Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago rugose) I want to save native plants.
I want to end homelessness. No creature, whether it has 2, 4, 6, 8, or no legs, should be without the basics of food, water, and shelter.
I can do something towards both goals by collecting seeds from all the native flowers I find and then planting successive generations of each one over the coming years.
Since I started this mission, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the diversity around me. There are more species of plants out there than I thought. We’ve lived here for 28 years and never realized there was so much life sharing this same space!
Every week, I discover something new. Today, I found a couple of different varieties of goldenrod. One of them is the native wrinkle-leaf goldenrod (Solidago rugose). I’ll keep track of their location and gather some seeds next autumn.
I want to end homelessness. No creature, whether it has 2, 4, 6, 8, or no legs, should be without the basics of food, water, and shelter.
I can do something towards both goals by collecting seeds from all the native flowers I find and then planting successive generations of each one over the coming years.
Since I started this mission, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the diversity around me. There are more species of plants out there than I thought. We’ve lived here for 28 years and never realized there was so much life sharing this same space!
Every week, I discover something new. Today, I found a couple of different varieties of goldenrod. One of them is the native wrinkle-leaf goldenrod (Solidago rugose). I’ll keep track of their location and gather some seeds next autumn.
But seeds alone won’t do the job. Trees and shrubs are also a part of the equation.
I vary my walks between taking the easy way along the roads or the more difficult routes through the fields and woodlands. The second option has turned into a gold mine lately. This past week, I found a black cherry tree (Prunus serotina) and an American beautyberry bush (Callicarpa americana). They’re both native species and very beneficial to birds and wildlife as well as pollinators.
I can’t neglect to mention the blackberry and blueberry bushes and a blossoming persimmon tree I’ve encountered. Nor the holly, dogwood, magnolia trees, and the various shrubs I’ve marked for further observation.
I vary my walks between taking the easy way along the roads or the more difficult routes through the fields and woodlands. The second option has turned into a gold mine lately. This past week, I found a black cherry tree (Prunus serotina) and an American beautyberry bush (Callicarpa americana). They’re both native species and very beneficial to birds and wildlife as well as pollinators.
I can’t neglect to mention the blackberry and blueberry bushes and a blossoming persimmon tree I’ve encountered. Nor the holly, dogwood, magnolia trees, and the various shrubs I’ve marked for further observation.
American Beautyberry bush, Holly tree, Southern Magnolia
I’m discovering so much and having so much fun!
It’s astonishing the number of “new to me” plants I’ve come across in just the past three months. Something catches my eye, indicating this tree or bush is different from all the others in the area; my “Seek” and “Picture This” apps give me a good idea of what it is, and then I go from there.
I love learning new things. Collecting seeds and discovering unusual facts about the plants I come across is an ongoing learning experience that’ll continue for a long time. Now, I want to add a twist and include propagation to the list of skills I’m trying.
I’m starting with something simple. I took some clippings from blueberry and blackberry bushes and will attempt to root them. I’m sure many of you have already mastered this talent, but please have patience with this newbie.
It’s astonishing the number of “new to me” plants I’ve come across in just the past three months. Something catches my eye, indicating this tree or bush is different from all the others in the area; my “Seek” and “Picture This” apps give me a good idea of what it is, and then I go from there.
I love learning new things. Collecting seeds and discovering unusual facts about the plants I come across is an ongoing learning experience that’ll continue for a long time. Now, I want to add a twist and include propagation to the list of skills I’m trying.
I’m starting with something simple. I took some clippings from blueberry and blackberry bushes and will attempt to root them. I’m sure many of you have already mastered this talent, but please have patience with this newbie.
I trimmed the cuttings to around 5-6 inches tall and removed the leaves from the bottom of the stem. Then, I chopped the remaining leaves in half so they wouldn’t transpire so much water.
After giving the soil a little drink of water, I poked holes in the dirt for the cuttings. Next, I dipped the blueberry and blackberry stems in some powdered rooting hormone before inserting them in their new homes.
And voila! There’s my first attempt at propagating plants. Tiger could care less, but I was happy with the first successful steps in my experiment. I hope to get at least half of them to root. Then the effort would be worth all the drops of blood I shed from the blackberry stems stabbing me every chance they got. In about 5 or 6 weeks, I’ll let you know how things work out. Keep your fingers crossed.
If anyone out there is willing to share your secrets, this novice would appreciate any advice from the pros. Feel free to comment and let me know your tricks of the trade.
If anyone out there is willing to share your secrets, this novice would appreciate any advice from the pros. Feel free to comment and let me know your tricks of the trade.
RSS Feed
