Nostr notes by Marie Kung

Tomatoes deciding post-frost, part-shade, and along a walking ...

2026-10-19T12:44:09Z

Tomatoes deciding post-frost, part-shade, and along a walking path combine to make great growing conditions. #gardening #NorthernIllinois

I obviously missed digging out all the potatoes. #gardening ...

2026-10-18T14:12:46Z

I obviously missed digging out all the potatoes. #gardening #NorthernIllinois

Even though zucchinis are still going (burying vines totally ...

2026-10-11T13:48:56Z

Even though zucchinis are still going (burying vines totally works), I haven't harvested any for a while. Everyone's too food-focused at this time of year to leave any for me. #NorthernIllinois #gardening

There's a chipmunk entrance under this little pumpkin. ...

2026-10-06T12:54:26Z

There's a chipmunk entrance under this little pumpkin. Someone got excited and forgot to measure first. Been there, little one. #gardening #BackyardHabitat #BackyardWildlife

That does sound easier all around. Just put leaves into the tube ...

2026-10-06T12:40:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…n2hd
_________________________

That does sound easier all around. Just put leaves into the tube to hill. Do you know how the watering needs change? I'm bad at watering.

I think this is a snakeroot plant volunteering to join the wild ...

2026-10-04T18:20:38Z

I think this is a snakeroot plant volunteering to join the wild geraniums, coral bells, and mums in one of the part-shade beds. #NativePlants #gardening

#Gardening tale as old as time. Go away for a bit; the zucchinis ...

2026-09-08T23:00:09Z

#Gardening tale as old as time. Go away for a bit; the zucchinis (and cucumbers) welcome you back as monsters.

I cross sticks or lay other types of mesh over areas. It works ...

2026-08-28T20:42:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…z5cf
_________________________

I cross sticks or lay other types of mesh over areas. It works mostly okay because the diggers have other options.

Ha ha, the little destroyers will be tricky.

2026-08-24T04:07:20Z

In reply to nevent1q…s37d
_________________________

Ha ha, the little destroyers will be tricky.

First ever harvest of potatoes (Russet Burbank). Now drying for a ...

2026-08-23T23:49:36Z

First ever harvest of potatoes (Russet Burbank). Now drying for a bit in the garage. I basically did nothing after the final hilling but digging them up was hard work. Whew. #gardening

Hmm, I wonder if I could use cut up peppers to encourage some ...

2026-08-19T01:41:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…f3ql
_________________________

Hmm, I wonder if I could use cut up peppers to encourage some yellow jackets to rehome.

First time growing black trifele tomatoes. So many green ones ...

2026-08-15T13:26:33Z

First time growing black trifele tomatoes. So many green ones just refusing to color up. Sigh, #gardening is waiting... and then sprinting to catch-up.

#Bumblebee butts in pumpkin flowers #gardening ...

2026-08-12T03:17:00Z

#Bumblebee butts in pumpkin flowers #gardening

This was the third weekend in a row with a #monarch #butterfly ...

2026-08-11T03:15:40Z

This was the third weekend in a row with a #monarch #butterfly just flying circles though the yard. #NativePlants #pollinators #gardening

Hummingbirds are regular visitors ever since cardinal flowers ...

2026-08-10T13:22:07Z

Hummingbirds are regular visitors ever since cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis) went into the yard. #NativePlants #gardening

I haven't been posting about the veggie part of the #garden ...

2026-08-09T15:45:15Z

I haven't been posting about the veggie part of the #garden because the employer keeps insisting on scheduling work during the summer growing season. Rude. I haven't spent the time needed there. Sharing two things here though.

Illinois Beauty is the leafiest tomato I've grown. I'm sure there would be more fruit if the pollinators could actually get to the flowers. One that needs better pruning than I'm doing.

Testing alyssum as rabbit/squirrel barrier and it is working well so far. #gardening

It occurred to me too late to relocate this black swallowtail ...

2026-08-09T02:36:44Z

It occurred to me too late to relocate this black swallowtail #caterpillar off the celery and onto the golden alexanders. It looked so cozy though. #gardening

More monarchs stopping by! Actually on the swamp milkweed ...

2026-08-06T04:56:40Z

More monarchs stopping by! Actually on the swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) this time. #NativePlants #gardening #butterfly #polinaters #NorthernIllinois

But, but... they say these are lab verified 99.9% pure! Surely...

