite a lot of food because he is very big.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhLynJFFV_3twTzo498EAgYtIbAXoImJh9hBWEYQExmGZcW9vHTgBwv7NmCEfmQBVuphtCt89OlV4zF5nJ_Dej6yffKBLrI1ce3hQEKg7q2z6ejD0jPgbVPqw2V7V8okGWUzva5yT2Sg8/s1600/toad0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhLynJFFV_3twTzo498EAgYtIbAXoImJh9hBWEYQExmGZcW9vHTgBwv7NmCEfmQBVuphtCt89OlV4zF5nJ_Dej6yffKBLrI1ce3hQEKg7q2z6ejD0jPgbVPqw2V7V8okGWUzva5yT2Sg8/s640/toad0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern American Toad</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">what's blooming, sprouting</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The perennial bed perched on the slope in the backyard is filling in nicely.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5UmKwqq9CNXVCA_pU3E_I47j_7QZ6oVHKC3_Mnang_ydkiugzcULAwBKe1HHsM4U4HpfKNxw8TvZ4P0Ssg9hm7W9XglWdBDTJXuUHhlx_gx6D548B2KnWqzz_7ub5L1fGnGwCTnqcR1J/s1600/perrbed20613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5UmKwqq9CNXVCA_pU3E_I47j_7QZ6oVHKC3_Mnang_ydkiugzcULAwBKe1HHsM4U4HpfKNxw8TvZ4P0Ssg9hm7W9XglWdBDTJXuUHhlx_gx6D548B2KnWqzz_7ub5L1fGnGwCTnqcR1J/s640/perrbed20613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perennial Garden Bed</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Soon there will be echinacea blossoms.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-bLgzXrhPsJh3tcdB2IJ3xdCRrLIQDe_aFggzLFu2d7wyP8E4w7onulCs5BUpacyXUURBXvAdiiZAEFvgom2uuRbh7taiytL1wcJeh1BF2A2PaZ9AxrjocHm2D-i3aETKI2bhaVVpzCG/s1600/echin0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-bLgzXrhPsJh3tcdB2IJ3xdCRrLIQDe_aFggzLFu2d7wyP8E4w7onulCs5BUpacyXUURBXvAdiiZAEFvgom2uuRbh7taiytL1wcJeh1BF2A2PaZ9AxrjocHm2D-i3aETKI2bhaVVpzCG/s640/echin0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echinacea purpurea 'Kim's Knee High' - Purple Coneflower</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last year when I planted this False Indigo, a rabbit nibbled it to the ground. I am so glad it survived to offer this spring display.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDCAycCWIzHWJ8PRMye4k8BDku70X266eeERbbR8_GRMHBVu9hp8bOXVI2s-dUlV8V57yWfgeNHekZ0Q3MNcDBXBEGI6Rp_4b8CsOREMhVCeOZ5pIaZQvyj_7qAMTA1Y5v5NnOKWbMJGJ/s1600/indigo0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDCAycCWIzHWJ8PRMye4k8BDku70X266eeERbbR8_GRMHBVu9hp8bOXVI2s-dUlV8V57yWfgeNHekZ0Q3MNcDBXBEGI6Rp_4b8CsOREMhVCeOZ5pIaZQvyj_7qAMTA1Y5v5NnOKWbMJGJ/s640/indigo0613.JPG" width="618" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baptisia australis - Blue False Indigo</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The irises have been rather showy this year.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWJJLKL3fzc9egr16hjeAQz0nG9Yv1T8OMa0dAr9Oa2a4b5XFMl18gw0Wg05dwRNl_JSb7kdADBnFOveDi-PURVvyV2MBZvHKdKoUn5vvTDafa0IVFVVKDJyQY_l0AbHgAiq_MlSUtkPN/s1600/iris0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWJJLKL3fzc9egr16hjeAQz0nG9Yv1T8OMa0dAr9Oa2a4b5XFMl18gw0Wg05dwRNl_JSb7kdADBnFOveDi-PURVvyV2MBZvHKdKoUn5vvTDafa0IVFVVKDJyQY_l0AbHgAiq_MlSUtkPN/s640/iris0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris germanica 'Tiger Honey' - Bearded Iris</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The primroses burst on the scene about a month ago and are still in bloom.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ_8lQjnb5j_okZzTlytu5Q9eZveLG3ESMyZlJ18PiFZrj-6h5Mo171sGp2DPYPTMdmPwt9m5XJpBpprHbnEGMKEuG50DagurjwXbXkmXAMBr73eLlBNe73i6GpQ5F_0XRpGImdQzlmRp/s1600/primrose0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ_8lQjnb5j_okZzTlytu5Q9eZveLG3ESMyZlJ18PiFZrj-6h5Mo171sGp2DPYPTMdmPwt9m5XJpBpprHbnEGMKEuG50DagurjwXbXkmXAMBr73eLlBNe73i6GpQ5F_0XRpGImdQzlmRp/s640/primrose0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oenothera speciosa - Pink Evening Primrose</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My clematis plants are relatively young, but with each year there are more and more blooms.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VnZN2koGddLtUVVpKNQ4w7-UGwL68n2rKO9lFg0haMTMhlZSjtz1nsTCOtrgZYsgdrpCoTX8lYDMVMMofWPi1nWWiuBPXaMF1_JIzOQ7IseUAseV_QGTdEHi1Nd_hePvHPnzeH9I-SoF/s1600/clematis0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VnZN2koGddLtUVVpKNQ4w7-UGwL68n2rKO9lFg0haMTMhlZSjtz1nsTCOtrgZYsgdrpCoTX8lYDMVMMofWPi1nWWiuBPXaMF1_JIzOQ7IseUAseV_QGTdEHi1Nd_hePvHPnzeH9I-SoF/s640/clematis0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Clematis 'Jackmanii'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This year I planted various hens and chicks in my hypertufa planter. I like these larger varieties in this planter.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPbeJ22NOf-T8Hwp5ZF2M9C1vLUg3J4JgOXSj3GIgfBj84RhSEw1mjnuzectw6DjYnRzGuGNl0tkVL7KazS2jI6ZgsBgUz-VDsHdsjOBw8TVUbe3FHKvYlaFfRGRm1SJ4H4Gfo51clVq8/s1600/succs0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPbeJ22NOf-T8Hwp5ZF2M9C1vLUg3J4JgOXSj3GIgfBj84RhSEw1mjnuzectw6DjYnRzGuGNl0tkVL7KazS2jI6ZgsBgUz-VDsHdsjOBw8TVUbe3FHKvYlaFfRGRm1SJ4H4Gfo51clVq8/s640/succs0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hens and Chicks - Sempervivum 'Hopewell' , 'Spring Beauty' , 'Black'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the containers on the patio, I planted several pelargoniums with a variegated pelargonium and some dichondra and calibrachoa.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpDqAECPhBxs_zca6fdo9oMd34up-KR7YJOThEpRRZGjIcjUg5BrxHXb4rSUELnBshucxcz2dw2SpRIrs-NO0AxaRUMv1VqViKBn8ACWVrGunGvstDN2Dg25-3ANZgrLPOcCWsAJJUfxN/s1600/container0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpDqAECPhBxs_zca6fdo9oMd34up-KR7YJOThEpRRZGjIcjUg5BrxHXb4rSUELnBshucxcz2dw2SpRIrs-NO0AxaRUMv1VqViKBn8ACWVrGunGvstDN2Dg25-3ANZgrLPOcCWsAJJUfxN/s640/container0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelargoniums in red with a variegated pelargonium in red with Dichondra 'Silver Falls' and Calibrachoa 'Electric Purple'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I finally finished all of the containers in the front of the house.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RDCqYSpbkTKDWpn04nKWpkpNI1cdaz0RYd8_aYsBG8cHQa-H1GmuLw-KCXus_r8gwHq5uJCW9Tc5BZFUTejNwezxbT7t_6wSyXR0_rpH1NZCHPIoQLzrfmLdkmgx_YLfur6_uWAFlH-v/s1600/front0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RDCqYSpbkTKDWpn04nKWpkpNI1cdaz0RYd8_aYsBG8cHQa-H1GmuLw-KCXus_r8gwHq5uJCW9Tc5BZFUTejNwezxbT7t_6wSyXR0_rpH1NZCHPIoQLzrfmLdkmgx_YLfur6_uWAFlH-v/s640/front0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thuja Occidentalis 'Rheingold' and Gerbera Daisies and Pelargoniums</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">in the vegetable garden</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I am harvesting about a cup to two cups of peas a day.</i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMRWSFMm3F1FQX4HsNJ7get-Z_Y3cx7QCNLbS9FaOdSzVcabDOWZjh0ccia5UriuRCPNnWtJbaVP8nTqY8jntqH58cnAOTQtzXXceU4ChFkzIatYwa7ENuUiSd8Yy90_i560w-31vIxiq/s1600/pea0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMRWSFMm3F1FQX4HsNJ7get-Z_Y3cx7QCNLbS9FaOdSzVcabDOWZjh0ccia5UriuRCPNnWtJbaVP8nTqY8jntqH58cnAOTQtzXXceU4ChFkzIatYwa7ENuUiSd8Yy90_i560w-31vIxiq/s640/pea0613.JPG" width="556" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pea 'Avalanche'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The lettuce is still going strong with no bolting except for the arugula which began to bolt a few weeks ago.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdUlAqZtq74DsHVfhKptBbItm61pHXYy0ZzjZOi8BQcuJmv8V0GdSJ9FuB7jUUqujVm1Y_voii31Ub7lb1b5THwV2YzsbC_UaSiws3DQn_qae-JLxflrZcIScgq57GfQm4IvBlLCoPrIW/s1600/lettuce0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdUlAqZtq74DsHVfhKptBbItm61pHXYy0ZzjZOi8BQcuJmv8V0GdSJ9FuB7jUUqujVm1Y_voii31Ub7lb1b5THwV2YzsbC_UaSiws3DQn_qae-JLxflrZcIScgq57GfQm4IvBlLCoPrIW/s640/lettuce0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixture of various lettuces - Romaine, Red Romaine, Oak Leaf</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And soon there will be raspberries.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QpmFmRxUwFZIRRcHUwiZJSm82gXimbQYsERiIpHg4MjpM3AF_qHAYhhDfWVLyOlhYkf-FoHPVv8N5PDCugMIWPfEsmL4TKLvqcy9CVIo1pSIKm2T4LmPe9UUNx1TIyplFdBX26YZMlRY/s1600/rasp0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QpmFmRxUwFZIRRcHUwiZJSm82gXimbQYsERiIpHg4MjpM3AF_qHAYhhDfWVLyOlhYkf-FoHPVv8N5PDCugMIWPfEsmL4TKLvqcy9CVIo1pSIKm2T4LmPe9UUNx1TIyplFdBX26YZMlRY/s640/rasp0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberry</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The spinach is beginning to bolt, but it has been a great harvest. I have picked spinach every few days for weeks. Some was used for dinner. Some was given to neighbors. And some was frozen to be used another day.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjjj0TlinNbIUR1zTA5Z303rngiqdgIEwop6VGt_tdFRYz_kflVTOUNJ1rrlFZkI7MjP4pFWXZMV4IR6BIXJp5PAduU5ffLe5CMA6BVRaOO1VVj76CZ-Ui2wPHloOb2TJPkWLUQs3cUCu/s1600/spinach0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjjj0TlinNbIUR1zTA5Z303rngiqdgIEwop6VGt_tdFRYz_kflVTOUNJ1rrlFZkI7MjP4pFWXZMV4IR6BIXJp5PAduU5ffLe5CMA6BVRaOO1VVj76CZ-Ui2wPHloOb2TJPkWLUQs3cUCu/s640/spinach0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinach 'Corvair'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One of the most troublesome pests in the vegetable garden is the squash borer which eventually kills my squash plants. I am trying a new method this year by wrapping the base of the stem with aluminum foil to prevent the moth from laying the eggs by disorienting it and protecting the stem of the plant from larvae in the soil. I have never tried this method, so it will be an interesting season as I observe how it will work.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBncZHjge_Ib8YA4UWz469QNqt_mxLbAB0UH0sa0W1nozqOK1ezxWu6u03c6uPTfwU7K92qSfYN6nI3NYHXyDXPeHF92XR42OGLwjUI-eqePDk6-3DxHv63jY7TOGTOU-gzKerIsNWlax/s1600/sqashfoil0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBncZHjge_Ib8YA4UWz469QNqt_mxLbAB0UH0sa0W1nozqOK1ezxWu6u03c6uPTfwU7K92qSfYN6nI3NYHXyDXPeHF92XR42OGLwjUI-eqePDk6-3DxHv63jY7TOGTOU-gzKerIsNWlax/s640/sqashfoil0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aluminum Foil Wrapped Around Base of Squash Plant Stem</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am looking forward to tomatoes from the garden.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirgUosCKmfwdHwbXiuQz0XQgBcJFFqYyQB8b72VaLfgBWE8jyrHoA2BsQgQsvppo__yDCio0Fj0t7yl98Ze67wJFtVLOjXw_sv7dOTSsQII-BV9bYxTLUPJgyR4UKECCIetVjYBBkiKQ2/s1600/tomato0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirgUosCKmfwdHwbXiuQz0XQgBcJFFqYyQB8b72VaLfgBWE8jyrHoA2BsQgQsvppo__yDCio0Fj0t7yl98Ze67wJFtVLOjXw_sv7dOTSsQII-BV9bYxTLUPJgyR4UKECCIetVjYBBkiKQ2/s640/tomato0613.JPG" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato - Husky Cherry Red</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi2YgwxGelDYAKTh0hVeQEzONa3mi5Prgc1aVJD_kV1qrHSAllNthvlMzDVzcsPhmB8eVZZdG0grPu9vp1ilYpqNYfzeQES7Rsp_QAks_lAfuKVIayK5kDd5JNmvjZ2YIWsEe7EfGSEpN/s1600/tomblom0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi2YgwxGelDYAKTh0hVeQEzONa3mi5Prgc1aVJD_kV1qrHSAllNthvlMzDVzcsPhmB8eVZZdG0grPu9vp1ilYpqNYfzeQES7Rsp_QAks_lAfuKVIayK5kDd5JNmvjZ2YIWsEe7EfGSEpN/s640/tomblom0613.JPG" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato Blossom</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">completed chores</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">planted remaining annuals in containers</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">planted gladioli</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">completed mulching beds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">planted bell pepper plants in vegetable garden beds</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>planted squash, zucchini and cucumbers in vegetable garden beds</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>set out plant supports for tall perennials</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>cleared some beds of excess English ivy</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>cleared some beds of excess Mountain Mint</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">chores for June</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">spread milky spore powder</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">sow green beans</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>trim Carolina jessamine vines</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>sow moonflower seeds</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>sow okra seeds</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyps66c173lvZSFigaPWtPpl53-aNUsFLf55AyYp_uQR9CvVq5wljpFUg_hgBiayVQ1lkToWzOrlyq9lifb8J7h0TfNcC_IcScEAB0dVuLgQOiloZf3_dnbMBdi1ofBWSNlthrus7nqY18/s1600/rose0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyps66c173lvZSFigaPWtPpl53-aNUsFLf55AyYp_uQR9CvVq5wljpFUg_hgBiayVQ1lkToWzOrlyq9lifb8J7h0TfNcC_IcScEAB0dVuLgQOiloZf3_dnbMBdi1ofBWSNlthrus7nqY18/s640/rose0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosa 'Angel Face' - Blue Climbing Rose</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What's in your Garden Notebook for June?</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the reasons I have been so busy this month is that I am preparing for an art/photography show in Washington, DC in a few weeks. It has been a lot of work, but I am looking forward to it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And Beth Akerman, an artist friend of mine, has created another incredible book of art, photography and writing. This one is entitled, How We See It...the nature of our worlds. My photography and writing are included with the work of many other talented women. Again, the profits from this book benefit the <a href="http://loveyourbody.nowfoundation.org/">NOW Love Your Body Foundation</a> that does so much work to help those with eating disorders.