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| Labyrinth of the Mind |
Surprise!Well today I woke up to discover quite the little unexpected surprise, and I have to say at first it quite freaked me out. My snake has laid an egg. Though only it is snake Jesus it is not going to hatch becasue she has not been around any males, so the egg will not be fertilized, after having had this snake for years, this is the first time she has ever laid an egg before.
9:10 AM - 6/6/2008 - comments {2} - post commentDemeterHere is one of my cats Demeter, otherwise known as a big ball of fluff
6:53 PM - 1/2/2008 - comments {0} - post commentBanditThis is one of my rabbits, Bandit
2:04 PM - 1/2/2008 - comments {0} - post commentJavelinaI am reading this book called Skywater, just started it, but so far it seems pretty interesting and it takes place out in the middle of the desert in Texas, I beleive, and more then once they made a reference to an animal called a Javelina which I have not acutally heard of before, so I was currrious, it is not often I come acorss an animal I do not know about, and the way the decribed it in the book made it sound like perhaps some sort of boar or hog, so I looked it up. And they are quite cute little animals, I think, but then I know that does not count for much as I think just about anything in the non-human catagory is cute.
But here is what my research on the animal has turned up.
Though some people think javelina are a type of wild pig, they are actually members of the peccary family, a group of hoofed mammals originating from South America. Javelina are common in much of central and southern Arizona, including the outskirts of the Phoenix area, most of Tucson, and occasionally as far north as Flagstaff. Javelina form herds of two to more than 20 animals and rely on each other to defend territory, protect against predators, regulate temperature and interact socially. They use washes and areas with dense vegetation as travel corridors. Javelina are most active at night, but may be active during the day when it's cold.
During the summer, feeding occurs in the early morning and late afternoon, with the noon hours spent resting in the shade. They are very good runners, and have been clocked at speeds up to 35 kmph / 21 mph. While their eyesight is poor, peccaries have good senses of hearing and smell. Groups have individual territories which overlap at focal points such as watering holes and mud wallows, which are used primarily at night. These territories are usually 0.5-0.8 square kilometers in size. The inner territory (non-overlapping part) of each group is characterized by smell. Males often mark rocks and trees near resting areas with their dorsal glands. At these well-used resting spots and along the territorial boundaries are defecation sites which are visited by the whole herd. The main herd may split up inside the territory for up to two weeks. The group is completely closed, with no new members ever being accepted, even though one in every ten offspring born is rejected from the group. Population densities vary from 1-19 animals per square kilometer. Numerous vocalizations have been recorded, including snorts, squeals, barks, and rumbling growls.
9:44 AM - 12/14/2007 - comments {0} - post commentMy VisitorI have been graced by the most delightful little visitor. This is the secound time I have seen him? I am assuming that it is a he, though it could well be a she, as my research has indicated that there does not appear to by a physcial distintion between the male and the female.
At any rate, this is the secound time he has made an apperance within my backyard and seems to enjoy perching upon the edge of the pool, so if you have not guessed yet my little friend is indeed a bird, he is in fact a Black Phoebe which are rather odd but quite appealing little birds in my mind, and it really was quite a treat, becasue though they are native to this area, I really do not see them around where I live very often, in fact this is only the 3rd time I have seen one, and the first time was once last year. So I found it all very exciting the first time he appeared, but then when I saw him again today, it was quite lovely.
I do find him to be a rather charming little fellow, and I had tried to take a picture of him, but it was hard to get close enough as I haven't got a very fancy camera with zoom and all that upon it, and then when I was getting ready to take a picture one of the cats jumped up onto the fence and scared him off.
But I have found this image of a Black Phoebe online for those whom are currious.
4:08 PM - 11/5/2007 - comments {2} - post commentSound WavesBecasue of my beliefs, I do beleive that all living things have a soul and some form of conciousness and so I have had a long standing intrest in stuides reguarding plants becasue I do beleive that they have more awarness and intellegence you might say then most pople would think, and this is something the Druids have held to ages ago.
So I happen to be watching Myth Busters and they were doing this expriment with plants, and they were testing that old folk tale in which they say that talking to your plants makes them grow better, or as some say playing music makes them grow betters so they had 7 different green houses set up all with the same kind of plants and same conditions, but one of them had a woman's voice saying good things, and one of them had the same woman's voice saynng negative things, and then one of them had a mans voice saying good things and one had the same man's voices saying negative things, and then one had classical music and the other had heavy metal, and the last was the control.
So I did not catch the beginning of the episode so I do not know just how long the plants were left like that, but I think it was for a week or something, but at the end of it they came and took all the plants to compare thier mass and take mesaurments and it was shown that the music plants in general did better then the rest, but heavy metal was even better then classial, and all the talkling plants were better then the control, and there seemed to be no different between if it was good things or bad things that were said.