2026-08-05T20:54:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…c04j
_________________________

But, but... they say these are lab verified 99.9% pure! Surely...

Yikes!

2026-08-05T20:51:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…03kg
_________________________

Yikes!

The copper thieves would love if these caught on. 🙂

2026-08-05T20:48:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…dd8c
_________________________

The copper thieves would love if these caught on. 🙂

Little bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) front of the ...

2026-07-28T17:00:37Z

Little bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) front of the expanding swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) patch. #NativePlants #NorthernIllinois #gardening

The hollow joe-pyes (Eutrochium fistulosum) are super popular ...

2026-07-27T12:48:28Z

The hollow joe-pyes (Eutrochium fistulosum) are super popular right now. Lots of bees and butterflies. This monarch feasted all day Saturday. #NativePlants #pollinators #gardening

The first pic shows the shadow of a head-down bee through the ...

2026-07-26T14:06:55Z

The first pic shows the shadow of a head-down bee through the leaf of a cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum). As the name describes, the leaves attach completely around the stem, creating a large rain-holding cup on this large plant.

I wonder if this aids flying creatures and thwarts walking ones? We haven't had rain for a while, and I leave water saucers out but maybe I'll fill some of these natural pockets too. #NativePlants #NorthernIllinois #gardening #pollinators

Some people prune and some people not at all. There's a lot ...

2026-07-23T20:48:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…lc98
_________________________

Some people prune and some people not at all. There's a lot out there about the "right" way but I'm not convinced there is. I tend to just make sure the pollinators and my arm can get where they need to go. 🙂

Only a handful are open right now but the entire wild bergamot ...

2026-07-10T01:01:50Z

Only a handful are open right now but the entire wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) area is so primed. #NativePlants #NorthernIllinois #gardening #pollinators #bees #BloomScrolling

I do not want to rely on what grows here. We would still all ...

2026-07-06T19:56:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…mp5n
_________________________

I do not want to rely on what grows here. We would still all starve.

I am losing a lot of money from labor hourly rate alone. 🙂

They really are cheery plants, despite the unfortunate name. I ...

2026-07-06T00:41:56Z

In reply to nevent1q…h8kv
_________________________

They really are cheery plants, despite the unfortunate name. I hope things work out. 🙂

The ones one the left came out last week. The ones on the right ...

2026-07-06T00:37:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…jg6t
_________________________

The ones one the left came out last week. The ones on the right are from earlier this holiday weekend. I took out the rest today and had one split bulb. Think I got right to the edge of their time in the ground. How are yours doing?

Not a glamorous shot, but half the #garlic harvest is in the ...

2026-07-05T19:39:51Z

Not a glamorous shot, but half the #garlic harvest is in the basement after an initial dry in the garage. I increased the planting count and now need more space.

There's Music, Duganski, and German Red. I know which ones some of them are... just not all of them. #gardening

A few spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) flowers still opening ...

2026-07-05T19:21:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…d38t
_________________________

A few spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) flowers still opening near the end of their season. As close to blue as I can get from the garden. #gardening #NativePlants #BloomScrolling #NorthernIllinois

There are still spiderwort flowering, but I didn't get ...

2026-07-04T22:31:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…0spf
_________________________

There are still spiderwort flowering, but I didn't get outside early enough. So the hosta will have to do for the blue. The bumblebee doesn't mind. #gardening

Bumblebees on Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum) and ...

2026-07-04T22:26:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…s43g
_________________________

Bumblebees on Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum) and mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) for the white. #NativePlants #gardening

Sharing my local version of celebration. Bumblebee on swamp ...

2026-07-04T22:18:27Z

Sharing my local version of celebration. Bumblebee on swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) for the red(ish). #NativePlants #gardening

Tall Boi Island started with six tall prairie #NativePlants. It ...

2026-06-12T02:42:39Z

Tall Boi Island started with six tall prairie #NativePlants. It is now dominated by three. Photo taken with the camera held overhead. Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is the big one. Obedient plant (Physostegia virginian) in front. Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) in the back. #gardening #NorthernIllinois

😯

2026-06-10T13:16:02Z

In reply to nevent1q…w2hh
_________________________

😯

Aw yeah, garlic scapes. Some went on pizza. Some went into ...

