tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79108647855219599742024-03-08T05:35:28.404-08:00Calgary Gardening AdventuresA beginner gardener shares via blog his trials and triumphs, and hopes to learn something about life along the way. And maybe find something edible in his own backyard. Focus of garden (most to least) is vegetables, fruit and native plants.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-50122243119390128362016-06-15T13:40:00.005-07:002016-06-15T13:40:58.347-07:00Early Rhubarb HarvestWith the very early spring this year, I harvested 5.5 pounds of rhubarb from two plants in the first week of May! Some years the rhubarb has hardly poked above ground at this time. <br /><br />It's time to divide the roots of the plants as they are starting to bolt after establishing for a few years.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s37Rp3T8Kf4/V2G9CE-JpgI/AAAAAAAAHV4/dDcyyMIGloEzMC3mGn8mkT9JH2g2eBFCACK4B/s1600/rhubarb.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s37Rp3T8Kf4/V2G9CE-JpgI/AAAAAAAAHV4/dDcyyMIGloEzMC3mGn8mkT9JH2g2eBFCACK4B/s400/rhubarb.jpg" width="300" /></a>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-58621469213089674542014-08-25T10:21:00.002-07:002014-08-25T10:21:50.855-07:00Water Beetle?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="text-align: start;">My daughter saw this fellow slip out of the garage eavestrough and tumble into the back alley. It seemed to be a water beetle somewhat misplaced from its proper habitat. We put it into a bucket with water and it seemed quite at home swimming around. Any guesses on what type of beetle specifically? </span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs2OUvGLZyk/U_twTwO7XYI/AAAAAAAAE74/0aXLrFggXWo/s1600/2014-08-25%2B001%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs2OUvGLZyk/U_twTwO7XYI/AAAAAAAAE74/0aXLrFggXWo/s1600/2014-08-25%2B001%2Bcropped.jpg" height="320" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umdq2_M6_oc/U_twUnm9scI/AAAAAAAAE8A/lxL44i2-QBA/s1600/2014-08-25%2B002%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umdq2_M6_oc/U_twUnm9scI/AAAAAAAAE8A/lxL44i2-QBA/s1600/2014-08-25%2B002%2Bcropped.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjOZMBbo5Vs/U_twUS6OSeI/AAAAAAAAE78/IwQ1LNDraww/s1600/2014-08-25%2B003%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjOZMBbo5Vs/U_twUS6OSeI/AAAAAAAAE78/IwQ1LNDraww/s1600/2014-08-25%2B003%2Bcropped.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-55537841458914389192013-09-08T18:23:00.002-07:002013-09-08T18:25:31.451-07:002013 Year in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Highlights of the 2013 gardening year:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh8hZe_psSw/Ui0gTzvxl2I/AAAAAAAADz4/IsbIFOl9ioA/s1600/2013-06-29+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh8hZe_psSw/Ui0gTzvxl2I/AAAAAAAADz4/IsbIFOl9ioA/s1600/2013-06-29+063.jpg" height="267" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hundreds of Cedar Waxwings filling a half dozen trees before the gardening season begins.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>JUNE</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyoKi0cfYk8/Ui0gPsa9iII/AAAAAAAADzA/ik0_rKlRhjo/s1600/100_4489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyoKi0cfYk8/Ui0gPsa9iII/AAAAAAAADzA/ik0_rKlRhjo/s1600/100_4489.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLRbaRKLjZU/Ui0gPtSK4hI/AAAAAAAADzE/SJcWsao1URY/s1600/100_4490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLRbaRKLjZU/Ui0gPtSK4hI/AAAAAAAADzE/SJcWsao1URY/s1600/100_4490.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_n7lXHNHD4/Ui0gQPXtVzI/AAAAAAAADzI/gP1S0hz4nn4/s1600/100_4492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_n7lXHNHD4/Ui0gQPXtVzI/AAAAAAAADzI/gP1S0hz4nn4/s1600/100_4492.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvWWjWSoJ_o/Ui0gQ6VkHSI/AAAAAAAADzY/DcM-rj9RCjw/s1600/100_4493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvWWjWSoJ_o/Ui0gQ6VkHSI/AAAAAAAADzY/DcM-rj9RCjw/s1600/100_4493.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBcnvnOflQs/Ui0gSeRmzzI/AAAAAAAADzk/fwjcO89Fav4/s1600/100_4494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBcnvnOflQs/Ui0gSeRmzzI/AAAAAAAADzk/fwjcO89Fav4/s1600/100_4494.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwT6RP8iPFU/Ui0gSH8V4GI/AAAAAAAADzg/5iIBq7o2HXI/s1600/100_4495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwT6RP8iPFU/Ui0gSH8V4GI/AAAAAAAADzg/5iIBq7o2HXI/s1600/100_4495.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7e_6fTq80Dw/Ui0gS2S0zDI/AAAAAAAADzw/VVTfdIohV_o/s1600/100_4513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7e_6fTq80Dw/Ui0gS2S0zDI/AAAAAAAADzw/VVTfdIohV_o/s1600/100_4513.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Flooding near Bow River in Calgary. Bad for homeowners near the river, but the rainfall was good for the garden.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>AUGUST</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9qMa4xvBVk/Ui0gUGPN63I/AAAAAAAADz8/FHrHWIV2SWQ/s1600/2013-08+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9qMa4xvBVk/Ui0gUGPN63I/AAAAAAAADz8/FHrHWIV2SWQ/s1600/2013-08+030.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Making juice from neighbour's "prairie cherry" trees (not sure what variety) </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YziFRi1I6Ok/Ui0gUr7bHXI/AAAAAAAAD0E/RGRhMm3S0KM/s1600/2013-08+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YziFRi1I6Ok/Ui0gUr7bHXI/AAAAAAAAD0E/RGRhMm3S0KM/s1600/2013-08+031.jpg" height="320" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6N371bDZC7o/Ui0gVz_CkpI/AAAAAAAAD0g/gkvQ--EGxLQ/s1600/61248_10153046137880618_1035996671_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6N371bDZC7o/Ui0gVz_CkpI/AAAAAAAAD0g/gkvQ--EGxLQ/s1600/61248_10153046137880618_1035996671_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZWi2mN18z4/Ui0gVNFxFwI/AAAAAAAAD0U/tVm7dx9C4kc/s1600/547439_10153046138415618_175900417_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZWi2mN18z4/Ui0gVNFxFwI/AAAAAAAAD0U/tVm7dx9C4kc/s1600/547439_10153046138415618_175900417_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvnfuw3CLh4/Ui0gWNJJMsI/AAAAAAAAD0k/dJliJjuAUgY/s1600/935892_10153046138130618_817449484_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvnfuw3CLh4/Ui0gWNJJMsI/AAAAAAAAD0k/dJliJjuAUgY/s1600/935892_10153046138130618_817449484_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bumper crop of raspberries. The patch is finally established. The right amount of periodic rains, soil enrichment, pruning and no hail were all factors.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMwNbTb8DZg/Ui0gWyakSbI/AAAAAAAAD0w/7k5sCun_BWI/s1600/971739_10153046137870618_1368179032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMwNbTb8DZg/Ui0gWyakSbI/AAAAAAAAD0w/7k5sCun_BWI/s1600/971739_10153046137870618_1368179032_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Red cabbage in foreground.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuxdbPY9qSg/Ui0gXvBkK8I/AAAAAAAAD04/jRWfzlZo_nk/s1600/994892_10153046138225618_1873917437_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuxdbPY9qSg/Ui0gXvBkK8I/AAAAAAAAD04/jRWfzlZo_nk/s1600/994892_10153046138225618_1873917437_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beans. Rhubarb division/transplant.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bcPUoGiAvw/Ui0gPAxWaQI/AAAAAAAADy4/RTPEovU4eYI/s1600/1000305_10153046138135618_1065375468_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bcPUoGiAvw/Ui0gPAxWaQI/AAAAAAAADy4/RTPEovU4eYI/s1600/1000305_10153046138135618_1065375468_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1jF9ivf4Mk/Ui0gT1MKwBI/AAAAAAAAD0M/x9xh9dxknko/s1600/1097948_10153046137885618_722171813_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1jF9ivf4Mk/Ui0gT1MKwBI/AAAAAAAAD0M/x9xh9dxknko/s1600/1097948_10153046137885618_722171813_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A tangle of herbs: Chervil, chives, sage, mint, cilantro. This unplanned companion planting (I let the annual seeds grow where they chose).</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most noteworthy was no hail this year!<br />
<br />
Beans are now pulled, delphinium and raspberries chopped down for end of the summer.</div>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-11981502707102302552013-05-26T18:02:00.002-07:002013-06-08T08:44:35.979-07:00Mystery FlowerMy mom sent these photos of a mystery flower in her garden in southern Saskatchewan. It is a perennial that someone gave it to her a few years ago, but she doesn't know what it is. If anyone has any ideas what it might be, let me know!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLCK4JrineA/UbNQUxXBpkI/AAAAAAAADXs/1Brq2JsqeTw/s1600/back+yard+flower+garden+summer+2007+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLCK4JrineA/UbNQUxXBpkI/AAAAAAAADXs/1Brq2JsqeTw/s1600/back+yard+flower+garden+summer+2007+035.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-993tbOIosdY/UaKwR7kFKLI/AAAAAAAADUU/HxAPV9VuSSk/s1600/248070_10152886227735347_516062407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-993tbOIosdY/UaKwR7kFKLI/AAAAAAAADUU/HxAPV9VuSSk/s1600/248070_10152886227735347_516062407_n.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