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blurb.com/b/4306682-how-we-see-it-our-natural-worlds"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX7ETbTiqggHhAJ-tLjAKmRMMq-TxzW63AY0_iHsOQOrYmakSvTegMk24LfUs9yO-VAjm8PBwRGLyrFjEytxzoTVrnPZh-6dlzchUbEpY4ru6zXHxgtJop4Ea4lQRXQ9q4FgoBfgKKADJ/s400/blurbnature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://store.blurb.com/ebooks/390247-how-we-see-it-the-nature-of-our-worlds">How We See It...the nature of our worlds - Ebook</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blurb.com/b/4293600-how-we-see-it-the-nature-of-our-worlds"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How We See It...the nature of our worlds</span> - PDF</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.blurb.com/b/4306682-how-we-see-it-our-natural-worlds"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How We See It...the nature of our worlds</span> - Softcover</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blurb.com/b/4306682-how-we-see-it-our-natural-worlds"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How We See It...the nature of our worlds</span> - Hardcover</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.blurb.com/b/4293600-how-we-see-it-the-nature-of-our-worlds"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How We See It...the nature of our worlds</span> - Large Format Hardcover</a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am joining in the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Helen of </span><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Patient Gardener</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> hosts </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/end-of-month-view-may-2013/">End of Month View</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. This monthly meme is where garden bloggers share their garden views for the end of the month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-88519060251810802212013-05-30T17:27:00.000-04:002015-03-19T12:31:31.734-04:00Composting - Part I, All About Compost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC5q1j11O1nYk59PD_DqR3k5Ie9UQ-KweWo6sx17KxPauRnRM290z0NnXQXjTGgTTUTJAbfVLRIxVoYcVd2hyphenhyphen6_TarI_1OmVK2iM301XypZFZ6HFi90bnWUTFPr1TjqP_0FrPbPu53CHO/s1600/compostbin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC5q1j11O1nYk59PD_DqR3k5Ie9UQ-KweWo6sx17KxPauRnRM290z0NnXQXjTGgTTUTJAbfVLRIxVoYcVd2hyphenhyphen6_TarI_1OmVK2iM301XypZFZ6HFi90bnWUTFPr1TjqP_0FrPbPu53CHO/s400/compostbin.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compost Bin</td></tr>
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For many gardeners, composting is just another part of gardening--a way to continue the cycle of life in the garden. I have been composting for over 25 years, and I enjoy having a way to reuse the waste from the garden and the kitchen. It has become a part of my gardening and cooking rituals. Whatever can decompose naturally in the compost pile goes in the compost pile. And within a few months, I have a natural and nutrient-rich soil amendment for my plants. I love composting so much that when the opportunity arose for me to teach composting in my community, I easily accepted the volunteer position. Most people are excited and anxious to begin composting once they learn how easy it is to do. Rarely do I encounter someone who finds the entire process a waste of time.<br />
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This is the first post of a composting series that I plan to do over the next few months. I will go over all the aspects of composting from advantages and disadvantages of compost bins to where to locate your compost bin or pile to how to make compost...and much more. Composting is very easy and can be done by anyone.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Pd2rRzSjwVPuiIex2EE62CPKqkQDcDZDvCRQ7xxmeh0eBrNyUpB1S7AAMInqAt2j9fGzE4pq6f4gJe8EcBmognIFFPRnnKChbIhASriBYYZaBJaFsifM7iV_PXpBPllHz-_RcWBWBhJw/s1600/composthands.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Pd2rRzSjwVPuiIex2EE62CPKqkQDcDZDvCRQ7xxmeh0eBrNyUpB1S7AAMInqAt2j9fGzE4pq6f4gJe8EcBmognIFFPRnnKChbIhASriBYYZaBJaFsifM7iV_PXpBPllHz-_RcWBWBhJw/s400/composthands.gif" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Compost - Image from Cornell University</td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">What is Compost?</b><br />
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Compost has sometimes been referred to as <i>brown manure</i> or <i>black gold</i>. It is organic matter that is in the process of decaying or has decomposed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Why Compost?</b></span><br />
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Composting has so many benefits to our gardens, our environment, our lives, our world. Here are some of the most important reasons to compost:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Compost reduces waste in the landfill because many of the things that usually go in the trash can go in the compost pile. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors materials that go into the landfills. In 2010, they estimated that approximately half of all municipal solid waste was compostable materials.</li>
<li>Compost recycles waste to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that is rich in microorganisms. Besides nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, compost also includes micronutrients, such as copper, iron, manganese and zinc. Commercial fertilizers only contain one or some of the three of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.</li>
<li>Compost improves soil structure and increases the ease of cultivation when added and mixed in to soil. Clay soils, for example, can be difficult to cultivate because of the hard and clumpy texture. By adding and mixing in compost, the soil no longer clumps and hardens but allows roots to easily spread and grow.</li>
<li>Compost reduces fertilizer requirements by adding a nutrient-rich amendment to the soil that provides a balanced source of plant nutrients.</li>
<li>Compost improves water infiltration and drought tolerance. Compost can hold up to 4 times its own weight in water, and so maintains a lot more moisture than soil alone.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Composting Science</b></span></div>
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Understanding the science behind composting helps us understand more deeply the process of composting.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Composting is a biological process whereby microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, <i>chemically</i> feed on composting materials to create decomposition. They need carbon and nitrogen to build protein and create energy.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA4sAR-ITOpAz88tj7lxSGenIX-WHV68HvTeVAW-z2qf6HrHmLiRIcVwk7RD67JF83fvWHWkzYbtPx9VCHkZvMFDaBdSL6IYhTMvCEJyi7EQP-1UV8AfwkRbsSrKHivaptyOpAXWwpZfH/s1600/sciencesymb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA4sAR-ITOpAz88tj7lxSGenIX-WHV68HvTeVAW-z2qf6HrHmLiRIcVwk7RD67JF83fvWHWkzYbtPx9VCHkZvMFDaBdSL6IYhTMvCEJyi7EQP-1UV8AfwkRbsSrKHivaptyOpAXWwpZfH/s1600/sciencesymb.png" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Macroorganisms, such as insects, spiders, and worms, <i>physically</i> feed on composting materials to create decomposition. It is perfectly normal to see these creatures in and around compost.</li>
<li>Microorganisms need oxygen to function properly. Turning the compost pile frequently adds oxygen to the pile, and exposes weed seeds and disease organisms to the high heat of the pile.</li>
<li>Healthy microbes will turn up the temperature of the pile through their metabolism, reproduction, and conversion of composting materials to energy.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What Compost is Not</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Compost is a smelly pile of mess.</li>
</ul>
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Compost does not have an unpleasant odor. Compost smells like earthy rich soil. A smelly pile usually means there is too much nitrogen and not enough carbon in the pile.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWYVv9StTuBABaZQOK_8LvfUl83NnQenPsxp7XYgmLnISGv806jxj0b7z39aME2R4HDL7vJ9VfSgdQFsry0XlwOoDu5mEdSQ2MQWaX7yh4l0yHDaYeBZtjaV8qjtS97bSKitAiMwDwqtq/s1600/compost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWYVv9StTuBABaZQOK_8LvfUl83NnQenPsxp7XYgmLnISGv806jxj0b7z39aME2R4HDL7vJ9VfSgdQFsry0XlwOoDu5mEdSQ2MQWaX7yh4l0yHDaYeBZtjaV8qjtS97bSKitAiMwDwqtq/s400/compost.JPG" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Compost Pile</td></tr>
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<div>
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<ul>
<li>Compost attracts rats and other vermin.</li>
</ul>
<div>
The only vermin that are attracted to my compost pile are raccoons and rabbits. Rats are usually attracted to meat and fats which should not go in the compost pile. To deter animal pests from the compost pile, use a completely enclosed bin or sprinkle black or cayenne pepper on the compost and around the area.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaZvIfnpMgXpV9O1p4zUM0s10n4TO_Qpx16Ioombm87GOQT-3Uq6n-BcqHi1OL9Q4o0fM1jikBPu0U8xURQ9671NNc7s475EDQSp2i7AjdeeoHXLqnDgOxqohSCgdijUzJ_0soDd8w34w/s1600/compostbin.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaZvIfnpMgXpV9O1p4zUM0s10n4TO_Qpx16Ioombm87GOQT-3Uq6n-BcqHi1OL9Q4o0fM1jikBPu0U8xURQ9671NNc7s475EDQSp2i7AjdeeoHXLqnDgOxqohSCgdijUzJ_0soDd8w34w/s400/compostbin.gif" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Composting - Image from Cornell University</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>Composting is hard.</li>
</ul>
Composting is very easy. Once you have the know-how and the recipe, it is very easy to do. Scraps and garden waste will decay even if you do nothing. It is a natural process.</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Composting costs a lot of money.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Composting costs absolutely nothing. Create a pile, add kitchen and garden waste, and there is no expense. Of course, you can buy a bin and a few tools to assist you in composting, but you do not need these to begin composting.<br />
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Next month in this composting series:<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/06/composting-part-ii-advantages-and.html">Advantages and Disadvantages of Compost Bins and Piles</a></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-47507761525518832002013-05-22T00:30:00.000-04:002013-05-22T00:30:04.037-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QtK-0nDL32tFBNzfEszSSd08C6WIsskKNgZmf_eUc27CkfCPjC-76y24WlAEk7bkorliixO7tta92dtM9qxMRQfjbqEtJD-iym8ZjI_81IS8l1f3osJcYfAPrH9Ng0Xv0X2uxfpnL9FX/s1600/sentinel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QtK-0nDL32tFBNzfEszSSd08C6WIsskKNgZmf_eUc27CkfCPjC-76y24WlAEk7bkorliixO7tta92dtM9qxMRQfjbqEtJD-iym8ZjI_81IS8l1f3osJcYfAPrH9Ng0Xv0X2uxfpnL9FX/s640/sentinel2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-81641995795395330782013-05-15T00:21:00.000-04:002013-06-27T15:03:43.128-04:00Spring Secrets for an Easy Care Garden - May GBBDThrough the years, I have discovered a few secrets that add beauty and interest to my spring garden. With so much in the garden, I do not always have time to give each plant individualized care, so I tend toward plants that are low maintenance. To gain beauty and easy care makes gardening a dream. These are some of the stars in my spring garden.<br />
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<b>Plant shrubs that splash with bold and beautiful color in spring.</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nouvzQIJ-g1LfJfNZYxxJ9GVEMw91WlEKvsJTTLqFDi_1ewcrCQtVebVVJy0QrYg2EYiGEpZHgX45P_ztaquNUK3Z4Xdxuc4oNwB4cypOjixgtv4LnzlJWRzFqyt2vUeRkNVBAgELoCV/s1600/azalea513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nouvzQIJ-g1LfJfNZYxxJ9GVEMw91WlEKvsJTTLqFDi_1ewcrCQtVebVVJy0QrYg2EYiGEpZHgX45P_ztaquNUK3Z4Xdxuc4oNwB4cypOjixgtv4LnzlJWRzFqyt2vUeRkNVBAgELoCV/s640/azalea513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Azalea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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These azaleas require little care and always please the eye come spring. I side-dress them with a little compost at the beginning of spring, and then supplement with coffee grounds later in the year. I may prune them a bit after flowering, but other than that I leave them alone. I do not know the variety of these azaleas. They were planted with the house when we moved in.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2KB9uQl6QuN2BpYRK3JNpd8nvdUHxzsbcMxjJoSawfwGBdptI0qxQwai5-MAxJaDB0VVR5o9UsGWoNpDDjWdt0pRIyqIhqyvec_RyZpEboc8M-RGoCKtGcPCuhjGHmDkmgdzajslx_Ei/s1600/2azalea513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2KB9uQl6QuN2BpYRK3JNpd8nvdUHxzsbcMxjJoSawfwGBdptI0qxQwai5-MAxJaDB0VVR5o9UsGWoNpDDjWdt0pRIyqIhqyvec_RyZpEboc8M-RGoCKtGcPCuhjGHmDkmgdzajslx_Ei/s640/2azalea513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Azalea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Intermingle herbs with other blooming plants.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2AviZwkz_yRCiupcCHarN2XiNL7wl6uPSR1DWhISil2rBlhCKVwPYRSUvh9iFZwlovabJlfzmdxScnLpvNP1K5-LalsILjcyP7ueZFfYF-4wVKcGctmmB4iweuymCRSd2vj0DModiX_X/s1600/2chives513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2AviZwkz_yRCiupcCHarN2XiNL7wl6uPSR1DWhISil2rBlhCKVwPYRSUvh9iFZwlovabJlfzmdxScnLpvNP1K5-LalsILjcyP7ueZFfYF-4wVKcGctmmB4iweuymCRSd2vj0DModiX_X/s640/2chives513.JPG" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chives - Allium schoenoprasum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I began adding herbs to the perennial beds a few years ago, and I have been very pleased with the outcome. Some herbs offer a gorgeous display of color in the spring and work well in the perennial bed. Most perennial herbs are very low maintenance and drought tolerant.<br />
