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August 11, 2012 at 6:14 pm #2138818
TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
Lockedby hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
This is a continuation of a discussion started here: (TRGC Part 1) http://preview.tinyurl.com/2qflz5
And continued here: (TRGC Part 2) http://preview.tinyurl.com/ytxn7j
Then proceeded to carry on here: (TRGC Part 3) http://tinyurl.com/6fw8c7
You can find Part #4 here: http://tinyurl.com/6pteb6
Part #5 can be located here: http://preview.tinyurl.com/bekqml
Part #6 is here: http://preview.tinyurl.com/bs5t45
Part #7 can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/2bajdru
Part #8 can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/5rlq6ng
Part #9 can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/9ym54ckMy plants/weeds nearly Spring 2012. Yes I know I’m jumping the gun a bit as it’s not Spring yet but I haven’t had to wear a jumper all day for a few days now just in the mourning and evening so the bigger part of the day is almost bearable.
The Wifes daughter brought down a new weed yesterday a Hybrid Nepenthes the pitcher is a bit past it’s Use By date but I think you’ll get the general idea, and yes those are 12 inch wide beams behind it. 😉
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00700.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00701.jpg
I posted this picture last time as a Nepenthes Pitcher was about to open
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00694.jpg
and here it is open
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00702.jpg
The Saracenia Flava Flower Spikes are growing so hopefully very soon Spring will be here
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00703.jpg
This little N Hybrid is looking quite nice now that its had a few days to fully open and start to color up
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00705-1.jpg
Then something different its a Utricularia a.k.a. Bladderwart which are generally aquatic but this is one of the Terrestrial ones so you dont get to see any of the traps just the small delicate flowers its a species Utricularia Livida
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00706.jpg
The newest addition to the garden is a Bird feeder which was given to me by the next door neighbor and its proved [b]Stuningly Unsuccessful[/b] as nothing will eat from it. But I can not help but laugh at the way that the Lorries watch it just in case it gets too close. They are willing to land on the Rod that its suspended from or the ground under it and don’t bat an eyelid when one on the pole fly away leaving the Bird Feeder jumping up and down but they are not going anywhere near the available food. :^0
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00710.jpg
And finialy one of our regulars a Baby Magpie who will very soon be driven off by its parents to make way for this years version. This little fellow walks to the front door up the steps and then demands to be feed. If the door is open and there is no one in the living room he walks over to the coffee table jumps up on that and announcers his presence by squawking till he gets attention and more importantly food. Its quite happy to stay indoors if anything bigger is outside who could take the food away from him.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00704.jpg
[b]SWMBO[/b] has been driving me more nuts than normal lately by sniggering whenever I say something about making something out of wood so as a [b]Spring Resolution[/b] Im going to make a flying model of the WW11 WMD a V2 complete with a Pluse Jet Engine so it not only looks like the real thing but sounds like one as well. I drive her nuts as I dont actually fly these models and allow others to fly them when they have display days. I just enjoy building the models and this is what she finds difficult to understand. Spending hundreds of hours building the things and never actually using them. The reality however is I just lack the time on display days to be there to fly them. Hopefully it should look and sound interesting even if its not a very spectacular model to fly.
Col
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August 12, 2012 at 5:57 am #2886741
Our garden projects worked out pretty ok…
by ansugisalas · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
Last year we dug up the previous owners’ flower bed because we wanted to plant Peonies.
Digging up the raised bed, we found, under the tarp that was at ground level, some red shoots all squished up against it.
Peonies :^0!
Apparently they frequently survive for years and years deep underground… last year they didn’t flower, must have been rough down there, but this year they came out very nicely.We also planted lilies last year, but this year we got scarlet lily beetles :_(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_lily_beetle
Nasty little stinkers. Best bet we hear is to hand-pick and squish them.Damn prolific too… makes us consider scrapping lilies from the plans entirely 🙁
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August 12, 2012 at 1:39 pm #2886733
Sounds like fun
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Our garden projects worked out pretty ok…
Personally I prefer Chemical Warfare on insect invaders but then again I’m lazy and don’t like to do more work that I absolutely have to.
Besides having carnivorous plants they tend to eat what tries to eat them. 😀
With anything used as Weed Mat a lot of things can survive under that for a very long time. Many people who are like me and lazy just throw something over what was growing after hitting it with a Brush-Cutter and hope that it’s not going to grow through. With Plastic type Weed Mats it tends not to but if you throw newspaper down I’ve seen things wait till it breaks down 5 years latter before making a reappearance. They seem to be quite happy to sit and wait till they can fight their way through whatever barrier is placed between them and the sunlight. 😉
Col
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August 13, 2012 at 1:12 am #2886722
The lily beetles are resistant to the good stuff…
by ansugisalas · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Sounds like fun
The only effective stuff that works, kills bees as well.
It leaves the remedies that may or may not prevent them from laying eggs or feeding, so that means treating the plants every week all through spring.
Hand-picking and squishing is probably the most effective method that won’t do collateral damage. -
August 13, 2012 at 7:29 am #2886697
Help, help, I’m being oppressed
by ansugisalas · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to The lily beetles are resistant to the good stuff…
TR won’t let me start new topics, and demands log-in every two seconds… is it just me or are they screwing with the site again?
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August 13, 2012 at 2:59 pm #2886668
Ansu
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Help, help, I’m being oppressed
It’s just you not a problem here. :p
Though I have to admit that the site looks different this morning with Flash Add working again instead of white blocks over the screen. So I would hazard a guess that they have been messing with the site and there where some [b]”Issues”[/b] while it was underway.
Though i must admit that I’ve not been getting any Discussion Alerts for about a week now and that doesn’t seemed to have changed. 😀
Col
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August 14, 2012 at 11:24 pm #2886614
It only affects Opera it seems…
by ansugisalas · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Ansu
Infernal exploder is unaffected
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August 13, 2012 at 4:59 pm #2886663
Oooh.
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Our garden projects worked out pretty ok…
*rubs hands delightedly in anticipation* Hand-squishing bugs is remarkably satisfying. 😐
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August 14, 2012 at 12:03 am #2886657
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August 22, 2012 at 9:41 pm #2887041
Not juicy.
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Personally I find
Plus, bugs usually crunch. Which isn’t the same as ‘pop’. 😀
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August 25, 2012 at 10:09 pm #2886932
But Davette
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Not juicy.
When the bugs squash some send a jet of their gizzards spurting out and sometimes hitting your clothing making a mess.