It is the one with white flowers on the ends of tall stems with the leaves bunched up at the base of the plant.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Apda78OhkuA/UaKwSJ_bcOI/AAAAAAAADUc/WFGQnI6-vok/s1600/942299_10152886227750347_1638973509_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Apda78OhkuA/UaKwSJ_bcOI/AAAAAAAADUc/WFGQnI6-vok/s1600/942299_10152886227750347_1638973509_n.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7NqP0qqA9w/UbNQZAol3kI/AAAAAAAADX0/rLOFt--pIkM/s1600/IMG_0679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7NqP0qqA9w/UbNQZAol3kI/AAAAAAAADX0/rLOFt--pIkM/s1600/IMG_0679.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo of the plant when young.</div>
Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-81265249292311007892012-09-01T17:32:00.001-07:002017-01-06T17:34:19.410-08:00Poplar Clearwing Borer (Sesia tibialis)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7P72_xgcvA/UEKlplVAY1I/AAAAAAAAC6Y/mot5-NQD158/s1600/2012+wasp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7P72_xgcvA/UEKlplVAY1I/AAAAAAAAC6Y/mot5-NQD158/s320/2012+wasp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
This pair of wasp look-alikes was found on a raspberry leaf in the backyard garden. First appearing to be similar to a yellow jacket, I searched online through the 18 Yellow Jacket species in Alberta (see links at bottom of page for more info), but there were no matches. The Home Bug Gardener has since come to the rescue again and provided the following information:</div>
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I think you have a pair of mating Clearwing Moths (Family Sesiidae) - most of which mimic one wasp or another. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The American Hornet Moth aka Poplar Clearwing Borer, Poplar Crown Borer: Sesia tibialis (Harris, 1839) seems most likely. The larvae burrow through the cambium of aspen, poplar, green ash, lilac and other hardwoods. I saw what I think was one in my yard a couple years ago - but she quickly flew off and I got no picture.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Pretty cool mimic, because yellowjackets even mate that way - with the male dangling from the female (although male yellowjackets are more similar in size to females).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">See: </span><a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/160324" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://bugguide.net/node/view/<wbr></wbr>160324</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Also: </span><a href="http://www.entomology.museums.ualberta.ca/searching_species_details.php?fsn=Sesia&sb=1&r=2&o=1&c=2&s=6200&sn=Sesia+tibiale" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://www.entomology.museums.<wbr></wbr>ualberta.ca/searching_species_<wbr></wbr>details.php?fsn=Sesia&sb=1&r=<wbr></wbr>2&o=1&c=2&s=6200&sn=Sesia+<wbr></wbr>tibiale</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">NB - species name seems to be misspelled - tibialis in my books </span></i> <br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is fascinating to learn about this species, which I knew nothing of before. It is easy to be fooled by wasp look-alikes.</span><br />
<br />
More info from the second link above:<br />
<br />
<strong style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">life history</strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The larvae are borers in the stems and roots of the hosts. The life-cycle requires two years to complete, with the moth overwintering twice in the larval stage. They pupate in the spring of the third year, and emerge shortly thereafter. The adults are diurnal, but are rarely seen.</span><br />
<strong style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></strong><strong style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">diet info</strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The larval host is species of poplar, and to a lesser extent willows. They appear to prefer stressed of damaged host trees.</span><br />
<strong style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></strong><strong style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">range</strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Widespread in western North America, east at least across the Prairie Provinces, and south to California and Arizona. In Alberta it has been collected mainly in the foothills and parklands, but likely occurs throughout the wooded parts of the province, wherever hardwoods are present. It has been recorded in adjacent Saskatchewan in both the arid Grasslands National Park area and at Uranium City.</span><br />
<strong style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></strong><strong style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">notes</strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also called the American Hornet Moth (Wong and Ives, 1988). It is rarely encountered unless baited with synthetic pheromones.</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Links regarding the 18 yellow jacket wasp species in Alberta:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://people.ucalgary.ca/~longair/vespine.html"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://people.ucalgary.ca/~longair/vespine.html</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Vespula genus:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/bsc/ejournal/bmc_05/key_vespula.html">http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/bsc/ejournal/bmc_05/key_vespula.html</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dolichovespula genus:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/bsc/ejournal/bmc_05/key_dolichovespula.html"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/bsc/ejournal/bmc_05/key_dolichovespula.html</span></a>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-89630278432666688522012-09-01T17:15:00.002-07:002012-09-01T17:15:50.752-07:00Dark Brown Fungus on Paper Birch Tree<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDpK4bTKSpc/UEKj9fap5tI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/otsJegUDN30/s1600/2012Shaunaface+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDpK4bTKSpc/UEKj9fap5tI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/otsJegUDN30/s320/2012Shaunaface+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is an interesting looking fungus my daughter found on our dead paper birch tree. She yelled at first as she thought it was a large bug. The fungus measures about 3 x 2 x 2 cm in size. We'll see what happens to it later in the summer. The photo was taken Aug. 16.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-25878711530855067292012-08-05T19:37:00.001-07:002012-08-07T09:22:05.966-07:00Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Creeping Bellflower (<i>Campanula rapunculoides</i>) has arrived in our yard. Which is not surprising since down the street the plant is being encouraged in a flower bed. Hopefully they will not cause too much trouble. Thankfully it was around the lilac tree in the lawn and not the flower bed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Note to fellow gardeners:</b> please pull out this notourious weed and don't be tempted by NEW and exciting exotic flowers that are the potential next invasive weed for us to deal with. Focus on native or near-native species where possible.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw98djsPkm8/UB8s1rKMAZI/AAAAAAAAC5A/i2uvy8aC4TU/s1600/2012+naked+face+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw98djsPkm8/UB8s1rKMAZI/AAAAAAAAC5A/i2uvy8aC4TU/s320/2012+naked+face+009.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More info:</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-CreepingBellflower.pdf">http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-CreepingBellflower.pdf</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Planning-and-Operations/Pest-Management/Creeping-bellflower.aspx">http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Planning-and-Operations/Pest-Management/Creeping-bellflower.aspx</a></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-31545620420262700712012-08-05T19:11:00.002-07:002012-08-05T19:11:49.432-07:002012 Garden Update<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pya0OZhuRTQ/UB8jiRrJWxI/AAAAAAAAC4E/uJ8kw9mWmUo/s1600/2012-06-03+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pya0OZhuRTQ/UB8jiRrJWxI/AAAAAAAAC4E/uJ8kw9mWmUo/s320/2012-06-03+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rhubarb came up Apr. 22 this year, about average timing. A cubic yard of 95% peat moss and 5% steer manure was added to the garden in April, the first imported soil (and some new weed seeds) to the garden ever. A mild May got the garden off to a good start. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After enjoying spinach and swiss chard for several weeks, the garden was hammered with marble to nickel sized hail for about 40 minutes on July 5. Fortunately the spinach was already starting to bolt and the swiss chard was being ravaged by leaf miners, so there was no major loss. The rest of the garden recovered well in the following weeks thanks to plentiful and regular rains. The zucchini really took off (see above and below before and after photos).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0udQ3v3IIc/UB8jjMN8q0I/AAAAAAAAC4M/YOH6hLpTWG4/s1600/2012-06-03+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0udQ3v3IIc/UB8jjMN8q0I/AAAAAAAAC4M/YOH6hLpTWG4/s320/2012-06-03+033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The green barrel above is the neighbour's rain barrel which froze and cracked. It now has a second life as a composter after I cut the bottom off and drilled some holes. The plan is to establish some Thyme around the paving stones above.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Re4PDNpdB3s/UB8jkIxr4jI/AAAAAAAAC4U/M0anzk1b-0M/s1600/2012-06-03+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Re4PDNpdB3s/UB8jkIxr4jI/AAAAAAAAC4U/M0anzk1b-0M/s320/2012-06-03+036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clockwise from top: Scattered Chervil, kale, sage, spinach, kale again, chives, chervil, thyme. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sage and thyme are new this year.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZrkIGVF0C4/UB8jkxCagJI/AAAAAAAAC4c/MOM19_ox4T8/s1600/2012-06-03+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZrkIGVF0C4/UB8jkxCagJI/AAAAAAAAC4c/MOM19_ox4T8/s320/2012-06-03+040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
New garden expansion with raspberries from the neighbour. One plant's leaves looked odd, so I dug it out in case it had a virus. The rest seem OK, although some berries seem slightly deformed. We'll see if they improve after they establish better. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hm4M1Sn7yPU/UB8jlzBzYeI/AAAAAAAAC4k/Uhp99uUyd_E/s1600/2012-06-03+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hm4M1Sn7yPU/UB8jlzBzYeI/AAAAAAAAC4k/Uhp99uUyd_E/s320/2012-06-03+041.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Foreground: Oregano bush and delphinium behind with hail damaged leaves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htt2A-Mh2Ew/UB8jmumfkCI/AAAAAAAAC4s/E5jnEA3Qqm4/s1600/2012-06-03+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htt2A-Mh2Ew/UB8jmumfkCI/AAAAAAAAC4s/E5jnEA3Qqm4/s320/2012-06-03+042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mint was added this year (foreground), with rhubarb and raspberries behind.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlZAhdnnnyk/UB8jhVjXb9I/AAAAAAAAC38/NH_ggcSK67o/s1600/2012+naked+face+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlZAhdnnnyk/UB8jhVjXb9I/AAAAAAAAC38/NH_ggcSK67o/s320/2012+naked+face+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Other non-garden urban homesteading news includes successful and delicious homemade beef jerky with the new dehydrator! Best way to get the kids to eat meat and of course handy for camping.<br />Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-82252191673375418622011-08-13T11:31:00.003-07:002011-10-30T09:51:52.015-07:00Monster Bee - Bumble Bee Queen<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8451Pi81No/TkbEKy4YG0I/AAAAAAAACzs/-eJvp70CSiA/s1600/2011-08-13%2B043.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640411273064094530" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8451Pi81No/TkbEKy4YG0I/AAAAAAAACzs/-eJvp70CSiA/s400/2011-08-13%2B043.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 255px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>
<br />
<div>
Two years ago while wandering in the garden I heard what sounded like an abnormally low and loud buzzing from a flying insect. I then watched in disbelief as a bee about 4 cm long buzzed around the flowers! Having grown up in a rural setting on the Canadian prairies, I have seen most noteworthy common insects. Never in my life have I seen a bee larger than the typical +/- 2 cm long variety. This bee was at least twice as large! Since then I have not seen a bee like this. Until today.
<br />
<br />
I managed to get a few fuzzy photos of the creature. I'm guessing this much be either a relatively new species to the Canadian prairies, or a very rare one at least. The bee is on Delphinium flowers about 3 cm in width. I estimate the bee to be about 3.5 to 4 cm in length (depending if you include wingtips).<br />
<br />
<i>UPDATE: Thanks to a tip from the <a href="http://homebuggarden.blogspot.com/">Home Bug Gardener</a>, the bee in the photo looks likely to be a queen bumble-bee. I later discovered my next door neighbour has a bee nest under her back step, the possible bee colony location for this queen. The bees are frequent visitors in particular to our oregano plant, where I typically see at least 10 bees feeding at any given time. However, the queen is rarely seen, this is only the second time in the last two years I've seen her.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoTckYL9xfI/TkbEOCSEmxI/AAAAAAAACz0/cTiadS_ZSgQ/s1600/2011-08-13%2B045.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640411328738007826" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoTckYL9xfI/TkbEOCSEmxI/AAAAAAAACz0/cTiadS_ZSgQ/s400/2011-08-13%2B045.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 322px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn6FUuLbYiI/TkbFU8AlUOI/AAAAAAAAC0I/4OJ1tsqjmSg/s1600/2011-08-13%2B042.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640412546824753378" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn6FUuLbYiI/TkbFU8AlUOI/AAAAAAAAC0I/4OJ1tsqjmSg/s400/2011-08-13%2B042.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 291px;" /></a>
<br />
In other news, we have been enjoying garden produce all summer, especially lettuce, spinach, volunteer lamb's quarter and chervil salads (I also include radish leaves, though the rest of the family does not care for them due to the small fuzz on them). Most plants are recovering from the hail except maybe the potatoes.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VfJKkhQ-qo/TkbFlQyzMUI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/AEPx593g6_w/s1600/2011-08-13%2B004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640412827281994050" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VfJKkhQ-qo/TkbFlQyzMUI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/AEPx593g6_w/s400/2011-08-13%2B004.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 295px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-82049122497422462942011-08-07T18:40:00.000-07:002011-08-07T18:57:43.839-07:00Saskatoon and False Solomon's Seal BerriesOn an urban foraging outing today I gathered some wild <b>Saskatoons</b>. It is a bit early as the few that were not under-ripe were barely ripe. The best picking will be in a week or two. We compared the taste with a commercial variety and find the taste much stronger (and a bit more tart) in the wild berries. I'm guessing that one wild berry contains more nutrients/anti-oxidants/etc. than a single commerical berry, even though the commercial berries are larger. The commercial berry is quite bland, watery and sweet tasting in comparison.<br /><br />There was a lot of <b>False Solomon's Seal</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maianthemum_racemosum"><i>Maianthemum racemosum</i></a>) growing among the saskatoon berries. When picking the low Saskatoon berries it could potentially be easy to accidentally pick a False Solomon's Seal. The berries look similar at this time of year on quick glance. So I did some quick online and book searching to check if it is poisonous (as I may take the kids next time). My book source [1] does not indicate edibility, but a few online sources indicated they are "edible, but no palatable" and high in Vitamin C [2], [3].<div><br /></div><div>Also, "the fruit is said to be laxative in large quantities when eaten raw, especially if one is not used to eating it, though thorough cooking removes this laxative effect. Young leaves are edible, raw or cooked. The young shoots, as they emerge in spring, can be used as an asparagus substitute. The young shoots and leaves are cooked and used as greens. The root is edible cooked. It should be soaked in alkaline water first to get rid of a disagreeable taste. It can be eaten like potatoes."[3] Medicinal uses are also listed at the link. </div><div><br /></div><div>So it appears the occasional False Solomon's Seal berry will not do much harm if not too many are eaten at once.