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At first, I had all of the chives in the vegetable garden for <a href="http://thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2011/05/tomato-loves-parsley-cabbage-loves-mint.html">companion planting</a>, but they spread very far and wide. I divided them and placed them in several areas of the perennial beds. The spring bloom of pale purple adds a color I do not have much of in those beds. Chives is very easy to grow and is drought tolerant.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxOYq-xbvAMT_CQglA7qHIVNDp0N2bpwzYEIa0OOtRmsD9g0dv4zDyI2iBzhMz7jz6s_cVwM8XH_fqcJzZodaOd1iJKmM-p-o6LjoRgA-vCFk1wpWbnE3tPn2bLHJ2xCJ2-XNjOq-gdsP/s1600/chives513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxOYq-xbvAMT_CQglA7qHIVNDp0N2bpwzYEIa0OOtRmsD9g0dv4zDyI2iBzhMz7jz6s_cVwM8XH_fqcJzZodaOd1iJKmM-p-o6LjoRgA-vCFk1wpWbnE3tPn2bLHJ2xCJ2-XNjOq-gdsP/s640/chives513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chives - Allium schoenoprasum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Yarrow is another herb I added to the perennial bed. I have several varieties, and I just love the color and the varied foliage. After blooming in spring, they may bloom again after deadheading. In addition to the color they add to the spring garden, they add a delicate elegance of structure and form.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitF4mvIECfHCYuNyVuNTbtVNNSEACYslDKyKBNcPx0ZrtuGTsJDkXO9_mcIAScg_X5-jLdO3BU_mPkH1i-FaX2bq5i2x9hcGHs8jTw5JpfFnXpxuodw6GHq-UluC1SjRBdvlZUTy8VKKpL/s1600/yarrow513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitF4mvIECfHCYuNyVuNTbtVNNSEACYslDKyKBNcPx0ZrtuGTsJDkXO9_mcIAScg_X5-jLdO3BU_mPkH1i-FaX2bq5i2x9hcGHs8jTw5JpfFnXpxuodw6GHq-UluC1SjRBdvlZUTy8VKKpL/s640/yarrow513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarrow 'Moonlight' - Achillea</td></tr>
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Sage is another herb I have scattered about in my perennial beds. It has a very strong fragrance that I often touch as I pass, and the flowers are full of subtle color.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeF7KJy2O9EqxqlUa_5GnfqqJFKxFoxbflHocWIhp4Q41omjqMOBjUhbubsXsFwpzjAKo7aBh-L4EqlBaMosjaioDPa4U9GT-GnqpuuBlWfCt7tPqJ1vSRnQVzo0b_TnlYOFo58KGoThH/s1600/sage513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeF7KJy2O9EqxqlUa_5GnfqqJFKxFoxbflHocWIhp4Q41omjqMOBjUhbubsXsFwpzjAKo7aBh-L4EqlBaMosjaioDPa4U9GT-GnqpuuBlWfCt7tPqJ1vSRnQVzo0b_TnlYOFo58KGoThH/s640/sage513.JPG" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Garden Sage - Salvia officinalis</td></tr>
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<b>The ever lovely iris is a queen in the spring garden.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0UMCAKknJvsg5jXKk_5y9UakkTWNfVOE-zGKWvMAR4GtmHpibZRbv_klHVi3jtjLStANVDQ1z0qncSnLQld6m7qA9qkqyn7hY5JU4s5m3gfr8J5XCOCOZzC5CfMNVK_qeBTNc8LnJ3bp/s1600/iris513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0UMCAKknJvsg5jXKk_5y9UakkTWNfVOE-zGKWvMAR4GtmHpibZRbv_klHVi3jtjLStANVDQ1z0qncSnLQld6m7qA9qkqyn7hY5JU4s5m3gfr8J5XCOCOZzC5CfMNVK_qeBTNc8LnJ3bp/s640/iris513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris 'Gypsy Geena'</td></tr>
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Over the years I have added many varieties of iris in the garden. Friends and fellow gardeners have given me some of their lot, and they have naturally spread into little communities here and there. I have about 10 separate garden beds around the house, and irises are in almost every single one of them. There are many colors and combinations available, and they spread very easily and quickly. I keep the rhizomes covered with a bit of mulch to keep crickets from chewing on them. In early spring, I side-dress them with a bit of greensand.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPagQGc01sNi5sz8PdKhuP18liRfjjOHRGh1-0vRx5Kb7eoC5zEayRESKfEBWB6n9a0KYxAxYOgP9gwhOGTimLj_ck9WP6iX4iYtdntTLWr8Bmhw-G3HR3WnEINEDpzqkVbJxpdJs9I5vv/s1600/2iris513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPagQGc01sNi5sz8PdKhuP18liRfjjOHRGh1-0vRx5Kb7eoC5zEayRESKfEBWB6n9a0KYxAxYOgP9gwhOGTimLj_ck9WP6iX4iYtdntTLWr8Bmhw-G3HR3WnEINEDpzqkVbJxpdJs9I5vv/s640/2iris513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Iris</td></tr>
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<b>Plan and design for foliage color and contrast.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBivhsqUSD7vFs90rPw_wWOtGFeLWsFOqX7cH-DbmB4biQCfeqKo8ALgBWwnP4YTJfr_jXbPR-J38fpK3uDXLqdcl8JU4ShS_9UtHfQmJ1zBgZWTpdo4y0HUy5T-n6KHgyYqdHmGy_9Yn/s1600/jmaples513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBivhsqUSD7vFs90rPw_wWOtGFeLWsFOqX7cH-DbmB4biQCfeqKo8ALgBWwnP4YTJfr_jXbPR-J38fpK3uDXLqdcl8JU4ShS_9UtHfQmJ1zBgZWTpdo4y0HUy5T-n6KHgyYqdHmGy_9Yn/s640/jmaples513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Viridis' and Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Sunset'</td></tr>
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I am somewhat of a natural gardener. I plan the placement and the form of the beds very carefully, but many of the plantings in my garden beds have evolved over time with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. However, I did plan the placement of the Japanese Maples above to accent the colors of the foliage. It worked out very nicely, and I am happy with the contrasting colors.<br />
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What are some of the spring secrets in your garden?<br />
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I am joining Carol of <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/">May Dreams Gardens</a> for <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2013/05/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-may-2013.html">Garden Bloggers Bloom Day</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com86tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-64429308760860282522013-05-08T10:59:00.003-04:002013-05-08T10:59:40.263-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vG_MPQLNwO9nkuSGigyjiyuSD3d1BD7HUaL2mOF3_MGWqm_D9_7h5QxtZjV_dJmDUk_JiYnjU_nMoYkaH-amEfYnl8uVrmDByKzdMANGPDJU3gNnDihtY5HVAuk4JG7VN0aWieXhvvQF/s1600/archdafftsbww.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vG_MPQLNwO9nkuSGigyjiyuSD3d1BD7HUaL2mOF3_MGWqm_D9_7h5QxtZjV_dJmDUk_JiYnjU_nMoYkaH-amEfYnl8uVrmDByKzdMANGPDJU3gNnDihtY5HVAuk4JG7VN0aWieXhvvQF/s640/archdafftsbww.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-86028303855558216722013-05-01T00:02:00.001-04:002013-05-30T14:41:44.838-04:00My Garden Notebook - May 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHWqVvxzeeXmwa2ymh_2mWUHhEiytGKpXyUeMtPJujp1Qsdu6plD1NzxM-VZgWSGqoQbSdx_jOBI-QwFxeprEPcTIt9mcCtfy2JBnbQDos6E2vgvwuvrdfmmeYF-lBESBwyhwLVqbzEi9/s1600/tulip2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHWqVvxzeeXmwa2ymh_2mWUHhEiytGKpXyUeMtPJujp1Qsdu6plD1NzxM-VZgWSGqoQbSdx_jOBI-QwFxeprEPcTIt9mcCtfy2JBnbQDos6E2vgvwuvrdfmmeYF-lBESBwyhwLVqbzEi9/s640/tulip2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Spring has beautifully emerged with a slow creep that has allowed each bloom, each leaf, to step out into the season with tender care and ultimate beauty. Vivid colors of blooms are lasting and fulfilling more than promised. The forest canopy has filled in the emptiness with an artist's hand, delicately painting in all the color and texture over time.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There have been moments when my impatience has gotten the best of me as I could not wait for a bud to splash into petals, but savoring all this beauty far outweighs any peeves I may have. The gradual dawning of each delicate petal, bud, leaf is a sight to behold, to luxuriate in the elegance of each stage as it ponders its next step. It is a lesson to slow down, to treasure, to relish this season of utter beauty and welcome surprises. After the resigned birth of this spring with its paused display of grace and artistry, I do not think I will ever experience spring the same way again.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">stats</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gardening Zone: 7a</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>April High Temperature: 89 degrees F</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">April Low Temperature: 28 degrees F</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Precipitation: 2.97 inches</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">wildlife</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There has been a Cooper's Hawk or a Sharp-shinned Hawk frequenting the backyard. I think it is hunting the backyard birds, but it may also be hunting voles. I have not been able to capture it with the camera yet.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk4DJ4lpWKSj9Kjjx5737El_hT51E6AdA29cYwZI2PwaIsZZT8ulsAhEjgF4QVx1204liqF-AyXe4diWADFc0THdpy6vzvxuWuNjaveccWMonwDL6m4w4tTK4Xt7FdSHeqZrgEQXbfDQl/s1600/chawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk4DJ4lpWKSj9Kjjx5737El_hT51E6AdA29cYwZI2PwaIsZZT8ulsAhEjgF4QVx1204liqF-AyXe4diWADFc0THdpy6vzvxuWuNjaveccWMonwDL6m4w4tTK4Xt7FdSHeqZrgEQXbfDQl/s640/chawk.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper's Hawk - image from www.birdsource.org by Gary Botello</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIUuEaSgpgMrP8w8WcSrWuYmofrCuA6zWRR6Oc_9jma0Dsa8ieWfdPrWvNwtWy4uJvCBnHMYukpZqHtzi4-A2s1B84iKHRrZOgafnEMIpsGoWcYol0W2MszNmtaWDblYtDIOQiYrkCstz/s1600/sshawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIUuEaSgpgMrP8w8WcSrWuYmofrCuA6zWRR6Oc_9jma0Dsa8ieWfdPrWvNwtWy4uJvCBnHMYukpZqHtzi4-A2s1B84iKHRrZOgafnEMIpsGoWcYol0W2MszNmtaWDblYtDIOQiYrkCstz/s640/sshawk.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharp-shinned Hawk - image from www.birdsource.org by Robin Solomon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While I was mulching the flower beds, I came across this little bunny who did not go very far after I frightened him. I think I have found the culprit who has been nibbling on my dill in the herb garden. It is only about five inches long. As much havoc as they wreak in my garden, I still find them very cute.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IYtgEBNbjnMOcWP2AAxPvRnPSPq5md7cn0tDwD3rpZWQW9URt0jhRfdiVOiuHyuXg-Yv_f9A4X1xlMPINlKIV8ZajTUneIugSKCN1oGjamfgYihoAm0c7F2uINvmz3XklNe_xjy48nfX/s1600/bunny2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IYtgEBNbjnMOcWP2AAxPvRnPSPq5md7cn0tDwD3rpZWQW9URt0jhRfdiVOiuHyuXg-Yv_f9A4X1xlMPINlKIV8ZajTUneIugSKCN1oGjamfgYihoAm0c7F2uINvmz3XklNe_xjy48nfX/s640/bunny2013.JPG" width="604" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I often see the Pileated Woodpecker in the adjacent woods. They are easily frightened, so I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to get a somewhat decent photo of one of them.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QnlgVhxhIzlSgDQZYe_4Hy3KeA1b-2J1_w1nusdTTqV8jLFAW-4j9J95pJ9IIMRj6DQX1go-sYBH-HdXPvM3NJzELPmc_3yjErL4cG3oG7xUNw5y-V2RzfsO1nazwedvykZPLi8ln5tz/s1600/pilwpecker2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QnlgVhxhIzlSgDQZYe_4Hy3KeA1b-2J1_w1nusdTTqV8jLFAW-4j9J95pJ9IIMRj6DQX1go-sYBH-HdXPvM3NJzELPmc_3yjErL4cG3oG7xUNw5y-V2RzfsO1nazwedvykZPLi8ln5tz/s640/pilwpecker2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Mourning Doves always seem to be in pairs.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKXQAXRZGxaGevOjzqCDb8Vb5YTHi1lPV7_p2PqeIziQhca9sv0vnk5cXzeHspfJACr2CHo7Jum-OakjP8KXzDQpPTwN-9QifYRrbLK3QhyphenhyphenJ9HK7JP8hpocuSl4Pe_rQEFmz94F_DbiNP/s1600/mdoves2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKXQAXRZGxaGevOjzqCDb8Vb5YTHi1lPV7_p2PqeIziQhca9sv0vnk5cXzeHspfJACr2CHo7Jum-OakjP8KXzDQpPTwN-9QifYRrbLK3QhyphenhyphenJ9HK7JP8hpocuSl4Pe_rQEFmz94F_DbiNP/s640/mdoves2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">what's blooming, sprouting</i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The redbuds and cherry trees finally bloomed and the color was a welcome sight.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JhKWoc8OJk4v3_NI8RxM-vTT2qnJgmL2RsBXUG3RzuLOh-ZsuxQAWNpTK4JDH1WuHhruBMBacGox9y2UxWLeIRq8G9LqqSnn9PCJmAL7hApaZ6lXqdn0TdT_vc5jAdGozzekFLbhmwPb/s1600/redbud2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JhKWoc8OJk4v3_NI8RxM-vTT2qnJgmL2RsBXUG3RzuLOh-ZsuxQAWNpTK4JDH1WuHhruBMBacGox9y2UxWLeIRq8G9LqqSnn9PCJmAL7hApaZ6lXqdn0TdT_vc5jAdGozzekFLbhmwPb/s640/redbud2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redbud Trees in Bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Even as the new leaves come in, the tender and supple birth is full of color.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwdJhwOI5TACBRe6us1V-zuzCY_aEIggs2838PdJS7j4AlO0R0US6KMwpT70cUtIA1tNdNk9roHqy7TIkhW10VcqGW7V65u8MECEIWng3c_sffJkRZPDIZee_nByPnbXg1eUrhLrc3UUE/s1600/2redbud2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwdJhwOI5TACBRe6us1V-zuzCY_aEIggs2838PdJS7j4AlO0R0US6KMwpT70cUtIA1tNdNk9roHqy7TIkhW10VcqGW7V65u8MECEIWng3c_sffJkRZPDIZee_nByPnbXg1eUrhLrc3UUE/s640/2redbud2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redbud Tree - 'Forest Pansy'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In January and February I noticed several vole holes on the top of this protected tulip bed, and I thought the voles had finally found a way to nibble on the bulbs. They must have been deterred by my methods because the tulips came up beautifully. See <a href="http://www.thesagebutterfly.blogspot.com/2012/03/vole-in-garden-control-methods.html">The Vole in the Garden: Control Methods.</a></i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIobievHexw_iz97RdSHfFhU4eHIcusann2ebP3ZjA6hcAkh7xyEXyPZBI5HH0xyKHLuQpuiwETywR9_EsSx9CSi7KvMSLBx1ESc0Drs1xtvCb4S_E04krtV9zPlj_CxsGm5TwvcbBZf5R/s1600/tulips2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIobievHexw_iz97RdSHfFhU4eHIcusann2ebP3ZjA6hcAkh7xyEXyPZBI5HH0xyKHLuQpuiwETywR9_EsSx9CSi7KvMSLBx1ESc0Drs1xtvCb4S_E04krtV9zPlj_CxsGm5TwvcbBZf5R/s640/tulips2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed Tulips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The azaleas are budding. I am hoping those ants are controlling the aphids.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGmKzD7Gw1Um0ID7kh3pDLvEU73hoUztY33K3EesGdA-iZKmvrHcHAFxLJ8R3JI7P5zQUAZMeOXjbuo1yc3sT3T3BjNnjx69UnzO6a95qoI9Q7OBlyONQl6s-J4Nrsx_QsWS18I0tjVTZ/s1600/azalea2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGmKzD7Gw1Um0ID7kh3pDLvEU73hoUztY33K3EesGdA-iZKmvrHcHAFxLJ8R3JI7P5zQUAZMeOXjbuo1yc3sT3T3BjNnjx69UnzO6a95qoI9Q7OBlyONQl6s-J4Nrsx_QsWS18I0tjVTZ/s640/azalea2013.JPG" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Azalea - Sherwood Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Carolina Jessamine is always fragrant and golden.