The Stress Relief Mat can not do that and is far cleaner. :p
Besides dumping bugs into Nepenthes Pitchers is far more fun and it’s good for the plant. See how much I like growing plants. 😉
I even had to take a jumper off today it was getting a bit warm and I started sweating slightly. When I looked at the Temp it was only 25C which is a long way from hot by we are finally getting there. :0
Col
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August 14, 2012 at 5:07 pm #2886619
I love the white Peonies the best
by av . · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Our garden projects worked out pretty ok…
I have this one and they have such a great fragrance http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/35433-product.html# Its a shame that the flower heads are so heavy. If you don’t stake them, they end up on the ground.
AV
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August 14, 2012 at 11:28 pm #2886613
We have one of those.
by ansugisalas · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I love the white Peonies the best
We also have an Angel Cheeks, I think maybe the old ones were Shirley Temples, and then we have two different pink ones.
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August 22, 2012 at 12:29 pm #2887050
I have trouble with peonies in the US southeast.
by charliespencer · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I love the white Peonies the best
It generally doesn’t get cold enough. I top-dress and feed them but all I get are leaves; no buds. I’m on the line between US agricultural zones 7 and 8 (the higher the number, the warmer the winter). I found a new peony rated for zone 9, so maybe it will perform in my area.
Tulips are the same way. They’ll bloom the first spring, but only leaves in subsequent years. Daffodils are hit or miss, depending on the variety.
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August 28, 2012 at 10:30 pm #2886799
I wonder how long periods of cold they need…
by ansugisalas · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I have trouble with peonies in the US southeast.
You could try icing the ground once, like if the freezer needs emptying of ice formations anyway… and of course, you can cover the ice with an insulator/reflector layer to keep it working for a while.
People up here do odder things to keep their stuff alive through winter, so why should you have it easier? :^0
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February 17, 2013 at 4:26 pm #2902065
They have to be dug up,
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to I have trouble with peonies in the US southeast.
refrigerated for a few weeks, then replanted, as far south as you are.
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August 22, 2012 at 9:42 pm #2887040
Gorgeous, AV.
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I love the white Peonies the best
I like the whites, too. Also because I think they have the best fragrance. 🙂
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August 14, 2012 at 4:42 pm #2886621
You are just a little devil, aren’t you?
by av . · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
Putting up a feeder with a big a$$ cat face in front of it. And it bobs up and down when they try to land on it. That has to be traumatic for the poor Lorries who only want to take a bite.
Where can I get one? I’d love to put it up in my yard.
AV :^0
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August 14, 2012 at 7:29 pm #2886617
Not sure where you can get one
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to You are just a little devil, aren’t you?
My next door neighbor got that and handed it to me. I think as she works at a Charity Shop it was something handed in there as a donation. I’ve never seen anything like that previously but I like it.
The Lorries are not worried about the thing jumping up and down as they are quite happy to land on the Metal Rod that’s it’s suspended from and they are more than happy to land on the water bowl suspended from another of those metal rods which is considerably heaver and moves a lot more.
They just don’t like that feeder for some reason. :^0
I have to admit that I laughed when she handed it to me and I quite like it. 😉
Col
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August 14, 2012 at 5:02 pm #2886620
I have to say
by av . · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
You have the most interesting plants in your garden. They look so compelling. I know its early on in the Spring for you guys, we’re still enjoying Summer here. I’m not looking forward to the winter.
It was a really tough season here. We had 100 degree temps for several days and that burned a lot of what I was growing out. I did have a fabulous lettuce crop and its still growing. Salads all summer long with different lettuces and Mesclun were great this year. I also have lots of potatoes and they’re just about done now. Little Fingerlings and Red potatoes. The deer ate all of my string beans and I only got one bunch out of my plants. And, the chipmunks, who are usually benign wrecked all but one of my Dinner Plant Dahlias. They ate the leaves in protest because I didn’t put enough food out for them.
Ah, nature. Isn’t it grand?
AV :^0
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August 14, 2012 at 7:43 pm #2886616
Well if this helps
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I have to say
Officially Winter is still here for a few weeks yet though the Flava’s are disputing that and are throwing up flower spikes. Some of the other Sarracenia’s are starting to send up new pitchers so it’s getting close to spring.
The Nepenthes are all growing and slowly putting on new leaves, even the VFT looks as if it will return this year though hopefully with no Flower Spikes as I’m really busy at the moment and will not be around to pick them out to save the poor things.
The ferns on the other hand are out of control and have tried to take over the place. They are growing on top of the weed mat below the Pine Bark and sending roots all over the place and then springing up where they are not wanted. perhaps I should have done something before now to control them. The Lazy SOD who’s garden it is just doesn’t seem to care too much and doesn’t do anywhere near enough work to keep it under control.
Even the Succulents are getting out of control and will have to be pruned all the way back very soon. I’ve been hitting one and taking a rubbish bag full per week off it for the last few months and it’s not made much of a difference. If I cut any more away the bin gets filled up and is overflowing by the time it’s emptied so [b]SWMBO[/b] insists that i don’t remove any more at a time or she gets to keep some of her rubbish. :^0
Horrible flame tree type thing all green with red tips and sends out a white milky sap which gets on everything that comes anywhere near it and it’s hard to squash into a Big Garbage bag.
Besides I’m not allowed to use secateurs at the moment so I’ve been handing [b]SWMBO[/b] some implements of destruction and suggesting that she do some pruning. She just laughs and refuses. Between that and her sneering about me saying anything relating to making something out of wood I’m getting a complex. 😉
[i]edited to add[/i] OH I dream of 100 F days returning. Almost warm enough to remove a jumper and some of the blankets off the bed at night. Though I have to admit that you need to keep the plants potting mix very damp to keep them alive. But with a nice warm day it’s worth it.
