Two weeks ago I collected seed from a musk mallow (Malva alcea) I noticed growing in a crack in the pavement, soaked them overnight, and scattered them in a pot. There are dozens sending out true leaves already and it’s very exciting - there are these tiny emerald sweat bees (Agapostemon) that really seem to adore the flowers of this plant and I would love to grow greater numbers to better support them.

The recent rains after several months with little precipitation has driven a new flush of growth and some wonderful blooms in the gardens as well, and I really appreciate the look of the Queen Anne’s Lace, Monarda, Echinacea, and Clethea together

What’s growing on with you all?

  • xylem@beehaw.org
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    3 months ago

    Those wildflowers look divine, my goal for next year is to have a patch like that!

    Here’s what I’ve got -

    Sunflowers!

    Tomatoes have been doing great, especially the cherry variety I’m growing

    The vineborers got half my pumpkins but I’ve harvested a few good ones, as well as a healthy crop of butternut squash

    Bonus brood of wild turkeys from my living room window, there have been quite a few families with cute little fluff balls in the yard recently

    • David From Space@orbiting.observer
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      3 months ago

      Turkeys!!!

      I feel you on the pumpkins, I think I’m only getting two this year. My other two squash varieties are doing great, but there’s just two green pumpkins on the vine…and a bunch more sad ones :(

      • xylem@beehaw.org
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        3 months ago

        What other squash varieties are you growing? I have the pumpkins and butternut this year but I’m interested in trying some more next year.

        • David From Space@orbiting.observer
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          3 months ago

          I’m doing Kabocha and Blue Hubbard~ The hubbard squash was supposed to be a trap crop in the less controlled wildlife garden, but gourd fortune smiled on me and no pests showed up; the vine has gone nuts with 6 viable (large!) fruits on it. It’s my second year trying to grow squash, so 2 outta 3 ain’t bad!