2026-06-08T01:00:05Z

Aw yeah, garlic scapes. Some went on pizza. Some went into stir-fry. More for later. 🙂 #gardening #GrowYourOwn

Their land must be so valuable now that I worry about their ...

2026-06-07T14:25:54Z

In reply to nevent1q…2mn4
_________________________

Their land must be so valuable now that I worry about their future. One of those mega-sized car washes just opened two businesses down.

I buy from them whenever I can and it isn't any hardship. Their super-affordable vegetable starts are healthy growers. And their native plant selections increase year after year. It's nice to see the same people and know them by name.

My local indie family-owned nursery is celebrating a big ...

2026-06-07T13:59:58Z

My local indie family-owned nursery is celebrating a big milestone with free hotdogs. Just another indicator of why I vibe so well with them. 🙂 #gardening #food

The blurry photos are because it finally rained after a dry spell ...

2026-06-07T00:40:24Z

The blurry photos are because it finally rained after a dry spell and I didn't want to step out to get closer. This is the first year there's a mourning dove family hanging around and I'm fascinated how different they are from the usual bird residents. This one was basically showering in the rain, raising wings, stretching, and generally having a nice cleaning time. #birds #BackyardWildlife #NorthernIllinois

I'm taking ours in this weekend too. 🙂

2026-06-06T14:54:12Z

In reply to nevent1q…lz3f
_________________________

I'm taking ours in this weekend too. 🙂

There are many stories about how naive young rabbits are. This ...

2026-05-31T15:31:05Z

There are many stories about how naive young rabbits are. This little one thought nothing of coming alongside to see if the yellow coneflowers (Ratibida pinnata) are tasty. Don't worry, the bunny got to snack. 🐇🙂 #NativePlants #gardening #NorthernIllinois #BackyardWildlife #BackyardHabitat

Morning color from Ohio spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) ...

2026-05-30T14:53:54Z

Morning color from Ohio spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) #NativePlants #gardening

Glad to know there will be options when it gets to dividing time. ...

2026-05-28T00:36:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…kzt9
_________________________

Glad to know there will be options when it gets to dividing time. 🙂

I haven't heard of close-planted forests (interesting!), but ...

2026-05-28T00:24:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…74gp
_________________________

I haven't heard of close-planted forests (interesting!), but in the prairie lands, I learned about close-planting to replicate what was. I'm more a la carte, but the suppliers here offer pre-designed kits. 🙂

Looking forward to hearing your experience. They help fill out a ...

2026-05-27T12:47:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…xh8u
_________________________

Looking forward to hearing your experience. They help fill out a spring part-shade area here. 🙂

So scary. Very glad you were not seriously injured.

2026-05-26T14:13:25Z

In reply to nevent1q…n38f
_________________________

So scary. Very glad you were not seriously injured.

I may have underestimated the space needed for #potatoes. Hilling ...

2026-05-26T04:18:06Z

In reply to nevent1q…07s9
_________________________

I may have underestimated the space needed for #potatoes. Hilling with leaves but will need more leaves. #gardening #GrowYourOwn

I've tried to solve the Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) ...

2026-05-24T14:23:35Z

I've tried to solve the Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) flopping over challenge for a couple of seasons. They tangle up and the flowers aren't as accessible that way. Last fall, I close planted some (Carex blanda) sedges, who are totally doing the job. Credit to Benjamin Vogt for recalibrating my thinking about #NativePlants #gardening. #BloomScrolling

Cosigning what others have also said- following the hashtags ...

2026-05-24T13:46:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…4s2y
_________________________

Cosigning what others have also said- following the hashtags SilentSunday, photo, and photography. Then curate from there to follow specific posters and hashtags. 🙂

Azure Snow salvia #gardening #BloomScrolling ...

2026-05-23T03:49:40Z

Azure Snow salvia #gardening #BloomScrolling

It is peonies time too! Got the advice to Chelsea chop here and ...

2026-05-21T14:05:22Z

It is peonies time too! Got the advice to Chelsea chop here and that works well. Trying a lighter touch this year to find the minimum. (I can't figure out how to get the phone camera to handle this color. It doesn't look this strange in person.) #gardening #BloomScrolling

Not so giant anymore but still very pretty. (Allium giganteum) ...

2026-05-20T12:36:48Z

Not so giant anymore but still very pretty. (Allium giganteum) #gardening #BloomScrolling

I'm looking forward to trying because I love using celery in ...

