This account is focused on my efforts to grow things in support of the humans and animals living around the house. Header pic: a grouping of crocus flowers, five purple-and-white striped and one white, in a leaf-mulched bed Profile pic: Me striking a casual explorer's pose- flat hand up, shading over the hat brim to look out into the distance- next to a Thomas Dambo wooden troll sculpture so large only the legs are visible. Location: Northeast Illinois US Hardiness Zone: 5b Land: Suburban yard Experience: 6th season
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2026-07-08T15:27:01Z Event JSON
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Last Notes npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung The library plant swap resulted in some surprises. Guess I'm going to attempt celery and asparagus for the first time this year too. #gardening #GrowYourOwn https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/116/599/284/046/609/553/original/7e30a634725b1fbc.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Greetings from an above 50 F February weekend here in #NorthernIllinois. Had it on the schedule to prune the pear tree anyway, but I sure wasn't expecting to not need a jacket. The birds were loud. A single bee flew by. Cold is back in the forecast for next weekend but for now, I kicked off #gardening season 6. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung In past years, I've been thankful for the winter #gardening break and don't get antsy to get back at it until later in February. This year, I'm missing it already, just a few days into January. As the news keeps coming, I'm missing the centering that comes with being outside, being active, helping things grow... trying to make something better. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung So the leaves turn into soil, like compost? π I'm glad I don't have to plant a lemon tree first. :) npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I'm going to try potatoes next year. Besides the hill-ing, is there more I should keep in mind? npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung One of the nice things about the increasing #NativePlants market is having a selection of spring plants available at the end of the season. I added some marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) and nodding onions (Allium cernuum). For the leaves, I also use them to mulch. A lot of it gets stored in various ways to feed the #compost through the next year. #gardening #NorthernIllinois npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Activity from an almost-70F mid-November Saturday: emptied and spread the rest of the finish compost, finally put the tulips and final garlics in, finished planting the clearance #NativePlants... Talked to north neighbor about using leaves from that side (already getting leaves from south neighbor), harvested the fallen leaves from the front yard. I don't clear the back so I really need all the leaves I can get. #gardening #NorthernIllinois Now it is a mid-40F Sunday. Time to head outside and put the tools away. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung We'll check in on results next summer. π npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I'll be curious on the results because space is limited for me. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Great point! It's prime on-sale time. I could do with another one. Hmm npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung You have the same reaction as I did when getting the recommendation to plant garlic. π Really? That's how it works? It did turn out to be as easy as they said it would be though. Put (seed garlic) cloves in the ground. Wait for spring for the above ground part to show up... The trees are in color right now. I'm antsy waiting for the leaves to fall. That's how #gardening has warped my perspective (in a good way). That's my mulch and compost browns up there! π npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung This is the third year for #garlic and I may be overreaching, ha. I think I did 8 inches apart before but I'm going 6 just for the sheer number of cloves going in. I have some German Red carrying through from harvest. The family ate all the Music before I could set ones aside. So from the garden center- more Music and new-to-me Duganski. #gardening Do you also do garlic? npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung It is the Fiskars garden basket. I use it all the time so was worth the higher price to me. Holds a lot of weight, very sturdy, and the three compartment system works well. Two of the sections have holes to handle wet things. Could definitely use to rinse outside but overall too big to put under a sink inside. #gardening npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Closed up the 2025 veggie season this weekend. Here's my final harvest basket. Plus half of the garlics are in. #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/486/118/219/409/206/original/073ab5d86585111c.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/486/131/807/679/052/original/d13011161d2abcca.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung There are still more out there but I cleared some areas for garlic. Intake pic from this weekend. #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/454/745/885/714/720/original/46f510bfd8f0472a.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung The selections are few out there. The hoverflies are finally resorting to the unpopular pink mums. #pollinators #BloomScrolling #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/450/166/942/609/944/original/b84f5979f270b084.