The hum, whine and buzz of flying insects is something most gardeners learn to identify as a good thing in the garden. With a couple of exceptions, most of those sounds signify a pollinator who will help provide more bounty from your garden. Today we'll talk about the b-list bees that don't produce honey, but do help produce your squash, tomatoes, strawberries,and good things to eat. We'll also look into ways to keep these essential assistants happy and healthy as they work for you.
Many of the old timers in the gardening world swear that pole beans have a better taste than their bush grown cousins. This season I decided to test the claim by growing both kinds. The differences between the two bean types are many in terms of space requirements and visual elements. As far as the taste, the jury is still out because at my deadline for writing this piece the pole beans were still covered with blooms, but nary a bean had been produced. I think the infernal inferno of hot dry days may have something to do with it.
One of the hottest items in lots of gardening catalogues is the rain barrel, proving that 'everything old is new again'. Throughout history we have found ways to save up rainy day water and then used it during dry times. Today's offerings can make a fashion statement in your lawn or garden, but there are also some old-fashioned ways of conserving moisture that can provide a drink for thirsty plants.
In out regional history, many towns were founded or folded by the route of a railroad. Perhaps no town was more influenced by the rails than Canadian, Texas.
Though summer is the major growing season for most gardeners, it's also the major mowing season for many. Today we'll take a look at lawnmowers and the men who made them, beginning with four-legged 'natural clippers'. These were followed by horse-drawn reels and walk-behinds that were eventually developed into the gas guzzling producers of one of the more controversial sounds of summer.
The more than 140 species of milkweed have a long and varied history. Named Asclepius for the Greek god of healing, its medicinal uses are many. However, several species are toxic, so if the plant is used as a health remedy, the user should be well-informed in advance. The physical properties of milkweed have resulted in various uses for the stems and fluff-filled seed pods, including a wartime effort by World War II's greatest generation.
Some consider this wildflower a weed, but to Monarch butterflies and those who love them, this perennial is precious and should be a part of every garden. It is also perfectly suited to the high plains climate.
Early settlers were self-reliant in all things, including entertainment. They would find a place for musical instruments on their trek to the unknown west. Old photos feature pioneers standing around a pump organ in front of a dugout home. Pianos were expensive and difficult to transport. The organ offered an affordable alternative. Some creative souls even placed the organ inside an empty piano case, giving the illusion of owning the rare item. As time passed, pianos and organs went through transition in size and structure making them affordable for the middle class. Examples of t
Solomon Seal is not a native plant. Named for a scarred rhizome that has the appearance of King Solomon's seal, which is known by many as the Star of David. It is also know for its medicinal use, and is perfect for shaded flower beds on the High Plains.
Hollyhocks thrive in this arid climate we call home. It does not flower the first year, but sends up a tall stalk the next that will bloom most of the summer. The best time to plant your seeds is late summer, giving it time to sprout and get established before winter sets in. The most common disease is rust, which can be managed by actively removing affected areas or with chemicals.
Mobeetie has a long history of firsts. First established town in the Texas Panhandle, first post office, first court house, first judicial system and jail, first school, and first reported tornado- a killer storm that took seven lives in 1898. To this day, even though a virtual ghost town, it is considered the, "mother city," of the panhandle.
Most plants in Skip's garden got a jump on spring, producing foliage, buds, flowers, and fruits earlier than usual, and thus allowing an amazing harvest of ripe tomatoes in mid-June.
This true story of an infamous High Plains criminal gang plays like a fictional gangster movie of the 1930's complete with bank robberies, getaways, murders, manhunts and capture.
In 1939 the world premiere of the Hollywood western “Dodge City” brought thousands to Dodge City from both coasts and all points in-between, arriving by car, horseback and three special trains. A parade, wild west show, rodeo and raucous celebrations accompanied the movie, which played simultaneously in three theaters.
