It's Gardening Time Once Again !

[HuntressOfLight]

Skies are currently a pretty blue, while faint within the distance, and the bright sun is high, while casting exquisite rays of light down upon this extreme western Kentucky land.

Although a brisk chill remains within the 59°F air being gently tossed about at 6 mph and soon to reach 65°F in temperature, it is hereby officially that time.

Lunch is within the oven, as I prepare to slip my tiny, little feet into their tiny, little boots for some fun Vitamin D conversion exercise.

Mission Alpha: brush dragging into Pyroville for preparation of beautiful Pyrotime yet again, further drying out Tillville for additional TLC.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

All has finally returned to the previously stated conditions this fine Sunday, albeit 1°F off in current temperature and projected high for the day, as my dogs and I sit outside enjoying the warm sunshine.

While I strategically plan Phase II of Mission Alpha, being that much more brush dragging remains, they are on point fiercely guarding our most southern perimeter from each and every carload returning into the subdivision from Church services and beyond. Such is only due to having been cooped up so much during the big snowstorm followed by flooding, which I notice warning has been extended for this region through March 15, 2021:

https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=KYZ005&warncounty=KYC145&firewxzone=KYZ005&local_place1=2 Miles ENE Paducah KY&product1=Flood+Warning&lat=37.0834&lon=-88.6#.YEUctVNMFow

I walked the highlands again within the past 45 minutes noticing much less give and take within the soil beneath my feet. Even within Tillville the soil has become more manageable. By Tuesday it should be receiving its first pass, provided the tiller cranks tomorrow, while the farm store should be receiving its first big purchase of the year, as well.

What has been of most interest while planning continuation of Mission Alpha along with others this sun tanning day is Lord and Lady Red-tailed Hawks' courtship dance within the sky, not long ago and directly above Bunnyville just beyond Tillville. I managed to film only a brief encounter via cell phone sending it to the Captain; thus, if interested please pester him for such. They had just separated their talons and began flying opposite directions, as I began recording with one quickly climbing in altitude and out of view, while the other swooped down behind Bunnyville over the soggy bottoms but can still be seen through the leafless trees, swiftly making a beeline planned pursuit of its potential mate. It then caught an updraft rapidly taking it momentarily out of view, but suddenly appeared out of seemingly nowhere, flapping its big wings in hot pursuit once again.

It's not great footage by any means, but I still bothered to sync all to some action music in order to enhance all. I was on the phone between Tillville and Blueville excitedly describing all to my father, whom loved hearing about the action, when Lady Red-tail appeared out of nowhere once again, gliding exceedingly low directly over the conversation, as if she had been eavesdropping in reconnaissance mission, herself.

She is one seriously huge lady, when her wings are extended in simple glide formation at such low altitude. My estimate is that she was less than 30 feet, as she casually flew directly over my head, with her then traversing through a privately named kingdom and down back over the soggy bottoms. Both hawks managed to generate enough interest, that my big lens has been hauled outside for potential shots, but neither have since returned.

They managed to quickly frighten off all of the Starlings, whereas all my meager attempts had failed, being that they are keenly after the remaining wild bird mix, along with doves and others. I have approximately 60 pounds of that remaining. I believe that it must be quickly eaten, so as to prevent Starling roosting and then nesting fairly soon. They are some of the very last critters that I desire anywhere near my gardens.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

A few thick lines of clouds slowly moving along from light winds within the sky at dusk made for one beautiful sunrise, visable behind the old trees growing throughout Bunnyville and beyond. It looked as if the pale morning sky had been casually streaked by cotton dipped in both light purple and deep magenta, with one thin piece in a most brilliant golden yellow, causing me to snap a few photographs and forwarding one to an early bird friend of mine whose mother recently passed. The sun has long since continued to quickly climb, warming all as it rises toward the treeline and is to provide this area with its first of the year's temperatures of at least 70°F later within the day. Spring is most definitely around the bend of the river close within the distance.

