Garden Blogger's Bloom Day 7-15-2010

It's that time again.. The 15th of every Month when participating garden blogger's join our host Carol of My Dream Gardens to post What's blooming in their gardens?

If you like.. go to My Dream Gardens and join in on the fun.. What's Blooming in my Garden?.. mostly Zinnia's.   I just recently learned that there are at  least 20 species of Zinnia's and that they are Natives to Mexico.

I don't know what species mine are because I misplaced the seed package and can't find it any where...So I was surprised to see that they weren't the common  Zinnia's of my childhood these are two feet Tall with flower heads that remind me of Mums.

Below:  Black eyed Susan's

           

 Below:  Cosmos blooms on the side of the house near the driveway..

 Below: The second flush of pink blooms on my roses ( I believe they are knockout roses but not sure ) also  located on the driveway side of the house.

Below:  Petunia's hang from a basket on the front porch 

Below:  In the front yard.. purple and white petunia's out number a spike plant.  I thought the spike plant was going to get a lot bigger and give a cool look to the grouping...But these spikes were not the one"

 I planted this group of flowers to replace a red, very thorny sick  rose, I once called the "Red Devil"  Rose not shown.

Below: Pansies share a container with sweet alyssums...          

     These are the blooms of today... Happy Garden bloom Day and Thank you for Stopping by my blog.

Veggies, Kitty, Birds and Nieces

 I had planned to grow a lot more veggies this year, but got off to a bad start... "oh well there is always next year...

  I do have a few Beans, Peppers, Tomato's, and a few Cucumbers that I'm relying on,  so I won't complain to much.

 A cute little sunflower planted by accident by one of those birds eating from my bird feeder.




  Below:  Early girl tomato's, bush beans,  green pepper and one little cucumber.

                          


Below:  My nieces proudly follow in their Auntie Vetsy's foot steps.  I keep a garden Journal and they mimic me with their drawings and garden notes.  They have also planted strawberries and potted sunflowers, the sunflowers have not completely  matured as of yet.   

                                                                                                 
Below: a  few Zinnia's in bloom

                  





 Below:  an update on my Cardinal Family.... My Cardinals were not

successful with their second nest in the Wiegela shrub.  here's the link to this story if you are reading it for the first time...  http://vetsysview.blogspot.com/2010/06/cardinals-mate-for-life-and-between.html

Below:  during this same month, last month ...Panini watched mama cardinal in her nest in the Wiegela shrub that is right outside the window...It would always amaze and puzzle me.. when mama cardinal would nest and come back to it.. with Panini staring right at her from the window....

I assume that she was smart enough to know that Panini could not get out.

 

I stated that Mama cardinal was not successful in her attempt to bring a second baby brood to term in the second nest site.   Below:  " If you were a Mother bird... do you think  you could  bring a baby brood to term with a  face like this one staring at you!

.

Anywho... " I felt a little lonely after my Cardinals moved on... but they have been replaced by new sites and sounds of birds in my yard... My beautiful Gold finches are back and I hope to capture better and more vivid photos of them later on... My Chickadees are...Chic-a dee-dee- deeing in the trees and bushes as they hunt for bugs... but have not yet.. checked out their New Dinette I made for them..

 Just a little update, scenes and thoughts from my garden. Thank you for visiting my blog.. Do leave a comment.... I love  hearing  from you..

A Coconut birdfeeder

 I made my first coconut bird feeder in the Winter of  2007 for my Chickadees and  I loved it because It was fun to make, Whimsical, different and only a few sparrows were able to manipulate it...Ha!..

It's hard for sparrows to hang from a moving feeder and feed at the same time..because there feet just aren't designed to cling the way a Chickadee's can....Yes you'll come across a few of those wise guy sparrows, but this swinging feeder will cut down on the masses.



Tools you'll  need...  A Drill of course and

( 1 ) ... A hole Saw 1" 25mm..
I used a Black and Decker hole saw kit, The kit came with the mandrel and hole saw together, You can't operate the hole saw with out the mandrel... the mandrel is the center piece and guide that directs the hole saw into the intended object.   


 Below.. hole saw with mandrel and twist bit

                                          

( 2 ) .. A work bench vise.... to hold the coconut in place while you are drilling.
 
( 3 ) ...  A standard twist drill bit... the size of the twist drill bit is objective as long as you can create a hole big enough to thread a hanger and make small openings for draining the coconut of it's liquid and rain, for this  a standard bit will do.

( 4 ) ... String,  jute,  wire, or a small chain can be used for your hanger, If you have a squirrel problem wire and chain are the best options especially if hanging it from a tree... I had a few smarty pantses that would chew through the string and I would often awake to find an empty coconut on the ground.

The first thing you'll want to do is to drill holes in the bottom of the coconut for drainage.  If you are using a fresh coconut you will need to drain it of it's coconut milk or liquid.

I like to drill holes in all three eyes of the coconut when draining  it.. Than add a  few at the top for the hanger. (  these holes also help the coconut drain and air out a little after it rains )


 Below...holes created by the twist bit..

 Below ..The nice little opening made by the hole saw... 

   

Step ( 5 ) ...You will need to remove the meat of the Coconut.... To do this allow it to hang for about a week... The coconut will begin to dry and peel away from it's hard shell on the inside...This makes it much easier to manipulate and extract the meat..  My coconut was a little dry from the start because I bought it months ago and forgot where I placed it .... by than the meat had dried up a quite a bit on the inside.


Tools you'll Need ..... A Firmer chisel or any small sharp wood cutting tool  if you can't find or don't have any of these tools do what I did in the photo below... get out the screw driver  and  Take your time.. this part of the job is a little time consuming but expect it.... It's part of the process,  getting in a hurry may get one injured...

