September 12 , 2013
Commander Ben, Teenaged Invasive Plant Warrior + Benini
When I started garden , genus Ligustrum , nandinas , and Nipponese meeting house were common garden transportation . No doubtfulness that they thrive under tough conditions , but they also swallow up diverse native plant that support our wildlife . Even before destructive alien invasives hit the radiolocation of public perception , I ventured into natives that are equally durable . Two of my first were tilt rose ( Pavonia ) fromBarton Springs Nurseryin its baby day , and Turk ’s cap , a passalong from KLRU engineer andACL editorDan Martaus . It ’s quite astounding how degenerate butterflies , bee , and hummingbirds showed up !
Daphne makes rock rose ( Pavonia lasiopetala)herPick of the Week , since this tough - as - nails recurrent fuel butterflies , bee and other beneficial flying insects .
Here ’s another of mine with nativeCalylophus berlandierithat also serve wildlife .
Now , it ’s prone to powdery mildew in ardent humid days and nerveless night , especially in bound . Daphne say to just disregard it , which is what I always do !
Our sign of the zodiac came with a hedge of ligustums along the back Ernst Boris Chain liaison fencing . We seeded pot award after we chop the Ligustrum to the earth . At the prison term , we did n’t have a ton of money , and newfangled - to - nurseries mountain Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel were dear . Indeed , this was not instant satisfaction , but well deserving the wait . And fun , actually . A grown part of horticulture for us is the adventure and watching it envelop .
The front seam also had a ligustrum too large for me to unearth . I chopped it , too , and planted my first nativeSalvia greggiiand asters .
This week , we ’re entranced that a new voice has tackle the mission to bar exotic invasives . Joining Tomis gamey school student Benjamin Shrader , sleep with asCommander Ben the Invasive Hunter , who wields his mighty sword of knowledge .
regain out what cheer him ( at age 12 ) to follow this mission and mouth to kids and adults , support theLady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center , and have fun with his dad , Ted , acquire merriment and fab videos!On his land site , watch them , check more about Commander Ben ’s labor , his Invasive Hunter Academy , and his adventures with dyslexia .
I ’ll admit , this was the first meter a CTG guest was driven to KLRU by his charming ma , Mary , who home schooled Benjamin until this class , his first in high school .
observe out more about invasive plants .
Of naturally , aboriginal industrial plant can be aggressive , like careen rose , ruellia , passion vine , inland sea oat , and others . But they are plants geared to answer our aboriginal wildlife .
Get your wheelbarrow ready to make full up with aboriginal flora atThe Lady Bird Johnson ’s Fall Plant Sale and Gardening Festivalon October 5 & 6 ( penis mean solar day is Oct. 4 and you could join at the door ) .
We all know that natives can stand up to drought , but they ’re not exempt from late old age of above average temporary worker and below average rainfall . We ’ve lost many established aboriginal trees . This workweek , Daphneanalyzes what go on to this cedar elm .
It ’s not what you think , even though drouth contributed . Get her answer .
Indoors , we cultivate gardens too , and many viewer ask : how can I fertilize naturally?John Dromgooleshows how to make a mini compost tea in a recycled piddle feeding bottle ( 3 tablespoonful or so of compost to a bottle ) . Plus , he has a dandy musical theme to water your plant when you ’re on vacation , like during holiday season .
On spell , we guide toThe Benini Galleries & Sculpture Ranchin Johnson City , where native plants mingle with Benini ’s sculpture and those from international creative person .
deep down , footmark into Benini ’s gallery that depicts his aesthetic journey in vibrant acrylics and collection .
Watch the whole magnificent experience !
Viewer picture of the weekcomes from Hella Wagner . When herAgave americana flower and die , she supplant the interruption with soft leafage yucca ( Yucca recurvifolia ) . Even though it flower this spring , it ’ll be around for twelvemonth to come in .
Thanks for stopping by ! See you next week , Linda
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