The continued flood warning has currently been amended to end on March 14, 2021. That may soon change, with heavy rains potentially beginning as early as tomorrow evening. It's of interest the region surpassed probability outlooks calculated back in February of this year:

https://nwschat.weather.gov/p.php?pid=202102111607-KPAH-FGUS73-ESFPAH

I just tested the soil once again via steps across Tillville, while carrying the ole ancient, heavy Browning with me in pursuit of obnoxious starling birds and can still smell as well as hear the loud shot fired from it, in addition to see the slight, bloodless skin tear upon my third finger from rapid kick. While I can still hear those bothersome Starlings, too, being that they did not fly very far away, unfortunately, I'm pleased the soil within Tillville no longer moves beneath my feet and appears to have become ready for today's preplanned mission.

I'm simply awaiting a return from my dentist, being that it appears he hit a nerve yesterday, wanting his okay to proceed with pulling out and then attempting to crank my onry green nemesis. He needs to soon call, being that today's warmer winds are to begin gusting through at 30-40mph within the next few hours. No fun Pyrotime today, for it all. I just heard geese flying by fairly closely, though.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

Sweaty satisfaction cascades downwards from the tips of my ears to the tips of my bare toes while reporting that Mission Beta, Pass I of Tillville is now complete. Six Foot Two Mr. Meter Reader Man met the challenge of Mr. Onry Green head on, and while Mr. Onry Green put up an epic ten minute fight, he eventually relented and cranked, running perfectly for me after Mr. Meter Reader in his tight fitting tan coveralls departed for the day.

Tillville does not look beautiful quite yet, but she is on her way before the incoming rains later within the week. If I can manage cranking Mr. Onry Green upon my own tomorrow, Tillville's 100'x50' soil shall receive Pass II of Mission Beta, and in the opposite direction.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

I, Empress Regnant of Tillville and all villages beyond, hereby proclaim tis Pyrotime within Pyroville, as I have just lit the first fire of the season and roast a polish sausage purchased from the butcher this afternoon, in the event the volunteer fire department dares to step foot upon my lands.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

Pleasant discovery for all Kentuckians awaits, being that my first flowers of 2021 are suddenly in staggered, full bloom! Yes, indeed, while riding the neighbor's huge, klepto golden retriever down my hillside this lovely evening, and simply because he kept chewing upon the ends of brush burning within Pyroville scattering my hot coals, until I offered him half of the smoked sausage, we discovered my huge yellow trumpet daffodils glowing beneath the darkened skies upon the very edge of Bunnyville within extreme Western Kentucky. Prepare yourselves for the same within the coming days and weeks.

We have had good fortune thus far with rain delay, even though it was forecast to likely be upon two hours ago, and wind gusts at 67°F have diminished to around 20mph, just enough to maintain small Pyroville's warm lifeline:

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.0834&lon=-88.6&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical

Tillville did not receive Mission Beta Phase II today. Instead, I worked to cleanse all via hard metal rake. If fortunate enough that rains hold off until a few hours after dawn, phase II shall then be attempted. In the meantime, a hydraulic outlook has been released:

"Hydrologic Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY
409 PM CST Wed Mar 10 2021

...MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF HEAVY RAIN POSSIBLE THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...

A very deep area of low pressure situated over the southwestern
U.S. will pump vigorous amounts of Pacific moisture into the
middle part of the country Thursday afternoon through Saturday
morning. This will combine with a slow moving cold front to
produce the potential for a couple rounds of heavy rainfall. The
first will come later Thursday afternoon into Friday morning and
the second wave is expected to come through Friday night into
Saturday.

All in all, from 1 to 3 inches of rainfall will be possible through this time frame. Locally higher amounts will be possible, especially if isolated thunderstorms develop Thursday afternoon and Thursday night. Some area rivers are already in flood, and
this rainfall could exacerbate or prolong this flooding.