Col
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August 15, 2012 at 11:06 pm #2886579
And a few days latter
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
Yep I know not much difference but. :p
S Flava with Flower Spikes & new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00721.jpg
Same weed but with the Yellow Petals of the flower starting to show and some new growth in the right hand side
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00720.jpg
S Hybrid with new growth showing [i]the red shoots.[/i]
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00715.jpg
Another S Hybrid with a Flower Spike just breaking the surface of the dirt and some new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00714.jpg
S Purpura with a Flower Spike
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00713.jpg
Another S Flava with flower spikes
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00719.jpg
There should be some new Saracenia Pitchers within a week or 2 so spring is defiantly getting close. 😉
Col
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August 21, 2012 at 6:14 pm #2887072
Finally SUCCESS
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
It’s finally happened the Lorries are eating out of my new bird feeder
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00722.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00723.jpg
Well 1 is at least. :^0
Col ]:)
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August 22, 2012 at 12:14 pm #2887051
Great!
by ansugisalas · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Finally SUCCESS
Now you just have to find an identical looking real cat and teach it to hang on an identical looking trough… and …
All this time, I must confess, I have refrained from looking up what a lorry is in this context :p
Now, seeing is believing 😉
Those sure are colorful… looks like it would be a noisy bird, but what would I know :^0-
August 22, 2012 at 12:35 pm #2887049
Our zoo has them.
by charliespencer · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Great!
And yes, they’re noisy. People pay $1.00 for a couple of ounces of pineapple juice in a plastic cup, then enter the lorry enclosure to feed them. I like to switch the cup from hand to hand frequently and make the little suckers work for it. Sometimes you can get four or five fighting over one cup.
Of course, they frequently return the processed juice…
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August 22, 2012 at 2:57 pm #2887045
Lorries AKA Lorikeets
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Great!
Are a parrot and are only known as being Extremely Noisy. Not only are they noisy they have to get the last squawk in so they compete with each other to get in the last noise.
I of course sit there and say Hello Hansom and it drives them nuts, they end up flying away squawking their little heads off. I must have trained one to say Hello as it scared the living daylights out of the neighbor as one sat up in their back landing and when she walked out to feed her birds it said hello to her. Seems that she threw the bird seed all over the place when that happened. She next stood out the front throwing some bread for the wild birds and it sat on the gutter above her saying hello.
It scared her senseless the first time so I decided to change from Hello to Hello Hansom. :^0
Those things love wet bread so you soak some bread in milk and they go crazy over it. The Bird Sanctuary at the Gold Coast here has thousands of them and they actually fight with each other to get the best position to feed on you. They are also known as Squirter’s as they squirt their appreciation of you from a fair distance away to stain your cloths and show just how much that they like you. People here say if they crap on you they really like you so if you have several different birds stain your clothing you must be really special in their eyes
Oh and should I add that these noisy little monsters have taken up residence in several trees besides a Football Club down the road here and can be heard well into the night arguing on who gets the highest branch to roust on over night. Seems that once the Football Club turns off the Lights over the fields they quieten down but while they have light they fly around making lots of noise.
Also if you sit down holding some bread they will come and eat it out of your hand while standing on you to get the best position to feed. They are the Wild Birds here and have not been encouraged to eat off people they are just that greedy. 😉
Col
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August 28, 2012 at 10:33 pm #2886797
If that one is the only one that ever dares feed there…
by ansugisalas · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Finally SUCCESS
it will probably be the size of a turkey, come Christmas ;D
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August 29, 2012 at 5:33 am #2886784
Well if this helps
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to If that one is the only one that ever dares feed there…
The Pigeons are now so fat that when one tries to jump on a Hen the hen falls to the ground and both roll across the footpath because the Male is way too heavy for the poor Hen to remain standing.
Actually all of the Pigeons are grossly overweight and are barely able to fly. They waddle across the road and dare any oncoming cars to hit them as the mere fact of a car hitting one will reduce the car to a write off. The Pigeons have the Official Demons come around weighing them and they have had their wings removed because every one is so overweight that they bodies exceed their wing limits of safe flying. 😉
The Lorries on the other hand are a bit scarce at the moment because it’s Breeding Season so they seem to have other things on their minds and we only see the young birds who are immature around at the moment. Of course though the bigger the Male is the better provider it is in the eyes of the female as they know where to find food so they will be easily able to provide food for any chicks that they father so they are sought after by the females.
I of course tell the Lorries that their Drumsticks are so big that one drumstick could feed a family of 15 for a year. If that helps. They also are having a hard time of having full feather coverage as they are so fat that the feathers do not stretch to cover them now. 😉
Probably why we have so many Magpies visit us every day and why they walk into the house to announce themselves as being here to be feed. They are getting demanding now as they cry out to be feed before anyone wakes up. They land as soon as there is enough light for them to fly and start calling to be feed.
Col
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August 25, 2012 at 10:01 pm #2886933
I should have an Open Flower tomorrow YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
The Saracenia Flava’s are really close to opening their flower this one has part of a petal exposed and should be open tomorrow followed by several more opening in the next few days
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00744.jpg
same pot with both flower spikes
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00746.jpg
Another shot of S Flava with 2 flower spikes
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00745.jpg
A S Hybrid now with easily spotted flower spikes and new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00743.jpg
A 2 year old S purpura Seedling showing new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00747.jpg
The parent Purpura that donated the seed for the above weed with a developing Flower Spike
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00742.jpg
12 month old S Flava Seedlings
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00748.jpg
Col
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August 26, 2012 at 1:56 pm #2886909
First Flower of the season
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
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August 28, 2012 at 9:05 pm #2886800
3 days till Spring Officially starts and
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
3 Saracenia Flava Flowers. :p
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00754.jpg
and another pot of Flava’s.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00753.jpg
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August 31, 2012 at 2:34 pm #2888080
The Official First Day of Spring
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 7 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
And I have 4 Saracenia Flowers Open though 2 are past their Best Buy Date. The first Flava to open a Flower
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00756.jpg
The second pot that opened flowers
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00755.jpg
The S Purpura now has 2 flower spikes on it and one will be open within a day or two
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00758.jpg
A Complicated S Hybrid that is a Hybrid on a Hybrid on a Hybrid but hopefully I’ll get some seeds this year from it
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00757.jpg
And naturally being the first day of spring it’s cold unlike yesterday which was quite warm. :^0
Col
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September 7, 2012 at 3:57 pm #2887858
And 8 days latter what a difference
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
S Flava Seedling showing new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00767.jpg
S Hybrid with Unopened Flower Spikes and new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00761.jpg
S Flava Flower Spikes and new growth with Pitchers beginning to open
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00762.jpg
S Hybrid with new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00764.jpg
S Phisitinia showing new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00765.jpg
S Flava with new Pitcher opening and flower
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00766.jpg
S Purpura Flower Opening today
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00760.jpg
N Hybrid with new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00759.jpg
It’s amazing what a difference a week makes to new growth.