<br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">[1] <i>Wildflowers Across the Prairies</i>, Field-Use Edition, F.R. Vance, J.R. Jowsey, J.S. McLean, Western Producer Prairie Books, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 1977.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">[2] <i><a href="http://northernbushcraft.com/topic.php?name=false+solomon%27s-seal&region=ab&ctgy=edible_berries">Northern Bushcraft</a>, <a href="http://northernbushcraft.com/references.htm">list of website references</a>, </i>accessed August 7, 2011.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">[3] <i><a href="http://montana.plant-life.org/species/maian_stella.htm">Montana Plant Life</a> </i></span><i>, </i>accessed August 7, 2011.</div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-20005019898933821652011-08-07T18:16:00.000-07:002011-08-14T15:10:50.754-07:00When it rains it... hails!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8JZ1kmQn8k/TkhHw2JoHfI/AAAAAAAAC0c/k--KEZuolYs/s1600/2011-08-13%2B031.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8JZ1kmQn8k/TkhHw2JoHfI/AAAAAAAAC0c/k--KEZuolYs/s400/2011-08-13%2B031.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640837437776731634" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We usually get at least one hail storm each summer. Fortunately this year it was later in the summer than usual. Unfortunately the hail was a bit larger and longer duration than usual, plus we had two big hailstorms in three days (August 3 and 5).</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most plants have a varying degree of leaf shredding. The potatoes, lettuce (except for the ones I managed to cover with plastic during both storms), swiss chard and rhubard got the worst of it and the others faired quite well and I think will recover fine. I don't think the potatoes will grow much more this year.</div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-4325850756843998882011-06-19T19:50:00.000-07:002011-06-20T08:01:38.459-07:00Companion Planting & June Garden Update<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Something I need to learn more about is companion planting. I find in the rush of spring planting , the thought of suitable companion plants is often overlooked. However, I did manage to plant lettuce and radish together (see photo below), which I now discover in hindsight are good companion plants. <a href="http://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/gardening/gardening-companions">Reader's Digest has a good companion planting list</a> which confirms this.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620135557682504482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3HjVM5C0YM/Tf67g1E1IyI/AAAAAAAACzI/U5KKIcQhCwU/s400/2011-06-19%2BGardening%2B003.jpg" border="0" /><br />I planted some spearmint among the raspberries and rhubarb, though these are not listed together in the above list. In hindsight, I should have planted the mint in a container to keep it from spreading. But does not appear to be germinating, which may be due to use of seed several years old.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620138688274535634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 305px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_O8qfeD3hNA/Tf6-XDcIlNI/AAAAAAAACzU/_t2afVSG20E/s400/2011-06-19%2BGardening%2B004.jpg" border="0" /><br />I gambled and planted the potatoes early (above photo), first week in May, as well as several other veggies. This year we were fortunate to have the <a href="http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climateData/dailydata_e.html?StationID=2205&Month=4&Day=19&Year=2011&timeframe=2">last heavy frost on April 30</a>, well before the average last frost date of <a href="http://calgary-gardening-adventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/happy-last-frost-day-sort-of.html">May 20</a>. Now to see if we have a below or above average hail year...<br /><br />Future posts will include a scan of the garden layout for this year. Overall the plantings are more of the same that was planted in previous years. I did not plant peas this year as they did not do so well in the last two years. Most plants are doing well except the beans, which are struggling with poor germination and insect (or bird?) nibbling.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-32631780536610064122011-05-07T19:37:00.000-07:002011-05-07T19:44:47.776-07:00Rhubarb is up!The rhubarb is up, beginning the push upward around May 5 for 2011. For comparison, previous years as follows:<br /><br /><a href="http://calgary-gardening-adventures.blogspot.com/search/label/Rhubarb">2010: April 16</a><br /><a href="http://calgary-gardening-adventures.blogspot.com/2009/04/rhubarb-is-up.htmlApril">2009: April 25</a><br />2008: April 15<br /><br />Definitely a late start this year.<br /><br />Last fall I pulled out the low producing strawberries (originally transplanted from neighbour). The berries were very small (a few mm at most) and sparse. Today I transplanted some larger/higher producing strawberries from another neighbour. Nice rains this evening to help them establish. Now to figure out what all to plant this year...!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-52957528050858673792011-03-20T19:38:00.001-07:002011-03-20T21:05:12.895-07:00Local Calgary Area FarmsFor the most part, the garden produce from the backyard is a supplement to regular purchases from the local Co-op grocery store. However, I have been seeking alternative local sources for certain bulk purchases, mainly grain and meat.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586375202578469938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF3UMkEdG_Y/TYbKphu9lDI/AAAAAAAACyI/Jp3TOlmUXBQ/s400/1981%2BCows05.JPG" border="0" /><br />The following is intended as a mostly personal reference summarizing local Calgary area farms that sell produce through non-retail outlets such as direct to consumers and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA's). I will include links to Farmer's Markets in Calgary, but not include individual links to the farms at the markets as they are likely already listed online.<br /><br /><strong>Community Supported Agriculture</strong><br /><br />A comprehensive list can be found at the following link:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.csaalberta.com/">Community Supported Agriculture in Alberta</a><br /><br />Some of the farms include:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oxyokefarms.com/">Oxyoke Farms</a> (near Linden, AB)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thompsonsmallfarm.ca/">Thompson Small Farm</a> (near Sundre, AB as of MAR 2011, formerly near Carbon, AB)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Organic Grain Suppliers</strong><br /><p><a href="http://calgary-gardening-adventures.blogspot.com/2010/11/local-organic-spelt-growers.html">Local Organic Spelt Growers</a> - Page with additional links specifically related to Spelt Growers</p><a href="http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/bdv8488">Organic Agriculture Websites</a> - links from the Alberta Government<br /><br /><br /><strong>Calgary Farmer's Markets</strong><br /><br />A list of local farmers markets can be found at (needs updating):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.calgaryarea.com/community/eventspsa/farmers/farmermarket.htm">Calgary Farmers Markets</a><br /><br />Another list of Calgary and area farmers markets, may be outdated plus has annoying pop-up ads:<br /><br /><a href="http://foundlocally.com/calgary/shopping/sh-farmersmarkets.htm">Calgary & Area Farmers' Markets</a><br /><br />Below: Some Calgary Farmers Markets near north Calgary with websites:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blackfootmarket.ca/">Blackfoot Farmers Market</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.calgaryfarmersmarket.ca/">Calgary Farmers' Market</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kingslandfarmersmarket.com/">Kingsland Farmers' Market</a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.tgcacalgary.com/activities/farmers-flea-market.html">Thorncliffe/Greenview Community Association - Outdoor Farmers Market </a></div>Usually has some local Hutterites selling veggies in the parking lot in July and August.<br /><br />This page is intended mainly for my own reference and will not be comprehensive. My interest is primarily ordering cuts of meat and organic grains directly from farmers, so that is the focus of the list. I will update it from time to time. Let me know if you see any errors or have discovered a farm that should be added.