Do you need to name that wildflower you saw while hiking?
You can research it by color using this helpful chart at Wildflower Information.org
Tag Archives: Flowers
Paper Cup Seedling Pots
Note: Use only unwaxed paper cups for your seedling pots, so they will decompose when planted in the garden later.
Start your seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date in your location.
To get Started:
Buy seedling mix, or make your own [it’s cheaper] – See DIY: Seedling Mix Formula, on this Blog. Seedling mix is a soil-less mixture specifically made for sprouting seeds.
Poke three to four holes in the bottom of each paper cup.
Fill each paper cup with seed-starting mix, leaving 1/2 inch of space below the top.
Plant two seeds in of each cup. Check seed packet for seed planting depth; each variety is different. Cover seeds with seedling mix.
Sit cups in trays, or boxes, water, then cover trays loosely with sheets of plastic wrap.
This helps keep moist and prevents mix from drying out.
Place in a warm location, after two days, start checking cups daily, water if
Remove the plastic wrap when most of the seeds have sprouted.
Place trays in a warm sunny indoor location. If placed next to a window turn trays regularly for equal sun exposure.
Water on a regular basis, but don’t over water.
When plants have grown two true leaves, thin by snipping off the weaker plant in each cup.
After the last frost date in your area, “harden off” your plants before planting
To Harden Off Plants: Sit plants outside in a protected area for four hours, then bring them back inside. Increase “outdoor time “ by two hours each day. After a week of hardening off, you can plant the starts in your garden.
Table Rock Hikes: 2016
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Medford District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are sponsoring free guided hikes at the Table Rocks.
Hikes are FREE but reservations are required. Space is limited. Register online (link follows the info for each hike) or call the Medford District BLM at 541.618.2200, M-F 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Hikes are 3-5 miles roundtrip along a moderate grade trail and generally last 3-5 hours. Dress for the weather and bring drinking water (none is available at the site) and lunch or a snack. Restrooms are available at the trailhead. No dogs, mountain bikes or OHVs are allowed on the trail.
- Early Wildflowers – Saturday, April 9, 9:00 am – Upper Table Rock: Marcia Wineteer, botanist at the BLM will lead a hike to explore and enjoy the valley’s beautiful native flora and wildflowers of Table Rocks. Limited to 15 individuals. http://earlywildflowers.eventbrite.com
- Wildflowers Abound – Sunday, April 10, 9:00 am – Lower Table Rock: Barbara Mumblo, botanist emeritus with the U.S. Forest Service, Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District and member of the Native Plant Society of Oregon, will lead a hike to discover the dazzling array of wildflowers found on the Table Rocks. http://wildflowersabound.eventbrite.com
- Spring in Bloom – Sunday, April 17, 9:00 am – Upper Table Rock: Join Chamise Kramer, avid botanist and Public Affairs Specialist with the Rogue River National Forest, and Molly Allen, BLM Environmental Educator, to explore the valley’s beautiful native flora, wildflowers, and natural history of the Table Rocks. http://springinbloom.eventbrite.com
- Nature on the Rocks – Celebrating 30 Years of Environmental Education – Saturday, April 30, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Lower Table Rock: Join us for a fun filled day of activities, hikes, and interactive displays suitable for the entire family. Help us celebrate 30 years of successful community engagement and education on the Table Rocks. Public event, open to all. Please consider carpooling as parking is limited. A shuttle will be offered from Sam’s Valley Elementary parking area to the Lower Table Rock trail throughout the day. NO REGISTRATION NEEDED.
- Beautiful Butterflies & Incredible Insects – Saturday, May 14, 10:00 am – Lower Table Rock: Dr. Peter Schroeder, Entomologist and Affiliate Professor of Biology at Southern Oregon University, will lead a hike to observe and discuss the beautiful butterflies and other incredible insects that live on or flutter by the Table Rocks. On this hike, Peter will help you gain a deeper appreciation for how butterflies and other insects live and their essential role in the environment. http://beautifulbutterflies.eventbrite.com
- Powerful Pollinators – Sunday, May 15, 10:00 am – Upper Table Rock: Find out what all the buzz is about by joining Sarah Red-Laird, a.k.a. Bee Girl, who will explain why pollination is essential for our survival. On this family-friendly hike learn about the birds and the bees and their relationship with the wildflowers and trees that produce a rainbow of colors on the Table Rocks. Limited to 15 individuals. http://powerfulpollinators.eventbrite.com
Thank you for helping us get the word out about these fun, family friendly hikes at the Table Rocks!
CONTACT: Kathleen Kudo – sworegon@tnc.org
View the full hike schedules: TableRockHikes2016.eventbrite.com
Planting Poetry
Rhonda Nowak, Master Gardener, English Composition teacher at Rogue Community College and garden writer for the Mail Tribune, gave an informative talk Monday on how to plant your container gardens with poetic flare.
Read her Literary Gardener blog here…
http://blogs.esouthernoregon.com/theliterarygardener/
Horticulture Report: Verbascum
Southern Charm
Plant Name: Verbascum (mullein hybrid)
Cultivar: Southern Charm
Plant type: Perennial
Height: 2 ft
Bloom Time:Late Spring to Mid-Summer (then again in the fall)
Flower Color: Pastel Rose to Ivory
Exposure:Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Normal to Sandy
Water Needs: Drought tolerant once established
Attributes: Large 1.5” showy flowers, deer resistant, two bloom times , Silvery Foliage
Note: Does not self-sow
Uses: Cutting garden, Perennial Garden
USDA Zone: 5-9
Program: March 7, 2016