Col
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September 8, 2012 at 2:18 pm #2887480
Looks like you have a great season ahead
by av . · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to And 8 days latter what a difference
Its probably not even officially Spring yet. Love that N Hybrid pic. The pitchers must get pretty big if they’re just starting to grow now.
AV
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September 8, 2012 at 3:50 pm #2887477
AV you don’t have to be stupid but it certainly helps
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to Looks like you have a great season ahead
I re-potted a couple of weeds during the week which is usual at the beginning of the growing season but one was this plant.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00702.jpg
Being very careful I managed to smash a new unopened pitcher and break every end off the leaf tendrils as I was pushing the peat moss down around it. I did not however manage to damage the pitcher in the picture but every other one I destroyed. I also re potted that Nepenthes Hybrid in the above post and didn’t do any damage at all to it in the same size pot with the same mix. The only thing I didn’t manage to break off was the growing tip so it would shoot from the base and get nice and thick.
Even the Drosera that I re-potted looks somewhat worse for wear at the moment though by the end of the month it should look much better [i]I Hope[/i] and be growing in the tub quite nicely. It’s in the back of this picture and is now just the bumps at the top of each tip. [i]The one in the blue pot in the background with the red leaves.[/i]
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00706.jpg
But as I say you don’t have to be stupid it just helps no end. 😀
Col
[i]edited to add[/i] OH Spring Officially Started here September 1 so it’s now the ninth day of Spring here at the moment. 😉
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September 8, 2012 at 5:03 pm #2887475
I love that plant! (the first photo)
by av . · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to AV you don’t have to be stupid but it certainly helps
What is it? Hal, you naughty thing for growing that. Geez, Louise, Nature at its finest (blush)
AV
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September 8, 2012 at 9:18 pm #2887473
Easy it’s a Nepenthes Mirindi
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to I love that plant! (the first photo)
Not a species just a Complex Hybrid which looks quite nice none the less. I’m still kicking myself for doing so much damage to it. I normally only did things like that when I was going to shows and trashing the best Show Plants that I was taking. Though it’s still not as bad as one that I saw with a 15 Foot Flower Spike that was carried into a Hall and stuck into a ceiling fan. A lovely yellow Orchard of some description with the flower spike covered with yellow flowers. It’s owner made very short work of that Orchard which supposedly only flowered every few years. The entire hall had bits of that orchard all over it. 😉
The good thing is that it will grow back and be better for it’s experience but I do like the pitchers.
Col
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September 11, 2012 at 9:36 pm #2887365
*sigh*
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
It’s been a long couple-three years since mine was well tended Been the longest couple-three years of my life. Nothing shows that here more than my back yard. It’s had more care this year than in the last two. I’m a little surprise what’s hangin’ in. 🙂
I’m fairly sure the raspberries are gone. I’ve a blackberry along one fence line that appears to have made it. There’s a young blackberry coming up in what has in past been the main garden. I hope to move it successfully in Spring. I’ve two of three red currant bushes going strong. I’d like to have about three more. That big ol’ gorgeous rose is still happy, and spit out five babies. I’ve given them all away.
I’m losing to ash borers. I think I’ll just cut the trees to the ground and hope they spit fresh growth in Spring. Spiders lilies are blooming. 🙂
In Spring, I’d like to dig up the raspberry bed, with an eye to replacing them. I desperately need to get rid of the garlic chives. Biggest mistake I’ve ever made. I want to move all berries to Walter’s side of the yard, ]:)
In the meantime, I’m getting in trouble on Facebook. 😀
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September 12, 2012 at 1:40 pm #2887318
Don’t worry Davette
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to *sigh*
There is no problem in a garden that can not be fixed with a bit of Elbow Grease after things have been left unattended for a while due to other pressing commitments.
You can always recover from anything honest. 😉
Well most of the time at least it’s after all always possible that someone will open an Air Lock and blow you out the door. :^0
Col
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September 12, 2012 at 4:56 pm #2887310
Just to show how fast things are growing and what an Idiot I am
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
Re potted D Capensis
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00770.jpg
How they all looked after I re-potted them
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00773.jpg
and now that they are growing even if the pot is not draining properly
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00772.jpg
Utriculia re-potted and it will eventually cover the entire pot and this pot drains right though with this plant it could afford not to. :0
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00771.jpg
A Saracenia Complex Man-made Hybrid that is taking off even if the flowers are not open yet and in the background a bone of contention a Red Hatted Gnome which magically appeared after [b]SWMBO[/b] threatened to buy me one.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00774.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00783.jpg
Some other Man made S Hybrids
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00777.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00778.jpg
S Flava with the pitchers now fully open and starting to color
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00779.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00784.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00776.jpg
S purpuria with flower fully open and no new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00781.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00780.jpg
S Psicinia showing new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00782.jpg
N Ventrosica well 2 actually that are out of control and need attention as they have grown together. Even if [b]SWMBO[/b] insists that they”ll be right. 😉
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00785.jpg
Upper Pitcher from one of those Ventrosica’s
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00786.jpg
This weed again showing not how to re-pot
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00789-1.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00787.jpg
and a view into this crushed pitcher showing it still works
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00788.jpg
A N Hybrid showing new growth and existing open pitchers both Upper Lower and Intermediate pitchers
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00769.jpg
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September 14, 2012 at 12:02 am #2887260
What a difference a day makes
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
The Complex Sarracenia Hybrid flower opened today
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00790.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00791.jpg
Another S Hybrid is getting ready to open it’s flower in the next week
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00792.jpg
And the Flava’s are fully open and beginning to color up quite nicely
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00793.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00794.jpg
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September 15, 2012 at 4:33 pm #2887212
Gorgeous, Hal.
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to What a difference a day makes
I always like to see your pics. So exotic. 😀
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September 15, 2012 at 5:29 pm #2887210
Well in that case Davette
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to Gorgeous, Hal.
This Complex S Hybrid with both flowers open. :p
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00796.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00795.jpg
Of course you realize I only post these to make you jealous as you are heading into Winter and will be stuck indoors. :^0
Col
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September 15, 2012 at 9:03 pm #2887204
Pray
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to Well in that case Davette
I don’t head too far South if I head South. ]:)
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September 16, 2012 at 4:16 am #2887193
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September 16, 2012 at 5:21 pm #2887173
Well what could I say Davette?
