4.12.2010

Vernicia fordii-Tung Tree Blossoms


The area near us was used as Tung tree farm and there are still Tung trees that sprout up all over. They are blooming now and the blossoms are lovely.

"It has been introduced to Argentina, Paraguay, Thailand, and the United States for oil production. Just prior to World War I, a number of seeds received from the U.S. Ambassador to China were planted in California, but the young trees could not take hold in the dry climate. David Fairchild of the Department of Agriculture successfully introduced the tree in 1905 in the U.S. Gulf States from Florida west to eastern Texas.[4][3] [5] After flourishing from the 1920's to the 1940's the American tung oil industry was wiped out by frost and hurricanes. In 1969, many of the trees were wiped out by Hurricane Camille, and the plantations never recovered.[6] Increased competition from overseas has ended cultivation in the United States and the tree is now listed as an invasive species in Florida.[7]

Global production of the fruit has risen from just over 100,000 tonnes in 1970 to almost 200,000 tonnes by 1980. Fruit yields are typically in the range of 4.5–5 tonnes per hectare. A number of cultivars have been selected for increased yield and small tree size, including 'Folsom', 'Cahl', 'Isabel', 'La Crosser', and 'Lampton'.[3]"

Mme. Sombrieul is Blooming

Her floral Citrus Scents fill the air...

Smultronstället-Wild Strawberries


See below from Southern Manners:
Mock strawberry, Indian strawberry [from the country of India] (Slide 7, Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke; see also several synonyms) This Asian weed has a southeastern range that extends down into north Florida, where the real strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is rare or absent. Though edible, the mock strawberry is bland and will be a certain disappointment to one who expects the semi-sweet tart flavor of a strawberry. (This narrative relied on Bell C.R & B.J. Tarylor (1982) Florida Wild Flowers and Roadside Plants. Laurel Hill Press, Chapel Hill and several www sites.)

Chili and Lakeview Watch the Geese from a Distance


Everything Seems to be Blooming!





4.05.2010

The Lampyridae have landed!

The First Lightning Bugs of the year flash tonight!
The dog took us for a walk and there they were, flashing the night away...
They are so delightful to watch- and they respond when you flash a flashlight at them. But they are such a challenge to photograph!
To find out more about Lightning bugs...
click here.

Watering the Herb Garden

Jazz on the Northshore - The Dew Drop Inn Doorway

Cherokee Roses Bloom Now

Fresh Louisiana Strawberries!

The Great Louisiana BirdFest April 16 – 18, 2010

Interested in knowing more about Louisiana's Bird population?
The Great Louisiana BirdFest is held each year in the Spring when many species are migrating north through Louisiana from Mexico and South America.
for a birding checklist click here http://losbird.org/checklist.htm
It's a great event. Bring a friend!!!

4.01.2010