Signs of Spring-The New Camera

The new camera went outside today to see how he felt about the garden he is assigned to capture in pixels. Since it isn’t film that captures the moment, what else is it? Decidedly male, with a name like Canon, his label reads, “Canon Power Shot A720 IS”. We began with some close ups using the macro setting. One can tell the difference with the shot above, the seed pod of an Arizona Cypress, cupressus arizonica, shows the scales not visible to my eyes even clothed, not naked, in glasses.
The same tree as above, this time showing the little cone like structures at the tips of the branches. Aren’t they so very cute?

Going on a slow tour, looking for something interesting to zero in on, it is noticed that the cast stone wall is growing moss nicely. Did I mention what a warm, wonderful day it was yet? No? Well, it had the feel of spring.

Take a look at the temp! Just about 73 degrees fahrenheit, perfection.

Yesterday was the best rain event we have had in a good while. Not a gulleywasher, but steady rain all day. The earth and plants were singing happy songs with the warmth after that refreshing drink.

Happy for any flowers at all, the witch hazel’s, hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’, one set of buds are about to open. They are a stunning orangey red. Last year’s late freeze and drought killed off all but this little group. I know you are tired of hearing about the cold snap and lack of rain, but any explanation of the status of the garden cannot be made without that reference, to put the lack of blooms in perspective. I promise to stop, but only if the weather is more cooperative this year. However, the gold mop chamaecyparis behind looks pretty good.

Going into the sunroom/greenhouse, we check on the onion seeds planted January 24. In the post about them on that date, it was mentioned that two top dressings were applied. Above is the pot with the chicken grit. It is the preferred topping due to the weight of the crushed stones, holding the roots in place when watering. It is also quite a bit more expensive than the vermiculite, however.

The black seed coats still attached give the onion leaves a martian air. This is the vermiculite batch, good germination, no damping off disease, both toppings are said to aid in preventing the cause of many seedling deaths.

My favorite seed starting sight, the dahlia ‘Bishop’s Children’ germinating and sending their roots down into the soilless mix. These seeds were surface sown on February 1, pretty speedy, kids!

These lettuce seedlings were growing in the impatiens pot, they must have been leftover from last year’s sowing in the same pot. Like many other things, when you try and do something, it fails, but go blissfully along, not being too tidy and this is what you can get! The end four pack is planted with Ruby swiss chard, topped with the chicken grit.

Back outdoors, it was a surprise to see this bee in the crocus, pollen pantaloons and all. Isn’t it too early for him? There are very few flowers to visit right now, what will become of him?

He is not a lone wolf, er, bee. This mahonia volunteer that grows under the pine trees was covered with his fellows. I was even afraid of getting stung, there were so many. It is a puzzlement as to where they came from, or why they are out now? Any bee experts out there? But they really added to the spring like feel that was so welcome here at Faire Garden today.

Frances

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