Reflections on a Year of Blogging

It is hard to believe that an entire year has gone by since I started this blog. My initial intent was to share gardening information and observations. In my first posting I said I would post about once a week. Kind of funny now….who would have thought I had so much more to write about?

Acuba japonica 'Mr. Goldstrike'

Over this past year my knowledge has grown. I had to ask my sister how to get my blog going. She patiently answered my questions about adding html language on the sidebar, how to add photos, and a myriad of other things I now take for granted. One of the best things she recommended to me was to build a trial blog. This is a place I can upload all the words and add the pictures and play around with the placement on the page. Thanks K!!!

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Ninebark' 

One desire was to share pictures of the Learning Garden, a place I have enjoyed working as a Master Gardener. My pictures will help build the library of information within the Cooperative Extension office and its webpage. Taking pictures and identifying the plants correctly increased my knowledge of what the plant was and where it is in the garden.

fun fungus on a stump


My Tuesday's Tree series is a learning experience for me as well as others who are kind enough to read my posts. As I travel around I see trees that interest me everywhere I look! I think I am becoming obsessed with trees!
With each picture I have improved a little bit. I have learned about photo editing and adjusting as well as how large or small to post a picture. From my fellow bloggers I have learned about programs to use to make my photos better.
I have made new friends in this blogosphere. Some folks I have met in person and some are still my electronic pen-pals.             

a stink bug on a leaf

Euonymus americanus
Hearts A'Bustin



It has been fun but time consuming. As I move into my second year with this blog I want to maintain my focus—learning and growing. I may scale back on the time commitment as our move to South Carolina gets closer…..or I may bore you with more pictures of wild turkeys near our new house, time will tell. Stick around and see what 2010 brings!







Bloom and fruit on a pyracantha bush...strange weather this fall!

Once in a Very Blue Moon and Awards

This shot reminds me of Nanci Griffith's song. One of my better 'moon shots'. Our full moon was last night, however we had big thunderstorms and lots of rain...so no moonview. This was the night before.



Many thanks to both Noelle and Colleen for giving me this award.
I do not want to be ingracious about receiving such a nice award. I write this blog for various reasons and am pleased that others enjoy reading it. I accept the award and offer it to all who read my blog as I can't choose to whom I should forward this. Many thanks ladies. It is most appreciated. 

Tuesday's Tree- Cryptomeria japonica

One of my neighbors has this huge tree in their front yard that is just beautiful. Before I knew much about trees I think someone told me it was a Bald Cypress. Not knowing any better, I went on thinking they were correct. I then learned about Bald Cypress and will post information on it later in the winter. So what is this tree two doors down? I knew what it wasn't!

I finally got around to walking over there with camera in hand and went about observing this tree. Some of my photos are not very clear as this is a tall tree and fruits were up high. It was confirmed, this lovely was a Cryptomeria.

This is not a native tree but very adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions. Hardiness zones range from 6- 9. It was interesting to read that in the colder climates this evergreen's foliage can turn brownish purple in the winter. The leaves are small, ¼ - ½ inch long and pointed. It is moderately tolerant of drought conditions and can grow in sun to part shade.

It can grow 25 feet tall in 10 years. The average height of a Cryptomeria japonica is 50- 60 feet tall though in its native Japan and China specimens have been known to grown up to 150 feet tall. Its spread is about 20- 30 feet.
It is monoecious, the female fruit it rounded and on the ends of the branches. Like I said, this is a little blurry.

The bark is a very distinctive feature. It is a reddish brown and it shreds in long strips, similar fashion as the Bald Cypress (this could be why it was IDed incorrectly) The bark is really nice in appearance.

Interesting facts about the Cryptomeria include that it is one of the few evergreens that will coppice. (Coppice is cutting at near ground level to rejuvenate new growth. It can be done for its bark, as in a cinnamon tree, or to control height)


The Cryptomeria is said to be the only species in its genus, though other writings had stated there may be a second, though it was not identified. It is a member of the ancient family Taxodiaceae that have been around since the dinosaur age. Others in its family include the Bald Cypress, Dawn Redwood, California Redwood, and the giant Sequoias. There are cultivars that can be purchased that are dwarf or compact.



USDA- minimal information, links to other sites.
UCONN- good bulleted information
Floridata- nice write up with good information
NCState- brief overview
MOBOT- brief overview


Next week's tree – Ironwood/ Musclewood