Buzzin' Along

Eldridge Cleaver and others are quoted as saying, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”  None of the quotes referred to gardening, but, it’s the perfect comment about today’s topic:  Bees. 

The state of Illinois has 500 native bee species.  Although we often think of fuzzy, black and yellow, bees come in many sizes, colors and habits.  In addition, bees have loyal followers:  beekeepers, bee spotters, fruit and vegetable producers, scientists, bee associations, botanic gardens, universities, horticulturists, and a loosely phrased title “bee people”. 

With so many people interested in bees, you may be surprised to know the bee population continues to decline.  I’m not even close to an expert on bees; I read and I observe. 

If every one of us (rural or city) isn’t a part of the solution to protect and encourage bees, we are part of the problem.  Not the whole problem, but, enough of the problem to seriously need a little info buzzed out to encourage us all. 

Number one is know how or what products harm beneficial insects.  Insecticide, herbicide and fungicide use is not specific to one nasty insect.  It often kills every insect it touches.  And as the “Successful Farming” Bee-Savvy Garden Tips tells us, “Some pesticides still can be used, as long as the application is timed to avoid working bees.”  A bigger impact is the “systemic Nicotine-based pesticides, which means they’re taken up into the plant, producing toxic nectar and pollen.”  “Any bee that collects from such a plant will die.”  (I might add:  not only bees but all other beneficial insects that frolic on these flowering plants and trees.  If they take the toxic pollen back to the nest, the entire population may be killed.)

The second best thing you can do is create a bee friendly environment in your yard or farm.  Plant their favorite flowers.  If possible, plant native flowers that bloom from early spring to the first hard freeze.  One of the earliest in my woods is a version of wild gooseberries.  The tiny bells hang upside down even before the leaves develop.  They are covered by a wide variety of native bees.

If you're a farmer, consider planting a few acres of clover.  I'll talk more about the benefits of clover in another article. 

Bees need a study supply all summer of nectar and pollen.  Native plants provide a wider range of pollen and nectar plus sustain the bee’s habitat.  A few native plants to attract bees can be found at www.beespotter.mste.illinois.edu/topics/beegarden    (if you have trouble accessing from this link - just type it in and it will go to the site.)

Even though most of us don’t have the equipment to raise honeybees in our back yard, we can provide the habitat for native bees.  It can simply be plants that provide protection from wind and rain.  Leave some areas of soil bare and untilled for the soil dwelling bees (and wasps.)

Worried about getting stung?  Native bees are busy doing what they do best and won’t bother you unless you accidently squeeze or step on them.  Bees are a photographer’s friend.  They will pose for hours while you click away on one flower photo after another. 

Emily Dickinson said, “To make a prairie it takes clover and one bee, One clover and a bee, And revery.”   And might I add, it takes more than reverie to help that one bee.  It takes knowledge and a willingness to be part of the  solution.              

(All photos are mine except the bee with a mask - I got that from a high school classmate, Don Y., who knows more about bees than the Queen Bee.)                                                                                    

Cheers!

Are you a wine aficionado?  Are you a regular at the wine tasting bar?  Do you tend to wear clothes in the color maroon?  Have you considered building a wine cellar even though you live in a cement slab ranch-style house?  At the tour of homes, do you scope out what wines they keep in their wine racks?  Yes?  Then do I have a deal for you!

The attributes of wine are so numerous, it was destined to be used in the description of daylilies.  I love daylilies much like a sommelier loves wine.  Put the two together and here's some perfect daylilies for the wine lover's garden:  These daylily names are:  "Vintage Bordeaux", Wineberry Candy",  "Summer Wine", and "Raspberry Wine".  

All of these daylily photos are from Oakes Daylilies www.oakesdaylilies.com and are currently available for ordering.  (I don't recommend commercial garden stores unless I've personally experienced great products and customer service; Oakes always hits 100%. )  There are many more daylilies with wine topic names and other retail stores that carry them.  Back to topic:

Love wine?  Consider developing a small garden bed devoted to all things wine.  Daylilies require full sun (with some exceptions), good drainage, mulch, fertile soil (although they withstand less) and your share of sweet talk to make them feel good. 