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to Pray
Nepenthes Ventroscia intermediate pitcher I thought you may like this one. 😉
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00807.jpg
Nepenthes Mirabilis lower pitcher and plant
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00803.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00804.jpg
Nepenthes Mirindi smashed pitcher and it’s contents
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00806.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00805.jpg
Sarracenia Hybrid Flowers
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00798.jpg
Sarracenia Purpura flower dropping it’s petals today
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00797.jpg
[i]The Stamens are clearly visible the the yellow powdery coating on the lower bit of the flower is Pollen.[/i]Sarracenia Leucophylla new pitchers opening
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00801.jpg
Sarracenia Flava Pitcher
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00802.jpg
Drosera Capensis a week after re-potting and again today
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00770.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00800.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00799.jpg
it’s actually looks as if it might be growing. :p
Finally a Drosera Binata a forked leaf sundew
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00808.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00809.jpg
Don’t say that I don’t try Davette.
Col ]:)
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September 19, 2012 at 11:03 am #2887732
Cools!
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to Well what could I say Davette?
Thanks for those. 😀
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September 23, 2012 at 5:32 pm #2887538
Monday September 24 2010
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
A Nepenthes Ventroscia Upper Pitcher forming
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00840_zps88ef21ff.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00841_zpsc6c667dd.jpg
Sarracenia Purpura second flower
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00842_zps0a11ba0c.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00847_zps36e3316c.jpg
S Hybrid flower starting to open and the second one is showing signs of dehydration
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00843_zpsba8ae148.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00844_zps23014b8d.jpg
S Hybrid with new growth
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00845_zps96d43add.jpg
S Hybrid with new pitchers open and coloring
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00846_zps078fcbd7.jpg
Forked Leaf Sundew with first flowers of the season
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00848_zpsb5ed4a1a.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00849_zpsd4fdded8.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00850_zps3cc748d0.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00851_zps2184c41d.jpg
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September 25, 2012 at 12:11 am #2888491
And another day latter
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 6 months ago
In reply to Monday September 24 2010
OK I’ve been not working today and spent all day at the Horsepital for [b]SWMBO[/b] and I actually took a look around when I got home.
A N Ventroscia Female Flower well several actually
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00852.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00853.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00854.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00855.jpg
N Mirabilis Flower sex unknown at the moment but as it emerges from the new leaf
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00856.jpg
then the plant itself looks ratty being so early into spring though
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00857.jpg
A Large N Hybrid pitcher forming
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00858.jpg
S Hybrid in flower and with new pitchers open
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00861.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00860.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00859.jpg
Now I’ll look as if I’m actually doing some work and hopefully get no one to disturb me too much. :^0
Col
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October 16, 2012 at 5:15 pm #2433432
Monday October 8 2012
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
The Day that [b]SWMBO[/b] went into Hospital so it’s taken a bit of time to get these up.
A S Minor finally showing decent growth for the year
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00871_zps2313ec10.jpg
N Hybrid starting to grow fast after repoting
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00863_zpsc11c945d.jpg
S Purpura Seedling 2 years old
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00872_zps967e0c25.jpg
Parent of the above seedling
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00874_zps17bdcbd7.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00887_zps43ed1204.jpg
S leuphillia
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00870_zps44b05c72.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00882_zps5f9de3ba.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00881_zpse817c816.jpg
Forked Leaf Sunder in flower
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00873_zpsec3978e1.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00889_zpse6479927.jpg
N Ventroscia Upper Pitcher unopen
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00868_zps22d9050e.jpg
N Mirabillis Female Flower Spike
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00865_zps1fa742dd.jpg
N Hybrid new pitcher forming
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00864_zps84776d48.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00890_zpsd75d04cf.jpg
N Ventroscia
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00867_zpseb8f8251.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00884_zpse379d542.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00885_zpsa3eee204.jpg
S Flava
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00875_zpsc11bcebe.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00869_zps88ce66fe.jpg
S complex Hybrid
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00876_zps37726e6b.jpg
another complex Sarracenia Hybrid
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00877_zpsd62811fa.jpg
Yet another S Hybrid
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00878_zpsef838fe2.jpg
and another
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00879_zps974b9770.jpg
Drosera Capensis growing at last after repoting
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/October%2016%202012/DSC00880_zps65e8737c.jpg
Col
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October 18, 2012 at 9:06 pm #2433352
A week or so latter
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Monday October 8 2012
Nepenthes Hybrid with new flower spike showing
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00899_zpsd8875609.jpg
The flower spike just emerged from the newest leaf today
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00900_zpsde723f75.jpg
New Nepenthes Hybrid unopened pitcher
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00901_zps14933c68.jpg
And a new pitcher starting on a leaf above it
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00902_zps8ce0fb13.jpg
Newly opened N Ventrocisia Upper Pitcher before the Lip rolls over, this pitcher has not been open 24 hours yet
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00903_zps388a48ed.jpg
N Ventrocisia Female Flower. You can see where the Pollen lands to fertilize the flower
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00904_zpsf87e5954.jpg
N Ventrocisia Upper Pitcher with [b]Lunch[/b] waiting to fall in.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00905_zps4d4f51e3.jpg
Col
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October 20, 2012 at 4:47 pm #2433271
They are all great pictures
by av . · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to A week or so latter
What a great time of year for you. We have Autumn now. Its really beautiful here, but I miss the growing season.
AV
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October 20, 2012 at 4:40 pm #2433273
Just beautiful
by av . · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
I love how they will grow amongst the ferns. Is that so they don’t get too much light?
Also, I was wondering, because I noticed when I had a VTF, when the plant captured some food it made the pod quite unsightly after that. When one of the pitchers eats the food, can you see remnants left behind after its finished? With my VTF, there were dark spots from the carcasses.
AV
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October 20, 2012 at 4:43 pm #2433272
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October 20, 2012 at 5:42 pm #2433268
So are you saying that you are spamming AV?
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Just beautiful
:^0
The VFT’s shouldn’t discolor unless the insects overhang the actual trap or they are dead. A VFT requires the insect to struggle to fully close and dissolve the insect. Of course if there are any chemicals on the insect that can change how things work. When a VFT Catches any insect they should put on a Burst of Growth and the number of leaves should increase in both Number and size. If that doesnt happen there is something wrong with the potting mix or there is fertilizer involved. 😉
As for the Nepenthes and Sarracenia’s they have a fluid in the bottom of the pitchers which is the same as what is inside a human stomach, it dissolves the fleshy parts of the insects and the leaf absorbs the nutrients while the Exoskeleton remains in the bottom of the pitcher.