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMBbfEk-V-wx-ApU61JUpgyCh-VED6bI3H1qBVwIR_1Kcjr-cupMEGPzb1JWvo7qwub8SW5vATYz0j3fhY_Qwr7URa7UzgQctP49s8DzMjEItOqSgKbaqjUC2YGwn20LHnc2e5zqqNQr-/s1600/cjess2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMBbfEk-V-wx-ApU61JUpgyCh-VED6bI3H1qBVwIR_1Kcjr-cupMEGPzb1JWvo7qwub8SW5vATYz0j3fhY_Qwr7URa7UzgQctP49s8DzMjEItOqSgKbaqjUC2YGwn20LHnc2e5zqqNQr-/s640/cjess2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolina Jessamine - Gelsemium sempervirens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We had problems with our trash container falling because of the winds on the side of the house and the slope on which it is perched. A few years ago, we erected a trellis on either side of it, and I planted Carolina Jessamine by each trellis. The plants have climbed up the trellis and created an arbor over the trash container. And now we have no more problems with it falling. Besides, the scent is very pleasant each time we walk near in the spring.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbOCZMFE2NfT0F_4WIGLzXUqlKjhLn76zb_Owqs0fjkJRXbyq-vlh7Oe3crx1aPYx0WwAT1cKzGDtzCTNWUAKGKfRKExGK7mrjqDqbAfWf9vfCHYHAqY2lkPXEkeQREkplFq2NMmB_YL_/s1600/2cjess2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbOCZMFE2NfT0F_4WIGLzXUqlKjhLn76zb_Owqs0fjkJRXbyq-vlh7Oe3crx1aPYx0WwAT1cKzGDtzCTNWUAKGKfRKExGK7mrjqDqbAfWf9vfCHYHAqY2lkPXEkeQREkplFq2NMmB_YL_/s640/2cjess2013.JPG" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolina Jessamine - Gelsemium sempervirens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The pink dogwood is one of my favorite trees because the blooms seem to last and last with that lovely color.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-f6L7LUa-CUaN2hX86vQcywGDgjZ7Q6__7qvX4NFR-SeBAYGjnpGUM-YHu0OyGbYPtGtzO_K0XfxkwxJCaMj9c4DTMNLT_574T8UHvmUngeuwd8fiI77Y39w6WMmgms5XEvwcGyzNaCq/s1600/dogwood2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-f6L7LUa-CUaN2hX86vQcywGDgjZ7Q6__7qvX4NFR-SeBAYGjnpGUM-YHu0OyGbYPtGtzO_K0XfxkwxJCaMj9c4DTMNLT_574T8UHvmUngeuwd8fiI77Y39w6WMmgms5XEvwcGyzNaCq/s640/dogwood2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Dogwood - Cornus florida 'Rubra'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAhe54IyR793Sq4Zyyy_qTros-76fcBgDXqEMtp0ygXTtsV2CNq4VIDrZ8tVrmwvBCBlKYtIqcyMci82lh8jfZeMvVISLzBBhSxMtdZ5XgYYuNkDFfB2N5a85Jj47JQUx4U7icn_byfV-/s1600/3dogwood2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAhe54IyR793Sq4Zyyy_qTros-76fcBgDXqEMtp0ygXTtsV2CNq4VIDrZ8tVrmwvBCBlKYtIqcyMci82lh8jfZeMvVISLzBBhSxMtdZ5XgYYuNkDFfB2N5a85Jj47JQUx4U7icn_byfV-/s640/3dogwood2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Dogwood - Cornus florida 'Rubra'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These are the last daffodils to bloom.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6YUof3vkNn0YysBmAg3IltyKYnAHTov368hHYgJdTeiXfuBS7APJKqmcFemKr2DcDEp9Tkg4vB86YFOB0ssoNlPKc3dOGXh-T-nG-6-Sx49deXsL9qKpyPYmCJrAy5PUP3NaGUHFYjRA/s1600/daffs2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6YUof3vkNn0YysBmAg3IltyKYnAHTov368hHYgJdTeiXfuBS7APJKqmcFemKr2DcDEp9Tkg4vB86YFOB0ssoNlPKc3dOGXh-T-nG-6-Sx49deXsL9qKpyPYmCJrAy5PUP3NaGUHFYjRA/s640/daffs2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Bells Carpet Daffodils</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The irises are budding.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQdIMdnUicGsAsdEDUidLEmGdURzyrmQ0dxVQZ58ZFm2fPQeAiVoTkh3ZGA8TMeBFaIYX90MhoQfoghDQxm1F-P5XH2C3ojnIfukPfl-8HUSFC3A94lcsj84tdK21wD040RM64E0KcQlK/s1600/iris2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQdIMdnUicGsAsdEDUidLEmGdURzyrmQ0dxVQZ58ZFm2fPQeAiVoTkh3ZGA8TMeBFaIYX90MhoQfoghDQxm1F-P5XH2C3ojnIfukPfl-8HUSFC3A94lcsj84tdK21wD040RM64E0KcQlK/s640/iris2013.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Japanese maples have such nice color when the leaves are out.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCe_l2Z-UO7SeXmsoNQgRKUlIlROZOwh28qxmJHUwEQUqpOccOj08hFlYzEg2p9bO7f-NoQQ4qlQln-ovklsqn0ZGBTwL1ZHk658V4eygyB8vYzr4BFniUO-_I5XAf9v7B8Gw-kc7Bsxy/s1600/jmaples2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCe_l2Z-UO7SeXmsoNQgRKUlIlROZOwh28qxmJHUwEQUqpOccOj08hFlYzEg2p9bO7f-NoQQ4qlQln-ovklsqn0ZGBTwL1ZHk658V4eygyB8vYzr4BFniUO-_I5XAf9v7B8Gw-kc7Bsxy/s640/jmaples2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Viridis' and Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Sunset'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And they seem to glow when the sunlight caresses the leaves.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNgTM4QpIeQ4ZWVmNWrYHQknUp3PJV0dJTg7QtSOL5aHy3Ze1j23F6obvFhH9aAcoi3lf24e9i_SFv5xX-4cL4Mc1Oc-Sra8OWYsT-xTKTaVtbZ1P22VNgCHHfZv9nWuCL54aFF9JthjZ/s1600/redjmaple2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNgTM4QpIeQ4ZWVmNWrYHQknUp3PJV0dJTg7QtSOL5aHy3Ze1j23F6obvFhH9aAcoi3lf24e9i_SFv5xX-4cL4Mc1Oc-Sra8OWYsT-xTKTaVtbZ1P22VNgCHHfZv9nWuCL54aFF9JthjZ/s640/redjmaple2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Sunset'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After taking a long winter's nap, the hostas are ready to greet the light.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjS970P1CCWA7QB9uvdTdHXW_zDF11Tk7_d1QagRO_ivKm7pvd4PjswGoOjAY6Pm-eWPdQ2q97JtYr3A0yMQDO7ZrrHP1DI-ER-N7aqKQA8AZx4K1AWPRnwT5JDtskw5udxNNi6W8nQWC/s1600/hosta2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjS970P1CCWA7QB9uvdTdHXW_zDF11Tk7_d1QagRO_ivKm7pvd4PjswGoOjAY6Pm-eWPdQ2q97JtYr3A0yMQDO7ZrrHP1DI-ER-N7aqKQA8AZx4K1AWPRnwT5JDtskw5udxNNi6W8nQWC/s640/hosta2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosta</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">in the vegetable garden</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The vegetable garden beds are filling up for the season. I place the red tomato teepees around some of the smaller tomatoes to keep them warm on cool days and nights.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cSgBxSGgVqmSqF3Me2fWj_uzdH_nx16f6LBkwBQoeomnzFxfZI_vjaK-VlfUtCeYqcwMgmm92s7PjM9QicoRtTUfFfDERRQlpt6wMhQ_lZnbRRyPm3R-P2Y4OdzzKG-hrEOCrggMXuQK/s1600/garden2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cSgBxSGgVqmSqF3Me2fWj_uzdH_nx16f6LBkwBQoeomnzFxfZI_vjaK-VlfUtCeYqcwMgmm92s7PjM9QicoRtTUfFfDERRQlpt6wMhQ_lZnbRRyPm3R-P2Y4OdzzKG-hrEOCrggMXuQK/s640/garden2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetable Garden</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the garden...spinach</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvblqA9QWRLlCMWnUhllr2YCySIDnfwoTCO5U_IKATlPtmDwecofW0RhajIdnndcPFx7JAY7rIvj4UnNPp63sOE-qHvPsu99q-bftYYPZPsVp-f08Ag1_n8y_Wly4UXrYSV4ktPEY7yP3A/s1600/spinach2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvblqA9QWRLlCMWnUhllr2YCySIDnfwoTCO5U_IKATlPtmDwecofW0RhajIdnndcPFx7JAY7rIvj4UnNPp63sOE-qHvPsu99q-bftYYPZPsVp-f08Ag1_n8y_Wly4UXrYSV4ktPEY7yP3A/s640/spinach2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinach - 'Corvair'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;">...peas</i>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkgfWpJyOnPamxCi8llQh2V9kqyx5f5r3yOz1me-7Z92m4WbfiWlK5Z6f5gL9RQimqo0IRR3immX9_JgxOUV3qQiOba1xW0Cw4Q5czP_Ap1rXZDh7lCAx9Je1Mz3D4oBP2NbenfMy0DKG/s1600/peas2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkgfWpJyOnPamxCi8llQh2V9kqyx5f5r3yOz1me-7Z92m4WbfiWlK5Z6f5gL9RQimqo0IRR3immX9_JgxOUV3qQiOba1xW0Cw4Q5czP_Ap1rXZDh7lCAx9Je1Mz3D4oBP2NbenfMy0DKG/s640/peas2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowpeas - 'Avalanche'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">...red cabbage</i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtalqL8rj3mIAw_VbgEAC-KsNBVVgG-3MR4Za6EKMVtBzz39lQWMjAzo05aLMC2J4NWdM6EYrw4Mt43rsr9WlPWLHiuzIQFJaz7NgQW0amgfbunZedy2IdfKd22EomxGPdiASbFW_l_Fhw/s1600/rcbg2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtalqL8rj3mIAw_VbgEAC-KsNBVVgG-3MR4Za6EKMVtBzz39lQWMjAzo05aLMC2J4NWdM6EYrw4Mt43rsr9WlPWLHiuzIQFJaz7NgQW0amgfbunZedy2IdfKd22EomxGPdiASbFW_l_Fhw/s640/rcbg2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Cabbage - 'Cairo'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">...strawberries</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c6KBnK0daJdLBfvIebVmXu_FEKiAdcxupP7mzOYl1GlYHPZleS0tkTvM8ECEReyE8ORbh7lSsqJO58EBDjhpa_hrwdX2H39o-Ad_U3uZe1sFAOfSXrrpMZso1PwmBZ_z1VQ1hcgc8X28/s1600/strawberry513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c6KBnK0daJdLBfvIebVmXu_FEKiAdcxupP7mzOYl1GlYHPZleS0tkTvM8ECEReyE8ORbh7lSsqJO58EBDjhpa_hrwdX2H39o-Ad_U3uZe1sFAOfSXrrpMZso1PwmBZ_z1VQ1hcgc8X28/s640/strawberry513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry - 'Tribute'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">...lettuce</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvFZRKBPmcFjH4UioqwZX8oQU4sY5zOXca09mRfIHDygiCr36xJWDLBfAZk7Ok0U3O3zxY_fXuWFo-yPUWO4bDlC4Nn8MVqvl4hQnM9TZs0dBugvuV7eUOP0W4CBVZ5oOZPNMczU_wQCy/s1600/lettuce2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvFZRKBPmcFjH4UioqwZX8oQU4sY5zOXca09mRfIHDygiCr36xJWDLBfAZk7Ok0U3O3zxY_fXuWFo-yPUWO4bDlC4Nn8MVqvl4hQnM9TZs0dBugvuV7eUOP0W4CBVZ5oOZPNMczU_wQCy/s640/lettuce2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Leaf Lettuce - 'Red Sails'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The herb garden is filling up with annual herbs to sit beside the perennial herbs.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtx6AOgSb0xSL_3hyAqcl7_edUKbD1ct6iplXCU8cFhm-7gs-QEpttIZkvik1_-tpqIXrZgSOqFa1EvS2G3MP0vTVZn0M9r9WkWwsdYRqjHJaiR03tRIt5u7Nyci0xAdTz0csfrdeBILQ4/s1600/hbgdn2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtx6AOgSb0xSL_3hyAqcl7_edUKbD1ct6iplXCU8cFhm-7gs-QEpttIZkvik1_-tpqIXrZgSOqFa1EvS2G3MP0vTVZn0M9r9WkWwsdYRqjHJaiR03tRIt5u7Nyci0xAdTz0csfrdeBILQ4/s640/hbgdn2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">completed chores</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">cleared away plant debris and leaves in remaining plant beds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">weeded remaining garden beds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">spread compost in remaining beds</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>planted tomatoes, spinach, strawberries, red cabbage in vegetable garden</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>planted basil, dill, tarragon, parsley, carraway, Thai basil in herb garden</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>weeded vegetable garden paths</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>planted annuals in containers and garden beds</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>sowed squash seeds in planting trays</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>sheared boxwoods</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>planted Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) shrubs</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>spread beneficial nematodes to control Japanese Beetles</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">chores for May</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">plant remaining annuals in containers</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">plant gladioli</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">spread milky spore powder</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">complete mulching beds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">sow green beans</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">plant bell pepper plants in vegetable garden beds</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFqh6bqYuzDDTNK6SwFrtwxnOIPB_U_7tipZcxpFrHJeyVdrgJpi8j1Avd_fqPmf06ZykptG-J_kGQMwWL_c6WKMk-ahvPc2044jZ9jEpvOumJzT20ozuq69pBhIyaZdb8z0ECKxrMfIE/s1600/3tulip2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFqh6bqYuzDDTNK6SwFrtwxnOIPB_U_7tipZcxpFrHJeyVdrgJpi8j1Avd_fqPmf06ZykptG-J_kGQMwWL_c6WKMk-ahvPc2044jZ9jEpvOumJzT20ozuq69pBhIyaZdb8z0ECKxrMfIE/s640/3tulip2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulip - 'Peach Passion'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What's in your Garden Notebook for May?</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had some connectivity issues this last month. I hope things continue to go well for I plan to post more about composting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am joining in the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Helen of </span><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Patient Gardener</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> hosts </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/end-of-month-view-april-2013/#comment-14525">End of Month View</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. This monthly meme is where garden bloggers share their garden views for the end of the month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And </span><a href="http://www.thegardeningblog.co.za/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Gardening Blog</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for Garden Bloggers Harvest Day, a monthly meme where bloggers can show off their gardens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-91565057482264051872013-04-01T07:55:00.002-04:002015-03-19T12:33:47.710-04:00My Garden Notebook - April 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzAuqEirXDAcGxkkRJs9y6VGUCP_q3QIcuJxL43fKQUtNgkl7mS2D-GFdV9ykwoFEdr6ClVpFenHAM0I4XqCaXqDQ7ksBhg2QQ-WtpfHwRYFSQuij0UAxMSNOTQp9jZJEQ5BGBhdjSp9t/s1600/springtreetsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzAuqEirXDAcGxkkRJs9y6VGUCP_q3QIcuJxL43fKQUtNgkl7mS2D-GFdV9ykwoFEdr6ClVpFenHAM0I4XqCaXqDQ7ksBhg2QQ-WtpfHwRYFSQuij0UAxMSNOTQp9jZJEQ5BGBhdjSp9t/s640/springtreetsb.JPG" height="516" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">March has been a month of extremes. We have had several snowfalls and a few days of temperatures in the 50's or 60's. Spring is definitely moving in like a lamb. Although I am yearning for more of the warmth and color of spring, I do relish the snow. I yearn for it so desperately in the winter that when it comes, whenever it comes, it is hard for me to complain.