Charlie Rohwer, a frequent guest contributor to the Garden Professors, brought to my attention a recent letter in Nature by Mark Davis and 18 other ecologist entitled, “Don’t judge species on their origins.” Davis is a leading authority on invasive species and author the book Invasion Biology. In their article, Davis and his co-authors make many of the same points that I’ve made here on the blog (Are natives the answer? Dec. 14, 2009; Restoration ecologists you need us – part 2.… Continue reading this article “Ecologists weigh in on native-exotic debate”
Gigantic hostas
I know Friday’s puzzle was a bit too easy – but I needed some way to discuss the giant hostas we have in our landscape this year:
We have had a very wet and cold spring. While it was misery for us above-ground types, the plants absolutely loved the abundant water. When the leaves open and expand on these continually-watered plants, they reach maximum size. The hosta leaves in this photo aren’t the size of dinner plates – they’re more like turkey platters.… Continue reading this article “Gigantic hostas”
Green swirl
What am I?
Answer Monday!
Check out Dr. Jeff on NPR
Be sure to read Jeff’s comments to NPR on pesticides and organic gardening.
One Of The Best Pictures I’ve Seen
Yesterday Jeff Hahn, an entomologist here at UMN (and author of the book Insects of the NorthWoods — a great field guide for Wisconsin and Minnesota), sent me a picture which reminded me of the dark ages and the methods that leaders of the past used to scare and intimidate their subjects as well as possible invaders.
This picture came to Jeff by way of Terry Straub, a Program Coordinator for Master Gardeners in Hennepin County. … Continue reading this article “One Of The Best Pictures I’ve Seen”
WOW again (Why oh Why?)
I’m going along with the “dead tree” theme of the week, but doing a little prognosticating at the same time. Bert and Holly showed you tree demise on site; I’m going to show you tree demise in the making. We can call this “dead plant walking.”
I’ve done a few WOW postings in the past, often with a focus at what you might find at a nursery or big box store. Here’s a recent find at an unnamed BBS, in the “topiary” section:
Unless you intend to have a giant stake as part of your topiary statement, this tree (actually a juniper) will morph into a prostrate form before your very eyes. … Continue reading this article “WOW again (Why oh Why?)”
Right Plant, Wrong Place?
It’s (apparently) Dead Tree week here on the GP!
[To my GP colleagues…we should make “Right Plant, Wrong Place” one of our categories, sort of like “Knock it Off.” Or maybe just “Dead Plants in Action.”]
Exhibit A:
Some unhappy little Magnolias. Drip irrigation was running, which leads me to believe salt spray is the culprit.
I was pedaling my sweet Electra beach cruiser down the sidewalk on Cape San Blas, Florida (or Cape San Blarrrgh, if you caught my post last week) and happened upon this tragedy. … Continue reading this article “Right Plant, Wrong Place?”
Read and follow label directions…
Every extension specialist or educator that mentions any kind of pesticide in a talk or article always includes the disclaimer ‘Read and follow all label directions.” However that caveat ranks somewhere between “Your seat cushion may be used as a flotation device” and “Do not remove tag under penalty of law” as the most ignored phrase in the English language. While we can probably rationalize ignoring the last two (If a jetliner ditches in the middle of the Atlantic is a seat cushion really going to save you? … Continue reading this article “Read and follow label directions…”
A jewel of an orchid
Orchid fanciers Derek and Joseph correctly identified Friday’s mystery plant as a jewel orchid, specifically Macodes petola:
Friday’s sparkly leaf photo shows why “jewel orchid” is the common name used for several genera of orchids with showstopping foliage.
And Ray noted that Goodyera spp. (rattlesnake plantain) is a native US jewel orchid with beautiful variegated foliage. Next time you’re hiking in the woods, keep your eye out for this common yet striking plant.
Friday’s guess what I am plant
What am I? (There has been no alteration of this photo, other than cropping, nor was it taken under any special lighting.)
Answer on Monday!