Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Day 9

I've reached the point in this garden cleanup where things start to become obvious. I mean really, really bad things become obvious. Things like giant poison ivy vines, fire ant infestations, a gazillion "saved yet cracked and useless" 6 and 9 inch flats and trumpet vine invading the potting bench. There is also a weed I know as colts foot. It is four to six feet tall this time of year and looks like a smallish tree. It is easy to take care of, cut it off and compost it - TADA.

This year, my massive passion vine has grown over and around these large woody weeds. Not a problem, that passion vine needs a haircut anyway. But wait, it is full on Gulf Frittilary butterfly mating season. There is a lot of butterfly action going on out there and the caterpillars are all over that passion vine.

Today's work went slow. Clip a section of woody weed, detangle passion vine from weed, repeat. One cat actually made it to the compost pile, but i saw him and put him back on the vine.

I wish you could see how pretty the garden looks with all those butterflies floating around.

5 comments:

  1. Isn't fall cleanup fun...and sometimes, it seems interminable. But just think how proud you'll be when it's done. Good news about the caterpillars!

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  2. Wow you've been busy woman! :)

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  3. No passion vine here, just lots of morning glories. I'm cleaning them out just a little at a time because they are so blue. They're messy, but I enjoy them!

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  4. We are in the midst of fall cleanup too. Raking leaves, pulling out plants, growing cover crops. Work never stops!

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  5. Kathryn/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.comOctober 28, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    It is so absolutely dear of you to be mindful and careful and caring about the butterflies babies. Bless you! I share your trumpet vine challenges. What an adventurous determined plant! I so enjoy them when they are where they "should" be, however, so I tolerate the nuisance. And, yes, this is the Clean Up part of the season. Clearing the canvas for next year's creations!
    Enjoy! xoxo

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