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMR0npHAUrqtcoCEjgF95DzxSg2eZamvair8uK9UWwTyaRGUG4gNXwWUR4XEzDC-Kw9jUAdnFcDf5zD_Ij7BAl9h6rLWG4-Dm4sq7uv9vSAy9V7YwtU47YWgTzKWGPkGKVbj925s9DrxB/s1600/snowdaytsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMR0npHAUrqtcoCEjgF95DzxSg2eZamvair8uK9UWwTyaRGUG4gNXwWUR4XEzDC-Kw9jUAdnFcDf5zD_Ij7BAl9h6rLWG4-Dm4sq7uv9vSAy9V7YwtU47YWgTzKWGPkGKVbj925s9DrxB/s640/snowdaytsb.JPG" height="524" width="640" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A childlike sense of wonder seems to come over me, and I table my yearning and savor every snowflake, every frost covered branch, every sweep of alabaster across the landscape. It is almost as if I think I will never see it again. Perhaps it is a way to honor its presence before it retreats for the season--for I will not see it again for many months.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYr5fQSQTP-3MzW4mredwdOvodyJhf_Huoz_kL3yiu_X_cXB-igX_MhqkSIwubth-4K7oVaJDDdhHkGpAGuMD6eXcPk3m-Ee-njrC7f19FKJzdSw4xqbKb6wt6DlCdQt-0lCu7Tzli3Go/s1600/crocussnowtsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYr5fQSQTP-3MzW4mredwdOvodyJhf_Huoz_kL3yiu_X_cXB-igX_MhqkSIwubth-4K7oVaJDDdhHkGpAGuMD6eXcPk3m-Ee-njrC7f19FKJzdSw4xqbKb6wt6DlCdQt-0lCu7Tzli3Go/s640/crocussnowtsb.JPG" height="620" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crocus longiflorus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And when the snow melts,--which it did very quickly as the rain fell to wash it away or the temperatures rose high enough to thaw it away--I am transformed to spring mode. </i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Spring nods her head once again as if to say I am here despite winter's long goodbye. </i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I check the daffodils, the crocuses, the peas, to ensure all is well. Although they have been pushed by the wind and smothered by the snow, they all take it in stride. </i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">stats</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gardening Zone: 7a</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>March High Temperature: 61 degrees F</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">March Low Temperature: 27 degrees F</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Precipitation: 2.8 inches</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">wildlife</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The American Robin is visiting in high numbers. Sometimes I see 10 to 15 of them in the backyard with about two to four feet between them listening for worms over the ground.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiC7l7UWOtLmfsfD7j6LMoQMgUAn20IOp6f3nOuQxHalXb_Vj-OJywfD8xM1fnoQSi5YXULIRTmdNe26iPsFh8H_iZ7vSWzBPpxTHB-vey_e_NJ5itpiruQ7Ibv-QFFjG75wsw-dscCJS/s1600/robintsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiC7l7UWOtLmfsfD7j6LMoQMgUAn20IOp6f3nOuQxHalXb_Vj-OJywfD8xM1fnoQSi5YXULIRTmdNe26iPsFh8H_iZ7vSWzBPpxTHB-vey_e_NJ5itpiruQ7Ibv-QFFjG75wsw-dscCJS/s640/robintsb.JPG" height="462" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Robin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;">This wren perches each morning on the deck railing and sings a morning wake-up call.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVzI-43iUnDGAWkp8g5ghKObJlm5inC6IHPHB-A_0W2I7jl9gzQC-aaRwksJ6dCNXHP3ubZjuRacwT-EwlqwrXFFYkhAqg2TuuMG9b_kIM0Gv-ErH-yPOaHE7QFM3c-ZolLVAMVrvtgtu/s1600/wrentsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVzI-43iUnDGAWkp8g5ghKObJlm5inC6IHPHB-A_0W2I7jl9gzQC-aaRwksJ6dCNXHP3ubZjuRacwT-EwlqwrXFFYkhAqg2TuuMG9b_kIM0Gv-ErH-yPOaHE7QFM3c-ZolLVAMVrvtgtu/s640/wrentsb.JPG" height="640" width="620" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Wren</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The squirrels make their way up through the woods to the backyard bird feeder.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzo_C9nwlnPw0Xrj3_sTR5V44y2IZVcASVffDoyNDHVsQ_EUbrW0EBfP9YxnmUS4MHAhK7NKbt8UJnMyXlW-qeFvZIZd4R592F7-vvrKuk_lTtudVzoTz5giLb0wGfm7ObFNYDuJN5wbb/s1600/squirrellytsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzo_C9nwlnPw0Xrj3_sTR5V44y2IZVcASVffDoyNDHVsQ_EUbrW0EBfP9YxnmUS4MHAhK7NKbt8UJnMyXlW-qeFvZIZd4R592F7-vvrKuk_lTtudVzoTz5giLb0wGfm7ObFNYDuJN5wbb/s640/squirrellytsb.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirrel Tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">what's blooming, sprouting</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The maple blooms are red and sassy and are one of the first to show color.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzwszVtZQ5Z-KnM7Bbier_TpQRhvA3lBSf0cAsIGzwlT1FV7pKZAhgTrBVIwL__CKSvqeNhYL2Tr6p9NZGtw8OwCFKgBSdpKuXabrDq46fT3cD4lvZ1x_q1HClXDeklukxJZ0HbFsiRSS/s1600/mapletsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzwszVtZQ5Z-KnM7Bbier_TpQRhvA3lBSf0cAsIGzwlT1FV7pKZAhgTrBVIwL__CKSvqeNhYL2Tr6p9NZGtw8OwCFKgBSdpKuXabrDq46fT3cD4lvZ1x_q1HClXDeklukxJZ0HbFsiRSS/s640/mapletsb.JPG" height="566" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Maple Blooms - Acer rubrum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The crocuses are blooming and attracting insects.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wmZ1TdN4uyNWZiwMjCwdi6Nx10h9lnUVebWnVfS_1pILPPzMgXue6nV4CEoHFJGs3KDo3BrISkFM8-nTh7_XiufM2fGnZ0-EdroZBHnmO5vGZhWRAzmmpxf8vHm64PwYsV37tu-pw2FG/s1600/crocustsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wmZ1TdN4uyNWZiwMjCwdi6Nx10h9lnUVebWnVfS_1pILPPzMgXue6nV4CEoHFJGs3KDo3BrISkFM8-nTh7_XiufM2fGnZ0-EdroZBHnmO5vGZhWRAzmmpxf8vHm64PwYsV37tu-pw2FG/s640/crocustsb.JPG" height="560" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crocus longiflorus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Cherry blossoms will soon be open despite the snow.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2Ed3eNzbChuWPx-unPG2t4XOYBzelkVJ3wE7CAhSbxUiok42Jq2CqEgRy38xs1h0NpOHS7dx4BwTkKGbmOh96vUE13RpndLRzJnF4FoN-OHzjfzuUuT474F-kxB3eQx32HG97jZwUEfS/s1600/cherrytsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2Ed3eNzbChuWPx-unPG2t4XOYBzelkVJ3wE7CAhSbxUiok42Jq2CqEgRy38xs1h0NpOHS7dx4BwTkKGbmOh96vUE13RpndLRzJnF4FoN-OHzjfzuUuT474F-kxB3eQx32HG97jZwUEfS/s640/cherrytsb.JPG" height="596" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoshino Cherry Blossom Buds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have always thought dogwood buds are just as pretty as dogwood blossoms.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjp1AnN5hKPxppxWbtcpb817RCWWReYdll6v70IkumlJgYXB9PaJKb7c_1I-4sS-7KppUptM35_SVCvH1fYZJhUvX_2W75KYPrj7K24UHoEAXlDZ5_Vu3zQnUowY8lj8dQVUxtQwHtJAH/s1600/dogwoodtsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjp1AnN5hKPxppxWbtcpb817RCWWReYdll6v70IkumlJgYXB9PaJKb7c_1I-4sS-7KppUptM35_SVCvH1fYZJhUvX_2W75KYPrj7K24UHoEAXlDZ5_Vu3zQnUowY8lj8dQVUxtQwHtJAH/s640/dogwoodtsb.JPG" height="640" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Dogwood Blossom Buds - Cornus florida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The hellebores are still blooming and blooming along with the daffodils.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ_fUiufVj2Z5FSGv_7w86HOuEeFqorE27DUyIQVHFPReovpfosUInFYKYKC8DZGnHi3kzF9IMAhh8LWKp_2MRZLY7wnKZgT6etood5VKj0m_dNs3VMNc7Y2d6cQTbpaZtHm3QTFFOZRg/s1600/helldaffstsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ_fUiufVj2Z5FSGv_7w86HOuEeFqorE27DUyIQVHFPReovpfosUInFYKYKC8DZGnHi3kzF9IMAhh8LWKp_2MRZLY7wnKZgT6etood5VKj0m_dNs3VMNc7Y2d6cQTbpaZtHm3QTFFOZRg/s640/helldaffstsb.JPG" height="348" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Rose with Daffodils - Hellebores with narcissus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The daffodils are blooming all around the yard in patches here and there. The side yard still needs some clearing of debris, but the daffodils are shining through.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDgpd5Vr7zatD1GsSb3WsXUz6WpXASxtVYuBFHJuTrhneKpI5l0URWs9qtmqJG0YT87Gr7rIbVdsYsCpNqbwK2Z2sNKbHdwuKIRRSukVdz9_pA1zaHpxp4EUH7n-jx6oj0QG6N9vlkSmB/s1600/daffsidetsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDgpd5Vr7zatD1GsSb3WsXUz6WpXASxtVYuBFHJuTrhneKpI5l0URWs9qtmqJG0YT87Gr7rIbVdsYsCpNqbwK2Z2sNKbHdwuKIRRSukVdz9_pA1zaHpxp4EUH7n-jx6oj0QG6N9vlkSmB/s640/daffsidetsb.JPG" height="354" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hydrangeas are bursting to open into spring.</i><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhqWio_PLN1hC3kaF6abdIjSv1K2BRTol-lUXVX_LGPm2rMWFhPEGgAhQPCMtqQdTE2sLA-x5vnPApDM7dcUsftRlOhlECuVK0WXEgm2PbYWywjhLE7vp8ImiVJ0VBhvu13p4Tjp7iyxc/s1600/hydrtsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhqWio_PLN1hC3kaF6abdIjSv1K2BRTol-lUXVX_LGPm2rMWFhPEGgAhQPCMtqQdTE2sLA-x5vnPApDM7dcUsftRlOhlECuVK0WXEgm2PbYWywjhLE7vp8ImiVJ0VBhvu13p4Tjp7iyxc/s640/hydrtsb.JPG" height="640" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak Leaf Hydrangea Buds - Hydrangea quercifolia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The primroses are opening with beautiful color.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1vCkfk3IO-lj2_bxX4x0-ZXZFelNUn_l4ERcyHY-XQA1InqWDvvsxUfCnRuxi5o6OIvRIzInh-2RLRylC8x-Ibqf0dgvtDyugZxTZoWrh6Py2m0aVnjM1Uo-htMmncfunEa2f6mfMkfS/s1600/primrosetsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1vCkfk3IO-lj2_bxX4x0-ZXZFelNUn_l4ERcyHY-XQA1InqWDvvsxUfCnRuxi5o6OIvRIzInh-2RLRylC8x-Ibqf0dgvtDyugZxTZoWrh6Py2m0aVnjM1Uo-htMmncfunEa2f6mfMkfS/s640/primrosetsb.JPG" height="640" width="626" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primrose - Primula vulgaris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the garden, the peas are holding their own amid the weather changes.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEbf90cnqxE5lAVUaVi4hiM5ihV-5LKaQ3D_l4w_KqYXwBk8ivFQk8OTEPx-4t4AxHUcqMJm5m9SGFum0Nn1GKK-IT3n2BHKvKZ4p1CxYLQnH11lETZ6ewjESKiXGm1YW2JSRCL_BVhDO/s1600/peasnowtsb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEbf90cnqxE5lAVUaVi4hiM5ihV-5LKaQ3D_l4w_KqYXwBk8ivFQk8OTEPx-4t4AxHUcqMJm5m9SGFum0Nn1GKK-IT3n2BHKvKZ4p1CxYLQnH11lETZ6ewjESKiXGm1YW2JSRCL_BVhDO/s640/peasnowtsb.JPG" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowpeas - Avalanche</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I do not have time to sow every plant in the garden, so I sow some garden plants, and I buy others. Here are some flats of spinach, lettuce, strawberries, cabbage, leeks, cilantro, parsley, basil, and tarragon. I will plant the veggies in a day or two. The herbs I may wait to plant. Basil is a bit sensitive to these below freezing night temperatures. Cilantro and parsley will most likely embrace the colder temperatures.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykOoINSq-G92rlGlrR5_H73wdOeSxDEcRx-VLWUEd2KvG0EQnW-cjcud695xMTrdztyZHFHnaP4u2tfcd1h7IFf1IWjua93vQfok_9UUpHshcEmO6QzMT0zDnA19uCpnMOaFnvkWRDjTr/s1600/vegherbs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykOoINSq-G92rlGlrR5_H73wdOeSxDEcRx-VLWUEd2KvG0EQnW-cjcud695xMTrdztyZHFHnaP4u2tfcd1h7IFf1IWjua93vQfok_9UUpHshcEmO6QzMT0zDnA19uCpnMOaFnvkWRDjTr/s640/vegherbs.JPG" height="594" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">completed chores</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>cleared away plant debris and leaves in some plant beds</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">trimmed liriope</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">spread compost in garden beds</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>tested soil</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>spread lime</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">chores for April</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">clear away plant debris and leaves in remaining plant beds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">weed remaining garden beds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">spread compost in remaining beds</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>plant vegetable plants in garden</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>weed and mulch garden paths</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>plant annuals in containers and garden beds</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">inspirations</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Spring has been slow in its arrival this year, but I am so inspired by the first blooms. Color and warmth are on the way.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crocus longiflorus</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What's in your Garden Notebook for April?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am joining in the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Helen of </span><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Patient Gardener</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> hosts </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/end-of-month-view-march-2013/">End of Month View</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. This monthly meme is where garden bloggers share their garden views for the end of the month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And </span><a href="http://www.thegardeningblog.co.za/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Gardening Blog</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for <a href="http://www.thegardeningblog.co.za/barbies-garden/garden-bloggers-harvest-day-in-april/">Garden Bloggers Harvest Day</a>, a monthly meme where bloggers can show off their gardens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-15622172179749653642013-03-20T13:26:00.000-04:002013-05-29T14:44:15.844-04:00Blending Beauty - Garden Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many times I buy a book because I yearn to learn more about a specific subject. Other times I buy a book because I am familiar with the author and trust I will be happy with the contents. And there are those times I buy a book for both of those reasons. The book, Fine Foliage, falls into the latter category. I was familiar with Karen Chapman's blog, <a href="http://www.lejardinetdesigns.com/">Le Jardinet Designs</a>, and was always happy to read her posts. She is a very enthusiastic horticulturist who has a passion for container gardening. On her blog, she discusses so many interesting ways to combine plants in containers and in the garden.<br />
