I think I might be one of the only girls in the world who enjoys a bouquet MORE when there’s a spider in it
I arrived home to a bundle of wild flowers on my desk the other day. How sweet and awesome is that? I then texted the responsible party with a thank [...]
I know all of you who have a love of gardening also love the wild and natural world. I went hiking recently in the Hocking Hills region of Southern Ohio, and I want to share some pictures of a little critter I met, and a beautiful example of a flower. It is important to know [...]
Just as soon as it arrived, Summer is escaping. Kind of like a good friend whose visits never seem to be long enough. I think we have a wonderful Indian Summer coming, and some warm days ahead. That said, Fall is creeping up on to the back porch like a stray cat. There’s no denying [...]
It may be the hurricanes on the East coast of the US, or Fall may be just around the corner. Or maybe it’s a little of both… It feels like I just got the garden off and running, and the first frost could very well be just around the corner. I’ve been eating well from [...]
Oh, Summer camp. The valuable songs you taught me…
In spite of the recent high temperatures, my garden has finally started pulling its weight around here! In addition to the salad greens, radishes, sunflowers and raspberries, I now have delicious and nutritious green beans! I used plain old fashioned elbow grease. Also, compost and manure! I [...]
I’d like to introduce you to some of your best friends
This is a Flat-Backed Millipede, from the order Polydesmida. This little guy is an integral part of the food chain and the Chairmen-of-the Board of the Decomposition Committee. These arthropods do not bite or sting, and are a big help to have in [...]
When the heat gets to be too much, set your plants in a few inches of water. This will allow them to fully absorb all the liquid they can hold, without you having to worry about over or under watering. You can spray or mist the top of the plant and get all the dust [...]
I’ve been harvesting quarts and quarts of raspberries over the last few weeks! A couple times a week, I go out in the back garden and pluck a few quarts of the delicious fruits. The plants I have are called “Everbearing”, and they should produce all Summer. I pruned them back really heavily at first. [...]
Well, I’ve found my mystery for this Spring. Two years ago, it was Argiope Aurantia’s egg sack in my Croton as I was about to bring it inside for the coming Winter. Now this!
I found this in the leaves of my Dracaena Warnekii. It’s a palm-like tropical plant that likes lots of light and humidity, [...]
Dear Ivy,
What is Argiope Aurantia?
-Intrigued in Indiana
Dear Intrigued,
Argiope Aurantia is the Latin name for the common black and yellow garden spider. All organisms are classified by a Latin, or scientific name. This is their “official” name, since common names can often be confused. This spider is a beautiful and helpful addition to any garden. The [...]
