What's outside of your picture window today?

Posted by John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop, Nov 25, 2020

As we get ready for the real winter to show up and COVID-19 still playing a major part in our lives I like to spend moments of my day de-stressing about what's going on in the world today. All I have to do is look out the window and observe some of natures beautiful creatures, how they interact and ponder how small it makes my troubles seem. Sometimes I may even get the opportunity to take a photo or two. How about you? Anything going on outside of your window(s) that you want to share?

For those members that have the ability to size your photos before you upload them to the discussion, may I suggest using the following sizes:
– 500 x 335 pixels (landscape)
– 210 x 210 pixels (square)

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@ess77

@sueinmn, @loribmt, @becsbudfy and all...
Pics are ZZplant rescue, orchid rescue, woodpecker, money tree rescue, woodpecker, ponytail palm-20 years old, crown of thorns-20 years old. Sue, should I repot the palm and crown of thorns? Rootbound of course...too much shock?
Love our plants!
Elizabeth

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Crown of thorns has a very small root system, only repot if you can see the roots are near the bottom of the pot. It tolerates the transplant better than you will - getting poked!
Mr Ponytail likes a pot twice as wide as the diameter of the bulb - so a 6" bulb should be in a 12" pot at least 10-12" deep. Keep the top 1/2 - 2/3 exposed.

Sometimes, if they don't quite need repotting yet, I scratch off some of the top soil, add a long acting fertilizer and a little new potting soil, and they are hap for another year. Just did that to my Texas ponytail before I left.

Sue

PS I brought home an orphaned orchid to rescue!

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@jakedduck1

@becsbuddy
Here’s a crow that took a liking to me.

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Jake, that’s actually quite an honor! Crowds are really intelligent so you must have earned its respect. They’ve been known to adopt humans and look out for them as a collective group if they think the person is being threatened. It’s pretty cool! They even bring little gifts to people who are kind and feed them. Of course, there’s a down side to all the crows…watch where you step. I’m always amused that a flock of crows is referred to as a murder, they are a raucous bunch!
Did you feed this one? Name it?

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@jakedduck1

@becsbuddy
Nope, just the one time. I was at the San Francisco National Cemetery checking out Civil and other War veterans. I thought s/he was going to adopt me. He stayed on my head as I walked around and finally flew off as I was getting in the car.
Take care,
Jake

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Good thing that he wasn't a seagull, Jake!

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@ess77

@sueinmn, @becsbuddy, @loribmt, and all...
Well, dear Sue, you've done it again...here I am thrilled I'm back in my pool therapy, resting after breakfast, thrilled with the 5-6 plants I rescued and still hoping to plant my steel wall planters w/succulents. There you are looking at FLATS of plants you'll plant after working 3 days helping your community. Sue! Really?

You are an amazing powerhouse. I love ❤ 😍 you can do these wonderful things BUT I'm jealous as the Dickenson cause I want to be right with you doing the same.

Guess I still have to work on acceptanc...

Sounds like wonderful days. And, you're breathing...send some pics of your pond and plants when you can.

Added a couple. Be well, have fun and be blessed.
Elizabeth

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Elizabeth- the ZZ plant likes shade! I'm not sure that I am going to put mine out at all.

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@merpreb

Good thing that he wasn't a seagull, Jake!

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I still think we need a Laughter emoji!! 😂

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@loribmt

I still think we need a Laughter emoji!! 😂

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I agree

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@sueinmn

Crown of thorns has a very small root system, only repot if you can see the roots are near the bottom of the pot. It tolerates the transplant better than you will - getting poked!
Mr Ponytail likes a pot twice as wide as the diameter of the bulb - so a 6" bulb should be in a 12" pot at least 10-12" deep. Keep the top 1/2 - 2/3 exposed.

Sometimes, if they don't quite need repotting yet, I scratch off some of the top soil, add a long acting fertilizer and a little new potting soil, and they are hap for another year. Just did that to my Texas ponytail before I left.

Sue

PS I brought home an orphaned orchid to rescue!

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@sueinmn, and all...I'll try that w/ ponytail. I love that plant and was thrilled I could put it outside in the partial shade of my crepe myrtle. It now has 3 bulbs, and the 2 larger ones are a bit twisted, probably from turning it each year. How long do they live in captivity?

Does it need tropical planting soil mix? I definitely will remove soil topsoil and add new w/ nutrients. Any fertilizer?

Crown of thorns has stayed put for 10+years in that pot because it is so painful to play with it.
I don't want to lose it but the soil is down from the top of pot about 5 inches. Should I do the same with it with new succulent soil? I don't feed it...should it be fertilized with half strength ? Both have been an important part of my life. I had them at home, took to my fiances home by the pool for several years until his death. Now back on my patio. So, emotionally wrapped up in them. Funny how they become part of my life....family. Crown blooms full bloom all year long!

I just learned about the ZZ plant and have fallen in love! Mayo has mañy in their buildings, lobbies, halls, etc. All sizes. So, I'm keeping it inside in that white pot for a while. I'll repot next year and let it grow some. Interesting plants really catch me and hold on.

I got 3 rescue orchids, $2 each ! Sent you pic of one blooming like crazy on 2 branches. One is developing buds on a branch, 5-6 buds! One is leafing.

I found a lovely large pot about 5"deep, white shell shaped, I think it will be lovely with 3 orchids. Never done that but aching to...suggestions? Have orchid mix and bark. Need anything else? When to fertilize? Cover soil with bark? Moss? Wish I had a friend who would enjoy helping me with this project. I'll send you a pic of this thing.

Enjoy your day of rest and breathing. I'm so sorry for being jealous. Feel better and build that energy so plants get happy with Sue...a good title for your podcast or book!
Blessings all...elizabeth

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@merpreb

Elizabeth- the ZZ plant likes shade! I'm not sure that I am going to put mine out at all.

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@merpreb , mine is inside, about 5 feet from my patio doors, getting filtered light in my den where I can love it daily. Seems very happy, rescued for $5 and now have 3 new bright green stalks full of beautiful ZZ leaves. It has such a great growing pattern. But, not outside my window....inside and happy.

Same with money tree I got for $2. It's really happy on the little plant table in front of the patio doors. With orchids. Notice it has several new leaves....I'm having a blast with these babies, and watermelon plant, dracena, alo, huge elephant ear leaf with roots coming out and I think I'll get a bulb! I got it for free to save it.

This is so fun. Only possible now due to 2 iron infusions in March, hospital stay that got rid of a lot of infections, and great care. I'm so glad to be at this place, finally! Mayo....be well, be blessed. Elizabeth

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@ess77

@artscaping ....Chippers?
Elizabeth

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We call them Chippees. Or Chip, Chip, Chip. We have been training them for about 4 years. They are amazingly friendly and exhibit some intelligence that I would never have imagined.

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@artscaping

We call them Chippees. Or Chip, Chip, Chip. We have been training them for about 4 years. They are amazingly friendly and exhibit some intelligence that I would never have imagined.

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@artscaping...Are they chipmunks? That must be it , but training them how? To eat your nuts or whatever they eat? Help me here, Chris...I'm a real, longtime city girl , Southern to boot. Do we even have chipmunks in Florida? Georgia? NC?
You sound good, my friend. Glad to get to chat with you!
Be well and keep on chipping along. Elizabeth

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