Field of Science

2014, one month gone already?

My how time flies when you're busy and/or sick. Nothing at all makes me sad to see the end of a month with so much bitter cold and nasty weather. So best that we're done with it, and that much closer to spring. That being said, you, my readers do both surprise and disappoint TPP.  Not a single one of you had the gumption to ask where said Tropical Interlude might be, thus indicating your determination to head there ASAP. Simply nothing else will do! So get on the ball. One must grasp at whimsy whenever it presents itself. So there. And the questions  have been few and those somewhat lame. Be more creative! How can a blog stay interesting unless there is some audience participation?
So, in anticipation of the upcoming gardening season, what in the recent spate of 2014 plant catalogs has caught your fancy?  What must you just have?  At present TPP's favorite has been Ephedra minima, which as it's name suggests is a rather diminutive species supposedly hardy in zone 5. Now to think of a place to plant a sun-loving, low-growing, drought-tolerant gnetophyte gymnosperm.
If TPP were to endorse any commercial operations, Arrowhead Alpines might be one of them. What a great selection of hardy plants. By not providing the link TPP maintains his non-commercial integrity as opposed to all those science-bloggy and garden grubbing sorts of blogs that barrage you with ads. Do you not appreciate a labor of love, or just a blog ego trip?  Here you are blessedly free of commercial duns, but of late things have gotten so quiet that TPP wonders if you appreciate what you get at this blog? So let's do hear from you readers now and again this year.

7 comments:

Eric said...

I had an Ephedra once here in zone 6a-5b that minimized itself rather quickly. I hope you have better luck if you try it.

Arrowhead has sent me some great plants over the years. Unfortunately haven't been able to avail myself the last couple of years, but maybe again soon.

Between winter and those germy students, I get your crabbiness. Hope both improve for your quickly. I know I could use a tropical getaway about now.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, sir. You have no idea how often I write the message, and then am dumped by the captchas. Even though I get my honeybun to check them. But I'm 83 - no matter how much I value the blog (and I do) my patience is such that three tries and I'm out. Here in Maine I can only dream about a spell in the tropics - remembering my hitch hiking around NZ,where the rainforest was wonderful.

The Phytophactor said...

Yes, the "captchas" are a real problem over which TPP has no control, even Mrs. Phactor hates commenting on(correcting) my blog. Without any screening, the spambots were killing me, but wish FoS could get a better screener.

Lucy in the Garden said...

Is ephedra even legal to own/sell?

Anonymous said...

One month gone, and we're at the point of attending to the old saying, "half your wood and half your hay and you'll get safely through to May." So time to check the woodpile - living off the grid makes the woodpile important. Looks like I might make it . . .

And cheer up, maybe your readers are in winter-stun mode, or sharing a bed with P. Phil., or out wringing their hands over the garden. BTW, Loved the photos from a couple of days ago.

The Phytophactor said...

Wow, it's been at least 50 years since I've heard that; a good-old boy New Englander lived next door.
We're OK on wood, but short on hay.

The Phytophactor said...

Lucy in her garden asks if it's legal to own or sell Ephedra, and apparently the answer is yes. So don't give the g-men any ideas.