This is a developing situation. Please stay abreast of the latest forecast information and possible watches and warnings from the National Weather Service."

along with new hazards and continued flood warning update for this region all within the link.

https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=KYZ005&warncounty=KYC145&firewxzone=KYZ005&local_place1=2 Miles ENE Paducah KY&product1=Hydrologic+Outlook&lat=37.0834&lon=-88.6#.YEl4aVNMFow

 

[HuntressOfLight]

It remains quite a bit more chilly this evening, while relaxing to the sounds of many more frogs after all of the rains. I have yet to identify them by their deep calls like last year but intend upon it fairly soon, simply because I find their songs to be peaceful and absolutely love frogs. They are all down within the soggy bottoms for now, with it holding puddles like Tillville but much deeper and plentiful.

My focus today was flowerbed cleaning, for it all, being that roots were easily removed with soils heavily saturated. I dedicated much time toward my invasion of Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum). Being that it was all wet and tons remain, I refrained from saving any for the kitchen; instead, I simply tossed all pulled onto the drying area for later Pyrotime starter. It's already 5" tall in places and flowering so must be quickly pulled. Tuesday is to be dry, and perhaps I can then manage some for my various teas, tinctures, infusion oils, as well as a salad. For now, it's serving as my outdoor stretching exercises, before moving to the more difficult root pulls.

I noticed some of my previous year's tulips are now up five inches, while others were crowded out by my overly zealous purple mums in need of division. Based upon such, my guess is that morels won"t be too far off in the distance; however, models are currently in agreement that we may have some drops back into the 30°F range toward the end of next week.

https://forecast.weather.gov/produc...ah&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1

For this reason, my abundance of leaves shall remain in place all over the property for a while longer, including within many flowerbeds and no mulch shall be changed quite yet.

My horde of purple bearded iris are up quite a ways in height. My horde of purple spiderwort are, as well. More daffodils have bloomed. I notice a few buds beginning upon one dogwood but have yet to check all of the others nor my redbud trees.

Some of my veggie seeds will be set come Monday, if not even later tonight as Mission VeggieSeed and my blueberry bushes will be transplanted into larger containers as Mission Bluebberry at the same time.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

One Naproxen downed via homemade banana strawberry blueberry smoothie momemts ago and Mission BlackBerry Jungle

PHASE II old cane removal commences now, after having removed enough an hour ago to stack Pyroville too high for me to further reach.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

Pending Tomorrow:

Mission BlackBerry Jungle Phase III

Stake string support along each fence row elevated at approximately six foot, as in video

 

[HuntressOfLight]

Early morning combo Mission Stick Pick-up/Mega Starling Scare produced many observations at approximately 45°F with fair skies, later to increase with temperatures reaching a much warmer, approximated 71°F. While the soil squished beneath my feet in many a place from the previous rains with thoughts that Tillville could easily grow rice via still visible puddles of water throughout it, inhibiting additional work, all is less saturated than yesterday. With more rains forecast to potentially begin as early as 7AM in the morning, Mission Storm Drain Ditch Rake all along the southern perimeter of the property shall commence soon after return to it, dragging via tarp the many leaves up into Pyroville for drying and burning later this evening or tomorrow morning.

A walk through the mini peach orchard resulted in the discovery of buds upon branches. Temperatures from that incoming low in which I have been monitoring are currently forecast to drop a bit lower than previously expected, from 39°F to 35°F Friday night. All dogwoods are now in full bud and redbuds are budding in accompanying fashion. Blossom colors can be seen here and there with some buds upon a few of those trees while not at all upon most of them this morning; meanwhile, some hedge bush down within Bunnyville has yellow petals shooting out from its buds, with identification currently unknown. My rhododendron buds remain closed, for now.

While my various climbing roses scattered here and there remain dormant, my various cultivars within my actual rose garden are all greening, with many showing new leaves. Mission Rose Garden Clean shall thereby commence later within the afternoon, to include weeding and soil samples, while the old mulch will remain yet another few days.

My various yellow daffodils continue to open new blooms and the discovery of much naturalized spread throughout Bunnyville and elsewhere is more than welcomed. My purple-bearded iris bed will soon require leaf litter removal, being that all have continued to shoot through them, with my naked lady lily beds leading the way at 8" in maximun height thus far; although, they will actually bloom much later. My purple mum flower bed is now showing new growth at each plant's base and shall be next upon my agenda of flowers.

