Saturday, February 3, 2007
Bright Sunshiny Day
As I sit here all snug and warm in my house with the outside temps at -10 I am hoping for the best for all the outside animals that do not have anyone to take proper care of them. Also the wildlife, the birds at the feeders have been extra hungry, we have been filling the feeders 2-4 times a day. I did not see the Carolina Wren today.
We decided to take a trip to Reiman Gardens once again, what a wonderful place to spend a cold winter day, we time our trips to get to the butterfly house about 11 AM or so on a sunny day. We were well rewarded today as the butterflys were very active! The flower display had been changed in the conservatory to "Passion for Plants" from the Christmas display that we seen and enjoyed in Decemeber. There was lots of tubrous begonias, amarylis, cyclamen, a few lady slipper orchids as well as lots of green plants. We sat in the conservatory and had a nice hot cup of coffee! What could be better?? Only the butterfly house of course.
We decided to take a trip to Reiman Gardens once again, what a wonderful place to spend a cold winter day, we time our trips to get to the butterfly house about 11 AM or so on a sunny day. We were well rewarded today as the butterflys were very active! The flower display had been changed in the conservatory to "Passion for Plants" from the Christmas display that we seen and enjoyed in Decemeber. There was lots of tubrous begonias, amarylis, cyclamen, a few lady slipper orchids as well as lots of green plants. We sat in the conservatory and had a nice hot cup of coffee! What could be better?? Only the butterfly house of course.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Standing Cypress in Iowa
Standing Cypress is a Biennial that is not supposed to grow further north than zone 6, they grow well in my zone 4 garden, the seeds were given to me several years ago, the first year they are only about an inch tall, very feathery and easy to pull up until you recognize them, the second year is when they reach their glory, they get about 5-6 feet tall with a large flower spike. I had some yellow ones at one time but have not seen a yellow in my garden in about 5 years. I see some yellow ones at a house I drive by on my way to work each summer, I wonder what they would do if I stopped and begged for some seeds of the yellows :)? Once they get started they self seed.
Cold, Cold, Cold January in Iowa
I was so releived to come home from work today and see my little southern visitor at my feeder! Today she was eating from the seed tray not the suet holder as shown in this picture, with the really cold temps we have had over the last several days I was worried about her. I also worry about all the dogs and cats the folks leave outside, makes me very sad.
Every day early in the AM as it is getting light and each evening as it is getting dark I have had anywhere from 8-15 cardinals at my feeder, it is such a beautiful site to see.
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