Earth Day – Going Underground

Earth Day – Going Underground

When looking at a well-established spring garden, the first new growth usually comes from plants such as crocuses, tulips, violets, and allium; all of them have buried or partially buried swollen parts, which serve as storage of nutrients while the plants are dormant.  These swollen underground structures are generically called bulbs, but in fact, only some may be classified as such ... click on title for more

Welcome Spring!

Welcome Spring!

March 20, 2023 is the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.  In my garden in Southern Ontario, there are a few splashes of green, mainly onions and daffodils, and indoors, my vegetable seeds are starting to sprout (photo: cucamelon sprout). I am joining Cee's Flower of the Day (FOTD) Challenge for March 20, [...]

Freezing Rain

Freezing Rain

Freezing rain is formed by cold raindrops that freeze upon contacting the ground or any other surfaces, forming a thin layer of ice, as seen above  on a cherry branch, in a photo from this morning, taken in my garden in Southern Ontario ... click on tittle for more

Poinsettia – A Christmas Miracle?

Poinsettia – A Christmas Miracle?

The poinsettia plant (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is native to Mexico’s Central and Southern regions, where it was domesticated in pre-Hispanic times, often used to dye textiles and was treasured as a tribute to gods, such as Tonantzin (Our Lady, Our Mother).  Last year around this time, I got a large pot with three poinsettias as a rebate at the supermarket, and they are still alive and well ... click on title for more