Sweet Wild Things

My sister Katie emailed me this morning to ask if I could update my blog, the first inquiry anyone has made. Katie is an organic farmer in Cloverdale, west of Indianapolis, and shares my interest in native plants and pollinators. I sent her my blog link to help ease a loss in her life. I pray my muse is with me today because this post is for Katie.

Background

It stopped raining last July and the Southeast experienced the worst drought since the 1930's. We were forbidden to water outdoors, except using rainwater, which took a toll on gardens. Since rain began in February, we have been upgraded from the 5th and worst stage of drought (exceptional) to the 4th stage (extreme). Here's what is happening to my garden survivors:

Sanguinaria canadensis

The bloodroot trail is in tatters. All of the newly planted ones are gone and only half of the long established colony returned this year. Still, this small patch along the driveway looked spectacular this afternoon.

Senecio aureus

The misfortunately named golden ragwort is a strong grower and a welcome sight in March, during the last few of weeks of winter. These were deprived of water in the summer and fall, trampled by the landscaper in the winter, then transplanted to new soil beside the path, where they have revived.

Hepatica acutiloba

Beside the driveway, this hepatica looked sweet this afternoon, but never as nice as in photos on the internet.


Aquilegia canadensis

The blue-green foliage on columbine is so pretty, it doesn't need to bloom to look good. Here it is used as a groundcover on a gentle slope in the backyard. After it blooms and goes to seed, I enjoy shaking the seeds out of the pods, listening to the shishing.

Viola cornuta

I planted these Johnny jump-ups in February because the landscaper said he was coming back to take pictures of the new stone path and I wanted something to be blooming. I don't know if he came back but these flowers welcome visitors to the door.

Aesculus pavia

The best photo of the red buckeye comes the day before the buds open. I have long wanted to photograph the huge pink scaled buds, but when I reach the critical day, I try to wait until the light is perfect, then I forget to do it. I so admire people with beautiful photos on their blogs.

Caninus vomitoria

My sweet dog Sadie, who is home sick today with a stomach virus. I went home to check on her at lunchtime and she helped me take these photos.