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung There's a declining maple tree in the yard that was hosting #woodpeckers. Unfortunately, their diligent home building weakened this junction, and a storm toppled that whole section. I hope they are doing okay without their shelter. The marks are fascinating! #BackyardHabitat (An arborist did visit previously and said it was fine to leave up. Nothing overhangs the house, sidewalk, or neighbors' driveways.) https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/415/768/473/846/495/original/8167eee9a6b20f81.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/415/770/169/613/637/original/46a57b830d0772be.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/415/796/240/182/674/original/4f280096050ab5f9.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/415/818/043/302/068/original/b6400b4a4686944e.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I'm finding out these cooler-temperature grown beans are more tender than the summer ones. Really delicious! The fall radish was also a welcome peppery hit. #gardening #NorthernIllinois #GrowYourOwn https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/401/726/654/732/857/original/d09168c885856667.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung We're not quite done yet. Harvest basket from this weekend. #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/362/056/693/458/886/original/052e0e991787487a.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I believe the perennial mums get labeled "hardy" or the tag will note the temps. Reliably available at the end-of-season clearances happening soon for me. Even if they don't look great when I buy them, things go well the following year. π #gardening #NorthernIllinois npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Yes, the mums are perrenial where I am. They're great ground cover in the spring, and then they flower after the goldenrods are done. Not all are good #pollinator helpers though. I knew the orange/yellow ones would be because the bees were on them at the nursery, but the purple ones, while pretty, are not being visited. #gardening #BloomScrolling #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/358/713/677/941/631/original/86c5cb9c99de8df5.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/358/728/568/812/162/original/8cd85942e52cafcb.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung One wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) flowering stalk deciding to bloom with the mums. #gardening #NativePlants #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/287/765/767/915/917/original/b0c26c136aa95d12.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Life's been busy. A quick catch-up post with harvest basket pics. (Right, this past weekend. Left, two weekends ago.) Thus ends the yellow squashes. Still cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, and peppers out there. This year, I went through the experiment of just going with the volunteer cherry tomatoes as they show up. I'm happy to say it was a success. No effort or cost on my end. #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/251/629/746/391/586/original/ac06252b1464bd40.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/251/631/697/045/281/original/62041fc23b96c868.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Wow, that is some dedicated problem solving. Is the shark one working better? npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung The cat tribunal is not going to have any mercy on whoever came up with that collar. π npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung That's a jalapeΓ±o? π― npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung That's great! This is the first year there is a nice flush of those. They do seem pretty sturdy and it is good to know they'll be around for a bit. π npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I'm impressed with the long-blooming season of the false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides). The yellow started peeking out late June and new ones are still opening now. The purple/pink around them (wild bergamot, blazing star, obedient plant) cycle through. Yet the yellow remains! #NativePlants #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/180/088/879/870/299/original/2493873874c64d2a.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/180/089/710/492/477/original/f7ac321b721cc831.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Harvest basket picture from this past weekend. Lots of beans. Yikes! I like the little teeth marks in the rejected pepper. #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/174/495/894/432/941/original/f2466f9a83d5e0e4.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/174/496/597/927/776/original/8b9aebd2a61856e5.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I'm flattered to be considered knowledgeable but I think the details will make a difference. What kind of flowers, seeds or starts, how big are the rocks... that kind of stuff. If you put the tags on it, people who have those flowers or ground conditions may also jump in to provide their experience. Generally, when I do native plants, I do very little ground prep but I do try to match up the preferred conditions from the start. Annual flowers get more babying. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Ha, as much as I enjoy being out there, I am gloved and in long sleeves. Too many jump scares. π npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung An experience of biodiversity connectiveness- A society of house sparrows lived near by, centering on a nest hole in a neighbor's garage. That garage got repaired and now the sparrows are gone. It's noticeably more quiet. Even the other birds aren't around as much, which was a surprise to me. I'm also seeing more caterpillars. Like this fluff ball (ID says tiger moth) on a nightshade weed I was removing. I guess I'll leave the spot as is for a bit longer. #insects #BackyardHabitat #pollinators https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/163/482/633/553/991/original/193ff102b6b27dfe.