And well this made me wonder, if there is in fact something about sound waves in genereal and the vibrations caused by noise, and coices or music that acutaly somehow hopes simtulates the cells of the plants or is somehow good for them. Because that would examplain why the music did so well, becasue the music would send out stronger vibrations then just the sound of a voice would, and well Heavy Metal would be louder, and much stronger then classical and so it would send out even stronger viberations and waves then the classcial music. 5:06 PM - 8/31/2007 - comments {1} - post commentCorn PoppyDay 36
Well my garden is looking lush and green and has grown quite big, though I am a bit worried about the affects of the humidity, some of the plants are looking a little droopy, but hopefully they will pull through.
Corn Poppy
A hardy annual native to Europe, but has been naturalized throughout the United States. The large 3-4 inch blooms range in shades from white and pink, to red and are individually borne on erect hairy stems. The foliage remains inconspicuous allowing the flower to express its full beauty. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Performs best if sown in late fall in the southern regions of the U.S. or in early spring in the northern regions of the U.S.
also called field poppy , or Flanders poppy (Papaver rhoeas) annual (rarely biennial) plant of the poppy family (Papaveraceae), native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia; it has been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, and North America. The flowers are borne on stems some 25-90 cm (10-35 inches) long and measure some 7-10 cm across. They have four petals and are usually a brilliant red, sometimes with a black basal spot.
9:14 AM - 7/24/2007 - comments {0} - post commentSpurred SnapdragonDay 26
It has been a while I know, but I have been caught up in things. Well the garden is looking well, it is growing quite lush and green and the plants are getting taller, and now and then I still spot some new growth comming in. So it all looks good.
And now for today's flower. It is another one of my faveorties. I love snapdragons, and I was quite happy to see they were inculuded in my seed.
Spurred Snapdragon
An erect, slender annual native to Morocco, which has naturalized throughout the United States. Tiny, delicate flowers with long spurs glisten from short spikes. Flowers come in a multitude of colors ranging from yellow, red and pink to white or purple. Prefers full sun or partial shade, in various soils. Sow in early spring, seedlings are not winter hardy. Truly spectacular when heavily seeded in an isolated area.
9:16 AM - 7/16/2007 - comments {0} - post commentShasta DaisyDay 22
Shasta Daisy
A hardy perennial, forming dense colonies once established. Native to Europe, it has naturalized throughout all regions of the United States. The white petalled flowers with golden yellow centers are borne individually on single erect stems. Compared to its cousin, the Ox-Eyed Daisy, Shasta Daisies generally grow 6 to 12 inches taller and have a larger flower head diameter. Prefers full sun to partial shade in fertile soil.
Shasta daisies, with their white petals surrounding yellow centers, are similar to the familiar meadow daisy, but have larger and more abundant blooms.
9:26 AM - 7/12/2007 - comments {0} - post commentSweet William PinkDay 19
Well my garden is still growing nice and green, though some of the flowers flatered a bit in the bit of heat we have had over the past few days, but the weather seems to be cooling off some, and most the plants seem to be doing just fine and are growing in nicely.
Sweet William Pink
Sweet William is a biennial which acts as a 8:44 AM - 7/9/2007 - comments {0} - post commentBlue FlaxDay 16
Blue Flax
Pretty little sky-blue flowers 1/2" to 1" across bloom on light and graceful arching branches. Although blue flax will stand up well to heat, it prefers cool coastal summers, and it will bloom longer in cool coastal climates. For best effect, blue flax needs to be sown in mass, and is perfect for wildflower meadows and naturalized areas. If sown early enough, it will bloom the first year. Plant in spring, late summer, or late fall.
Blue Flax’s soft-to-deep blue flowers open early in the morning and close with mid-day rays of the sun. If there is no sun, the flowers stay open until late in the day and then sprinkle the ground with blue petals. Weeks later dozens of buff colored round seed capsules follow. Found in all but south-central North Dakota, this variety of blue flax ranges from James Bay to Alaska and south to Mexico and California.
Unlike the annual common flax grown for oil and fiber, blue flax is a perennial with a long taproot. Plants stand up to three feet tall; up to a dozen stems may grow from a single root. Dozens of bright blue flowers about an inch long occur in drooping branches at the tip of each stem. Leaves are narrow and very numerous. 8:02 AM - 7/6/2007 - comments {1} - post commentTree MallowDay 14
Tree Mallow
Tree mallow (Lavatera arborea) is hard to miss. It is a tall plant, up to 3 m high, with attractive flowers and big woolly leaves. Tree mallow is a Mediterranean-Atlantic herb of the Mallow family (Malvaceae). Tree mallow is biennial, i.e. lives for two seasons. It germinates and forms leaves in the first year and flowers and fruits in the second year before dying off.