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Karen partnered with Christina Salwitz, a personal garden coach, to write and put together Fine Foliage. Christina's blog, <a href="http://personalgardencoach.wordpress.com/">Personal Garden Coach</a> offers all kinds of tips and information on gardening and solving gardening problems.<br />
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I received the book a few weeks ago and was happy to see the book includes a great amount of photographs. If one is to think about combining plants, it is a must to be able to see how these individual plants blend together when planted alongside one another. Every single section includes photographs of the individual plants used in the combination and a photograph of the combination. And the photographs are exquisitely done by Ashley DeLatour of <a href="http://www.onethousandwordsphotography.com/#/home/">One Thousand Words Photography</a> in Seattle.<br />
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I am joining Holley of <a href="http://www.dreamingofroses.blogspot.com/2013/03/garden-book-reviews-march-2013.html">Roses and Other Gardening Joys for Garden Book Review</a>. Stop by her blog to see what other gardening books are being reviewed this month.<br />
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The book includes sections as follows:<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>How to Use This Book</u> - describes how to use the book and understand the site, soil, zone, and season requirements for the plants</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Sun Combinations</u> - plant combinations for sun</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Shade Combinations</u> - plant combinations for shade</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Supporting Players</u> - plants that play a supporting role in accenting other plants</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Index</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Foliage Combinations List</u> - a list of all the foliage combinations in the book</span><br />
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With section names, such as Deep Sea Jungle, Sunset Shades, Purple Waves, and Warm and Fuzzy, you can imagine the combinations are full of color and texture and ultimate beauty. Functional with design ideas galore, this is also a book that I could sit with and dream. The colors are elegantly combined, and the combinations are well thought out. And although there are plenty of patterns in the book, I never feel daunted as if I could not put the combinations together. The authors have laid out each section with the recipe so that it is easy to do. There is even a section, Deer Be Damned, that includes some deer resistant plant combinations, such as barberry and coral bells. The result is beautiful and effective.<br />
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Each section contains the Site, Season, Soil, and Zone requirements at the top of the page to make it easy to determine whether the combination will fit with my gardening needs.<br />
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The combinations blend beautifully with polish and style. It is clear the authors have spent a lot of time developing these handsome amalgams that are candy for the eyes. I, for one, cannot wait to pick a few to try this year in my garden. We often think of flowers as our color attraction in the garden, but this book demonstrates that color can be found in a host of plants with colorful and interesting foliage. Combining them can offer a look of ornate beauty with only a few foliage blends.<br />
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This is one book I am very happy to have in my gardening library. It will provide me with seemingly endless discovery and amusement as I frolic in the nursery looking for foliage that will adorn my garden with extraordinary beauty as depicted in the pages of Fine Foliage. It is small enough for me to carry in my purse and take with me as I make comparisons and search for ideas among those delectable photographs. There are too few books that address the fancy and delight of foliage and mingling various foliage colors and textures. This book does it very well.<br />
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<i>Fine Foliage is a hardcover book that was published earlier this year, 2013, by St. Lynn's Press. </i><i>It is available in bookstores and on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fine-Foliage-Elegant-Combinations-Container/dp/0985562226/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363792676&sr=8-1&keywords=fine+foliage">Amazon</a>. Karen and Christina also have a web site for the book, <a href="http://www.fine-foliage.com/">www.fine-foliage.com</a>. You can also type in your zip code or location at <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/fine-foliage-elegant-plant-combinations-for-garden-and-container/oclc/829147603&referer=brief_results">WorldCat</a> to see if the book is available at a library near you.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-24480600047823259392013-03-17T15:50:00.001-04:002013-05-29T14:44:59.618-04:00The Lessons of Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Winter has been one of the seasons with which I have had the most struggle. Because I have always found the outdoors a place where I spend so much time, almost as another room in my home, having a season where I was disconnected from that place, from that room, has always been difficult. Of course, the weather has never been so cold that I could not spend time outdoors, but the weather is cold enough that one cannot spend time outdoors for very long. And there is not much to do in the garden with all of the garden dwellers taking their winter nap--resting for that graceful emergence in spring. Things always appear so dull and lifeless. And the only time I could see the beauty of the winter landscape was when the snow covered everything in its sparkling and magical coat. In my neck of the woods, the snow does not appear often nor remain for very long. So, I would spend much of my winter indoors separated from the room which I love so dearly and long for so much.</i><br />
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Beth of <a href="http://www.plantpostings.blogspot.com/">Plant Postings</a> hosts <a href="http://www.plantpostings.blogspot.com/2013/02/lessons-learned-winter-2013.html">Lessons Learned</a> for all the seasons, and so I offer some lessons learned about winter.<br />
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<i>Nature has always provided me with a place where I feel closest to spirit. Since I was a child and I found solace among the trees at the end of the day, nature has been my cathedral. The birds sing joyful hymns, and the trees knock together bass bell sounds as the wind caresses their branches. The leafy forest floor is my pew, and the majestic colors of flora are the stained glass windows. All around me in the forest and in my garden is the wonder of divinity. In the winter, I am not able to spend a lot of time in this sacred place.</i><br />
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<i>In recent years, I have come to appreciate winter--taking the lead from nature to rest, to gather my strength for the activity of upcoming seasons. And I look at winter's landscape in a much different way than I did many years ago. I see so much more of the beauty in that sparsely decorated vista of winter. Sometimes there is a great elegance in things when they are stripped of all the outer coverings, all the decorative wrappings--leaving a bare and stark vulnerability.</i><br />
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<i>Many years ago what I saw in the winter landscape was death and lackluster interest. The gray and brown was bleak and sad, and I had no desire to look at it unless it was covered in the white crystals of snow. As years have passed, I see it all so differently. I see the branches as they shift and curve and intertwine. I see the architectural shapes and towers, reaching and extending like a painter's brush gently sways across the canvas. The subtle shades of gray and brown and black splatter across the forest with beauty, melding together to create a starker, yet gentle, flow of lines and arches and bends. I am quite enamored by it all now, and see the depth of elegance in the trees as they grow up and outward--all hidden when leaves are present.</i><br />
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<i>I am now able to accept the season of winter with all of its subtle interest and soft whispers. I have learned to be grateful for the slowing of pace and for having the opportunity to see what I cannot see in other seasons. Mostly, I think I am grateful to live in an area where I can experience the depth of the four seasons so perfectly.</i><br />
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Donna of <a href="http://gardenseyeview.com/">Gardens Eye View</a> looks forward to celebrating the seasons with <a href="http://gardenseyeview.com/2013/03/01/seasonal-celebrations-spring-fever-2013/">Season Celebrations</a>. And with a few more days left in winter, spring has already shown signs of emergence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhYJaMeEZO4TLPQX8Dm566WCAdpQhiksLX3VvGG7OLpqrD1LXroUp4LLfiGiey9isPXJ-jW2lVFLmnY7PVI3P86H8k8WhkIWufK7aWVxhQxUxfBk2P3MvOPC2MbpWyEq2bH-6lO9RMZo5/s1600/springblog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhYJaMeEZO4TLPQX8Dm566WCAdpQhiksLX3VvGG7OLpqrD1LXroUp4LLfiGiey9isPXJ-jW2lVFLmnY7PVI3P86H8k8WhkIWufK7aWVxhQxUxfBk2P3MvOPC2MbpWyEq2bH-6lO9RMZo5/s640/springblog.JPG" width="520" /></a></div>
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<i>After a long season of savoring the refined grace of winter, it is time to celebrate and be awed by the color and youth of spring.</i><br />
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<i>Spring bursts out with such fervor and beauty. It reminds us of all the things that life can offer, such as innocence, joy, creativity. We cannot walk out of our door without seeing its smile in the abundance of flowers, the gushing buds, or the drenching of color. And that smile can only bring us to smile. May you have a very happy spring!</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-29052647621548068852013-03-01T07:14:00.000-05:002013-03-27T14:29:26.290-04:00My Garden Notebook - March 2013<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMFERaOenzEF29sWUBjA2LJSNfXvRjhpomEcPRH6IeFWX_b6tasqYlOcH0qvKbCLKBHFVgV_zlUnbzBFP_cYCG_4s7T61XxuFIdDUhEblmR48JDWwpQJi6o0c-a_UuXqZHP90BSq0lytf/s1600/rosepinky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMFERaOenzEF29sWUBjA2LJSNfXvRjhpomEcPRH6IeFWX_b6tasqYlOcH0qvKbCLKBHFVgV_zlUnbzBFP_cYCG_4s7T61XxuFIdDUhEblmR48JDWwpQJi6o0c-a_UuXqZHP90BSq0lytf/s640/rosepinky.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Preview of What's to Come in Spring - Pink Rose from Bouquet</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This winter has been more of a true winter with cold temperatures that fit with a normal winter for our region compared to last winter when the daffodils were blooming in January because of the warm temperatures. I love the snow of winter and yearn for it when it does not come frequently enough, but with daffodils beginning to bloom and signs of growth here and there, I am anxiously awaiting spring.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">stats</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Gardening Zone: 7a</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>February High Temperature: 57 degrees F</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">February Low Temperature: 18 degrees F</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Precipitation: 1.37 inches</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFKzm34JdRTMJeWtWBJcBcNZMc0STQhWdmrfWkyL7oOxRlcQ-d1YACaTENDA3SiWMliXDUJM3UZ3LNCUEBl-38qDhjqKrcNlxEsfcLlueGkUEJ6NmpfIFeDfP3ZAWu-ms4MmWwtxbfGPV/s1600/birdseat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFKzm34JdRTMJeWtWBJcBcNZMc0STQhWdmrfWkyL7oOxRlcQ-d1YACaTENDA3SiWMliXDUJM3UZ3LNCUEBl-38qDhjqKrcNlxEsfcLlueGkUEJ6NmpfIFeDfP3ZAWu-ms4MmWwtxbfGPV/s640/birdseat.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds Feeding During Snowfall</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>wildlife</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>I participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count earlier in February. What birds did you see in the garden? These are my counts:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Red-tailed Hawk - 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mourning Dove - 5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Great Horned Owl - 2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Downy Woodpecker - 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pileated Woodpecker - 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Blue Jay - 3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Carolina Chickadee - 5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tufted Titmouse - 3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">White-breasted Nuthatch - 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Carolina Wren - 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">American Robin - 7</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Northern Mockingbird - 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Song Sparrow - 3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dark-eyed Junco - 7</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Northern Cardinal - 5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">House Finch - 8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">American Goldfinch - 11</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">House Sparrow - 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Northern Flicker - 2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">American Crow - 9</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Eastern Bluebird - 6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">European Starling - 1</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The squirrel likes the feeder, too. He jumps onto the feeder from the deck railing and quickly leaps off when I come, leaving the feeder swinging from side to side.