Going Native: Jewelweed

Maybe you have seen this "weed" growing along a roadside or the edge of the woods. It volunteered in my garden and its leaves were sort of pretty so I left it to see what it might grow into. It has returned for two years now, but I did not know what it was until I saw it bloom for the first time this year. Its flowers are very distinctive - drops of golden orange speckled with spots. It is native to the eastern US and parts of Canada and considered an annual. It belongs to the Balsaminaceae (Touch-Me-Not Family). It is commonly called touch-me-not because of its ripened seed pods that explode when touched - this I will just have to try. Better yet, it is a favorite nectar source for hummingbirds which I have witnessed in the past few weeks. And even better yet, if you are prone to poison ivy, just crush the stems of this plant and smear it on - supposedly very effective. (This, I hope I do not have to try.) I will encourage this beautiful native to continue to grow in my garden.

Here Comes the Sun

I plant sunflowers every year and I am hooked! There are so many kinds in amazing colors and a range of sizes. Some branch and offer more than a single bloom. Though I do make sure to always plant sunflowers that have pollen - for the bees. I have even taken to growing perennial sunflowers though their blooms are much smaller - like tiny sunbursts. I usually plant the annual seeds directly into the ground come Spring. I cannot convey how awesome it is to watch those tiny sprouts grow into big, towering tree-like stalks with their large heart-shaped leaves - and this even before flowering. You must try it for yourself if you have never planted sunflowers - they are easy going just like a sunny day. And even after the sun sets, the birds enjoy their seeds. It is fun to watch the antics of chickadees, finches, black birds and even woodpeckers snacking among their stems into the fall and winter.

I thought, being such a fan, I should know the origin of sunflowers. Sunflowers are native to North America, first cultivated by Native Americans. Sunflowers were a valuable staple in the Native American diet when the first European explorers arrived and were also used for medicinal purposes. Explorers introduced Sunflowers to other parts of the world. Sunflowers will lean and stretch towards the sun, a unique behavior known as phototropism. They are appropriately named because of their resemblance to the sun - their petals like rays of sunshine. They certainly cheer me up, brighten even a cloudy day, and offer sunny sentiments. Just see for yourself ...

A Snail's Pace

I think this little guy appeared to remind me that it's still summer and to sloooow down and enjoy what's left.

I have never seen a land snail in my garden before! I believe that this is an amber snail and I was worried that he? she? was going to eat my basil seedlings, but apparently they feed on microflora, fungi, algae, diatoms and other things that sound downright unappetizing. I'll stick with the basil.

It seems to me this is a good sign - that an amber snail should appear in my garden - the environment is balanced? But should a garden land snail appear, well, we might have the same tastes in food and that could be a problem.

There is an endangered species of amber snail in Chittenango, NY called the Chittenango Ovate Amber Snail. Who knew?

Happy trails little snail. I'll be sure to enjoy the last of this summer at a snail's pace.