Tree mallow has soft rounded velvety leaves that are 5-7 lobed and can be up to 20 cm diameter. It has woody stems that are up to 3 cm diameter and are hairy when young. The flowers are 2-5 cm across, and are lilac/pinkish-purple with broad deep dark purple veins. The flowers occur in clusters of 2-7. The dry seeded fruits are yellowish and wrinkled
Tree mallow is native to the south-west and west coast of the UK (see distribution map). It is thought that its occurrence along the east coast of Britain is probably due to escapes from coastal gardens. However, it was also probably introduced to seabird islands by lighthouse keepers, as it is thought to have been used for poultices and in the preparation of ointments to heal burns. Tree mallow grows on maritime rocks, cliffs, stony ground or coastal bare ground and can form dense stands that cover large areas. It is most abundant in nutrient-enriched soils, occurring frequently in areas with large sea-bird colonies due to input on guano. The species is frost sensitive and has been restricted to mild coastal micro-climates and is predominately lowland in occurrence. However, with climate change its distribution could potentially expand.
9:09 AM - 7/4/2007 - comments {0} - post commentPremennial GaillardiaDay 13
Premennial Gaillardia
Gaillardia aristata, Perennial Gaillardia or Perennial Blanket Flower is a short lived native perennial wild flower perfect for sunny locations and well drained soil. Gaillardia aristata Perennial Blanket Flower with it's showy flowers will be a nice addition to your butterfly garden and makes great cut flower. Gaillardia aristata prefers full sun but will tolerates partial shade. The daisy-like flowers of Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower) bloom summer to fall in shades of red and yellow. Blanket Flower is a native wildflower of our plains and prairies and is often used for cut flowers.
Gaillardia can be grown almost anywhere in America, and tolerates (enjoys even) poorish, well-drained soils. Blanket Flower is not difficult to grow, and it is somewhat drought tolerant - heat tolerance is excellent. Excellent in pots and as a cut flower. Deadhead to extend season of bloom.
Gaillardias are especially good for the perennial border where they start to flower in June and continue after many other flowers are killed by the frost. They are also prized as cut flowers and for this purpose should be cut when the flowers are slightly cup-shaped before the petals have reflexed. Without apparent harm the flowers may be kept. out of water in carrying them from one place to another.
8:21 AM - 7/3/2007 - comments {0} - post commentDwarf CornflowerDay 12
Dwarf Cornflower
Well I was not able to find any information about this plant but here is a picutre of it
11:47 AM - 7/2/2007 - comments {0} - post commentNatures Way/Lance-Leaved CoreopsisDay 11
My garden is still continuing to grow, new sprouts seem to spring up everyday, and the others are growing quite quickly to be nice and tall, though I have noticed already that some of my plants are being eaten at, but that is just natures way, I refuse to use any sort of pesticides and I am not going to kill anything simply becasue it is looking after its own suvivial and obying its nature. That is just a part of life, and well I do not want a nice neat oderly "perfect" garden, I want a garden that is more close to nature, that is chaos and wild, and I want an insect frinedly garden.
Now for today's flower, here is one I certiantly have never heard of before.
Lance-Leaved Coreopsis
 An erect, drought tolerant perennial which can also withstand prolonged periods of moisture. Native to the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, it is now found throughout North America. Flowers are bright yellow afficed to a single, elongated stem. Will grow in partial shade to full sun in various soil types. Normally takes two years to become established.
The rich yellow, daisy-like flowers (eight ray flowers with four rounded lobes are deeply notched at their tips) reach three inches around on this easy-to-grow, low maintenance perennial.
Even though the tickseed is commonly found in waste and disturbed areas with rocky or sandy soil in the eastern half of the United Stats and in prairies it will tolerate a wide range of soil types and conditions.
Because of it's long and slender stems, the Lance-Leaved Coreopsis makes an excellent cut flower and grows well along a chain-link fence line. Makes lating blooms from late spring to summer, usually does not bloom the first year, however, will produce a profusion of blooms in following years. Give this beauty a year and have grand, colorful results year-after-year. 8:27 AM - 7/1/2007 - comments {0} - post commentPerennial LupineDay 10
Perennial Lupine
A hardy perennial, native to Maine and Southern Ontario extending westward throughout the central and mid-western regions of the United States south to Florida. Flowers are arranged on upright spikes varied in color from deep blue to purple shades. Requires a dry, well-drained sandy or gravelly soil in full sun. Cannot tolerate heavy soils. A very adaptable and versatile species.