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8VmXDW1lSXBfKwuXqL9kQV9QuAjz7tvncYt4M4oYA0Vlsev-sZCm9saY3pHNF9UNyiz3Fy-MIJ7YpQ68JKnAED79qfPDeAE4acEUXqvNjG5WXqqZSPOlOabHt7B0BM9W0k9EsP8QwAa2/s1600/squirrely.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8VmXDW1lSXBfKwuXqL9kQV9QuAjz7tvncYt4M4oYA0Vlsev-sZCm9saY3pHNF9UNyiz3Fy-MIJ7YpQ68JKnAED79qfPDeAE4acEUXqvNjG5WXqqZSPOlOabHt7B0BM9W0k9EsP8QwAa2/s640/squirrely.JPG" width="618" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirrel Sitting in Bird Feeder</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The cardinal showcases his crimson feathers in the winter landscape.</i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTgmHYRB-Fem526Vj9S_WTP9n1iOeneG_oNthRI-UcQsOXzF9nElRstYsezowhlsTkAOBsx8LCbulqSW064N1cQ12aRtU4TmimiV4peA_awRCnDyzITdnP3BTiZVV9FdUK4mq0QqzwN5S/s1600/cardinal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTgmHYRB-Fem526Vj9S_WTP9n1iOeneG_oNthRI-UcQsOXzF9nElRstYsezowhlsTkAOBsx8LCbulqSW064N1cQ12aRtU4TmimiV4peA_awRCnDyzITdnP3BTiZVV9FdUK4mq0QqzwN5S/s640/cardinal.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Cardinal in the Forest</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>what's Blooming, sprouting</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Some daffodils are blooming, but most are in bud form.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ra2fiqO-xIAU2tUDd4eDjVpqhZjnalSJDpF6Cn6lYRWO8NZp7R1bzrMKy3x4Shm4NQRyxMCLJA2Rh-DDkoE7Rf3BlzOYzIpYL9crSCbpw9lRI2N0nTfXfRwMdYcZXCpfaIrA4TVdfW62/s1600/daffy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ra2fiqO-xIAU2tUDd4eDjVpqhZjnalSJDpF6Cn6lYRWO8NZp7R1bzrMKy3x4Shm4NQRyxMCLJA2Rh-DDkoE7Rf3BlzOYzIpYL9crSCbpw9lRI2N0nTfXfRwMdYcZXCpfaIrA4TVdfW62/s640/daffy.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Daffodil in the Rain</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hydrangeas are budding even with some of the old leaves hanging nearby.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkioOAjoGjf05MSv_JRCkbAB-BIdGoBCTraal3HD6m8p8RPu9THX5aImP7zGHGK1eens46-39iODfcCMXzFTWOVi0X8A4W3CH3J9Z1fWfn68HLTuybgbWybJuf-YEdcf22Pw8Ov9KV7hsR/s1600/emerge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkioOAjoGjf05MSv_JRCkbAB-BIdGoBCTraal3HD6m8p8RPu9THX5aImP7zGHGK1eens46-39iODfcCMXzFTWOVi0X8A4W3CH3J9Z1fWfn68HLTuybgbWybJuf-YEdcf22Pw8Ov9KV7hsR/s640/emerge.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old with the New - Hydrangea Buds</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is so nice to see the roses beginning to leaf out.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XLcasbhVeq_QA5taCUeMCm9CjWSLHEL4X_u26aTvcgsGtYm7Sl5BouLSAnrVu3mnsu7gcPFxRu46VlR84rJEJIgl_HD6Qw3acJZaW6w5wGSY5bgWVeAF-egGCjlkAeKveMdLSQzzqiJe/s1600/roselves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XLcasbhVeq_QA5taCUeMCm9CjWSLHEL4X_u26aTvcgsGtYm7Sl5BouLSAnrVu3mnsu7gcPFxRu46VlR84rJEJIgl_HD6Qw3acJZaW6w5wGSY5bgWVeAF-egGCjlkAeKveMdLSQzzqiJe/s640/roselves.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knock-out Roses</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The</i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> lilies are breaking through the surface.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUK2_LQ7PuOz6NhkOjKwNAhtd8_61US7PcpSxoIU5lLqQC2D120LJrsIaXxfoihYQcWziHRLmu8dRm12bEjigKpegA7F7nTd32vwxiWA3UilEZicjgs0K27Uls8eJfFKo3SYytx5GcM_sb/s640/lilystart.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daylilies Beginning to Break Through the Ground</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The hellebores are still blooming.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNlx9LIM_1Z4B3bluRYbsnxvtDWspTalNMJTwN0js5hB1bv5OkrJc8MFfARNt-AzOyYjj1U3VukRhyphenhyphenLH8Eiu9hoxd53CVLTCl-8ptvmFVbdugauLJIN8m5-36djPvet_EhgB7_cXOCfkm/s1600/whitehelle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNlx9LIM_1Z4B3bluRYbsnxvtDWspTalNMJTwN0js5hB1bv5OkrJc8MFfARNt-AzOyYjj1U3VukRhyphenhyphenLH8Eiu9hoxd53CVLTCl-8ptvmFVbdugauLJIN8m5-36djPvet_EhgB7_cXOCfkm/s640/whitehelle.JPG" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hellebores</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The hyacinth blooms I had indoors were lovely at their peak.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KNlXOD64jac6mx32zqqp8XOTFF7-6qUXuBB4HzhiTu9FA17aEW7L1dxmsLXGnBszXYfLk-bh4ybnDTrjSjf1ICT2XGB1phVF1okgYff7WXLVzsw1kJQvLpsdPrHcO0CC4E3ka2sQJe-q/s1600/hyacinthnew.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KNlXOD64jac6mx32zqqp8XOTFF7-6qUXuBB4HzhiTu9FA17aEW7L1dxmsLXGnBszXYfLk-bh4ybnDTrjSjf1ICT2XGB1phVF1okgYff7WXLVzsw1kJQvLpsdPrHcO0CC4E3ka2sQJe-q/s640/hyacinthnew.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyacinth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">in the garden</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I still have Swiss chard, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, and cabbage in the vegetable garden. I sowed peas indoors, and they are almost ready to be planted in the vegetable bed.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_wo01DQ8QkKjvAhTySI3CQDpZCC7q0i6YLP6w2j69x7xzXY0lSeazm3K_QowgxjEEEWknxeGMxAuonuYUz75NGHYBNQF7kfY_qLebSGaxF3sVs1DPlIxQ3BO7LyJdlLyvuaFqXMjrCEB/s1600/peastart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_wo01DQ8QkKjvAhTySI3CQDpZCC7q0i6YLP6w2j69x7xzXY0lSeazm3K_QowgxjEEEWknxeGMxAuonuYUz75NGHYBNQF7kfY_qLebSGaxF3sVs1DPlIxQ3BO7LyJdlLyvuaFqXMjrCEB/s640/peastart.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pea Plants Indoors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">completed chores</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>cleared away plant debris and leaves in some plant beds</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>sowed peas indoors (Cascadia)</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">chores for March</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">clear away plant debris and leaves in remaining plant beds</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">weed garden beds</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>prune raspberry bush</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>prune back liriope</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>test soil</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>spread lime</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>spread compost</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">observations</i></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">During one of our recent snowfalls, I captured the snowflakes in macro. They appear as tiny little crystal star creations with intricate and delicate details.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3aycRWJr5Pp-QZyeEAgicESuEyHMSGOOsEM4JU3GzOWx_woL3RekRQIeKxabObPobfZaIJi22JURW0TU3YD7cMt30uasuZtA57CSXqH_Ir_JeqQ3IGo2VMycUJGW5Y0vHD0FIgYSy_Ne/s1600/snowflakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3aycRWJr5Pp-QZyeEAgicESuEyHMSGOOsEM4JU3GzOWx_woL3RekRQIeKxabObPobfZaIJi22JURW0TU3YD7cMt30uasuZtA57CSXqH_Ir_JeqQ3IGo2VMycUJGW5Y0vHD0FIgYSy_Ne/s640/snowflakes.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowflakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">products</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sandra Knauf, editor and publisher of <a href="http://www.greenwomanmagazine.com/">Greenwoman Magazine</a> and <a href="http://florasforum.com/">Flora's Forum</a>, is offering The Sage Butterfly readers a free copy of the magazine by signing up on the mailing list on the magazine web site. I read the latest issue and enjoyed all the beauty and humor the magazine offers. It is a lovely experience that she has created with this magazine which matches the heart of any gardener so well.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sandra is also looking for submissions and ads for the next issue, the Summer/Fall issue.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What's in your Garden Notebook for March?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am joining in the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Helen of </span><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Patient Gardener</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> hosts </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/end-of-month-view-february-2013/">End of Month View</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. This monthly meme is where garden bloggers share their garden views for the end of the month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Also, </span><a href="http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Town Mouse Country Mouse</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> hosts <a href="http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/first-views-march-at-country-mouse.html">First Views</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. This monthly meme offers an opportunity for garden bloggers to share their garden first views for the month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And <a href="http://www.thegardeningblog.co.za/">The Gardening Blog</a> for <a href="http://www.thegardeningblog.co.za/gardening/garden-bloggers-harvest-day-in-march/">Garden Bloggers Harvest Day</a>, a monthly meme where bloggers can show off their gardens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com73tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-72331195892589533782013-02-15T10:39:00.000-05:002013-03-17T22:44:45.800-04:00The Winter Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVeqco6wtmFHwg6uOYm2adwiljo0M8PT4B9ef17LsI_aGKSA7pJ9w8Mfav5lsGjiDKqAAojSXK-2oeKuB8zSWlWH9b-gdvCAjhsLGETtvJoAy5nGwtXuwqBj6qd5FI_PmxjdKxmTWL7KH/s1600/icybranc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVeqco6wtmFHwg6uOYm2adwiljo0M8PT4B9ef17LsI_aGKSA7pJ9w8Mfav5lsGjiDKqAAojSXK-2oeKuB8zSWlWH9b-gdvCAjhsLGETtvJoAy5nGwtXuwqBj6qd5FI_PmxjdKxmTWL7KH/s640/icybranc.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes it can be hard to appreciate the garden in winter. Leaves have dulled to brown and fallen to the ground. Perennials have wilted and faded leaving behind dry stalks. Shrubs sit dormant in winter snow and wind. The vibrant colors and lush textures are gone for the season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRMlHKcdpQN4wMjKGJUVWYM1wOdVUX_Li0PKIrfhLNUnWEbVc8YSF7RQTmdhoTupuWGBDId0jB4MNklkjBP5eVtmPd9RJhAelA9iYwg9erDtLORoEYYOJAEyqYksxBHKBD9K7cJIa3mrf/s1600/icyhelle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRMlHKcdpQN4wMjKGJUVWYM1wOdVUX_Li0PKIrfhLNUnWEbVc8YSF7RQTmdhoTupuWGBDId0jB4MNklkjBP5eVtmPd9RJhAelA9iYwg9erDtLORoEYYOJAEyqYksxBHKBD9K7cJIa3mrf/s640/icyhelle.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the past, I found the garden ugly and unappealing. The only beauty I ever found was after a few inches of snow had covered the ground and plantings, leaving a decorative white and sparkly covering that made everything beautiful and magical.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6Wwp3a6lOEQlTsjK2OmINEyRSqXmvsEHoyg5JjcX_6Fyrv83jA_Eqsg4hE61Xjre1v9QkEmBiu9Exm8OucGUenOJ3_HRXgrpstfr7JRuIMAOWvvkcfVpeBgsFyXS9BmXohB7BBq7mc67/s1600/wtrbud.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6Wwp3a6lOEQlTsjK2OmINEyRSqXmvsEHoyg5JjcX_6Fyrv83jA_Eqsg4hE61Xjre1v9QkEmBiu9Exm8OucGUenOJ3_HRXgrpstfr7JRuIMAOWvvkcfVpeBgsFyXS9BmXohB7BBq7mc67/s640/wtrbud.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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More recently, I have begun to look closely at the garden in winter, and I have found those hidden treasures that may be subtle but are clearly displayed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAEiXoytdvIm1J9IdaThlE1T3LoNCTuHttoX_MH57P7sqCAKbBDQceE4YeB-vikj9HQ0fzIGi98I26V9AFm23p9gWXNGAKr3mvgPoCoj54vSJ1_FNLnnbTHxhYRaKV14l2cLFIxUk7KTf/s1600/icypetals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAEiXoytdvIm1J9IdaThlE1T3LoNCTuHttoX_MH57P7sqCAKbBDQceE4YeB-vikj9HQ0fzIGi98I26V9AFm23p9gWXNGAKr3mvgPoCoj54vSJ1_FNLnnbTHxhYRaKV14l2cLFIxUk7KTf/s640/icypetals.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even in treacherous ice storms, there is beauty in nature as the ice molds over leaves and branches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pYt4WY9F4qsQcG38UOxJ2Gms0UR8VfUXnNH3drXThft8-05DwOrofATkpwhWH5AQVbiazvajzjkU8LF6OhzAhnJNTnZApjNX-KtxdHr24U5XD_cp6tTOIXQvsxJ38rgJIXLKjO2sEqkU/s1600/icyneedles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pYt4WY9F4qsQcG38UOxJ2Gms0UR8VfUXnNH3drXThft8-05DwOrofATkpwhWH5AQVbiazvajzjkU8LF6OhzAhnJNTnZApjNX-KtxdHr24U5XD_cp6tTOIXQvsxJ38rgJIXLKjO2sEqkU/s640/icyneedles.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Birds seem to find joy in simply being alive, singing, flitting along while foraging, and playing in the snow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMbMR6R-KCdULMJO3ldPFv2_LfvJaDQ_fq1VMYWqushqhivahpk8kBQUkPtRhU-hxo0yfmzdcvb93DoKHlhf6fEex0a6iFKgx4XVxmIN5eNfQxdML8RR3AwozJbf0_zqyZuTzO_ImKGCX/s1600/splashy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMbMR6R-KCdULMJO3ldPFv2_LfvJaDQ_fq1VMYWqushqhivahpk8kBQUkPtRhU-hxo0yfmzdcvb93DoKHlhf6fEex0a6iFKgx4XVxmIN5eNfQxdML8RR3AwozJbf0_zqyZuTzO_ImKGCX/s640/splashy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-721055461531407267.post-13306076604637825452013-02-01T00:01:00.000-05:002013-02-15T10:39:46.098-05:00My Garden Notebook - February 2013<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC7mDfmb_eb1aLDKIdVUVeYNexgUCfYvUU9iafu2C5s6tiqBxVe-yVDtt7JivBjVbVFJpKYGJKq9SuieTM_CmzdpW_dCDUhvIAnlKb0RjAVZmglCOB3Ahh7e7aOOcgZhSGm3-LspC0ly9/s1600/hellb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC7mDfmb_eb1aLDKIdVUVeYNexgUCfYvUU9iafu2C5s6tiqBxVe-yVDtt7JivBjVbVFJpKYGJKq9SuieTM_CmzdpW_dCDUhvIAnlKb0RjAVZmglCOB3Ahh7e7aOOcgZhSGm3-LspC0ly9/s640/hellb.