However,  a Firmer chisel or any wood chisel will make fast work of this process because the blade is sharp and thick.. Do use with care please".... My niece demonstrates below..

( 6 ) ... In the photo below my niece is using a twist tag from a loaf of bread to guide the jute. Start from the inside of the coconut exiting the hole made in the top and then back through the other opening and tie it..with a little patience and imagination you'll figure out how to get your hangers in.. be it string  or wire.

A few tips and notes:  Before the meat of the coconut dries out.. the coconut will be heavy... So hang it up on something sturdy.

The feeder can be filled with many goodies such as suet in the winter, sunflower seeds,  fruit, nuts, meal worms and fresh coconut meat...  It can be chopped into small pieces and placed inside along with sunflower seeds.

NOTE....I read that shredded coconut... the kind we buy in the super market should never be used...It will swell in the birds bellies and be fatal!  

Just like most bird feeders,  you will want to check the coconut after it rains and replace seeds accordingly.

Thanks for stopping by my blog... Do leave a comment I love to here from you...

A Salute to June

 

It's beautiful the Summer month of June When all God's own wild flowers are in bloom And shines brightly most part of the day And butterflies   o'er lush meadows play. 

Light hearted skylark songster of the wing  High o'er the quiet and lonely moorland sing  Above her nest cloaked by the tangled heath Her charming song so exquisitely sweet.  

 So mellow the gentle breath of June day breeze The birds rejoicing on the leafy trees  And dappled trout in pool bed of the stream  Bask in the sun their spotted skins agleam.   

God gave us June and all her lovely flowers Bright sunny days and pleasant evening hours Shady green glens and serene sunlit dell And leafy  bowers adorned with blue bells. 

But god June's maker has the final say and what he give he also take away.















And God's own larks will trumpet in the sky To celebrate the birthday of July.    ~Francis Duggan 

 
                   

  

These are a few scenes from my garden in June, Thank you for stopping by I'll see you soon.

                                                                                                                

"Growing Local it's a Good thing"

I am so excited about the Growing local Movement across our country.

The opportunity to purchase locally grown produce, homemade goods, and crafts, appeals to me and many others seeking alternatives outside of the BIG Chain Markets...

 " Yes the Big Chain Markets have their place, "where else are we going to buy paper plates and Microwave dinner's".. But it's high time that we have the option to purchase from other sources when we want a healthier diet!... Here are just a few reasons why growing local is a Good Thing!

 1). Food grown in our own regions taste better! ..Why? because It's not shipped across the country to get to your plate! 

2). It Supports the local Farmers and Artisans who often offer some very unique things that are crafted by hand.

 3). Cuts down on pollution!  All that travel across land and states adds to more carbon emissions, thus polluting our air and our environment!

4). Locally grown foods build our communities, by giving us a closer connection and bond with the Farmers and Artisans serving our communities.  We get to meet new people, make friends, eat healthier and learn a few things along the way.

Below Local farmers and Artisans sale their goods at the
EAST WARREN AVENUE FARMERS MARKET.

Robin Dwight representative for Dan Canmody of A.M Fresh.
A.M. Fresh is a corporation of Detroit's Eastern Market. They bring fresh produce to local neighborhoods and communities through out the city. 
" Now how cool and convenient is that!.. Celery, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions and others were on display.  http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com

Below:  Roman Lopez, representing  Demeulenaere Farms of Romeo Mi.  Herbs, peaches, cabbage, tomato plants, strawberries and blue berries  fresh and ripe! "Mmmm" it's the taste of Summer.

 

Vandalia Gardens Urban Farmers, LLC

 Above:  Cornelius Williams Owner of Vandalia Gardens is a farmer who understands the importance of growing local and that health begins on the inside-out,  that is why he is also the representative of " the Silica Connection".

  What is that you may ask?
" It's Fossil Shell Flour for Humans" to learn more contact:Cornelius Williams:  
( 313-616-302-0319 )  cwilliams48225@yahoo.com 
  http://www.prosperingtimes.com/VandaliaGardens.html  

 

Above:  This lovely lady represents " Earth Natural Essentials" You will smell pretty and feel good using Earth Natural Essential products because their products have everything You need and Nothing You Don't!
Soothing lip balms, lotions and yummy soaps  such as  Lavender and  chamomile just to name a few...contact: 248-630-8910  http://www.buyearthnatural.com

 

Above: Jan and Micheal represent Spirit and Faith Farms of Corktown Det, Mi. Their goal is to help feed  those who are less fortunate and beautify neglected area's in the city.  http://detroitevolution.com/friends.html
Homemade Banana bread and self help books such as The Power Of Ancient Foods were offered check it out at http://www.amazon.com

Above: Organic carrots for organic carrot cake," Shut Up!  here's another lovely lady that make all homemade goodies from all natural ingredients, blue berry and banana were offered to name a few ...Yum"
 

Below: These are some of our friendly Volunteers, we appreciate the services that Volunteers provide to our communities.

                      

The  EAST WARREN AVENUE FARMERS MARKET is sponsored by:  The Detroit Food and Fitness Collaborative,  Eastern Market Corporation, Warren Conner Development Coalition,  East English Village and many others... We appreciate all who are responsible for these events and services..  for more information contact Market Master: Jenny Poma at ( 313) -571-2800 x. 1131

The purpose of this blog is to show support for our Local farmers, Artisans and Entrepreneurs in our community and beyond. I try to be as accurate as possible when posting Information, I apologized for any miss-spelling of names or misinformation.

Thank you for stopping by my blog... please  leave a comment  I would love to here from you..