A perennial herb with distinctively divided leaves and attractive flowers that may reach 2 feet in height. Perennial lupine and many other Lupinus species are usually very poisonous to livestock. This plant is usually found in the woods or along the edges of woods.
Leaves are divided into 7 to 11 leaflets that arise from a central point (palmately divided). Individual leaflets may reach 2 inches in length and 12 mm wide. 8:57 AM - 6/29/2007 - comments {0} - post commentScarlet FlaxDay 9
Scarlet Flax
A hardy annual, native to northern Africa and southern Europe, it has naturalized throughout the United States. Once established this variety can tolerate immense heat and extremely dry conditions. The glossy, deep scarlet flowers bloom in profusion and are best admired if planted in density. Prefers full sun in well-drained soils. Best if sown in early spring, seedlings are not winter hardy. Guaranteed to draw some attention.
Brilliant velvety red with petals usually outlined in black
Annual. Lives just one year. Grows quickly, blooms heavily, dies with first frost. Can regrow following spring if seed falls on bare ground. 8:02 AM - 6/28/2007 - comments {0} - post commentBaby's BreathDay 8
Well more and more new growth is continuing to pop up all over within my little garden of which I am quite happy about. Here is a flower, I definently have not heard about before.
Baby's Breath
Baby's Breath is a well-known flower used as a filler in florists' bouquets. The airy, mound-forming panicles of flowers are available in white, pink, or purple-blushed. This is a wonderful flowering perennial for the summer garden and for use in the flower vase. Baby's Breath is a herbaceous perennial of the Caryophyllaceae family.
Baby's breath does well in borders, rock gardens, or planted among the roses. It has an exceptionally long bloom time, lasting from early summer to early autumn in most areas. It does best planted in groups, and will go from seed to flower in 8 to 12 weeks. Provide protection from strong winds and add compost or manure to the soil for stronger flowers. Pull up the plants as soon as the flowers fade. Baby's breath dries well, and is an excellent background in arrangements 8:52 AM - 6/27/2007 - comments {0} - post commentCalifornia PoppyDay 7
Well naturally being from California, I know all about Californian Poppy, being it is the state flower, but I thought I could post a little bit about them.
California Poppy
California Indians cherished the poppy as both a source of food and for oil extracted from the plant. Its botanical name, Eschsholtzia californica, was given by Adelbert Von Chamisso, a naturalist and member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, who dropped anchor in San Francisco in 1816 in a bay surrounded by hills of the golden flowers. Also sometimes known as the flame flower, la amapola, and copa de oro (cup of gold), the poppy grows wild throughout California. It became the state flower in 1903. Every year April 6 is California Poppy Day, and Governor Wilson proclaimed May 13-18, 1996, Poppy Week.
An upright, compact annual or tender perennial native to California and the southwestern United States. Extremely drought tolerant, ideal for arid environments. The brilliant orange, cup-shaped flowers, are 2-4 inches in diameter, borne individually on long stalks. Prefers full sun in light to sandy soils. Remarkably uniform and neat in appearnce. A popular variety to press. Not hardy below 20F.
An excellent color accent to any wildflower planting. The state flower of California. Blooms close each night at sunset or on dull days. The finely divided foliage is bluish-green in color making identification easy prior to flowering.
8:34 AM - 6/26/2007 - comments {0} - post commentContinued Growth/Purple ConeflowerDay 6
Well I am quite excited, I went out to water my garden again this morning, and now there are several new sprouts that appeared, and the two that I first so have grown signigantly bigger, so things appear to be off to a good start, it is amazing how fast they all grow.
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower and its three cousins, Black Sampson (E. angustifolia), Pale Purple Coneflower (E. pallida) and E. atrorubens (no common name), are members of the sunflower family or Compositae. The Compositae have two kinds of flowers combined in one flower head - strap-like ray flowers around the outside of the head and disk flowers in the center of the head. The ray flowers make up what would be thought of as the petals.
A robust, drought tolerant perennial, native to the midwestern and southeastern United States. flowers are arranged individually on sturdy, elongated stems with soft lavender or purple petals surrounding an iridescent red-orange, coned center. Prefers full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soils. Absolutely stunning!!!
Use in beds, mixed borders, or in the native wildflower patch. The long lasting flowers, borne on long, stiff stems, are perfect in cut flower arrangements and well suited for drying.
Taken orally, extracts from purple coneflower roots and leaves are reported to stimulate the immune system and increase resistance to infections. Native Americans used echinacea for many medicinal purposes. In Europe today, more than 200 pharmaceutical products are made from the extracts. Butterflies sip nectar from purple coneflowers all summer long. 9:01 AM - 6/25/2007 - comments {0} - post comment
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