Cactus correction

On January 1, 2024December 29, 2023 By CarynIn Flora

Did you know that there are Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus? I did not until a reader kindly sent me a link. I thought I had a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) blooming for the last few years in my house, but it is actually a close relative, the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). The easiest way to tell, for me, is the spikes on the edge of the leaves, characteristic of trucata, where bridgesii has rounded edges on the leaves. Care for both is the same, but truncata is a sturdier plant, which is good in my house. I did go back and update my previous posts with the correct information. I post often on this cactus, apparently!

Photo description: Thanksgiving cactus *(Schlumbergera truncata)* showing leaves, blooms, and twin buds

It is good to start the New Year with some updated information!

Christmas cactus

On December 26, 2023December 29, 2023 By CarynIn Flora

Oh yes, my Thanksgiving cactus is blooming!

Photo description: Three hot pink cactus blooms in the foreground, with the spikey green stems visible, and a window in the background. Thanksgiving cactus *(Schlumbergera truncata).*

Wood walk

On November 28, 2023November 25, 2023 By CarynIn Cats, Flora, Fungi

I took some green time and walked through the woods. I can still see the results of the heavy rain we had, the path I cleared years ago had been swept clean by the water, making a path about two feet wide through the leaves.

Photo description: Dirt path through saplings and vines with a scattering of newly fallen leaves.

I saw some nice mushrooms too, another sign we’ve actually received significant moisture.

Photo description: bright white hairy puffball mushroom in brown and yellow fallen leaves.

Photo description: white and cream capped mushrooms in green meadow grass.

I have what I believe is a mulberry tree in the back woods. It is growing under the canopy, so is spindly but keeps making a go of it each year. I was sad to see that something, probably deer, have stripped the bark on one side of the tree.

Photo description: Bark stripped from half of a maybe two inch trunk, two green leaves visible from the same tree.

And of course there were cats. I was able to get a picture of Mr Tom in his glorious winter coat before he wandered off.

Photo description: Flame point long haired cat with full winter ruff sitting in meadow grass.

Hibiscus guardian

On July 16, 2023July 16, 2023 By CarynIn Flora, Garden, Wildlife

Green Lynx spider on a pink and white Hibiscus flower

We have a spider that hangs out on our Hibiscus bush. It is a very welcome spider, and especially welcome to eat the insects that come to eat my flowers. I am pleased with this photo because the backlighting really highlights the spider and the petals.

Meadow walk

On May 10, 2023 By CarynIn Flora, Garden

I took a bunch of photos of flowers as I toured the meadow. The one that cracks me up is the purple thistle growing through the deer statue’s haunch. I really like the look of the purple thistles, reminds me of Scotland.