2026-05-19T12:40:39Z

In reply to nevent1q…xs3z
_________________________

I'm looking forward to trying because I love using celery in stir-fry dishes. A bit intimidated because it seems to be in the"difficult" category for garden vegetables. 🤞

The library plant swap resulted in some surprises. Guess I'm ...

2026-05-19T04:17:51Z

The library plant swap resulted in some surprises. Guess I'm going to attempt celery and asparagus for the first time this year too. #gardening #GrowYourOwn

This is the first year I've noticed orioles sticking around ...

2026-05-17T14:55:14Z

This is the first year I've noticed orioles sticking around the yard (instead of just passing through). They have such lovely songs. Going to put out some oranges today as a welcome. #MerlinBirds #BackyardHabitat #birds #NorthernIllinois

It really is! 😁 #Gardening is addicting.

2026-05-17T13:36:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…j5gg
_________________________

It really is! 😁 #Gardening is addicting.

Hilled the potatoes for the first time. #gardening #GrowYourOwn ...

2026-05-17T03:17:02Z

In reply to nevent1q…hxwv
_________________________

Hilled the potatoes for the first time. #gardening #GrowYourOwn

I think the #rabbits left their compost bin nest yesterday after ...

2026-05-14T02:33:20Z

In reply to nevent1q…7axd
_________________________

I think the #rabbits left their compost bin nest yesterday after 16 days. Here's one of the last photos of them. I still can't tell if there are two or three. #BackyardWildlife

The phone camera did something bad to the dark brown markings on ...

2026-05-10T15:51:54Z

The phone camera did something bad to the dark brown markings on this #rabbit but it really was this striking from distance. #BackyardWildlife

People are constantly surprised at how well I know the extended ...

2026-05-10T15:11:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…220p
_________________________

People are constantly surprised at how well I know the extended forecast. 🙂

A black swallowtail #butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) on Golden ...

2026-05-09T18:41:48Z

A black swallowtail #butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) on Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea). Markings indicate male so my hope to see cocoons one day continues on. #NativePlants #gardening

80F in early spring and 30F in late spring results in ...

2026-05-09T00:18:28Z

80F in early spring and 30F in late spring results in frost-damaged peas and frost-damaged Joe Pye (Eutrochium fistulosum). Luckily, plants are tough. #NativePlants #gardening #NorthernIllinois

Celebrating David Attenborough's 100 - the baby rabbits in ...

2026-05-08T17:04:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…yz09
_________________________

Celebrating David Attenborough's 100 - the baby rabbits in the compost bin have opened their eyes. Estimating at about 13 days old. I think there are at least three but they are quite squirmy now. #Attenborough100 #BackyardHabitat #BackyardWildlife

The baby rabbits in the compost bin are so much bigger in just a ...

2026-05-06T00:30:07Z

In reply to nevent1q…gz5l
_________________________

The baby rabbits in the compost bin are so much bigger in just a few days. Eyes still closed but a lot more hair. And did I mention bigger? #BackyardHabitat

oh, dear 😄

2026-05-04T01:38:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…zyrx
_________________________

oh, dear 😄

Went to turn #compost bin A but found a rabbit nest. Guess it ...

2026-05-03T13:42:40Z

Went to turn #compost bin A but found a rabbit nest. Guess it will stay unturned for the next week or two. 🙂 #BackyardHabitat

Thanks! They are new to me and I'm not sure what to expect ...

2026-05-02T23:45:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…dahp
_________________________

Thanks! They are new to me and I'm not sure what to expect yet.

I'm definitely seeing the self-seeding in action. I was ...

2026-05-02T23:41:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…vacq
_________________________

I'm definitely seeing the self-seeding in action. I was hoping for ground cover so it is still okay for now. 🙂 I have plenty of undesirable weeds to push out.

Are they something you could mow over? Or are you in a woodland setting?

I only see two potato tops so far but I'm excited! #gardening ...

2026-05-02T15:31:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…pqjv
_________________________

I only see two potato tops so far but I'm excited! #gardening #GrowYourOwn

The wild geraniums (Geranium maculatum) are 3x larger than last ...

2026-05-02T15:17:08Z

The wild geraniums (Geranium maculatum) are 3x larger than last year. I'm also finding their catapulted seeds germinating all over lol. I'm glad they're in a happy place. Such lovely color and doing great in part shade. #gardening #NorthernIllinois #NativePlants #BloomScrolling

Last year, I added some woodland sedge (Carex blanda) to help the ...