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-81812318227290526932011-01-15T11:40:00.000-08:002011-01-15T12:47:18.139-08:00Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) - Alberta Invasive Species SeriesCatching up on some contemplated summer posts that never materialized, the following describes my encounter last summer with the intimidating (cue scary music): BLACK HENBANE <em>(</em><a title="Hyoscyamus niger" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyoscyamus_niger"><em>Hyoscyamus niger</em></a><em>)</em>, also known as <em>Stinking Nightshade </em>. Both names sounding quite ominous. And for good reason.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TTH8koZJtrI/AAAAAAAACr8/pgO7y8sjWhU/s1600/2010-05-15%2B052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562504721027675826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TTH8koZJtrI/AAAAAAAACr8/pgO7y8sjWhU/s400/2010-05-15%2B052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>I encountered a patch of these evildoers in West Nose Creek Park. Not knowing what they were at the time, I took some photos and did some research. The plants were hard to miss, standing up to four feet tall!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TTH8gpIiVjI/AAAAAAAACr0/UJ1qCCBuAcc/s1600/2010-05-15%2B053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562504652506945074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TTH8gpIiVjI/AAAAAAAACr0/UJ1qCCBuAcc/s400/2010-05-15%2B053.jpg" border="0" /></a> As someone who grew up on the prairies and never having seen this plant before, I figured such a large and obtrusive plant must be an invasive species. This narrowed my search considerably. Once identifying the plant, I washed my hands after learning of its toxic nature.</div><br /><div>Black Henbane is classified as "Noxious" by the Alberta Invasive Plants Council [1]. Some interesting characteristics of the plant are summarized below (from [1]):</div><ul><li>Annual or Perennial</li><li>Reproduces by seed only (see photos below of seed pods)</li><li>Native to Eurasia</li><li>All parts of the plant are poisonous to animals (including humans)</li><li>A single plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds per season</li><li>Seeds are typically viable for up to four years</li><li>Prefers sunny areas</li></ul><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TTH8cWSgamI/AAAAAAAACrs/tlSGk4Uzmo4/s1600/2010-05-15%2B054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562504578729011810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 378px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TTH8cWSgamI/AAAAAAAACrs/tlSGk4Uzmo4/s400/2010-05-15%2B054.jpg" border="0" /></a> Proliferate Seed Pods (above)<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562504463410165890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TTH8VosWeII/AAAAAAAACrk/Vj7d41um_1w/s400/2010-05-15%2B056.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center">West Nose Creek Park (natural area), above</p><p align="left">I notified the City of Calgary about the weeds presence and offered my volunteer labour to help remove them. Being such a large bushy plant, I envisioned that hand removal would be quite easy with a pair of rubber gloves and garbage bags. But then what to do with the remains to prevent further spread? </p><p align="left">I received no response from the City, but a few weeks later the plants had been removed and the City had done some spot spraying for invasive weeds, primarily <a class="l" onmousedown="return clk(this.href,'','','','1','','0CB8QFjAA')" href="http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-YellowClematis.pdf">Yellow Clematis (<em>Clematis tangutica</em>)</a> which has really taken hold in the park. I'll be keeping my eye out for their potential return.<br /><br />[1] <a href="http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-BlackHenbane.pdf">Black Henbane - Alberta Invasive Plants Council</a></p></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-22787777185295814332010-11-27T17:42:00.000-08:002011-03-20T20:36:32.338-07:00Local Organic Spelt GrowersI am researching options for purchasing local organic spelt. My gut reacts strongly to consumption of regular wheat, but I have discovered spelt has no such ill effects.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TPG15bxJUlI/AAAAAAAACrQ/xlZYBZi_Omw/s1600/1980%2BFarm09.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544412614580851282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TPG15bxJUlI/AAAAAAAACrQ/xlZYBZi_Omw/s400/1980%2BFarm09.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>So far we have been purchasing organic spelt from the <a href="http://www.daybreakschereskymill.com/">Daybreak-Scheresky Mill</a> in Estevan, Saskatchewan (via a health food store in a small Saskatchewan town where the in-laws live). I have been wondering what other options may be out there and cost comparisons, since we use a lot of it. If anyone has info further to what is listed here, please let us know.<br /><br />I contacted a local Calgary bakery and they said they source most of their spelt from Saskatchewan and Manitoba.<br /><br />Other sources I have found, so far, via the internet includes:<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.grainworks.com/index.php?id=6">Grainworks Inc.</a></strong> (Kincaid, SK)<br />A family farm moved in 2001 from near Vulcan, AB to SW Saskatchewan (near hamlet of Kincaid). They sell various organic products including spelt.<br /><br /><a class="l" onmousedown="return clk(this.href,'','','','11','','0CEUQFjAK')" href="http://goldforestfarms.blogspot.com/"><strong>Gold Forest Grains</strong></a> (near Edmonton, AB)<br />Do not currently grow spelt, but plan to in the near future.<br /><br /><strong>General Directories of Organic Farms</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.organicfarmdirectory.ca/AB_producers-calgary.php">Saskatchewan and Alberta Organic Farm Directory</a> (no spelt growers currently listed)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app68/organics?cat1=Crops&cat2=Calgary+%26+Area">Calgary</a><a href="http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app68/organics?cat1=Crops"> Area Organic Crop Growers Directory</a> (no spelt growers currently listed)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.organicagcentre.ca/VirtualFarmTour/vft_main_alberta.asp">Alberta Virtual Farm Tour</a> (no spelt growers currently listed)<br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TPG1auPcKPI/AAAAAAAACrI/upqRWOnMSdk/s1600/1965%2BGleaner%2BE%2Bharvester.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544412086963808498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 259px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TPG1auPcKPI/AAAAAAAACrI/upqRWOnMSdk/s400/1965%2BGleaner%2BE%2Bharvester.JPG" border="0" /></a> This page will be updated as I discover more related info. </p><p>Above photos are of the family farm I grew up on in Saskatchewan.</p>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-39590096871337125302010-11-06T14:27:00.000-07:002010-11-06T14:52:45.786-07:00Harvesting After Frost - Coriander and WheatHard frost has hit, but gardening work continues for a while longer. Compost has been spread on the garden (note to self, take frequent breaks to save the back). Leaf raking in process.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXJKGOvdfI/AAAAAAAACq4/k1Sa4fkujCQ/s1600/2010-11-06+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536552492230211058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXJKGOvdfI/AAAAAAAACq4/k1Sa4fkujCQ/s400/2010-11-06+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> Neighbour's <strong>Mountain Ash</strong> (aka Rowan, Genus: <a title="Rowan" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowan"><em>Sorbus</em></a>), not sure which species. The photos were taken during a brilliant rose-coloured sunrise. The photos are shown as-is, unedited.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXJG-45B-I/AAAAAAAACqw/w1LVaPujeM0/s1600/2010-11-06+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536552438719907810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXJG-45B-I/AAAAAAAACqw/w1LVaPujeM0/s400/2010-11-06+007.jpg" border="0" /></a> Harvesting continues. The <strong>coriander</strong> (<strong>cilantro</strong>) is at perfect harvesting conditions, falling off the plant with relatively little effort (relative to the wheat harvesting).<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXJBwB2enI/AAAAAAAACqo/ghdvZrNn5j0/s1600/2010-11-06+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536552348831611506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 369px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXJBwB2enI/AAAAAAAACqo/ghdvZrNn5j0/s400/2010-11-06+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXI-cqRJ5I/AAAAAAAACqg/7FEEDTmMgd4/s1600/2010-11-06+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536552292092815250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 342px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXI-cqRJ5I/AAAAAAAACqg/7FEEDTmMgd4/s400/2010-11-06+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Below is <em>Threshing Box Experiment #1</em> for the wheat. Should be self-explanatory from the photos.