I've only seen the new goslings once, scrambling through the woods across the river, but O managed to snap Mom, Dad, and their octuplets.
Wild Geraniums bloomed this week.
Mayapple flowers are wide open, hidden 'neath their green umbrellas.
Wild Columbine is flourishing.
Celandine Poppies are forming seed pods.
Butternut catkins; sometimes the trees produce nuts, othertimes, not. I want to taste one.
There are easily a hundred Paw Paw flowers on the largest tree. Last year's crop failed; it would be nice to have native fruits for the critters.
We pulled Garlic Mustard all week, easily 15 or 20 wheelbarrowsful. We were delighted to see who was hiding underneath,
Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy,
many Sweet Cicely plants,
and many, many Blue Dogwoods. We also saw baby oaks, maples, wild cherries, and highbush cranberries. They should all take off with the competition out of the way.
It's a bit risky putting tomatoes out this early but the leaves were starting to yellow and they needed real soil, sun, and rain. There's no frost in the 10-day forecast so I'm hoping they'll be fine.
Peas and carrots in the far back, turnips and green onions in the middle, greens and radishes in the foreground. There are still more beds to plant and fill; they'll come a little later.
4 comments:
Our goose couple (I think it's the same couple each year) was thwarted from nesting this spring because the island in the pond in which they nest was inundated by the winter wetness. The water level is going down gradually and the geese are desperately trying to build a nest, but it's still too soggy. I suspect they'll try to nest on the edge of the pond, but there are coyotes in them thar hills... Even when they successful hatch a clutch, the snapping turtles in the pond usually eat them all before they can fledge, so maybe it's better if they don't nest after all.
I'm holding off on my tomatoes for one more week, though they're getting pretty chlorotic, too.
You'd think the geese would find a safer spot if they've had such bad luck. I wonder what goes through their heads. We have snappers here, too, but I think our gosling success rate is pretty good.
Just one cool night is forecast next weekend for my tomatoes, then it looks like smooth sailing. I'll probably take a blanket out and sleep with them that night. :o)
Love, love, love the geese! Baby anything always puts a smile on my face. (I'm embarrassed to say I only learned this week that some Canada geese are now living down here year-round. I need to get off my duff and go see if I can find them.)
The garden looks radiant, Jain! I'm enjoying watching the progress. It looks like you'll have some nice goodies this year.
Jason, Canada geese were nearly hunted out of existence here years ago. With ponds in every new development, they've made quite a comeback. Townsfolk consider them pooping varmints now, but I really enjoy them. Especially the babes. :) Hope you find some!
I'm thrilled with my new garden. I'm enjoying the progress, too!
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