2026-05-01T02:25:10Z

Last year, I added some woodland sedge (Carex blanda) to help the Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) stay more upright. It's working better so far but there's still a lot of growth to come. #gardening #NativePlants

I didn't listen to the good advice. Next time. 🙂

2026-04-27T17:53:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…mxlm
_________________________

I didn't listen to the good advice. Next time. 🙂

One neighbor is dropping off fallen tree branches. The other ...

2026-04-27T12:55:49Z

One neighbor is dropping off fallen tree branches. The other neighbor contributes coffee grounds and banana peels to the #compost. #Gardening is contagious! 🙂

Sharing a new Anjou pear tree this #ArborDay weekend. I'm ...

2026-04-26T20:37:10Z

Sharing a new Anjou pear tree this #ArborDay weekend. I'm trying for a backyard #orchard following Grow A Little #FruitTree by Ann Ralph.

Unfortunately, the nursery already psyched me out of the brutal first cut. I regret not doing it just like the book said I would. It's already so much larger in just 10 days. Any hashtags specific to this part of #gardening?

Amazing!

2026-04-25T14:40:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…3vzj
_________________________

Amazing!

Do you use the white flags as garden markers? I finally put some ...

2026-04-23T13:17:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…huer
_________________________

Do you use the white flags as garden markers?

I finally put some potatoes in last weekend and of course the rain immediately stops. 🙂

I probably should have gone that way, but I have Russet Burbank, ...

2026-04-17T01:00:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…6jnm
_________________________

I probably should have gone that way, but I have Russet Burbank, standard brown, instead. 🙂 They're roaring for soil. I'll cut some up tomorrow for the weekend trial planting. Please let us (me) know how the bag method works for you. #gardening

Thanks to everyone for the good advice! I have reserved a loose ...

2026-04-15T13:01:19Z

In reply to nevent1q…j564
_________________________

Thanks to everyone for the good advice! I have reserved a loose soil area for the potatoes experiment so I'll try putting some in this weekend. Perhaps I'll hold back some of the seed potatoes just in case a replacement batch is needed. 🙂 #gardening

Seems like everything in the #garden shot up by inches over the ...

2026-04-15T12:57:51Z

Seems like everything in the #garden shot up by inches over the last three warm and rainy days. Feels nice to have some spots of color around and the rain barrels filled. #BloomScrolling #tulips #gardening

Requesting #gardening advice. I want to try potatoes this year ...

2026-04-14T18:13:13Z

Requesting #gardening advice. I want to try potatoes this year but it has been so rainy. I'm reluctant to put the seed pieces in. Am I being too cautious? More storms are coming in this week. #NorthernIllinois

The more intense storms this year have brought down all the ...

2026-04-13T15:02:31Z

The more intense storms this year have brought down all the squirrel nests in my neighborhood. (And sent plastic up there instead) With otherwise bare trees, they're using the soft evergreen leaves of arborvitaes (Thuja occidentalis) for temp housing. Unsightly for the yard, but I'm glad the ecosystem provides. Sometimes I forget #gardening with #NativePlants is more than flowers for pollinators.

A weekend of almosts in #NorthernIllinois. Hit 80F and the bees ...

2026-04-12T23:51:08Z

A weekend of almosts in #NorthernIllinois. Hit 80F and the bees are out but the plants aren't ready for them yet. Pictured: marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) and tulips. #gardening #NativePlants

Michigan State has plant lists split by geography. ...

2026-04-12T14:29:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…gtha
_________________________

Michigan State has plant lists split by geography.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/nativeplants/plant_facts/local_info/index

You may have a local Wild Ones, botanic garden, or master gardener org as well. Their websites should be helpful.

I find #NativePlants very rewarding and relatively easier to grow once I got out of the "cultivated" mindset. I hope you'll enjoy too!

A DIY #RainBarrell system waiting. The garbage cans, bungee ...

2026-04-08T04:29:49Z

A DIY #RainBarrell system waiting. The garbage cans, bungee cords, and screening material work so well together that I'm not bothering to "upgrade." Eventually, they'll all be right-side up with the downspout redirected over top.

Still with freezing overnight temps here in #NorthernIllinois, ...