Sarracenia Pitchers can laterally fill up with ants in a couple of days and be useless after that. Of course the Crows love them when they are like that they poke a hole in the bottom of the leaf and suck the remains out that way for their own food. Destroys the leaf and doesn’t do the plant any good either as it’s no longer getting the required nutrients to grow.
Currently Im taking some photos of a Nepenthes Pitcher and Flower Spike opening for a Book that someone is writing so I’ll post a link to the photos which are one a day roughly every 24 hours showing the nearly fully developed pitcher opening to the fully open stage. Unfortantly the Beta Photobucket doesn’t allow me to create any Albums at the moment so I’ll have to post the individual photos. 😉
Col
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October 20, 2012 at 6:06 pm #2433267
Nah, I hate spam
by av . · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to So are you saying that you are spamming AV?
I like to displace the spammers though and push their unwanted threads down to the bottom. I have no way to kill it, otherwise I would. Right under this thread is another undesirable spammer thread in the Water Cooler that I would like to blow to smithereens.
I have to admit, and you’re gonna laugh, I fed my VFTs and I probably overfed them. I feel evil and dirty. I used to capture flies and stick them in the pods. I hope that doesn’t mean I’m going to Hell. o:-) I thought they weren’t eating enough, so I helped them.
To me it was a win-win situation. I got rid of pesky flies and they had a feast. Whats wrong with that? So sue me. 😀
Anyway, I guess I gave my VTF’s a little too much food and they couldn’t digest it all and sort of passed away. 🙁
Unlike the pitcher plants, the VTFs don’t have much of a waste receptacle to contain what they don’t eat. I’ll bet too that you don’t see the darkness in their skins from the outside like in the VTFs that kind of mars their beauty when things don’t digest all the way. I could be wrong.
AV
Edit: My Angel emoticon didn’t work. Not sure why
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October 20, 2012 at 7:12 pm #2433265
Well as VFT’s are fragile they do turn up their toes easily
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Nah, I hate spam
Though when they do catch things you can see them through the actual leaf as there is a bulge in it. The way that they close is a 2 part setup. They trigger quickly and trap the insect and then over the next 12 hours or so closes fully and squash the insect. They close all around the outside of the trap so that no fluid escapes and they then crush everything inside the trap They can only eat something about 3 times but if you trigger the trap they can close and reopen about 12 times.
That however very much depends on the individual plant though. I currently have a couple still living here and as they have just come out of Winter Dormancy they are really small. The bigger pot didn’t survive winter but the moss is growing very well on it if that helps. 0:-)
I’ve never been very successful with VFT’s myself and the pot that is still alive is the wifes so I’m just avoiding them all together. 😉
Col
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October 20, 2012 at 7:24 pm #2433264
I see your angel emoticon worked just fine
by av . · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Well as VFT’s are fragile they do turn up their toes easily
Mine just didn’t work. Maybe its an omen. :^0
The only kind of VFT’s we have here are pretty puny. Its just not the right climate, even if they live in an enclosed environment. I guess they’re fussy little plants being that they can only eat something 3 times.
How is SWMBO doing? I hope shes getting better.
AV
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October 21, 2012 at 1:13 pm #2433254
Well AV I’ve been threatened
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to I see your angel emoticon worked just fine
That if I treat her as Fragile she’s going to beat the living daylights out of me. So to that end she’s walking up and getting the papers herself now, cooking for the house but only because she doesn’t trust me in the Kitchen or worse still her Daughter in Law who will poison her at the first opportunity. 😉
She’s still not up to driving or mowing the lawn but she’s well and truly up to beating me if I touch her Honda Lawn Mower. Some people seem to think that I’m being nasty making her mow the yard but she really wants to as she takes out her frustration about the Daughter in Law on the Poor Defenseless Grass apparently it’s therapy for her. :^0
Been exactly 2 weeks today since the opp so over all she’s doing well and is as cheeky as ever, She’s still insisting that she’s Innocent and can do no wrong so overall she’s doing quite well. 0:-)
Pity that she is so delusional and unfortunately there is no treatment for that. :^0
The new Medication is a bit different and will take some time to get used to but over all she’s doing well. 😉
Col ]:)
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October 26, 2012 at 6:29 pm #2434423
I’m glad to hear she’s doing well
by av . · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Well AV I’ve been threatened
Sounds like you have your work cut out for you with SWMBO. In some ways, I think you might not mind her penchant for mowing the yard. You are a lucky man, Col. Just ask any guy anywhere.
You know, you never know how meds are going to affect someone. Just look at the commercials that advertise the meds and you’ll wonder why anyone ever takes them. Yes, they will cure your ailment, *but* if you experience blindness in both your eyes and have thoughts of suicide or your arm suddenly goes limp, call your doctor. LOL.
AV
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October 26, 2012 at 11:16 pm #2434413
She’s driving now after
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Well AV I’ve been threatened
Driving me around for a couple of days to see if I could survive the IV Valium she decided that she was OK to drive. Only took me 3 days to stop shaking.
As for her new Meds she’s on them for the rest of her life apparently your Thyroid is sort of important and if you stop taking what they prescribe you get sick.
On the up side she’s saying now that she’s loosing weight and even her Monster in Law says that she’s looking better than she has for a very long time.
So it must mean something. :^0
Col
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October 27, 2012 at 5:06 pm #2434365
I have a friend that had that same operation
by av . · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Well AV I’ve been threatened
It was about 10 years ago and yes, she has to live on medication forever, as most of us do anyway, but she has done very well with it. I think with meds that it takes awhile to get used to, but they are just a blessing once you get used to them.
So, Hal, you can count on SWMBO being around for a long time to come.
AV :^0
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October 28, 2012 at 5:33 am #2434347
That’s what I’m hoping for too. NT
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Well AV I’ve been threatened
😉
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October 28, 2012 at 3:09 pm #2434320
Just to prove that I can not actually grow VFT’s
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
A VFT that has been under [b]SWMBO[/b] destructions for several years now it may even survive another year but I’m not hopeful
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00978.jpg
A Sarracenia Purpuria seedling actually growing and it’s parent
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00979.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00982.jpg
Sarracenia Leuphillia probably in need or re potting
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00980.jpg
A S Hybrid growing quite well now that it’s got it’s hope of reproducing out of the road
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00981.jpg
S Hybrids
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00983.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00984.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00985.jpg
And finally a S Minor
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00986.jpg
Col
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November 1, 2012 at 12:43 pm #2433079
And this Nepenthes Hybrid
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 5 months ago
In reply to Just to prove that I can not actually grow VFT’s
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC01024.jpg
Yes the wood you can see behind this pitcher is 12 inches wide so this is a big pitcher. 😉
Finally a Male Nepenthes Flower beginning to open
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC01022.jpg
Col
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November 1, 2012 at 10:47 pm #2433066
So, Col.