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536552210817030354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 326px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXI5t4nGNI/AAAAAAAACqY/y0Txqwy3Yks/s400/2010-11-06+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXI0lqlElI/AAAAAAAACqQ/GUeULemVIVY/s1600/2010-11-06+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536552122711347794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXI0lqlElI/AAAAAAAACqQ/GUeULemVIVY/s400/2010-11-06+013.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have not got around to <a class="l" onmousedown="return clk(this.href,'','','','4','','0CCsQFjAD')" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnowing">winnowing</a> the grain yet. Not sure if there is really any easy way to do this. No matter what method, it is time and labour intensive at this scale. Harvesting machines rank high on the labour-savingness scale. So far my other half has been meticulously separating the hulls from the grains during the occasional movie watching.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXInO1qnrI/AAAAAAAACqI/LSVi2c8LdlY/s1600/2010-11-06+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536551893245533874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TNXInO1qnrI/AAAAAAAACqI/LSVi2c8LdlY/s400/2010-11-06+016.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Utrecht Blue Wheat</strong> (above) after hard frost. <strong>Quinoa </strong>behind and on the right.</div></div></div></div></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-77528518296447837532010-09-24T19:53:00.000-07:002010-09-24T20:10:51.476-07:00First Moderate FrostLooks like we beat the average first frost day of September 14 again this year! Although not as impressive as October 1 <a href="http://calgary-gardening-adventures.blogspot.com/2009/10/happy-first-frost-day.html">last year</a>, the forecast is looking good for the next week.<br /><br />So far only the Amaranth has taken a hit. Everything else appears to still be growing. So I guess this is a "moderate" first frost, no "heavy" killing frost yet (unlike Edmonton, sorry guys). According to <a href="http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climateData/dailydata_e.html?StationID=2205">Environment Canada</a>, measured at the Calgary ariport (same elevation as the Middle Earth Garden), we had -0.5 C on September 18. Everything survived this first light frost. Last night was -1.1 C.<br /><br />The Amaranth doesn't seem to have any seeds yet, that I can find. I will take a closer look tomorrow. So may not get any Amaranth seeds this year. This spring was exceptionally slow germination, starting them inside would help alleviate this risk.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-7504638883470272642010-09-19T10:31:00.001-07:002010-09-19T10:51:04.739-07:00Harvest Time<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TJZJL5EXh9I/AAAAAAAACps/zEcHZCYrmus/s1600/2010-09-19+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518678862035650514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TJZJL5EXh9I/AAAAAAAACps/zEcHZCYrmus/s400/2010-09-19+012.jpg" border="0" /></a>Potatoes of Unknown Variety gradually being consumed. We dig them as we eat them, since no cold room or root cellar for storage.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TJZJGO3Fx8I/AAAAAAAACpk/-SNkg_nFlKw/s1600/2010-09-19+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518678764806326210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TJZJGO3Fx8I/AAAAAAAACpk/-SNkg_nFlKw/s400/2010-09-19+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I'm currently researching when best to harvest the Amaranth (above) and Quinoa (below). <a href="http://teresasgarden.wordpress.com/2009/10/22/quinoa-harvest/">Teresa</a> provided a good reference regarding when to harvest at <a href="http://www.saltspringseeds.com/scoop/powerfood.htm">Salt Spring Seeds</a>.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TJZJB-8NUlI/AAAAAAAACpc/FHUOIoVShDM/s1600/2010-09-19+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518678691813347922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TJZJB-8NUlI/AAAAAAAACpc/FHUOIoVShDM/s400/2010-09-19+014.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-10018500483977813862010-08-30T20:24:00.000-07:002010-08-30T21:24:19.664-07:00August Garden Update<div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2rJGTGGI/AAAAAAAACoc/zVww_aFabIQ/s1600/2010-08-30+Garden+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511410527543433314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2rJGTGGI/AAAAAAAACoc/zVww_aFabIQ/s400/2010-08-30+Garden+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> My neighbour called this a Himalayan Orchid but a web-search suggests it is more likely a <a class="mw-redirect" title="Impatiens glandulifera" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impatiens_glandulifera">Himalayan Balsam <em>(Impatiens glandulifera)</em></a>, also known as "Policeman's Helmet". This eager volunteer plant migrated over the fence from the neighbour's yard.<br /><br />Considering that it's growing in a pile of rocks, I suspect this may be a good candidate for the next revision of the undesirable Alberta invasive species list. A brief web-search confirms its invasive nature including seed pods that explode, spreading seed several meters! OK, I'm going outside to pull it right now. It has an attractive flower that belies its evil intent to take over the world.</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2kHYIOhI/AAAAAAAACoU/EvHzfeSW44w/s1600/2010-08-30+Garden+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511410406822263314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2kHYIOhI/AAAAAAAACoU/EvHzfeSW44w/s400/2010-08-30+Garden+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2gFkFU1I/AAAAAAAACoM/bhM0Lz4snk0/s1600/2010-08-30+Garden+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511410337616057170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2gFkFU1I/AAAAAAAACoM/bhM0Lz4snk0/s400/2010-08-30+Garden+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2cfvtdVI/AAAAAAAACoE/BSrUUopic4E/s1600/2010-08-30+Garden+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511410275924669778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2cfvtdVI/AAAAAAAACoE/BSrUUopic4E/s400/2010-08-30+Garden+009.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="left"></a>My guess: <a class="mw-redirect" title="Canadian Tiger Swallowtail" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Tiger_Swallowtail">Canadian Tiger Swallowtail</a> (<em>Papilio canadensis</em>) caterpillar. Found August 21 on an apple tree leaf 2 blocks from our home. This seems late in the year to find this caterpillar, since <a href="http://www.cbif.gc.ca/spp_pages/butterflies/species/CanadianTigerSwallowtail_e.php">this reference</a> mentions "This species has only one generation per year, usually appearing in mid-May and flying to late July depending on latitude." Maybe they are trying for a second generation? Or wrong species? The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail apparently goes for 2 summer generations in the warmer eastern climates.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2YyqqLsI/AAAAAAAACn8/V5NsVwZLf-k/s1600/2010-08-30+Garden+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511410212284280514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2YyqqLsI/AAAAAAAACn8/V5NsVwZLf-k/s400/2010-08-30+Garden+011.jpg" border="0" /></a> The annual Zero-Mile-Diet-Applesauce-Making-Festival gets ambitious this year. A little too ambitious for one weekend in retrospect, but it's satisfying to survey the full freezer afterwards. No canning this year, too busy with baby to take care of. Our favourite tree is about a 5 minute walk from the house. It's one of many to choose from within similar range.<br /><br />This time we also picked some sort of prairie cherry (with pits) from the neighbour's yard. It looks and tastes somewhat like a Nanking Cherry. It is likely one of the fruit bushes listed on <a href="http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4143">this page</a>. The bushes had no thorns, which I thought the Nanking Cherry has, but I could be wrong.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2U_iij4I/AAAAAAAACn0/Dwgqq912kmg/s1600/2010-08-30+Garden+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511410147020410754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2U_iij4I/AAAAAAAACn0/Dwgqq912kmg/s400/2010-08-30+Garden+012.jpg" border="0" /></a>The <strong>Utrecht Blue Wheat</strong> heads are now turning blue (though it's hard to tell due to high exposure and contrast in the photos). Due to wet conditions this summer and possibly for want of a longer growing season, the wheat is still quite green. I've started to cut it and hang it in the garage to ripen and avoid possible frost tonight.