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I spend a lot of time at my desk. A LOT. Most of the time I'm working on proposals, invoices, payroll, accounting, etc. You know, the boring responsible stuff that keeps a company afloat.
When I'm not working, I have a tendency to stare out my windows at all that nature out there. And I wonder about it. When do the hummingbirds come back? What do cardinal nests look like? Was that really a badger?! What is that poor robin eating? Then I remember- I have Google!-and I wonder no more. This morning I found an amazing resource for the nature lover in you: Journey North: Migration Maps This is a place to record and track just where those robins, hummingbirds, earthworms, whooping cranes are hanging out. There's even a map for Maple Sap flow and Ice Out! Well, we're back at it with spring clean ups. This is a great time to get out there and uncover your garden. Pull or cut off the dead foliage, rake away the leaves and cut down your ornamental grasses. A few more weeds* that you may want to take the time to pull now: 
Bouncing Bet- looks like phlox seedlings, but has jointed stems like a carnation. It has a very strong taproot system.
Wild Aster- same leaf structure as perennial aster, sprouts up randomly rather than as a "planted" specimen. Long stringy roots.
Star of Bethlehem- bulb with early emerging foliage similar to crocus, but more abundant. Turns yellow in the heat. Deep bulbs, very proficent multiplier.
Dont' forget to take the time to stretch your back every now and then!
*I realize that all three of these weeds are also considered wildflowers, and as such, there is an appropriate place for them. However, left unchecked, they will quickly take over a cultivated perennial garden or landscape bed due to their abundant seed production and aggressive root systems. |