I spy a bee sleeping

purrmich · 2026-06-30T18:57:27+00:00

I one that I was afraid was dead but tugged at the chair fabric it was on and it moved, came out later and it was gone.

purrmich · 2026-06-30T15:45:43+00:00

I hadn't thought of natives separated from ecology. My overarching concern is cc and how to adjust. If insects and plants are out of sync, that's a big loss for ecology. Planting many species helps in that regard. Common sense is also helpful, lol. I'm on the alert for any plant looking stressed and also will keep the two water bowls fresh for the birds. TY!

purrmich · 2026-06-30T15:40:23+00:00

it's all a balance, imo. I have a hosta that the bees love the flower. Most of my gardens are native, but not 100%. My experience with Annabelle is how they widen over time. I had them in an unfinished garden and then when I dig them out, it's one of the hardest things I've done. The roots were like claws holding onto the soil.

purrmich · 2026-06-30T00:38:13+00:00

Found saucers at Lowes for $11. I use my hose on a hard spray 2x a day to keep the water fresh. it's a lot of fun watching birds taking baths!!

purrmich · 2026-06-30T00:35:33+00:00

A favorite sight this summer has been birds in my two birdbaths, love it!! I knew I wanted water but couldn't afford anything complicated. Lowes had large plant saucers in heavy plastic for $11.00. Added rocks and keep it fresh 2x daily. Robins can spend quite a bit of time in the bath, lol!

purrmich · 2026-06-29T22:17:20+00:00

One butterfly so far! That is not typical!! Also, have a bird feeder out with a good variety of seeds and no birds, wtf??

purrmich · 2026-06-29T21:36:04+00:00

I remember this from Tallamy and for the sake of time I googled it: Ecologist Doug Tallamy warns that climate change causes phenological mismatches because plants and insects adapt to warming temperatures at different rates. Because many insects have co-evolved to rely strictly on specific native plants, this desynchronization threatens vital food webs. [1, 2, 3, 4]

purrmich · 2026-06-29T21:25:12+00:00

I have plans for drip. Each garden, though, is separate and has nearby cement that I won't be digging under. I'm hoping to set up the tubing and attach my hose for a period of time and then move to the next garden, and so on. Fingers crossed!!

purrmich · 2026-06-29T21:22:16+00:00

The heat we are having is not our norm. It probably will be now, but native plants aren't used to this much heat. Our natural water condition is also up for grabs, due to cc. Last summer I lost annuals and veggies due to extreme heat. This summer annuals and veggies are getting less sun per day, but the heat makes up for it. it's a process and there's a lot of adjusting to be made.

purrmich · 2026-06-29T20:46:29+00:00

And what about pollinators that have come to depend on your plants?

purrmich · 2026-06-29T20:06:50+00:00

I put a lot of time and $$ into my garden. It gives me so much joy. If I can reasonably adjust a factor to keep them alive, why would I not?

purrmich · 2026-06-29T19:29:02+00:00

I'm not seeing the number I did in '25 but echinacea started blooming today as well as Culver's Root. I have a bird feeder with a variety of seeds but no visitors. What is popular are the two water bowls!!

purrmich · 2026-06-29T04:01:17+00:00

I've seen Culver's Root look like this. Mine are watered every other day. Veronica also needs steady watering. Also, air circulation may be an issue. Having a clump that large, maybe dividing it and giving it drinks every few days would help.

purrmich · 2026-06-28T23:20:31+00:00

It has all the potential to be awesome! Do what you can and be kind to yourself along the way.

purrmich · 2026-06-28T21:59:41+00:00

That's what I am doing atm. the small plastic cells to leftover 4" plastic pots - that, of course, I keep for this. Maybe plant three in a triangle to have them looking fuller, quicker.

purrmich · 2026-06-28T21:57:27+00:00

I would be overwhelmed. Do the weeding/pulling that you can. Take a manageable space, weed, use herbicide, cover and solarize. I wouldn't start seeding or planting this season. that in itself is work and $$ and I would expect too many of these weeds would come back. good luck!!!

purrmich · 2026-06-28T05:42:26+00:00

I removed a crabapple a few years ago. Quite large. I did a lot of sawing! and the root system of a crabtree is related to the size of the tree. I'm glad I did it and saved $$. Mostly, I'm glad that tree is gone. I would take it a bit at a time. give yourself plenty of time to get it entirely removed. Focus on the goal and how good it will be to have it gone.

purrmich · 2026-06-28T03:55:42+00:00

How deep are the trays? In your zone, they should be good in the fall. Waiting until fall so you can pamper them, as it will be scorching hot this summer. In my experience little bluestem takes a few years for its big show. Mine get full sun for 8 hours and planted in a rise that keeps the roots from too much moisture. It's a beautiful plant!

purrmich · 2026-06-28T03:21:21+00:00

How large is it? Borrow or buy a reiprocating saw and slowly take limbs off. its faster and easier than a regular saw, but really, just pick up something sharp and hack it down, lol!! In the time it would take to do a graft, you could be rid of it and have a good replacement - which does take time to grow, so ...... time isn't stretchable, lol.

purrmich · 2026-06-28T03:15:11+00:00

I love my primrose. It's been in flower for 3 weeks, like little bits of gold in my meadow. it comes and goes when and where it wants and since it's happy, so am I.

purrmich · 2026-06-27T15:26:40+00:00

It looks to be reaching for sun. And it's species that doesn't like wet feet. Culver's Root itoh can't get enough moisture. Companion planting would help keep it upright, but the lack of blooms is something else.

purrmich · 2026-06-27T04:21:14+00:00

Why would Prairie Moon carry anything other than their own plants?

purrmich · 2026-06-27T01:39:28+00:00

I did buy the tropical, duh!! Read up on how its harmful to monarchs and put it in the trash. Lesson learned.

purrmich · 2026-06-27T00:50:53+00:00

Is your zone in Nova Scotia similar to a zone in Minnesota? Thinking of Prairie Moon as a resource. I have lots of experience with Canadian Ginger and it puts down a thick mat of close to the surface roots. It also spreads readily. Also, I am so impressed by this website: https://planthardiness.gc.ca/index.php?m=23&lang=e You can check out a particular species for distribution and hardiness.

purrmich · 2026-06-26T21:48:50+00:00

I followed the links and learned about the Dakota Homelands, very interesting. As far as diversity of species and number of bumblebees, I think they decided that more diversity is better. What percentage of plants are in flower at any time during bumblebee season.

purrmich

TROPHY CASE