As for wildflowers, my first wave of yellow marrow volunteers have made themselves known via blooming, as have my very first yellow dandelions of the season, with many more to soon show themselves, and additional various colored hollyhocks have now leafed themselves out in new as well as old places throughout the property.

However, my BlackBerry Jungle remains primary focus with much work pending within it, being that each remaining cane is probably averaging 12' in length. While at the spa here shortly having my hair done, I shall be spending much more time researching various propagation methods, focusing upon softwood cuttings.


https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/fegen/distinguishing-primocanes-vs-floricanes.htm

Many new robin birds have finally appeared upon the property doing their jobs, and the cardinals are now courting one another while also attacking their reflections upon one car window's tinted glass and side mirrors. A seemingly newcomer to the property back during the snowstorm has remained and was spotted again just yesterday doing his job of knocking up dead leaves in search of insects, as opposed to continuing after the wild bird seed mix. I have learned that it is a beautiful male Eastern Towhee, and he has taken a liking to my 5' high honeysuckle bush yet to bloom.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Towhee/id

The mega geese continue to fly by, as do the two red-tailed hawks, while I spotted my first ladybug down upon the ground beside my rose garden yesterday, as well as my first butterfly with pale yellow or white wings, and my first honeybee. No signs of overnight activity within any of my bluebird boxes, but possibly today within Box 3 near the road. My dogwood beside it appears to require some treatment, due to growth upon its bark which will be further analyzed later this week.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

Rained out beginning forty-five minutes ago, with my dogs now huddled up beside me out on the covered deck listening to a relaxing thunderstorm passing through extreme western Kentucky. The first bolt of intriguing lightning just spread through the sky off toward the bend of the river. My dogs don't like it at all, while I love it. If it's going to rain, it should always be a thunderstorm with lightning.

Mission leaf blow deck was completed on schedule, as the thunder rolled within the cool air of approximately 55°F, and Mission Storm Drain Ditch Rake was successfully completed just prior to dusk yesterday. Mission Pyrotime was called off pending rescheduling.

The pending low pushing in has become more critical to all buds and flowering plants with temperatures forecast of dropping even further than previously expected to 38°F Thursday night March 18, 2021 and a frigid 33°F Friday night, March 19, 2021, with dewpoints hovering next to all. Potential damage is my concern and preventive measures are now being formulated with yet another all night burn beneath the mini peach orchard like last year a possibility, being that all are too tall to cover. Saturday Night, March 20, 2021 is not looking much better, but all should be safe for a while by the following day.

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapCli...=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=59&BackDay.y=15

Cucumber and Tomato Seed Mission commences shortly within the warm garage, as does Mission Blueberry Transplants and Mission Sweet Onion Transplants.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

Mission Pester Meteorologist successfully implemented moments ago regarding potential frost/freeze damage Friday night. Mr. York, aka Mr. Frost/Freeze Specialist, of Paducah NWS is thereby sending email to UKY with inquiry of crop stages, in order to determine his potential for issuing frost/freeze watch/warnings, being that I elaborated petal color is now slightly visable upon a few of my budding trees. His algorithms for my specific locale are currently indicating a low of 32°F Friday night; however, he currently believes that elevated winds will prevent dew point from coming within 2-3°, hence protecting all buds and lower vegetation. He will be updating me as to UKY crops and his decision later today, even though I do not really care about what their trees/crops may be doing all the way over in Lexington, just mine.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

I was correct about the freeze concern for tonight and tomorrow, while UKY in Lexington was not.

