Thistle Bee Dinner Party

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolious), is a member of the second largest plant family...the Asteraceae family, which includes approximately 22,000 species! Artichokes are also thistles, which have hundreds of disk flowers (purple below) on one flower head. Each purple disk flower has five petals (corolla) fused together and after pollination, the sepal (or modified leaves) open up and help the plant disperse seeds.

Bees pollinating individual disk flowers (purple corolla tubes).

Pappus sepals on left, and bracts on far right. Artichokes are harvested and the bracts are eaten before the the disk flowers have formed much. 

Seeds with attached pappus for wind dispersal.

Guarding the strawberry rhubarb patch...

Strawberries are like red gold to me, especially when they become strawberry rhubarb pie!

So we added something to keep the patch safe, the strawberry rhubarb patch that is.

Well, really it adds elements of fun, which needs to be cultivated in gardening and life!

As for the pie, I'll be guarding it with my fork.

Who needs a lawn when...?

Raised beds have become a popular option for urban dwellers, providing a mix of predictable soil and semi-permanent structure.

I designed and installed these different shaped beds and changed a once moss covered lawn into an aesthetically beautiful and ergonomically sound living space.

Edible plants, flowers, and perennials were situated to make the garden a true outdoor haven for entertaining guests.

Wood what?

Using scientific language is crucial to discussing the same plant, and you can use several of the sites I've listed below to confirm a plant's genus and species. This "wood violet" from a friend's garden is pictured next to a real wood violet (right) in the first photo.  "Wood anemone," Anemone nemorosa (left), has 6-7 petals, rhizomes, and palmate shaped leaflets.

Christina Cone's ID Key

There are three ways to ID a plant. One, you know it because you have seen and experienced it.  A good botanist is often right, though an excellent botanist is not afraid to say, "I'm not sure" and keep on exploring. 

Two, use at least three clues to guess your plant. A fruit or flower is best as plants are categorized by these parts. Other features like leaf shape, bark, overall form, and habitat can help, too.

And three, gather many close up photos or fallen plant material as clues to conduct further research. You can use a basic field book organized by families, or a dichotomous key that takes you through "this or that" decisions like a choose your own adventure book. There are online resources, and you can also check with local government and nonprofit plant groups. Make sure the pictures are very detailed and the descriptions include measurements, colors, and unique identifiers.

 

Pink witch hazel?!

Vibrant flowers called me and my friend over to what looked like a fushia witch hazel. Loropetalum chinese, picture here, is in the same family as witch hazel, Hamamelidaceae. This is a magnificent early bloomer for sunny areas, with beautiful bark and evergreen foliage.

Winter ID Wonders

Three or four strong clues in winter can give a plant away. Some trees have a unique bud scar "stamp" like the horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), which has a horseshoe shaped bud scar. Unique bark, fruit, and tree form can help as you get to know plants like mere acquaintances to friends.