This morning, I came across some sticks from an old oak tree. What I found captivated the "photographer" within.
Winter can be a difficult time for most gardeners. It's considered to be an off season - washing containers, checking equipment, and other random tasks. What projects could I do to add some winter interest to my garden? Start with something simple like bird feeders. Before installing your bird feeder, consider the location. Place the feeder away from high traffic areas, including cars and pedestrians; near to an area of cover like bamboo or an evergreen; and near a source of water. After getting your bird feeder to the best possible spot, it is time to pick up some feed. During the winter birds are interested in gaining some serious fat. So provide them with feed that is high in protein.
Another thing you could add to your project is a bird bath. At Compton Gardens we decided to create our own bird bath using trunks of fallen trees and a chainsaw. After scooping out the bowl, we added a mossy rock (for a landing pad), and some plants to give it a natural, living aesthetic.
After doing these few things at our garden, the result has been dramatic. I've counted 15 or more species of birds at a time in the area providing a winter garden with an abundance of color.
My favorite time of the year is harvest! That's the time when the apples are ready to be picked for cider making.
I searched for apple varieties like Arkansas Black, Enterprise, Gold Rush, Ben Davis, Falawater, Lady, and Newton Pippin. The apple blend resulted in a high sugar, however low tannin, cider. The older varieties of apples were not as plentiful to have an impact on the dryness of this year's drink.
As for equipment, I purchased a 1/2 horsepower garbage disposal to use as a grinder. It worked well; however, it did overheat a few times as it was powering through 3 1/2 bushels of apples. For the second year in a row, we used our hands to press the mash rather than a machine. I haven't quite had the time or resources to build a proper press.
Due to a low pressure system lingering above our wonderful state, we have been graced once again with bloom of interesting mushrooms! Keep your eyes to the ground as you go on your morning jog, or just a simple afternoon stroll. Just this morning I stumbled across an interesting specimen. "Wow! An exploding nipple mushroom," was the first thing that popped into my mind. Consequently, the name is actually earthstar mushroom. I'm not quite certain of its specific epithet, so I will reveal only the genus: Geastrum. For more information, just click here!
Over the past several days, my comrades and I have been removing Euonymus fortunei-common name is wintercreeper-which is an invasive plant species. It may look harmless, but it will easily choke out native plants and limit the biodiversity of an area very quickly. The garden staff and I devised a way of removing the plant by starting at the top of a slope and rolling it over itself similar to rolling carpet. As we were rolling the wintercreeper, many creatures would come out to greet us: worms, various insects, spiders, and a lovely little salamander.
Mr. Salamander was upset because the worms were eating all his food. I told Mr. Salamander that we would relocate the worms to another place if he would have a wrestling match with one of the worms. He agreed.
Eurycea lucifuga, which is the scientific name for Mr. Salamander, is a rare find in the wild. The common name for this species is the cave salamander. Its habitat is usually in caves where light can be found and near springs. In Arkansas, the animal is limited to the Ozarks in the northern part of the state; however, the cave salamander can be found in many central and eastern states. Even though this salamander is rare, it is not on the federal endangered species list. 
I was enjoying a wonderful stroll through the garden when I came across a unique creature with eight hairy legs all stretched out to maybe four inches across. This arachnid was perched on his rock next to a crystal clear spring at Compton Gardens. The spider never moved as I approached with my camera, it was obvious that it was in stealth mode, ready to strike at any unsuspecting fishy fish.
At my new place of work, Compton Gardens, there are a few champion trees standing tall and proud! If you're wondering what a champion tree is, let me explain; "Arkansas's Champion Tree program recognizes those trees, planted by nature or individuals, that are the largest of each species. Trees are compared using the American Forest "Bigness Index" (BI)" (http://www.forestry.state.ar.us). I may be wrong, but I am sure that these trees are measured by the height and girth of the trunk. So, without any further ado I would like to present the Yellowwood Champion and the Champion Chestnut!
I would also like to share some more photos of Compton Gardens. These pictures show the work that has been completed for the opening of the bike trail in Bentonville, Arkansas on July 17th.
Some people would say that I'm one of the lucky ones and I would have to agree - I did find a job after finishing my degree! Can you believe it? I am on my second week of work and I still can't believe it!
The garden which is now known as Compton Gardens was donated to the Peel House Foundation in 2002. The creator and former owner, Dr. Neil Compton is the man responsible for America's First National River - the Buffalo River.