"...Leaned toward the low side of dewpoint guidance Saturday as
well. Much, if not all, of the area will freeze tonight, and some
locations may briefly touch freezing Saturday night..."

https://forecast.weather.gov/produc...AH&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1


Even though some of my peach trees are suddenly in full bloom, while others remain closed budded, no freeze warning will be issued, Mr. York just explained. I find that odd, especially for my roses, being that they are much more sensitive, but there exist a difference in height measurements on freeze verses frost. UKY is not worried about freeze for peach trees until temperatures of 28°F, when 10% or greater damage can occur, but it really just depends upon individual tree, per my research. Due to such, I have yet to decide whether I shall be freezing my buns off beneath them burning tonight, while I do know that Mission Rose Cover shall soon commence for my more sensitive rose bushes having already shot out new growth, regardless of all, being that Mr. Freeze/Frost Specialist does not know a thing about roses, and they fail to be on UKY's list of crops in which he receives. I have held off on all other missions due to cold weather since last update, including blueberry transplants from one container to container, same with onions, and planting my cucumber along with tomato seeds within their little grow kits until next week.

Meanwhile, a nice firefighter confirmed yesterday that Mr. Onry Green Tiller is locked-up in need of new engine and shall be getting back with me after contacting others about both Briggs & Stratton as well as Honda prices, even though I do not want the latter. He also put my lawn mower belt back on and aired tires to my Garage Queen while out there, but even though I have the correct lawn mower belt, I have him ordering a smaller one; so, I no longer have to fiddle with all and can mow as low as my heart's desire or even pop wheelies over ditches, if I choose.

Lastly, I evidently have made friends with loud squawking Mr. Red-bellied Woodpecker, because he is becoming ever so slightly less skittish of me and the juvenile squirrels. I like that bird.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker/overview

 

[HuntressOfLight]

God's glorious geese continued to have themselves one extremely loud Saturday morning, somewhere directly upon the east and north of my subdivision, as they have done all month long, and tis most certainly not a small flock. I awakened at sunrise to the sight of my juvenile squirrels only a few feet away, crawling all over my outdoor red wicker furniture, as I began to immediately wonder about my plants and last night's potential freeze damage.

That caused me to rise within an unusually fast hurry and dress, but such did not really startle my young squirrels too terribly much, which somewhat concerns me, being that my dogs and half-feral Siamese would love to have any one of them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Said Siamese did manage to already sneak out of my opened bedroom door, hiding herself in stalk mode a few times this morning. Such caused me to sweep all fallen wild bird mixed seed off of the deck flooring and leaving it atop only the wooden rails.

My rose bushes have since been uncovered and are fine, while surrounded by grass still glistening with morning dew. I noticed that one climber I had covered with sheet became damaged yesterday at dusk, as I ran too close to it with the newly repaired lawn mower and wrapping all with its blades. I never cared for those bed sheets anyway, but my climber is another story and shall have its longest cane properly pruned, after yet another cup of morning hot tea, for it all, with propagation to take place, if possible; a difficult feat, indeed. The rest of it is fine.

I have yet to inspect my peach trees or others, but I have checked historical weather records from the closest airport and learned that it incurred no freezing temperatures March 20, 2021, remaining at a low of 36°F for approximately three hours with dewpoints nine degrees lower,

https://w1.weather.gov/data/obhistory/KPAH.html

Although not a guarantee that freeze failed to occur here, such is likely true and comforting. Forecast discussion Is less comforting, though

...Lows near or below freezing this morning will warm to the
lower 40s for Sunday night..

https://forecast.weather.gov/produc...AH&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1



Meanwhile, I issued query fetching the following pertaining to freezes and frosts, with intentions of reading it later within the day.


cals.arizona.edu › articles › fr...PDF
Web results
Frost or Freeze Damage - College of Agriculture and ...



At the moment, however, I am considering going over and having a talk with my neighbor, whom has been operating a very loud pole saw now for over thirty minutes, perhaps offering to do all for him yet another day, if he would only put the disturbing motor away for Saturday.

 

[HuntressOfLight]

Many of my beautiful, colorful Calla lily bulbs have just made it known that they have survived yet another extreme Western Kentucky winter, even after the tons of late snowfall !

Some have yet to break through the soil, while others are visable only one inch, and one has shot up to three inches in height.

If time permits, I may divide a few this week ! They are exquisite !


Dividing Calla Lilies – How And When To Divide Callas

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/calla-lily/dividing-calla-lilies.htm