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Dr. Internet π says the large milkweed bug basically slurps milkweed (the sap and through liquefying), but this doesn't really do any damage. From what I'm seeing, this is true so far. It's nice to be able to leave things alone. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I'm blurring this one because it is a lot of milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus). Nothing wrong with them, of course, but a lot of something, especially insects, can be a bit... sensation-inducing. The nymphs remind me of football players. #insects https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/131/234/617/673/262/original/cbb498d34a4509f4.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Do you also give the neighbors the prettier ones? #gardening #GrowYourOwn https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/123/811/468/396/444/original/53e8f06d82741eb0.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Couldn't find the swallowtail butterfly #caterpillars on the carrots today. π Hope they are doing okay under that mess somewhere. Found two #monarch ones though. π On swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). #NativePlants #gardening https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/120/299/871/310/230/original/8f94be3878e2f324.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I've been checking for swallowtail butterfly #caterpillars on the golden alexander plants (carrot family) all season and coming up empty. But on the garden carrots, all of a sudden, there are some nice fat ones. #gardening #pollinators https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/092/032/919/542/426/original/3e7dc65c3cab7575.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Sounds like you are doing a lot of things well and according to advice. One thing that helped me with root vegetables is to really make the soil fine. Not just loose but extra worked through. It made a difference. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung That's wonderful! Thanks for letting me know. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Looking forward to a weekend when the heat index is not over 100 F. This is the scene that greeted me as I opened the door and managed to snap a quick picture. #Hummingbird visiting cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) admist the gone-to-seed golden alexanders and the up-and-coming mums. #gardening #NativePlants #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/078/901/238/597/226/original/f8ae39e273ecb36a.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Yes, I grow in the backyard. Thank you! npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Spent a bit of time in the #garden today because a couple of really powerful storms came through. Most things are now topsy-turvy out there. The fabric I put up as shade covering for the hostas shredded away. Metal supports tipped over. Plant stems snapped. I need to further adapt my stuff for #ClimateChange. #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/070/497/185/431/510/original/296220842fb56863.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/070/498/090/544/121/original/cc84dea53149b78c.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung The speed at which this happens continues to catch me off guard. I'm in anticipation mode since I've seen the cucumber beetles around now. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I'm in awe that you keep up with your journaling. I wish I were as disciplined. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung The heat has sun-scalded the Early Girl tomatoes. I think they're going into a less exposed position next time. #Garden basket from this weekend. #gardening #GrowYourOwn #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/044/774/956/896/867/original/40c19cf0af6329b1.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung That's so great to hear! I hope today continues to go well. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung The difference in the eyes of that last photo is so stark. I'm glad things are turning around. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I think my experience will match both of yours. The bush beans produced plenty. I'm going to rethink next season. π Michael, did you find something you like growing in the shadier conditions? npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Yes, I will need to make a better trellis next time. I only have one metal pole and it is not enough. I underestimated these beans! Your system looks great! I like how the panels can move around. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Instead of bush beans, I thought I'd try pole beans this year to save space. Ha! The now invisible trellis is falling over. I'm sticking random poles wherever to spread things out. I have to cut constantly to expose the flowers. This is fun but a lot of work. #gardening #GrowYourOwn https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/115/001/701/125/993/516/original/76da64dc25eaef2c.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung He's lucky to be neighbors with you. TNR π npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Too dark to see who found a tucked-in napping spot underneath the nicely curled coneflower petal. #gardening #pollinators #NativePlants https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/948/054/387/539/946/original/d27303741671b6cd.