Mallard Ducks

April 28, 2022

Each spring a pair of mallard ducks are spotted in the same area of Norglenwold.  It is a curiousity and a bit of a mystery as to whether they are the same pair of ducks or simply a new pair every year.  We have seen "a singular Pair" every year since we moved in to the close in 2015.  The first time we saw them was  sitting on the wicker chair peering in the patio window.  They were fondly named "Mr. and Mrs. Duck" by long time residents who have seen them every year since 1988. 

Generally speaking Mallards in the wild have a life span of 5 to 10 years old. Fun fact as of 2008-The oldest known Mallard was a male, and he was at least 27 years, 7 months old when he was shot in Arkansas in 2008.  He had been banded in Louisiana in 1981.

Bergenia

May 1, 2022

 https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-and-care-for-bergenia-4688589

Ranunculus

Ranunculus blooming in Boylston. The first place we saw and fell in love with Ranunculus was on a field trip to the Carlsbad Flower Fields in California in about 2010. https://www.theflowerfields.com/

Ranunculus are cool season flowers that grow best in spring-like temperatures of about 55°F. In warm climates (zones 8-10), the corms are planted in the fall so they will bloom in late winter and early spring. Plant ranunculus in beds and borders, cutting gardens and containers. They are good companions for other spring flowers such as primroses, pansies and larkspur. 

In climates where ranunculus are not winter hardy (zones 4-7), the corms are usually planted in late winter or very early spring for flowers in early summer. In these areas, home gardeners often grow ranunculus in containers rather than in the garden. Containers make it easier to control light and soil moisture.

May 1, 2022

 

Coho Raspberry

Coho raspberries planted on the first of May in the back garden in Boylston.  Rubus idaeus 'Coho' is a high yielding raspberry, named for the bright red colouration, and late spawning habit of the Coho Salmon. A late-season raspberry variety with fruit ripening in late July and August.

May 1, 2022