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helleborus 'Aubergine Dream'</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The weather has been unpredictable this winter. Although we have had some winter temperatures, we have had some days where the temperatures climbed into the 60's. And we had one week of straight rain. Our area has been way below the needed rainfall for the season, so the rain did help. And we finally got some snow, a little under an inch. It was a nice covering for all of the winter browns and grays.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sNMr_mnLFmWhn4R9Oj7WZb0zcpYQSd98AMqBLaJInGLkTdLDfCi9EUByz0S6w5a5SDtrnWS_CIR6Xh_-b2SfGQgrtrm_uVqYNYHTZzlMSswleNqmblMx_t8D_rO4boImlfLLsXPgkEXT/s1600/snowcone1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sNMr_mnLFmWhn4R9Oj7WZb0zcpYQSd98AMqBLaJInGLkTdLDfCi9EUByz0S6w5a5SDtrnWS_CIR6Xh_-b2SfGQgrtrm_uVqYNYHTZzlMSswleNqmblMx_t8D_rO4boImlfLLsXPgkEXT/s640/snowcone1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curled Beech Tree Leaf Filled with Snow</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>stats</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Gardening Zone: 7a</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>January High Temperature: 66 degrees F</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">January Low Temperature: 14 degrees F</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Precipitation: 2.18 inches</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>wildlife</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The birds have been enjoying the feeders in this cold weather. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuMR12MKLRPClJd-O-qLuNuub5YrhIHEx0j4EXCsa4TGxGOWavUfng_6gLZTW0YpQhuJoKmg6qnVOYMlzJti8-yWmkrW4LPvMgkpv1fUr2cz5GGEFmk0uqpL9i8yEEAc_PpDW9yzsvYS2/s1600/fedbirds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuMR12MKLRPClJd-O-qLuNuub5YrhIHEx0j4EXCsa4TGxGOWavUfng_6gLZTW0YpQhuJoKmg6qnVOYMlzJti8-yWmkrW4LPvMgkpv1fUr2cz5GGEFmk0uqpL9i8yEEAc_PpDW9yzsvYS2/s640/fedbirds.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finches Enjoying Sunflower Seeds</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>I caught a glimpse of a fox in the nearby woods. It has been a while since I have seen one. I hope I can get a photo of it soon.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>what's blooming, sprouting</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Some of the hydrangea shrubs are beginning to bud.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9_p5eyFJmwhw8Uohu7r_Ajv9zO6tYhxbVDuj1VdiBiXnEl69gPQ7rucakKGHEAZ1F2lXCeeYMK_KBXdzCs-y9UrQYIHG8MERvv9qsUXHosO1-jc73F6YeIf_bzEj0KMTv9KZqkSnT31U/s1600/hydrabud.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9_p5eyFJmwhw8Uohu7r_Ajv9zO6tYhxbVDuj1VdiBiXnEl69gPQ7rucakKGHEAZ1F2lXCeeYMK_KBXdzCs-y9UrQYIHG8MERvv9qsUXHosO1-jc73F6YeIf_bzEj0KMTv9KZqkSnT31U/s640/hydrabud.JPG" width="460" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrangea Bud</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And I can see the beginnings of some daffodils peeking through the soil.</i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtl_7_nPn84Y0DQMTB1E3R7EOKoyoxZFA2nFFGGN0r5Uwef-gLqgk-vYThXNtNe96R4KnB_RXhUv4rDYie8VQG_LH6pxxgBwdQTolwI1g_53FageOi9_yf3Obx-KbYWlQ1r3ogMSmq46tF/s1600/daffemerg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtl_7_nPn84Y0DQMTB1E3R7EOKoyoxZFA2nFFGGN0r5Uwef-gLqgk-vYThXNtNe96R4KnB_RXhUv4rDYie8VQG_LH6pxxgBwdQTolwI1g_53FageOi9_yf3Obx-KbYWlQ1r3ogMSmq46tF/s640/daffemerg.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daffodils Emerging from the Soil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The hellebores are budding and blooming.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimN_hOwmJSb4rMkJtL46FcmsqyueVcKk3M_4ZWTCbMa-KniGpF4EKJ8rMax0bHhBZ0wAM0ijQ8DznG3azOpEq9MFFQFB8Vs4-UY2DdHxSgYPzQy6JWZl4IPgygvBeV_aIOjj02-uox5YF9/s1600/hellebwh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimN_hOwmJSb4rMkJtL46FcmsqyueVcKk3M_4ZWTCbMa-KniGpF4EKJ8rMax0bHhBZ0wAM0ijQ8DznG3azOpEq9MFFQFB8Vs4-UY2DdHxSgYPzQy6JWZl4IPgygvBeV_aIOjj02-uox5YF9/s640/hellebwh.JPG" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helleborus 'Royal hybrid'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The buddleia plants are beginning to sprout a few leaves.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72fo7DYjh0Es9DiU-euYQn6xGcaS-Mg2EB6uhCRCNDMHGVhriw04xKTAvkoJo8fvLgpqpFX8QNLKor4Z6B4TuWGYWlopMR2xcngt4Yz3hTYN6CiaPvsymhlIBD7tEm_v02D5DlW2nApUp/s1600/buddgrowth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72fo7DYjh0Es9DiU-euYQn6xGcaS-Mg2EB6uhCRCNDMHGVhriw04xKTAvkoJo8fvLgpqpFX8QNLKor4Z6B4TuWGYWlopMR2xcngt4Yz3hTYN6CiaPvsymhlIBD7tEm_v02D5DlW2nApUp/s640/buddgrowth.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I just love the winter color of Hens and Chicks.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2As13F0HKwsSUNwSyfTAk25la65wTQT58k2rJJXcrba7SDNJUpSIdk9BZn8oYay4kNZzYzPCy1KHtbst5uQumMrEnC7nl63dsseOX4dPyRr1YYPZZXYkkEa21yksCjmsXtM9E4pusRBt/s1600/hench.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2As13F0HKwsSUNwSyfTAk25la65wTQT58k2rJJXcrba7SDNJUpSIdk9BZn8oYay4kNZzYzPCy1KHtbst5uQumMrEnC7nl63dsseOX4dPyRr1YYPZZXYkkEa21yksCjmsXtM9E4pusRBt/s640/hench.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sempervivum globiferum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I planted a few hyacinth bulbs indoors a few weeks ago. Now, they are beginning to bloom.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH1RdItkJZUXUQV0kbpQYTPHgZt6FoRHFP6IyihFzPX-tcMC3FfjpUFaZzLmf40Ih3tkq1P8lgY29f88PLcEVs0T1iqDiN2NvCJBSFKgyYANOD5t_Q4W-o8tuZuXzRaGbeoinwyqhsnD4/s1600/hyacinth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH1RdItkJZUXUQV0kbpQYTPHgZt6FoRHFP6IyihFzPX-tcMC3FfjpUFaZzLmf40Ih3tkq1P8lgY29f88PLcEVs0T1iqDiN2NvCJBSFKgyYANOD5t_Q4W-o8tuZuXzRaGbeoinwyqhsnD4/s640/hyacinth.JPG" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyacinth orientalis hybrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Two of my African violets are blooming.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmrmBi8j7G11hTYGDkIU2kEaMVw7slFx3IBX6g1V8HFXZv4tL_cnXljLYgffdkc1uGWzCHuEKSikd-IILwHdnXeni8bewJ1o10y2DEnM45PPOwc-c_4cL_epuiSpZA-D6vOTQ42w6FG8w/s1600/stpauli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmrmBi8j7G11hTYGDkIU2kEaMVw7slFx3IBX6g1V8HFXZv4tL_cnXljLYgffdkc1uGWzCHuEKSikd-IILwHdnXeni8bewJ1o10y2DEnM45PPOwc-c_4cL_epuiSpZA-D6vOTQ42w6FG8w/s640/stpauli.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintpaulia hybrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>the vegetable garden</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>During these very cold nights, I cover the vegetables with tarps and blankets. So far, they have held up to ice and snow and cold temperatures.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXsDEnoHDf8UWzz8DgWAqW0j4SAcrp6_mkQpSbbRP_HzCKymERiW5b1CwNY8d-2thQUEiG484_YaqHfa89BoMph6BoxtXkEtDWYuaSJevezFrFWB6yDIEvtk1lAIHu0m-SrGBPDR48fYa/s1600/broccolihead.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXsDEnoHDf8UWzz8DgWAqW0j4SAcrp6_mkQpSbbRP_HzCKymERiW5b1CwNY8d-2thQUEiG484_YaqHfa89BoMph6BoxtXkEtDWYuaSJevezFrFWB6yDIEvtk1lAIHu0m-SrGBPDR48fYa/s640/broccolihead.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broccoli 'Arcadia'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMFy1Fb_p1tdhzGBINNbKf5rpv8YfKHo3akdE6XS_FLAzWlWmXcbDtw33dWhYbIRf6c8jxcuXibUYbHmuTyM1_fB67s-L0Fql-wCYm4lDJZkuxrPUoZN4LqSRQ-b8evWCwjLPkrB1ujg3/s1600/cabbage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMFy1Fb_p1tdhzGBINNbKf5rpv8YfKHo3akdE6XS_FLAzWlWmXcbDtw33dWhYbIRf6c8jxcuXibUYbHmuTyM1_fB67s-L0Fql-wCYm4lDJZkuxrPUoZN4LqSRQ-b8evWCwjLPkrB1ujg3/s640/cabbage.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabbage 'Fast Vantage'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4FcU5yrhS3_5OeSpwcG7yxMZk_vQfgwZw1hdhlKeHeQ4z-6M0iF2098GBVThtV8n3JI_jMkam0ylpo0SGH-NEvNgHGsZIiAAezJ2SEZMfZsZaW60SaaA2CzXPavupJl7ZHJrrwkU50nX/s1600/chard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4FcU5yrhS3_5OeSpwcG7yxMZk_vQfgwZw1hdhlKeHeQ4z-6M0iF2098GBVThtV8n3JI_jMkam0ylpo0SGH-NEvNgHGsZIiAAezJ2SEZMfZsZaW60SaaA2CzXPavupJl7ZHJrrwkU50nX/s640/chard.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4krlp-04DaBm99auTBi52MhBSzIG5dwtzws5200HsvSQe_G8eABa1XlLS2jObty6uqxRlAyx9TRKqvfiM_Tu7wwvOmnAd-jub4jyaU9uNvKA9pC1LJnhlDUgZWQJasnudWISwEI3wgIR/s1600/lettuce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4krlp-04DaBm99auTBi52MhBSzIG5dwtzws5200HsvSQe_G8eABa1XlLS2jObty6uqxRlAyx9TRKqvfiM_Tu7wwvOmnAd-jub4jyaU9uNvKA9pC1LJnhlDUgZWQJasnudWISwEI3wgIR/s640/lettuce.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mix of Arugula and Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILR4ZAEFm-p3taQjZx5rciIok3kDkqp_O5rzWZ-BtgNNITRSHP_gd0NRGGd1k7V56si3CnQWkSXF8M7rNBAdUnYb7kw_C4JuuFD-f53-jgy0gzRu8ExNj9Zc31mEk2rasRwPKRG0QQcnJ/s1600/nappacab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILR4ZAEFm-p3taQjZx5rciIok3kDkqp_O5rzWZ-BtgNNITRSHP_gd0NRGGd1k7V56si3CnQWkSXF8M7rNBAdUnYb7kw_C4JuuFD-f53-jgy0gzRu8ExNj9Zc31mEk2rasRwPKRG0QQcnJ/s640/nappacab.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napa Cabbage 'Rubicon'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvEyE46xj5yqu6i3QD6UkvYnzjfKmvrSXmzlReaeYq-f0p8aKRjPXrkh_ZGl2f-DyTGbu4oSQsbwlMopnHW3_cg2nHJXGXp_yUcWo1Aq9e71UG2VO5H7BZ5qpjh_FrGkUt90FhuLEZ-gG/s1600/parsleypot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvEyE46xj5yqu6i3QD6UkvYnzjfKmvrSXmzlReaeYq-f0p8aKRjPXrkh_ZGl2f-DyTGbu4oSQsbwlMopnHW3_cg2nHJXGXp_yUcWo1Aq9e71UG2VO5H7BZ5qpjh_FrGkUt90FhuLEZ-gG/s640/parsleypot.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curly Parsley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>completed chores</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>pruned roses</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>pruned buddleia</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">chores for February</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">clear away plant debris and leaves</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>sow spring vegetable seeds indoors</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>prune raspberry bush</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>observation notes</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>I have had a problem with nyjer seed going rancid very quickly, so I now empty the contents into freezer containers and freeze it as soon as I get it home from the store. It keeps very well.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6MGgD3ydlh6Wk9CmlUQhG2CKndUh_F4DY1ozpp4hLxeDBQ8SSfS-K9lAE4XInSiYJpoaEDPgbvbWy8dR6-Gz6Hg7A2qA-nbptUtUW4jnJlLhdEsa62230dNEzbBM3bozwmIfYP7KquB8/s1600/nyger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6MGgD3ydlh6Wk9CmlUQhG2CKndUh_F4DY1ozpp4hLxeDBQ8SSfS-K9lAE4XInSiYJpoaEDPgbvbWy8dR6-Gz6Hg7A2qA-nbptUtUW4jnJlLhdEsa62230dNEzbBM3bozwmIfYP7KquB8/s640/nyger.JPG" width="602" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nyjer Seed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>This post matches the first My Garden Notebook I did last year, and it was very interesting to compare the differences between this January and last January. Because last winter was unseasonably warm, the daffodils were already blooming. This year, we are having more normal winter temperatures even with the warm days mixed in. If things continue as they have, the daffodils will not bloom until late February or early March.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What's in your Garden Notebook for February?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am joining in the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Helen of </span><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Patient Gardener</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> hosts </span><a href="http://patientgardener.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/end-of-month-view-january-2013-the-front-garden/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">End of Month View</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. This monthly meme is where garden bloggers share their garden views for the end of the month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Also, </span><a href="http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Town Mouse Country Mouse</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> hosts <a href="http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/2013/02/country-mouse-first-views-for-february.html">First Views</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. This monthly meme offers an opportunity for garden bloggers to share their garden first views for the month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And <a href="http://www.thegardeningblog.co.za/gardening/garden-bloggers-harvest-day-in-february/">The Gardening Blog for Garden Bloggers Harvest Day</a>, a monthly meme where bloggers can show off their gardens.</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Calendar Giveaway</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Last month I held a giveaway for two of my In the Garden calendars. I put all the names in a basket and asked my husband to pick two names. The lucky names are:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Linda of <a href="http://charmedvictorian.blogspot.com/">Charmed Victorian</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Heather of <a href="http://lottloft.blogspot.com/">It's Geek to Me</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/michelle-ayn-potter/2013-photography-calendar/calendar/product-20481177.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQFSLN7AZJIxnORG2NSICmn9S6zv5t-rOpM5uv1KAxsCZrIxI8lwYIWBGCsiIjxq9s40SCFJ-_9yDE_9o6qqWR727doEK_ei8HCel7I0_Cxuz8IRRVHiVy3K2ZZEPGeoe_2SMbpet6hWO/s1600/calendar12.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Congratulations and enjoy the calendar!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© copyright 2013 Michelle A. Potter</span>The Sage Butterflyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252906325012065829noreply@blogger.com52