Split Leaf Philodendron Like Swallows to Capistrano

Seems like the split leaf philodendron bloom is a bit early this year; but maybe not.  It seems to have opened in years past between now and sometime in June.  My mental note is to watch for this around Memorial Day.



Split Leaf Philodendron - 2013

This year, there are two buds/pods. I'm not sure temperature has anything to do with the process. It's been pleasantly cool/warm lately. I'm certain my fellow San Joaquin Valley gardeners are enjoying this refreshing weather before the bondage of summer forces us to do most of our outside work around sunrise and sunset.  The scent of this unusual bloom along with jasmine and the asparagus fern blooms make the shady side of the house full of potent perfume.  Very sweet stuff.  It's on the same side of the house as my BBQ.  The sweet perfume mixed with burning mesquite signals the fact that summer is here.

Garden Update:

• Boysenberry harvest is winding down with a final take of about 6 gallons of berries.  Pretty good for young canes.
• Plums are ripening.  Birds have started to  help themselves.  Netting was thrown over the tree this week.
• Apricots will be the next tree to ripen and will need netting to protect the bounty from the birds.

I am Grateful.

Recent wisdom gleaned from the internet told me that the reason I sleep like a log is because I am grateful and content with what I have and don’t have any unfulfilled desire to have more.  Ain’t it the truth?  Memorial Day seems like a fine day to show gratitude in the garden.

Strawberries continue to keep on giving.  The bugs still get a few of them but I get my share.  I am grateful.

The bumblebees and honeybees are enjoying the bounty of lavender.  Even after a Hidden Valley box full of lavender was harvested there was still plenty to buzz about.  In fact, I couldn’t even tell that the blossoms had been thinned.  I am grateful.

Everyone of the 19 tomato plants look to be headed to a productive summer.  This one is Rutgers that I purchased from the Tomato Lady at the local farmers’ market for $2.  I am grateful.

Teddy Bear sunflowers are almost ready to open.  This one survived the bug mowing that all the others fell prey to.  I have since replanted and am hopeful.  I am grateful.

Look!  The corn is almost as high as an elephant’s eye AND the tassels are forming.  Oh what a beautiful morning.  I am grateful.

Smelling just as sweet as candy, the Butterfly Bush is starting to pop.  This should lure some beneficial insects to the garden.  I am grateful.

I’m a fan of fruit chewy candy like gummy bears or Sour Patch Kids or jelly beans or DOTS.  With boysenberries ripening each day there isn’t any desire to wander down to the local Rite Aid and pick up a chewy treat.  I am grateful.

The Memorial Day weekend started with a phone call to Farmer MacGregor’s great uncle.  He shared his Purple Heart earning story with me relaying his horror on Okinawa.  Genealogical details were sprinkled in but he kept returning to  his experience during March/April 1945.  Memories of an event that happened almost  70 years ago were shared with vivid detail.  I am grateful.

Furthermore, I may celebrate my gratitude with a nap on my patio swing.  I am grateful.