Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Tiger Lilies


It's bloom time for the tiger lilies.  Growing up in New York state, tiger lilies could be found in ditches everywhere.  To me, tiger lilies around a mailbox epitomize rusticity and "hominess". 





What I know as tiger lilies are also known as ditch lilies in parts of the country.  

There is much confusion about Tiger Lilies. An oriental variety is very similar. The major difference is that the oriental Tiger Lily propagates through a bulbs that forms at leaf axils. The common wildflower Tiger Lily  is a profuse propagator by means of tuberous roots. Both varieties have edible roots and have been used for medicinal purposes. Source: http://www.gardenersnet.com/bulbs/tigerlily.htm

The oriental tiger lily seems to have more defined spots than the wildflower variety and not grow as tall or prolifically.  I love that I can plant a few of the wildflower variety along a wall and within a few years they completely fill the space.  

Aren't they just lovely?!?









Friday, July 3, 2015

Update: Sad News About The Duck


Well, I have sad news about our adorable little duckling.  The mother duck stood on it and killed it.  The rest of the eggs never hatched and upon inspection I found that they were not good.  So, no new ducklings on the farm.  For the future, I think, I'll take any ducklings away and put them under heat lamps.  I think they'll have a better chance.  



The three little chicks are doing well!  They're tiny but growing fast!

The nest I found, that I thought was a bobolink nest is not.  I checked the other day and some type of little brown wren flew off as I peeked at it.  The eggs have hatched and there are three naked little chicks lying in the bottom!