The recent planted pollinator garden planted in late spring on the south entrance of the Owl Barn is doing its job. Bumblebees, honeybees and butterflies are frequent visitors on a mixture of Crocosmia, Allium, Hibiscus and annuals such as lantana among others. It is an example of a small garden which is a nurturing station for these valuable pollinators which are now under siege from a variety of sources including insecticides, mites, viruses and the present day monoculture crops.
Planting flowers in your own yard will bring these necessary pollinators to your yard to pollinate fruits and vegetables along with flowers. Planting so that there is something in flower from early spring through fall is best so that the critters may benefit from one continuous nectar fest throughout the growing season. In early spring, the native mason bee will benefit as they seem to thrive in the cool early spring temperatures more than the honeybees. Following warmer temperatures, honeybees, bumblebees, the Ruby Throat hummingbird and still later butterflies will arrive. Surprisingly this year, the bumble bees seem to love the paniculata type hydrangeas as they scourer the large white blossoms for nectar. All along the road in front of the picket fence is planted Hydrangea ‘Vanilla Strawberry’ that is now showing its strawberry blush on the first white blossoms. The plants have now been in this location for five years and are now coming into their own.
Planted in front are the Big series of begonia in red and pink, Coleus River Walk and in the front border the geranium called Calliope large red. On the east side of the post and rail fence are planted red, white and pink hibiscus which are now approaching 6 feet tall. What a sight to behold this summer.
In the market, Seiberling sweet corn picked fresh every day should be in stock at least through Labor Day. (corn has been limited, please call for availability)
Chuck Seiberling stated that his this mother first began selling sweet corn off the steps of the big farm house beginning in the 1940’s. Tastes have changed from a preference for yellow sweet corn years ago to mainly a bicolor mix. Then too, a sugar enhanced gene was developed that delays the conversion of sugar into starches as was the case in the “old” days. In fact, today’s sweet corn can be stored in the refrigerator even 3 days after it has been picked and still have a fresh taste!
Come on in for our hydrangea bloom fest or some of the best sweet corn you’ll ever eat.
Tom