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2Plto2iI/AAAAAAAACns/GrlYWZT4SFo/s1600/2010-08-30+Garden+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511410054188292642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2Plto2iI/AAAAAAAACns/GrlYWZT4SFo/s400/2010-08-30+Garden+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2GuvnmMI/AAAAAAAACnk/ozSUpgmTNKc/s1600/2010-08-30+Garden+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511409901993695426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/THx2GuvnmMI/AAAAAAAACnk/ozSUpgmTNKc/s400/2010-08-30+Garden+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> The "West Central Garden", showing marigolds, beans, cilantro and carrots.<br /><br /><strong>Bean</strong> harvest is turning out really well this year. The <strong>carrots</strong> that did germinate are doing well. We will start harvesting the <strong>potatoes</strong> soon. We have virtually no <strong>raspberries</strong> or <strong>strawberries</strong> yet; not sure if it's the variety, weather or improper care. They are not very established yet, so we will see if they improve yield next year.</p>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-28212603257154338322010-08-04T18:34:00.000-07:002010-08-05T11:51:44.907-07:00July/August Update<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoV7s155wI/AAAAAAAACnQ/hig41YX3nVE/s1600/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501734010180200194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoV7s155wI/AAAAAAAACnQ/hig41YX3nVE/s400/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> Above: Unknown <strong>potato</strong> variety and <strong>Utrecht Blue Wheat</strong>. The wheat heads have begun to form but are green at this stage and not yet "blue".<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoV1X7HT0I/AAAAAAAACnI/raQR9ykCTeI/s1600/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501733901485690690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoV1X7HT0I/AAAAAAAACnI/raQR9ykCTeI/s400/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+005.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Delphinium</strong> (transplanted from neighbour last year)<br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoVwdLrtZI/AAAAAAAACnA/6iaiO_bN6Vw/s1600/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501733816998016402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoVwdLrtZI/AAAAAAAACnA/6iaiO_bN6Vw/s400/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Amaranth R158</strong> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_cruentus"><em>Amaranthus cruentus</em></a>) has decided to grow after all, though still slowly. The R158 variety is <a href="http://www.triadtrading.ca/product_info.php/products_id/773">described as</a> "developed by <a href="http://www.johnnyseeds.com/">Johnny's Selected Seeds</a> and <a href="http://eap.mcgill.ca/CPAT_2.htm">Rodale Research Centre</a>. The leaves and seed heads are mostly red. It is early and heavy yielding." The grains are rich in protein (16 - 18%). Amaranth is believed to be a domesticated form of Pigweed (<a title="Amaranthus hybridus" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_hybridus"><em>Amaranthus hybridus</em></a>). It was historically grown in Central America as long ago as 4000 BC [unreferenced wikipedia info, to be confirmed].<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoVpwDvX9I/AAAAAAAACm4/lhaOXLAQ2V4/s1600/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501733701805891538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoVpwDvX9I/AAAAAAAACm4/lhaOXLAQ2V4/s400/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong> Carrot</strong> going to seed in its second year. The carrot was found in the garden this spring left behind from last year. It was transplanted to an appropriate location so we could collect the seeds.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoVaPKBFjI/AAAAAAAACmo/VEjFbfI2S2s/s1600/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501733435275810354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoVaPKBFjI/AAAAAAAACmo/VEjFbfI2S2s/s400/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> Mystery volunteer plant/weed in compost pile.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501733533847090546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoVf-XPdXI/AAAAAAAACmw/JrnK1FjEPW0/s400/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+002.jpg" border="0" /> Close-up of the mystery weed flowers.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />[<em>UPDATE: Appears likely to be Common Hemp Nettle or</em> Galeopsis tetrahit <em>identified by Dave the Home Bug Gardener, see comments below</em>]<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoVTVF7ViI/AAAAAAAACmg/5ZGz2nJAWoM/s1600/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501733316610184738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 324px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TFoVTVF7ViI/AAAAAAAACmg/5ZGz2nJAWoM/s400/2010-08-04+Garden+%26+Kids+007.jpg" border="0" /></a> Possibly some kind of volunteer Wild Mustard<strong> </strong>(possibly <em>Brassica kaber</em>)? I was debating letting it go to seed and try eating the seeds, but I changed my mind and pulled it. I might try if another one pops up. I think this is the Mystery Weed <a href="http://calgary-gardening-adventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/name-that-weed.html">posted previously</a>. </div></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-33312069075637931892010-07-11T10:04:00.001-07:002011-09-30T10:27:13.984-07:00Calgary and Alberta Gardening BlogsThis reference page will include some other gardening blogs I have encountered and occasionally revisit. The geographic range will extend to garden locations primarily in Alberta, but may also include some from Saskatchewan (the homeland) since the climate is somewhat similar.<br /><br />I should mention that <a href="http://www.coldclimategardening.com/garden-blog-directory/">Cold Climate Gardening has an excellent gardening blog directory</a> covering much of North America. This directory includes some good blog summaries, organized alphabetically by state or province. I will be much more brief.<br /><br /><strong>Calgary Gardening Blogs</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://teresasgarden.wordpress.com/">Teresa's Garden Blog</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.balconygardener.ca/" closure_uid_33y4z8="31">Balcony Gardener</a><br /><br /><strong>Red Deer Gardening Blogs</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.albertahomegardening.com/">Alberta Home Gardening</a><br /><br /><strong>Edmonton Gardening Blogs</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.farnorthgarden.com/">The Far North Garden</a><br /><em>Gardening and edible landscaping in cold climates.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://gardeningwithlatitude.blogspot.com/">Gardening with Latitude</a><br /><em>Reviving a forgotten garden at the 53rd Parallel.<br /></em><br /><a href="http://zone3b.wordpress.com/">Gardening Zone 3b</a><br /><em>An exploration of naturalistic gardening. Gardening for the appreciation and encouragement of nature's diversity.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://homebuggarden.blogspot.com/">The Home Bug Garden</a><br /><em>A rumination on backyard biodiversity.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kevinkossowan.com/">Kevin Kossowan</a><br /><em>From the: Cellar, Wild, Garden, Local Farm</em><br /><br /><strong>Saskatchewan Gardening Blogs</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://aprairiejournal.blogspot.com/">A Prairie Journal In Saskatchewan</a><br /><br />If I have left someone out it is not because I do not enjoy your blog, but rather because time limits me from keeping up with too many. Please do not take offense!<br /><br />This page will be updated as I encounter new local gardening blogs.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-68570307011743703552010-07-01T06:32:00.000-07:002010-07-01T07:41:30.069-07:00June Garden UpdateMost plants, especially those planted directly in the garden this spring, are a week or two behind due to some cool wet weather from end of May to mid-June. But with some recent hot weather, some are picking up the pace.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyaAG_st7I/AAAAAAAACmI/6CD2dgxcUD4/s1600/2010-05-15+059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488931372526254002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyaAG_st7I/AAAAAAAACmI/6CD2dgxcUD4/s400/2010-05-15+059.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknown variety of <strong>Potatoes</strong> (above). This is what they looked like before planted (below).