Renewal Time

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -Anais Nin

A few days ago, on March 16th, the day and night length were equal for where I live. Globally, tomorrow is the March Equinox, and for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it is the first official day of Spring. Ten days beyond that is another important date for my Odessa neighbors and me, the average last date of frost.

It's time to get busy. To bud. To blossom. To bloom. It's time to break from blogging. It's time to dig.

I'll see you again after my new garden is firmly planted.

Who was Omid-Reza Mir-Sayafi?

Who was Omid-Reza Mir-Sayafi? I knew him well.

He was just your average, ordinary guy. He had this one well-worn shirt that made him feel good whenever he put it on. He had this funny childhood story he loved to tell when his family got together although every one already knew it by heart. He used to beg his mother to prepare this one dish, but there was one vegetable he couldn't stand no matter how it was cooked.

One, two, three...Pop!

"One, Two, Three...Popweed!" Lesquerella fendleri 1, 2, 3 Click on any to see larger
West Odessa, Texas

Popweed, also called bladder pod, is one of the earliest blooming wildflowers here, a native. Not only does it bloom early, it blooms long, all through summer into fall.

You just gotta love that sweet little yellow face. Later when it sets, I'll show you a photo of its seed bladder that makes the popping sound when stepped on.

And if that mockingbird don't sing...

"And if that mockingbird don't sing..."
Odessa, Texas

Probably just needs to warm up a little first.

Gopher Plant

"Gopher Plant" Euphorbia rigida 1,2,3,4 (Click any to see larger)
Master Gardener's Compost Garden
Odessa, Texas

There were two shocks awaiting me when I visited the Compost Garden.

The first was the whole garden had been sheered back. It was quite severe to these untrained eyes. I hope the weed whacker operator knew what he/she was doing. Time will tell.

The other shock was this one blooming plant, left untouched. Its chartreuse blooms were eye-popping against an empty backdrop. I had seen the gopher plant there before, but had no idea it bloomed like this, and so early. Nor would I have guessed it to be part of the Euphoriba family until seeing its leaves as part of what we consider the flower, although the real flower is very tiny. The gopher plant is native to Africa and the Mediterranean. The most famous euphorbia would have to be the poinsettia native to Mexico.

Links

• A List of plants at the Compost Garden.
• Wayne's World has been serving the Internet community curiosities for almost ten years, and has a superb illustrated article on the Euphorbia Family.
• There is even an International Euphorbia Society!
  

Okay, who's the clown?

"Okay, who's the clown?"
Odessa, Texas

A Congregation of Henbit

"A Congregation of Henbit" 1,2,3,4 (Click any to see larger)
Parker Heights Christian Church
Odessa, Texas

I spent time with a little bit of henbit. Nice name, "henbit," don't you think? I can easily image chickens voraciously pecking at this early bloomer, greedy for some fresh greens. I feel the same way, although henbit is considered a tenacious weed by many who prefer monoculture lawns. Wonder if it grew to a foot or two instead of only a couple of inches, would that change public opinion?

Oh, here's another tidbit about henbit. It's part of the mint family. When something has square stems it indicates part of the mint family. And mint almost always means edible. Not always tasty, but edible. BUT when in doubt, don't put it in your mouth!


Links

• According to Backyard Nature, you can make a salad from henbit. I would love to try it, but only with henbit grown where I could be sure there were no chemicals applied.
• DiscoverLife.org has lots of other photos. Henbit's other names are "giraffe head" and "deadnettle." I still like "henbit" best.
  

Rising to a fevered pitch

Spring 2010 welcomed weeds left: unknown, on right: mustard weed
Odessa, Texas

You know you are rising to a fevered pitch for spring when even the appearance of mustard weed makes you happy.

I've Never Been So Glad

I've never been so glad to see a dandelion
West Odessa, Texas

First dandelion of 2010. Hello gorgeous.

First tree blooms

Fruit tree (perhaps pear?) in early bloom
West Odessa, Texas

This was a sight for sore eyes yesterday! Enjoying its fresh appearance, though, quickly turned to worry. It's rather early yet, and another frost is very possible. So, I'll do like this bee in the inset and just enjoy.

Big house on the Prairie

"Big House on the Prairie"
Midland County, Texas

I've been busy, busy, getting ready for the crafts show this weekend. Of course, I'm hoping to sell everything and to come home empty handed except for mucho moolah. :) We'll see, we'll see.

City Lights

"City Lights"
West Odessa, Texas

Today's Luxury Bits:

Morning coffee
Afternoon nap with Cleo
Banana split on sale