If you want to take it over the top, add a bottle tree, candle holders made from old wine glasses, wine cork art - yes, only your imagination and resources can limit how much you want in your little wine garden. 

And last, a place to sit and enjoy a perfect glass of wine while you enjoy your perfect little wine garden.  Aw, the joys of a summer day!

   

The Great Pretenders

I was reminded of "pretenders" after seeing a picture of Johnny Depp's venture out of the garage and into a song collaboration with Marilyn Manson.  Johnny Depp has acting ability to make you believe a roll and enjoy going there.  Any time I've seen him speak "off the cuff" it appears he walks a tight rope between Jack Nicholson doing crazy and the aftermath of someone smoking too much.  The whimsical charm appears to not be there in real life.

That takes me to some very lovely nursery plants that become less charming in the garden.  They look and sound good in a catalog.  They have the prettiest foliage or flowers in the nursery.  Bring them home and they look so just right that first year - maybe even the second.  And them "BAM" the plant shows it's real personality - the one the publicity pictures didn't show.

One of those "pretenders" in my garden is "vinca".  Known as Vinca minor or periwinkle, lesser periwinkle, or myrtle, this native European plant has many beautiful attributes:

It is a trailing (meaning it sends out runners) sub shrub.  It roots along the stems to form large clonal colonies from 4-12 inches high.  The leaves are a beautiful glossy true green.  The pretty blue/violet flowers are produced from early spring to midsummer.  Occasionally it will bloom all summer into fall. 

It's always advertised as a ground cover for "hard to get anything to grow" places.  That should be the first warning:  If it grows where nothing else will grow - you've got a problem Houston.

It says it will form a dense mat that will prohibit weed growth.  Truth is - it will still let grass and weeds grow and it's a difficult process to get through the blanket of stems to pull.  It will also prohibit many perennials from being healthy; leaching out nutrients and moisture.  Fertilize and water your perennial and you've successfully fertilized and watered the vinca. 

It's impossible to rake and it must be cleaned up by hand. 

It's almost impossible to pull vinca and if you try, you better be wearing a heavy pair of gloves because the vines will cut your fingers in the process.  Using a pair of sharp trimmers works somewhat for keeping it within bounds except the fruit contain numerous seeds.  Any plant that can start from more than one way should be considered cautiously.  Do not compost. 

Weather:  I've seldom had any winter kill even during the harshest winters.  What does kill vinca:   Drought - nope.  Floods - nope.  Foot traffic - nope (other than the vines can trip a person).  "Round-up" herbicide - nope (it may kill some leaves but not the plant).  A more powerful ground sterilizer - perhaps, but, then you have an area where nothing will grow.

It is resistant to disease and insects, has widely naturalized and is now classified a noxious invasive in North America.  How did I get mine?  I was offered a bunch of plants from a garden that was going to be bulldozed.  I rushed in and that's where many of my hosta and some of my beautiful heirloom plants came from.  Along with beautiful plants, came bits and pieces of vinca.  And, it stayed for dinner...

Yes, this plant is the Johnny Depp of plant world.  Love him in the movies (catalog), just don't bring him home to meet your mother (or your garden)!

(photos of Johnny Depp and Johnny & Marilyn from publicity web)

Herbalicious

Bouquet Garni (bō-kāz' gär-nē') is a French term literally meaning garnished bouquet.  It is a group of herbs used for seasoning sauce, stew, broth and soup.  Traditionally, it includes fresh parsley, thyme and bay leaf.  Others may include basil, burnet, chervil, peppercorns, savory, tarragon, dill weed, oregano, rosemary,and  marjoram.  Vegetables such as carrot, celery, celeriac, leek, onion and parsley root are sometimes used in the bouquet although this is not the traditional recipe.  