</div><br /><div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488933447497684002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyb443cFCI/AAAAAAAACmU/ksV069r8eq4/s400/2010-04-16+036.jpg" border="0" />They were received from friends of family in a small town in Saskatchewan who have been growing them for years. They have no scab and looked healthy, so thought we'd give them a try.</div><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZ5r7BqaI/AAAAAAAACmA/rn3IM9RCois/s1600/2010-05-15+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488931262179682722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 346px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZ5r7BqaI/AAAAAAAACmA/rn3IM9RCois/s400/2010-05-15+016.jpg" border="0" /></a>The <strong>R158 Amaranth</strong> seems to be growing very slow most likely due to poor soil conditions. In hindsight I should have dug out some of the heavy clay and planted the seedlings in a planting soil mix within the clay. I did not spread much compost this year due to short supply (it's amazing how much the volume reduces as it digests!). This section of garden was recently overturned sod that has a high clay content and likely low soil nutrients. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZ1TtmjRI/AAAAAAAACl4/GkFHCN2EA8w/s1600/2010-05-15+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488931186961452306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZ1TtmjRI/AAAAAAAACl4/GkFHCN2EA8w/s400/2010-05-15+017.jpg" border="0" /></a>The <strong>Temuco Quinoa</strong> is also growing slow, most likely due to poor soil conditions.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">The amaranth and quinoa seeds are from the last Seedy Saturday exchange table. Interestly, they were left at the table by a <a href="http://teresasgarden.wordpress.com/">local garden blogger</a>, whom I <a href="http://teresasgarden.wordpress.com/2009/08/29/august-update/#comments">asked last year about where to obtain some amaranth and quinoa seeds</a>! There are some excellent posts on Teresa's blog on how to harvest the amaranth and quinoa seeds I plan to reference.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZwfcM9mI/AAAAAAAAClw/_8wA8YjnBIQ/s1600/2010-05-15+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488931104210351714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZwfcM9mI/AAAAAAAAClw/_8wA8YjnBIQ/s400/2010-05-15+012.jpg" border="0" /></a>Approximately from bottom to top of above photo: volunteer Chervil forest, Peas, Beans, volunteer Dill, experimental bird scaring device (some seedlings have been disappearing), Potatoes...<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZqTMmKuI/AAAAAAAAClo/V8yXiFIyGAQ/s1600/2010-05-15+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488930997844454114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZqTMmKuI/AAAAAAAAClo/V8yXiFIyGAQ/s400/2010-05-15+013.jpg" border="0" /></a> ... Dill, volunteer Carrot, Potatoes...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZlTPD2OI/AAAAAAAAClg/6jHvigZeLYs/s1600/2010-05-15+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488930911955441890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZlTPD2OI/AAAAAAAAClg/6jHvigZeLYs/s400/2010-05-15+014.jpg" border="0" /></a> ... Brussels Sprouts, volunteer Spinach, Utrecht Blue Wheat, Quinoa (left of wheat)...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZdYbWN2I/AAAAAAAAClY/YgaXp76z5JE/s1600/2010-05-15+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488930775910201186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZdYbWN2I/AAAAAAAAClY/YgaXp76z5JE/s400/2010-05-15+018.jpg" border="0" /></a> Delphinium (left), volunteer Oregano and Strawberries (behind).<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZXGvpGHI/AAAAAAAAClQ/6zda1EonemI/s1600/2010-05-15+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488930668084271218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZXGvpGHI/AAAAAAAAClQ/6zda1EonemI/s400/2010-05-15+019.jpg" border="0" /></a>Volunteer Chervil thriving where even the dandelions hardly survive.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZN7NugyI/AAAAAAAAClI/5lMDSUVHVCY/s1600/2010-05-15+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488930510370407202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCyZN7NugyI/AAAAAAAAClI/5lMDSUVHVCY/s400/2010-05-15+020.jpg" border="0" /></a> Volunteer Chervil "forest". Chervil has a pleasant licorice flavour.</div></div></div></div></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-6291207548400391802010-06-30T20:22:00.000-07:002010-06-30T21:25:18.039-07:00Bee HouseI may or may not have some native bees nesting in my recently constructed bee house/nest. Or more accurately a small bee apartment complex.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488783966251781362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCwT771MDPI/AAAAAAAACk0/lBi1sq-9Ghw/s400/2010-05-15+008.jpg" border="0" /><br />The house design was inspired by some links I came across:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/nest_factsheet1.pdf">Nests for Native Bees - Invertebrate Conservation Fact Sheet</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/wildhab.html">USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - Backyard Wildlife Habitat Tips</a> </p><p>It simply involves drilling some holes of variable diameter and depth into wood. Since we have lots of dead birch stumps lying around, I thought I'd give it a try.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCwUBqa3YvI/AAAAAAAACk8/Le0YFEcXUe0/s1600/2010-05-15+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488784064657187570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 355px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/TCwUBqa3YvI/AAAAAAAACk8/Le0YFEcXUe0/s400/2010-05-15+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I was surprised to recently learn that most native bees do not form hives but live a primarily solitary life.</p><p>I will be keeping an eye on these homes to see what eventually emerges, though I may easily miss that event. Not sure if they are actually bee nests, or some other insect who prefers this convenient shelter in the dead paper birch stump.</p>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7910864785521959974.post-64302175658615984532010-05-26T19:44:00.000-07:002010-05-28T10:05:19.367-07:00Native Plants - May Flowers and UnknownsA pleasant May Long Weekend spring walk through a mostly still native grassland urban park resulted in sightings of various native prairie plants (to add to the native plant feature series):<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/S_3fSjAx-CI/AAAAAAAACiQ/dyTTbmoqizY/s1600/2010-05-15+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475778231681546274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/S_3fSjAx-CI/AAAAAAAACiQ/dyTTbmoqizY/s400/2010-05-15+014.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong> Saskatoon</strong> bushes (<em>Amelanchier alnifolia</em>) in bloom. We hope to plant some in the yard eventually if we can manage to find/make some room.<br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/S_3ewXU8HsI/AAAAAAAACiE/subU7pGGDeY/s1600/2010-05-15+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475777644429319874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/S_3ewXU8HsI/AAAAAAAACiE/subU7pGGDeY/s400/2010-05-15+012.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Golden Bean</strong> aka Buffalo Bean (<em>Thermopsis rhombifolia</em>). The flowers were used by some native peoples as a source of yellow dye to colour skin bags and arrows. The growth of the flower indicated the time of year when the buffalo were considered fat enough for hunting, hence the name "buffalo bean". The buffalo did not likely eat the flower, as all parts are toxic. [1] <p></p></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">[1] <em>Wild Flowers of Edmonton and Central Alberta</em>, France Royer & Richard Dickinson, 1996</span></div><p></p><p><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">I need to get the 'Calgary and South Alberta' edition, though many plants likely span both books.</span> </div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/S_3eNYzUPnI/AAAAAAAAChw/zubXVQ3Hk7Q/s1600/2010-05-15+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475777043529743986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/S_3eNYzUPnI/AAAAAAAAChw/zubXVQ3Hk7Q/s400/2010-05-15+016.jpg" border="0" /></a>Two unknown fossilized plant species discovered in stones removed in local road construction projects. Not sure if this species is still around, not likely I am guessing! I will see if I can find a local palaeontologist that may be able to help.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/S_3d758cyiI/AAAAAAAACho/ppoKgwxIsJI/s1600/2010-05-15+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475776743188777506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RUsV8mZ6KfY/S_3d758cyiI/AAAAAAAACho/ppoKgwxIsJI/s400/2010-05-15+019.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02126648787240509243noreply@blogger.com7