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I'm glad I like them because they're the captains now. High heat, windy storms, and tall plants make for a lively, topsy-turvy view. #NativePlants #gardening #NorthernIllinois Front: Mountain mint (white) at waist level, stiff goldenrod (green and waiting), Joe Pye (purple) is over 8 ft tall. Back: some kind of Asiatic lilly (orange), wild bergamot (pink), cup plant (yellow). Grass and wild violets. https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/942/273/739/771/633/original/b7bf0b4fed42beef.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Aw, bummer. A family member used some scent sprays, I think, on their roses. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung The first ones that didn't split. π The rain also busted a bunch of tomatoes. I didn't know deer liked tomatoes. My area is too congested to have them come through. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Harvest basket this weekend- Cleaned up the garlic. The cucumbers got a bit out of control. These are going to be over ripe. It feels like we're getting so much rain but the monitor says we're still in drought conditions. Really emphasizes how dry it's been the last several years. The rain sure is pumping up the sizes. #NorthernIllinois #gardening #GrowYourOwn https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/927/272/093/046/323/original/9c85b2b7b2a2cd26.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung It's a challenge because they are only an inch or two and dart through the flowers so fast. Their wings are blurs already. The automatic focus doesn't know what to do and I'm not good enough to do manual focus. I basically click a lot and look at the results later. π npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I keep trying to photograph this year's hummingbird clearwing moths but only managing blurry takes so far. Resharing this lucky snap from last year instead. #NativePlants #pollinators #moth #gardening https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/900/280/485/909/919/original/cd2107c90c007831.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung It's nice they are easier to spot and so pretty, isn't it? A change from all the camouflaging that goes on. πGreat looking petunias! npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Black swallowtail on swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) #NativePlants #pollinators #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/888/218/238/014/144/original/2911507b4b6d82fc.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Summer veggies hitting the kitchen now #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/882/993/956/679/389/original/25064797dae6b2bc.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung A photo that's making me laugh- the bumblebee makes me think of Gonzo shyly peeking out from behind the gray-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnatal) stem. #NativePlants #pollinators #gardening #BloomScrolling The background gives a sense of the height and thickness of the wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) patch. https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/863/141/951/810/774/original/2f0b84c10c9d388b.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung White for the summer #NativePlants #pollinators #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/857/638/102/149/074/original/d85f301302e7d226.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/857/638/998/480/268/original/3621ddab4c207151.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung The wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) decided to vigorously kick off this week. I'm glad I tried the Chelsea chop. Even had a too-fast-to-photograph hummingbird stop by for a taste. #NativePlants #pollinators #NorthernIllinois #gardening https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/849/291/724/714/756/original/d054ecfbf053c3db.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/849/292/494/217/411/original/d7c71e954d24cf68.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/849/293/487/347/987/original/fffbe7558a1907ac.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung FWIW, I also wanted to avoid the soaring stems and test shortened some last month. Didn't affect the blooming at all. They're going gangbusters. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung They have no shame and no fear. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung You have a nice amount in the picture and I thought you may have found the elusive answer. π I don't know how asters survive in the wild. Ha npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung How do the asters escape the rabbits? npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Summer flowers are starting to fill in. Upside down seems to be the preferred way to truly enjoy the mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum). #NativePlants #pollinators #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/826/124/008/816/683/original/9ed3ef81fe754955.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/826/131/411/478/074/original/022055b6c5d329d6.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Makes sense since our golden alexander is also in the carrot family. Interesting that something else, like wild carrot, is hard to establish where it is native but spreads too easily here. Frustrating npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Thanks! I will keep an eye out. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung My notes say these were part of the 2023 additions. π Got big this year though. Have to figure out some supporting plants now or they will keep flopping over. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung One of the reasons I added Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) is because it is a host plant for black swallowtail butterflies. I think this one is laying eggs all around the plants. (Will try to take a closer look today)π€ Gotta celebrate small act wins. #NativePlants #BackyardHabitat #gardening https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/801/108/489/241/364/original/10377b9fa0332a3e.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/801/109/911/303/898/original/9d556eb9fdb3ff5c.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I remove leaves for airflow and to open up access to the flowers. For me, I get more issues if the leaves get dense. ymmv π npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Joining in with the garlic harvesting crowd. Planted 18, got 16 back. Pretty happy with that for a second season try. Drying out a bit and then will clean up more. #gardening #GrowYourOwn #NorthernIllinois #Zone5b https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/796/304/271/613/665/original/47869f9103783c01.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung High heat meant less time outside. When I get back out this weekend, I'm expecting to find a lot of surprises, like this bunch of cucumber flowers. #gardening #NorthernIllinois #GrowYourOwn https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/755/418/325/938/771/original/7d3befd7e9f657ee.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Along the lines of never counting out #NativePlants - I thought the false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) didn't make it. Turns out, I just couldn't recognize it next to the wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). Took this picture with phone overhead. So, very much alive. #gardening https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/741/189/841/994/067/original/6a12a62454d54c09.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Second #monarch of the year spotted this weekend. Winds were high but it looked strong flying through the yard. #NorthernIllinois #BackyardWildlife npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I find Vogt's personality challenging but his practical information is very practical and good for my suburban setting. I think a lot of it is in his book Prairie Up. A friend just dropped off some netting from last year's cicada protection. I'll have to figure out how to put that to use over some veggies. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung This is my current approach and it works only as well as the rabbits want it to work. π I didn't try onions but I tried mint (with the mountain mint and monarda), and those weren't successful for me. Once I saw that the rabbits like to be comfortable, my main tactic is to not give them a good place to sit. Benjamin Vogt was an eye-opener and I'm planting closer together. I use sticks poking up to fill in extra space. There's a juniper that's providing excellent prickly material. The increased choices may be helping as well. The plantain-leaf sedges are nice and full when they've never been before. On the whole, I try not to be too frustrated because if someone put a pizza in front of me, why wouldn't I eat it? π Still, I wish there were more resources that are- Ok, you planted for wildlife. Now here's what to do now they're here. (Ha) I'll be curious how the onions work out. It sounds like you've tried others in the past? npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Really excited to see pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida) on this hot, windy day. I planted two in 2022 but the rabbits kept eating them. In the photo, the rabbit chomped one is in the lower left. But this one grew up! Maybe because I added wine cups (Callirhoe involucrata), which rabbits also love but they grow faster than rabbits apparently. The little pink flowers are them poking through. Plus, the yellow conflower didn't get eaten either and will flower this year. #NativePlants Just never count them out. #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/723/431/349/848/846/original/7ad633a494eb2a9f.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I have the same issue (no obvious place) and just used the garage last year. Wasn't cool and airflow was via one open window most of the time, but it still worked fine. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Hot and dry for enough days that I drew the rain barrel water down past the screeened points this weekend. This young robin is confused where its bath went, completely ignoring the water just behind. I watched it hop around, looking downwards at the water below. It flew off and came back a couple of times. It will probably catch on soon. :) (The white bits are dried cottonwood fluffs. Not bird poop.) #BackyardWildlife #gardening #bird https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/698/789/080/198/201/original/66c2878b6b4a1a2b.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Last year, a single volunteer purple basil showed up and I let it go to seed. Now I have lots of purple basil. Will try to make pesto for the first time withe garlic scapes. #gardening #GrowYourOwn #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/690/728/310/259/318/original/5630ee152a5c4cd6.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/690/729/241/728/367/original/a9f4ce6086afedc0.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I often wonder what my neighbors think about my gesture-filled conversations with the botany. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Spring flowers (Solomon's seal) are still here with early tomatoes (New Girl) also arriving. #gardening #NorthernIllinois #NativePlants https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/672/972/600/641/523/original/ea5ab062dd14927f.jpg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/672/973/475/949/163/original/f4490bd19d5bb386.jpg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I'm just a stranger on the internet but I think this is a knock down situation. They build pretty quickly when the spot is good, but this doesn't sound like a good spot for you or them. If they are like mine (who try in the metal mailbox every so often), they'll come back around for a bit and then move on. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung An inch of rain means the cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) gets to do its thing. The peonies have damply flopped over but were pretty for an couple of days. #NativePlants #NorthernIllinois #gardening Sidebar- My phone went into an update and now all my pictures look horrible. π https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/628/057/527/846/955/original/65c31d3815eb0b81.jpeg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung June flowers, big and small, in the yard. The peonies are bigger than my hand and of colors my phone camera can't seem to handle. I'm not sure the carpenter #bee liked the peony because it rolled on its back and started cleaning? its tongue. Is that a thing? The Ohio spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) has small purple flowers, barely larger than my finger tip, that only last a day. #NativePlants #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/606/223/575/080/511/original/14c854c9c63ed669.jpeg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/606/224/279/069/391/original/e436f0cd23de1c86.jpeg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Saw a bit of orange float through the yard. Maybe the first monarch of the year? It didn't land for a picture so sending up this bee on salvia instead. #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/577/736/341/488/343/original/e478404ffedf4009.jpeg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Some setbacks in the #garden due to stupid work but successful radishes for the first time! Thanks to everyone who told me radish greens are delicious because they are! But now I have some roots too. #gardening #GrowYourOwn #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/569/193/182/314/392/original/f588f79a81bda68e.jpeg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung When using google, you can add "before" in the search to get results published from before that date. For example, "Before:2023" will show older pages. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Two more part-shade #NativePlants filling out and flowering. Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) at home with the heuchera and hosta. Golden alexander (Zizia aurea). #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/494/832/131/190/971/original/d4989782fcad178c.jpeg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/494/833/298/715/886/original/ddc6338f424e60a8.jpeg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I used to be sad at how much shade there is in the yard. Now I wish there was more because the plants are so interesting! I took a pic of the forming flower buds of the Solomon's seals (Polygonatum biflorum) in sun or we wouldn't be able to see them. You'll need to zoom in anyway. π Wood sedges (Carex blanda) are still in the pots but going anyway. #NativePlants #gardening https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/491/732/479/103/234/original/90bfa06a310790d4.jpeg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/491/735/412/976/741/original/e27794c4d929f608.jpeg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Oh, very cool! I should think of that for down the road. I figured I'll start with beans. π npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I believe this is the first one and the seed library has been empty for the last few years. But it seems the librarian is going to try again and I'll try to support too, now I'm more experienced. If I didn't already get my veggies, I could have picked up a lot of free starters there. Grabbed a packet of mammoth sunflowers, which is an invitation to entertaining failure. I'm glad your area is developing too. Inter-library seed network! π I think libraries are modern miracles. They would never get established today. npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I seem to have a thing where I don't plant mixed bulbs more mixed. #gardening #BloomScrolling #tulips https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/466/681/042/578/253/original/9d28db9acf3fabaf.jpeg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung It's already passed π and I had to rush to participate. Unfortunately some of the plants were still in shock state. Will try to plan better next year. Met the librarian who is trying to ramp up the growers' programs. They're lackluster when compared to other area libraries. Sounds like your plant swap is well established? npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung I'm celebrating being able to divide several #NativePlants this season. Some Joe Pye went to another area of the yard. Others went to the library's plant swap. #gardening #NorthernIllinois https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/460/978/701/854/912/original/da72b06dd66a3e68.jpeg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/460/979/489/775/794/original/6906c66cf7fbd89c.jpeg npub1n33veuw4nyxht0emshagglhde9av3jzk669rzlufl9xtzf5xp2esw87n3j Marie Kung Two purple flowered #NativePlants in the yard. Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) and blue violet (Viola sororia) #gardening #BloomScrolling https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/455/387/565/069/778/original/913c1f6a4342ed5e.jpeg https://assets.growers.social/media_attachments/files/114/455/388/396/653/829/original/460b9c94f483256b.jpeg