Today, the garden offers enthusiasts a look of Arkansas' native flora - from Alum Root to Yellow Root and the list is growing! In fact, just the other day I was planting the native orchid Spiranthes cernua. And rumor has it that we're getting some other interesting plants... keep that on the down-low.
On my lunch break I decided to shoot some photos of these great Arkansas plants to share with you. I want you to have a good idea about the potential of this wonderful garden - and believe me, this place has way more potential that you think.
Let me tell you that the flowers of Eryngium yuccifolium smell of honey. Very impressive summer plant. This plant is on my recommendation list. :)
Next up, we have Vaccinium elliottii. This is one of our native blueberry bushes. If you're a fan of natives and enjoy eating blueberries, this plant is definitely for you.
Another edible is Ribes odoratum, the golden currant. This is an all around great shrub. It has nice foliage and bears edible fruit. However, it is deciduous (keep in mind if use for a screen).
Well, that's all I have for now. Soon, I will post pictures of Compton Garden's Champion Trees! Ciao.
Hello everyone! Aren't things warming up a bit in Arkansas? Well, while your baking in the hot sun, my tomatoes are staying cool in the garden. Since I don't have room for much in my tiny garden, I have planted my tomatoes a bit too close together. They may seem a bit crowded, but with the right pruning job they will be just fine. I've also planted them near a fence to help with support rather than dealing with those circular wire frames. 
Have you heard of a rice-paper plant or rice-paper tree or Tetrapanax papyrifer? It's a wonderful specimen that adds great foliage interest to the garden. At the corner of my house there was once a Lonicera maackii - needless to say, I chopped that down with a axe made from the fires in hell. (*Hint* If you paint a coat of roundup on the stump it wont come back.) After the Amur honeysuckle was removed, I installed the rice-paper plant as a replacement. Once established the plant will mostly take care of itself. It will grow into a nice mounding screen; however, it will die back to the ground in the winter in Arkansas. It might be possible that southern Arkansas might get away with having it year-round. Before you think that you want one, keep in mind that this plant loves to spread from the base. Many of my colleagues are against having the rice-paper plant in their garden, but I've always been pretty rebellious when it comes to following the crowd.
Another little accent to my garden is Polemonium pauciflorum aka. Hickley's polemonium - I like to call it skunk plant, because the foliage smells horrific, which I think is terrific! By the way, its flowers are nice too.
It's the summer! People enjoy relaxing in the shade next to a cool, clean pool with an ice cold summer drink. I believe that was my father's idea a few weeks ago as he stepped out onto the veranda and mosied on over to his large, green umbrella. It never occurred to him that he would disturb the rest of a peaceful creature. As soon as he popped open his shade providing machine... "AHHHHH! A BAT!" Then he screamed for his wife, "Chotsie, there's a bat! Help." After careful review of the pictures, I have no idea what kind of bat this is. Could it be the very rare Small-footed Bat? I just don't know.
My roommate Stephen Steward rescued a torn cocoon from the University of Arkansas farm over the winter. He brought it home and wrapped it in toilet paper, then placed it in our refrigerator. Stephen took it out a few months later and let it warm. It was pretty disgusting to witness my roommate pet a giant pupa. The abdomen would rotate in counterclockwise as he cuddled with the dark brown thing. Anyway, last week I noticed something strange in our mailbox - it was the cecropia moth! She had emerged from the cocoon and was ready to spread her wings and fly! (I have no idea how she got in the mailbox.) Minutes later, I realized that her wings were not unfolding and drying. It seems that I had discovered the moth too late, and she would not recover. However, she did do something very strange. I believe she laid an egg, but I'm not sure how that is possible considering that she did not find her mate.
Notice the egg
The White River, at the Twin Bridges location, is churning with female white bass. Anglers were leaving the area with pounds and pounds of bass on their stringers. They were fishing with live minnow bait in deeper parts of the river.
Silvia and I attempted to do some fishing; however, the bait shops had all closed and the Twin Bridges location was over crowded. After enjoying some awesome fried chicken, we headed towards Huntsville with no destination in mind. Eventually, we ended up south of Huntsville on Hwy. 23. It was a very private area - calm and quiet. We caught a Redeye bass and some hybrid bass that I have not been able to identify.
We shot many photos while we where there. I compiled some of the photos to create this animation:
The Horticulture Club, University of Arkansas, had their plant sale this past Saturday. The members and I worked hard all year. We grew some pretty great plants! Anyway, I thought I would share some photos.
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