Watermelon, apparently seedless…
One of the fun things about gardening is that you can never predict the outcome of a planted seed. Even seedless things still insist on having seeds in them sometimes. Such was the case with the mother of this watermelon, apparently seedless, it had only one. This series of photos were taken on Sept.19th, 25th, Oct. 25th and 27th, and Nov. 16th (2008).
~
I haphazardly plunked a few avocado pits into the soil six years ago and one of them is now over seven feet high. However, it’s too close to the house and if I had known it would grow three feet in height and width this past summer I would have transplanted it somewhere smarter early last Spring.
In the South there are no basements and the foundations of houses are more susceptible to cracking and deterioration; maintenance and prevention is critical. Now, Avocados are supposed to develop fruit the seventh year…this one possibly next year. What to do? Should I move it next Spring to some location with completely different light and soil conditions and risk it dying, or allow it to do what it will and perhaps enjoy a few home-grown avocados (a dream come true for a northern gardener), knowing that next year’s roots will be anticipating serious business as far as where they establish themselves…most likely in our foundation and the accompanying sprinkler system. The best decision is to move it sooner than later. We may not live here long enough to enjoy the fruits of our labor, but hopefully this tree will reestablish itself and produce fruit sometime soon, and it’s cool to think that someone – whoever, whenever - will enjoy fresh avocados from it.
Propane tank made in the USA.
Valve may be imported.
Anole made in the USA.
I still haven’t posted photos taken on Vancouver Island during July, but here are some of them. Arbutus trees, first photo, only grow in the Pacific Northwest, particularly on Salt Spring Island, B.C. and in parts of China, nowhere else in the world. They are a popular carve-your-name-in-the-trunk tree because the bark heals into a soft clear scar. A few trees on the island have been abused like this. Still, they couldn’t take the beautiful away!
Groups of three and four Fluted Swallowtails spiraled in and out of the sunlight as I walked down the mountain road on Salt Spring Island. I tried very hard to photograph them dancing around like that – so pretty – but their flight pattern was too rapid and unpredictable. Got lots of blurs if you wanna see ‘em! Fortunately one settled on a fir tree.
For the next two weeks I’ll be stopping to photograph every interesting tree between here and the Giant Redwoods then back. I’m so thrilled to go see them. My pal Chris says Pray for Peace, and that’s what I think of every time I see the fourth photo here.
We were away for two weeks and forgot to turn the sprinkler system on before leaving, so I thought the Green Anoles might have moved to greener pastures. Fortunately they are still thriving; here one is staying cool and safe inside a large Canna Lily leaf, a leaf that I nearly cut off while clearing out dead and dying plants.
Storm in Calgary, Alberta
I have yet to see a tornado in Texas since we moved there, yet here is the first one I’ve ever seen, about to touch down in Airdrie, near Calgary Alberta while we’re on holidays.
Watching it form is surreal, and though it’s not far away I don’t feel in any danger. It formed a perfect funnel then I watched it pull back again, spawning a skinny long string-like tornado, then dissolve.
The associated clouds are ominous and dark in contrast to the sunny neighborhood where I’m standing. I learned later this afternoon that the tornado touched down in a farmer’s feild for a few moments.
The Good: A beautiful orange flowering plant called a Sun Star.The Good: all the little unexpected surprises, like this toad that I never would have seen if it had not popped out of the hole at the exact moment I happened to be looking there. The clay container with a hole in the center is designed to coil and contain garden hose, but being used as a plant pot.
The Bad: having no choice about mowing the lawn on a 98*F day, and keeping edges formally trimmed because the neighbors have it that way. Also Bad: Fire ants that bite before you know you’re standing on a nest with bare feet……but Good: Fire ants keep the tough Texas soil aerated.The Ugly: me with ant-bite blisters, mowing and edging the lawn on a 98*F day.
Green Thumb – Sunflower leaf
I haphazardly plunked a few avocado pits into the soil six years ago and one of them is now over seven feet high. However, it’s too close to the house and if I had known it would grow three feet in height and width this past summer I would have transplanted it somewhere smarter early last Spring.