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 4 months ago
In reply to And this Nepenthes Hybrid
How would these do in FL, basically untended for the bulk of the year, do you think? I hate the friggin’ bugs down there. 😐
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November 2, 2012 at 12:39 am #2433064
Davette
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 4 months ago
In reply to So, Col.
The Sarracenia’s would probably do quite well as that is very close to the area that they grow natively, though they do like wet roots so it would be a good idea to keep them damp and not treat them like Cati as that will not do them any good at all.
If you have a wet area they’ll be quite happy.
Things like Nepenthes and VFT’s are another matter completely, however having said that I remember a nepenthes that I had years ago with a Grow Bell over it and when I eventually saw it again it would have made a Cactus look proud with it’s potting mix which was bone dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot. When I applied water the potting mix and plant floated and the peat moss didn’t soak up any water for quite a long time.
While it was getting treated so well it tripled in size and put on 3 lovely pitchers which was unbelievable for a slow growing nepenthes that would normally only grow that much in a year to 18 months.
I say treat them rough and they’ll grow and the rougher you treat them the better that they grow. But of course things like Crows like getting into the different pitchers and eating the contents which doesn’t do the plant or it’s insect catching abilities any good at all.
Yesterday I was going to take a photo of one of the Nepenthes Pitchers and as I was standing there I saw an ant fall into the pitcher. First time I’ve ever seen one actually fall in but I’ve only been growing these things for about 30 years now and don’t spend a lot of time actually looking. The only reason I was there on that occasion was because I’m taking a series of photos for a guy printing a book of Nepenthes Pitchers from when they first start to develop till they are full open, the same for Nepenthes Flower Spikes from when they first appear till they are fully open. 1 Picture a day from the beginning till the end and each taken at roughly the same time every day so lately I’m giving them a bit more attention than normal.
I’ve even been making some of them look like show plants by removing the dead foliage and that doesn’t happen often with me growing them. 😀
Col
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November 2, 2012 at 4:38 pm #2433024
I finally have a Male Nepenthes so maybe I’ll have some seed next year
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 4 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
The Hybrid Male Nepenthes Flower opening the give away are the yellow blobs of Pollen and it’s now surrounded be Female nepenthes Ventroscia Flowers.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC01041.jpg
One of the many Female Nepenthes Flower Spikes they are so common that I feel I now have a Harem of Female Nepenthes. 😉
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00853.jpg
Col
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November 11, 2012 at 2:26 pm #2434120
A new pitcher opening
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 4 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC01157.jpg
And one with Food waiting to drop in
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC01154.jpg
A Drosera Capensis flower about to open
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC01159.jpg
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November 13, 2012 at 1:52 pm #2434055
And a new flower
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 4 months ago
In reply to A new pitcher opening
Drosera Capensis
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC01193.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC01191.jpg
We’ve just had a partial eclipse here and I really should have taken the photos when the sun was at it’s dimmest the color would have been better.
Col
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February 13, 2013 at 2:30 pm #2902202
I thought these may interest some
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
But then again I may be wrong.
A hungry Drosera Capensis eating
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02742_zpsb8382069.jpg
and the same plant today
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02785_zps08461589.jpg
and another one with a flower
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02784_zpsb1755b06.jpg
A new weed that the Wifes Daughter got for me a Drosera Spatulata a Local to the area
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02653_zpsaf9be2ae.jpg
and again today
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02783_zps76da5e03.jpg
The Big Nepenthes Hybrid Pitcher is still going though with all of the hot weather recently most have stopped growing this is what it looked like when it was first opening
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC00901_zps6e55bdfe.jpg
and today
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02774_zps8341b598.jpg
Finally a Hungry Nepenthes Ventroscia Pitcher well the ants are hungry at least, this pitcher has been open for 3 days
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02779_zpsd8d0f3a1.jpg
Everything took a bit of a hiding when the tail end of Cyclone Oswald came past the place and got blown around but no real damage was done.
Col
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February 16, 2013 at 1:31 pm #2902094
Naughty plants
by ansugisalas · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to I thought these may interest some
eating with their mouths open…
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February 16, 2013 at 3:10 pm #2902090
Well in that case how about this one
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to Naughty plants
Eating with the upper part of it’s mouth missing completely. :0
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02830_zps2afa646d.jpg
Some of the damage suffered by the tail end of Cyclone Oswald.
Col
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February 15, 2013 at 6:34 pm #2902114
A series of 8 photos
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
Over a 8 day period showing a Nepenthes Ventroscia Upper Pitcher opening.
The photos where taken on a Tripod at the same placing and same height and any movement shown is down to the plant growing and wind.
I’ll add a few more pictures till the pitcher is fully open.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02707_zpsf539723f.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02722_zps779735a4.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02736_zps50782cb7.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02752_zpsa41840c1.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02766_zpsa999f357.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02780_zps1649251c.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02796_zps7c71a23a.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02812-1_zps9b8154ac.jpg
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February 16, 2013 at 12:16 pm #2902097
That’s really cool
by av . · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to A series of 8 photos
Very lush looking. I guess soon the pitcher will be “open for business”, so to speak.
AV
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February 16, 2013 at 3:59 pm #2902087
Well AV perhaps it will look like this
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to That’s really cool
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02828_zps353dd92f.jpg
It’s well fed actually. 😉
Col
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February 18, 2013 at 2:59 pm #2902032
I thought the lid is supposed to close
by av . · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to Well AV perhaps it will look like this
When it captures something, doesn’t the lid slam shut to keep it trapped? Maybe thats just true of VFTs.
AV
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February 18, 2013 at 10:17 pm #2427759
Not on this the Lid is to keep rain out
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to I thought the lid is supposed to close
Anything that falls into it can not climb out as the inside of the pitcher is covered in a Wax substance which clogs insects foot pads so they can not get a grip on anything.
Then according to some researchers the nectar that the insects eats has a slight drug effect on the bugs and they get stoned and just lie in the fluid at the bottom of the pitcher drowning.