2026-04-05T23:08:24Z

Still with freezing overnight temps here in #NorthernIllinois, but the #perennials are doing well. Re-located and re-spaced the green onions (yes, perennial in my #Zone5b) today. Also found the second flower of the yard: a small bit of yellow on a Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea). The 2025-added Carex blanda sedges seem happy and are expanding. #NativePlants #gardening

Will our mysteries be solvable? We'll entertain ourselves ...

2026-04-01T03:24:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…6s8t
_________________________

Will our mysteries be solvable? We'll entertain ourselves staring and wondering. 🙂

I'm happy for the garlic. I'm sad for my brain. 😄 ...

2026-04-01T03:19:07Z

In reply to nevent1q…fj3x
_________________________

I'm happy for the garlic. I'm sad for my brain. 😄 Maybe this will be the year I label properly. Ha ha

Garlics are coming along. I didn't record my fall plantings ...

2026-03-31T12:22:58Z

Garlics are coming along. I didn't record my fall plantings correctly and now I have a section of mystery #garlic plants I have no memory of putting down. Note to #NewGardeners: You will not remember, no matter how "obvious" it seems that you will. 🙂 #gardening #GrowYourOwn

I now know the plantain-leaved sedges (Carex plantaginea) will ...

2026-03-30T02:05:22Z

I now know the plantain-leaved sedges (Carex plantaginea) will provide the first flowers of the #garden. Eventually, the rabbits move on to other meals but these sedges are very popular right now. #NativePlants #gardening #NorthernIllinois #BloomScrolling

Took off some leaf mulch layers over the garlics about two weeks ...

2026-03-23T01:39:11Z

Took off some leaf mulch layers over the garlics about two weeks ago. Put a layer or two back today. Here comes a freeze. #gardening #NorthernIllinois

Oh, yeah, absolutely. I really hope nothing starts sprouting in ...

2026-02-16T14:56:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…s0z7
_________________________

Oh, yeah, absolutely. I really hope nothing starts sprouting in this hot week.

Greetings from an above 50 F February weekend here in ...

2026-02-16T04:45:17Z

Greetings from an above 50 F February weekend here in #NorthernIllinois. Had it on the schedule to prune the pear tree anyway, but I sure wasn't expecting to not need a jacket.

The birds were loud. A single bee flew by. Cold is back in the forecast for next weekend but for now, I kicked off #gardening season 6.

In past years, I've been thankful for the winter #gardening ...

2026-01-11T05:53:28Z

In past years, I've been thankful for the winter #gardening break and don't get antsy to get back at it until later in February.

This year, I'm missing it already, just a few days into January. As the news keeps coming, I'm missing the centering that comes with being outside, being active, helping things grow... trying to make something better.

So the leaves turn into soil, like compost? 🙂 I'm glad I ...

2025-11-24T00:58:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…vf38
_________________________

So the leaves turn into soil, like compost? 🙂 I'm glad I don't have to plant a lemon tree first. :)

I'm going to try potatoes next year. Besides the hill-ing, is ...

2025-11-23T18:32:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…rnhh
_________________________

I'm going to try potatoes next year. Besides the hill-ing, is there more I should keep in mind?

One of the nice things about the increasing #NativePlants market ...

2025-11-17T05:09:44Z

In reply to nevent1q…w38n
_________________________

One of the nice things about the increasing #NativePlants market is having a selection of spring plants available at the end of the season. I added some marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) and nodding onions (Allium cernuum).

For the leaves, I also use them to mulch. A lot of it gets stored in various ways to feed the #compost through the next year. #gardening #NorthernIllinois

Activity from an almost-70F mid-November Saturday: emptied and ...

2025-11-16T18:02:12Z

Activity from an almost-70F mid-November Saturday: emptied and spread the rest of the finish compost, finally put the tulips and final garlics in, finished planting the clearance #NativePlants...

Talked to north neighbor about using leaves from that side (already getting leaves from south neighbor), harvested the fallen leaves from the front yard. I don't clear the back so I really need all the leaves I can get. #gardening #NorthernIllinois

Now it is a mid-40F Sunday. Time to head outside and put the tools away.

We'll check in on results next summer. 🙂

2025-11-05T03:19:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…5sjv
_________________________

We'll check in on results next summer. 🙂

I'll be curious on the results because space is limited for ...

2025-11-05T03:17:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…yuwc
_________________________

I'll be curious on the results because space is limited for me.