Tag Archives: garden

Banana cubits 2025-03-24

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When you don’t bring a measuring device, measure in cubits!

[Banana cubit 2025-03-23]
Banana cubit 2025-03-23

Gretchen had recently lopped off the freeze-killed tops of these banana plants, and she was observing how much they had grown out since. Continue reading →

LeConte Pear Tree 2025-02-24

This is one tree in two locations.

[Driveway and garden LeConte Pear Tree]
Driveway and garden LeConte Pear Tree

It’s a LeConte pear, introduced to Georgia in 1856 John Eatton LeConte. He was the uncle of my second cousins thrice removed Professors John and Louis LeConte. Continue reading →

Rarely seen: mother and daughter lawnmowers 2025-02-02

Not every day do you see this: the mama mower carrying the child lawnmower.

[Piggyback mowers]
Piggyback mowers

That’s an EGO electric mower. Way better than any of the old gasoline lawnmowers we’ve had: cuts better, starts immediately, easier to handle.

Sniffing about is Sky the dog.

Also, the tractor mower had a hairball.

Or, rather, an electric fence ball.

I’m not saying how long it took me to get that thing out from under there. Continue reading →

Okra, Squash, Scarecrow 2024-05-27

Update 2024-05-30: Blueberry Scacrecrow 2024-05-24.

Maybe the scarecrow will keep the critters off the okra and the yellow squash.

[Okra, squash, scarecrow]
Okra, squash, scarecrow

Also known as straightneck squash, the Abelmoschus esculentus is producing quite a bit.

The okra, Abelmoschus esculentus, hasn’t bloomed yet, but maybe it will soon.

Got a few more taters to dig, too, adding to the many we already dug.

-jsq

Canada wild lettuce 2024-05-06

I didn’t recognize this plant, but apparently it is Canada wild lettuce (Lactuca canadensis), aka Florida blue lettuce, tall lettuce, or Canada lettuce. Supposedly it is native to eastern and central North America.

[Canada wild lettuce, aka Florida blue lettuce]
Canada wild lettuce, aka Florida blue lettuce

It’s in the daisy family, Asteraceae.

According to Eattheplanet.org, “The young leaves and stems are edible but should be eaten in moderation. Leaves can be eaten raw in a salad or boiled to remove bitterness.”

Also, “Wild lettuce produces a milky sap, called Lactucarium, from its leaves, stem, and roots when cut. Lactucarium is an analgesic and sedative. It has been used in the treatment of insomnia, osteoarthritis, and anxiety. The concentration of Lactucarium is highest when the plant is in bloom.”

-jsq