The fluid is similar to what is found in Humans Stomachs and it dissolves the insects and the leaf absorbers the nutrients. It’s the same as most plants which absorb nutrients thought their leaves and that’s why leaf Feeding Fertilizer is so effective. 😉
Col
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February 16, 2013 at 3:13 pm #2902089
The next day slightly more open
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to A series of 8 photos
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February 17, 2013 at 2:44 pm #2902068
And yet another day on
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to The next day slightly more open
Though today it’s raining and black outside so there is some Flash Bounce and while things are better than the usual time I take them it’s not much better.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02844_zps78de2754.jpg
Col
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February 18, 2013 at 10:26 pm #2427757
Well it’s still raining today
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to And yet another day on
But it’s no where near as dark and the Pitcher is now fully open.
Col
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02862_zps76bd9579.jpg
See if you can pick this pitcher on the plant.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02864_zps83f07a25.jpg
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February 19, 2013 at 8:42 pm #2427692
There was some sun this morning
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to Well it’s still raining today
And the entire plant looks happy. Though there are not many ants around at the moment. 😉
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02878_zpsac83123f.jpg
Col
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February 17, 2013 at 1:46 pm #2902069
And because I’m really strange/perverse or whatever
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
How about some Magic Beans which the wife brought on Saturday and I’m attempting to Bonsai.
I don’t want the vines growing up to the Giants Realm in the sky or worse still aircraft flying past crashing into them. These are what Jack traded the cow for in [b]Jack and the Beanstalk.[/b] 😉
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC02837_zps38b73ebc.jpg
As it’s raining heavily outside and very black I’m not sure just how good any other pictures will turn out today but I’ll leave it a little while and see if the lighting gets any better. Otherwise I’ll have lots of Flash Bounce over the other plants.
Col
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February 17, 2013 at 4:32 pm #2902064
This years garden underway. Kind of.
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
I’ve started a good number of veggie seeds indoors, using a lighted plant rack my sister gave me years ago. I had to buy new bulbs, but no biggie.
I’ve done some heirloom tomatoes and peppers (both sweet and hot), malabar spinach, okra, cucumber, pumpkin, cantaloupe, watermelon, and several winter squash. I’ve got to hunt up some rudbeckia and echinacea seed to fill a fourth tray. Most things have sprouted, though the peppers are excruciatingly slow.
I’ve pole bean and corn, as well as a greens mix, carrots, and beets to sow directly.
My soil is not acidic enough, so I’m going to be amending heavily this year. *sigh*
I’mma tear her up soon! 😀
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February 17, 2013 at 6:28 pm #2902058
See Davette
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to This years garden underway. Kind of.
Spring is coming you’ll be able to play outside very soon. 😉
Col
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February 18, 2013 at 3:21 pm #2902031
I can’t wait for Spring
by av . · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to This years garden underway. Kind of.
We still have a snow cover, so nothing happening here. I tried starting peppers inside one year, but it didn’t work well enough for me. The seedlings from the peppers were so small, and no, they didn’t grow fast enough. I did not have luck growing them indoors.
I didn’t have luck with the potato bags either. The potatoes grew much more robustly in the planter beds. My planter beds got a little beaten up from Hurricane Sandy, so I have to fix them (I’m amazed they are still standing).
I might try some heirloom tomatoes this year. Usually I just grow cherries and beefsteak tomatoes. I love the bush beans. They are so easy. I had a lot of critter problems last year, so I fenced in the beds and pots, but some of the plants didn’t like it and died.
My worst critter last year was the CHIPMUNK! Yes, chipmunks climbed up my raised garden beds and pots and roto-rootered all the seeds. They ate the buds off of my Dinner Plate Dahlias. I was so worried about the deer and the gophers, but I forgot about the tiny little chipmunks. *SIGH*
AV
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February 18, 2013 at 10:19 pm #2427758
AV
by hal 9000 · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to I can’t wait for Spring
Alvin would never do something like that.
Honest. :^0
Col
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February 19, 2013 at 10:38 pm #2427686
I’ve always had great luck
by boxfiddler · about 11 years, 1 month ago
In reply to I can’t wait for Spring
with bush beans. I’m trying to ‘save space’, and get more out my garden this year. I haven’t done winter squash before, or eaten it for that matter. :p They’re supposed to keep well over winter, so I’m giving it a go. It would be nice to have fresh squash in the middle of an ice storm… I’m doing the little sugar pumpkins, not big ones. I want to try pumpkin soup, and home made pumpkin bread. I haven’t looked into how well they’ll keep over winter.
I move my seedlings outside as soon as possible, start hardening them off early. They get a lot ‘happier’ before going in the ground that way. They’re always kind of spindly until I get that process underway. We’ll see how things go. I’m just happy to be ‘at it’ again, finally. 🙂
I’d keep chickens if it weren’t for the raccoons. We’ve a lot of those boogers. They make the weirdest sounds late at night… 😮
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March 3, 2013 at 3:45 pm #2904096
Check this baby out
by av . · about 11 years ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
http://now.msn.com/carnivorous-plants-glow-bright-blue-to-attract-prey
Its the equivalent of the bugs going to Vegas. Decadence in bugville. Sin City. The equivalent of sex, drugs and rock and roll. Ha Ha. Even the bugs do it.
AV
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March 3, 2013 at 5:13 pm #2904095
Cool
by hal 9000 · about 11 years ago
In reply to Check this baby out
Now I wonder what my Ventroscia would look like under those circumstances.
It’s a bit big and there is a steady stream of ants and flies visiting it. The flies just sit there while I take their photos like this.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC03051_zpseb0269a9.jpg
Col
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March 4, 2013 at 6:19 am #2904083
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March 4, 2013 at 12:41 pm #2904066
Normally Flies scram so fast
by hal 9000 · about 11 years ago
In reply to It must be doing something right
But they just sit on this plant, I’ve got several different pictures with flies on the pitcher and they seem oblivious to me coming down to take photos.
Of course it could be the same fly over weeks but somehow I doubt it. :^0
Col
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April 21, 2013 at 3:22 pm #2903734
My new friend
by hal 9000 · about 10 years, 11 months ago
In reply to TR Garden Club Episode 10 Southern Hemisphere 2012
This is Gimpy the Baby Magpie who demands to be feed and then sings for about 30 minutes saying thanks or maybe I’m chocking and about to die. Actually he is singing to me now. :^0
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC04401_zps72562554.jpg
Also as it’s now getting really close to the start of Winter here is the last new pitcher I expect to see this growing period.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/HAL9000_photo/DSC04370_zpsc06dd41d.jpg
Col
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