Herbs are tied together with string so they can be removed easily at the end of the cooking. Some people wrap the herbs in a bit of cheesecloth. Others will use a small tea strainer or coffee filter.  Various bagged bouquets may be purchased ready made.   Bouquet Garni is a way of taking the herbs out of the dish before it is served.  It is easier to tie fresh herbs and bag dried herbs.  Purists argue bagging inhibits flavor. When you're out shopping for seeds or plant sets, consider herbs for use in a bouquet.  Herbs can be picked at peak times, bags assembled and frozen for use all winter.  Recipes will usually list the herbs to put in your bouquet.  Recipes that call for herbs as a visual addition or want the pungent taste when munching, will not want to use the bouquet.  Here's an example of a recipe using Bouquet Garni, compliments of Alton Brown: French Onion Soup 5 sweet onions (like Vidalias) or a combo of sweet and red onions (about 4 pounds) 3 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups white wine 10 ounces canned beef consume 10 ounces chicken broth 10 ounces apple cider (unfiltered is best) Bouquet garni; thyme sprigs, bay leaf and parsley tied together with kitchen string 1 loaf country style bread Kosher salt Ground black pepper Splash of Cognac (optional) 1 cup Fontina or Gruyere cheese, grated Trim the ends off each onion then halve lengthwise.  Remove peel & finely slice into half moon shapes.  Melt butter (300 degrees) and add a layer of onions and sprinkle with a little salt.  Repeat layering and salting until all onions are in the skillet.  Do not try stirring until onions have sweated down for 15-20 minutes.  After that, stir occasionally until onions are dark mahogany and reduced to approximately 2 cups.  This will take 45 minutes to 1  hr.   Add enough wine to cover the onions and turn heat to high, reducing the wine to a syrup consistency. Add consume, chicken broth, apple cider and bouquet garni. Reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Place oven rack in top 1/3 of oven and heat broiler.  Cut country bread in rounds large enough to fit mouth of oven safe soup crocks. Place the slices on a baking sheet and place under broiler for 1 minute. Season soup mixture with salt, pepper and cognac. Remove bouquet garni and ladle soup into oven proof crocks leaving one inch to the lip. Place bread round, toasted side down, on top of soup and top with grated cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden, 1 to 2 minutes. ______________  And that, folks, is reason enough to plant herbs this summer!

You Raise Me Up!

Today at 5:14 AM, the Spring Equinox started and now our weather and our official spring have caught up with each other.  We're heading into our 7th day of record breaking warmth and gardeners are having the time of their life. 

Beautiful music and the expectations of all things beautiful in our gardens certainly go together.  Before heading out today, listen to Andre Rieu's orchestra play "You Raise Me Up" with the beautiful gardens at Castle Island Mainau in Lake Constance mit.  Almost makes one want to put on a hoop skirt, plant dahlias and waltz.  Have a Blessed spring day! 

Ouch and More!

It's the perfect time to be in the garden:  insects are at a minimum!  I'm talking about the ones that bother humans - you and me - the gardeners - the outdoors man/woman - little innocent children!  OK, that might just take me into hysteria...

Some insects are just pesky.  Others can be real threats to the human population.  A little knowledge and prevention can go a long way.

The northeast is gearing up for a significant increase in Lyme disease.  Apparently, it goes like this:  mice eat acorns, acorns have yearly cycles of plenty and less, ticks infest mice.  When there are few acorns, mice die, when mice die ticks look for other warm blooded mammals - IE:  humans.

This area has it's share of Lyme threats from deer.  I know we certainly have our share of ticks.  It's important for every person who is in contact with nature to understand how to prevent ticks from making you their best meal of the day.

"Use a repellent with DEET (on skin or clothing) or permethrin (on clothing and gear). Products containing permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear which can remain protective through several washings. Repellents containing 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) can be applied to the skin, and they can protect up to several hours. Always follow product instructions! Parents should apply repellents to their children, taking care to avoid application to hands, eyes, and mouth."  The website www.cdc.gov//Features/LymeDisease/ has additional information on the application of DEET on children.

Then there is the West Nile Disease problem transmitted by mosquitoes.  West Nile is a tricky little disease because some people seem resistant while others may become seriously ill.  It appears the older the person, the more apt you are to become ill if bitten by an infected pest.  Again, I use the US CDC as my source:

"What repellent should I use? CDC recommends a variety of effective repellents. The most important step is to pick one and use it. There are those that can protect you for a short while in the backyard or a long while in the woods. DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus are all repellents recommended by CDC. All contain an EPA-registered active ingredient and have been evaluated for efficacy and safety.  There are good repellents for every budget, age and preference. Excuse gone."

The bottom line for insect transmitted disease prevention is to wear protection every time you're in the garden (or where ever your activity takes you.)  Know the symptoms and seek immediate treatment if you think you've been infected.

You may want to read my previous article #41 "Dem Bugs, Dem Bugs, Dem Bad Bugs" regarding natural prevention and control.

And that's another thing you may want to consider this spring:  What can I do in my gardens to ease the chances of it being a perfect habitat for insects who need warm blood to survive?  And the second step is what can I do in my gardens to entice insects and birds that love to eat these "bad bugs"?

The first step is to try your very hardest to NOT use pesticides on your gardens.  That may sound like an odd recommendation when you want to kill every last one of those little suckers - literally blood suckers.  The problem and it's a huge problem, you will kill all the beneficial insects and perhaps the birds in the process.  You'll have less problem insects if you stop using pesticides and start enticing good insects.  It takes time to develop your land into this peaceful habitat where there's a balance.  Weather and the natural cycle of some plants will also be a factor.  We can never totally control nature.  We can learn to help.

One of the beautiful things about this early spring (or whatever we are having this year) is working outside with few insects to bother.  My daffodils started to bloom yesterday and I'm so outside with my camera today! 

"May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go."

Irish Blessing

Crocus Anyone?

I was in a bit of a quandary about a story topic until our granddaughter, Gracie, and I walked the yard.  Although things are definitely coming up spring, it’s still a rather drab messy time of the year in the gardens.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear?  The bright golden crocus I planted last year!

 
Like all spring flowering bulbs, crocus leaves need to absorb sunlight to enhance the next year’s growth.  Crocus naturalized in the lawn grass doesn’t work for me because the grass always needs mowing prior to the leaves dying back naturally. 

I’ve planted here and there in the flower beds only to forget and dig them up later in the season.  Still I’ve refused to give up on these little beauties.  This current batch is planted under the old walnut tree where the comfrey will grow later in the summer.

Crocus are among the first spring flowers to bloom.  They’re like a rainbow after the winter storm.  They come in a mass of brilliant colors:  shades of blue, gold, purple, white, mauve and stripes.  There’s a few new varieties pushing the old boundaries of color and form.   

Crocus are carefree:  Plant them in this area of the Midwest and forget until they put on the show.  Plant in sun or partial shade (during bloom time) and well drained soil.  They have good drought tolerance.  They are disease, deer and pest resistant.  Cover with screen wire if squirrels dig up bulbs in your yard. 

Spring-blooming crocus should be planted in the fall. Fall-blooming crocus should be planted in late summer or early fall. Plant the corms with the wide side down and the buds facing up. Place them 2 or 3 inches deep and about 3 or 4 inches apart; they will spread.

Crocus look best when planted in drifts or patches.  Because they only get eight inches tall, they will get visually lost if not planted in groups.  I dig one hole, plant several, and dig another hole and repeat.  Don’t much too deep. 

Unlike this year, crocus often bloom while there’s still snow on the ground and the weather freezing.  Plant where you can see them from the window if you want full enjoyment each year. 

 The bulbs (actually called corms) are from the iris family.  Different kinds bloom in spring, winter or fall.  They are not native to the United States.  When buying crocus corms, the bigger the better.  The better the more expensive.  Now the reality:  cheap and small isn’t all that bad either. 

One interesting little fact:  The spice saffron comes from an autumn blooming crocus.  Most original words for crocus mean yellow saffron.  It takes thousands of crocus flowers to make an ounce of saffron – hence the cost.

 If you’re looking for a little brightness to bring your spirits up next spring, plant a batch of crocus this fall!   (Or is it a covey, or herd, or gaggle?)