January Plant Update

I've tried to keep a watchful eye around me so far this month. Here are some botanical observations. 

Seeing these made me rue not foraging them. 

Outside, a huge snow storm, inside the plants are thriving. 

Here's how an outside plant faired. 

Teaching at The New School this month, I've been observing some of their growing experiments. 

This is more a picture of critters than plants, but the other morning there are no less than 12 morning doves on our back porch. They were huddled in the rain, and waited for the squirrel (seen behind) to finish enjoying his breakfast before alighting to the feeders. 

Have your January plant observations been what you expected? 

December Plant Update

Not too much mindful plant observing went into this month. But here are some casual observations: 

In early December there were still plenty of roses out. 

They might be struggling, but they are still here. 

This spot looked quite idyllic, despite the unmown grass and bitter cold.  

My Amaryllis budded and bloomed and then bloomed some more. 

I like the xmas color they provide. 

Pictured here, the one that has some white hanging out with some bamboo. 

And of course there are xmas trees everywhere! Manasquan, NJ

Belmar, NJ

Manasquan again, 

Spring Lake, NJ

Tell me, what are the plants doing near you?

November Plant Update

November is here and Winter is well on it's way. So far the month has been colder, and rainy, but there's still plenty of plants to observe. 

Early in the month, the moonflowers were blooming like mad. 

My christmas cactus blew up, too. 

We bought a record player, but the house plants still the show. 

The trees turned so fast. 

October Plant Update

October is fast becoming my favorite month of the year. It was a great one for observing plants around our new home. It was also a very busy month, so I'm sending out my observations a little on the late side. 

American Beauty Berries are busting out the extreme purple. 

Roses keep on making late game appearances. 

The last of the echinacea. 

Milkweeds are weeping their seeds for next years monarchs. 

The morning glories are still reaching for the sun. 

What are the plants doing in your neck of the woods?

September Monthly Plant Update

Inspired by Aquarian Soul, I've decided to record the plants I see around me each month. 

It has been a fun first year in Asbury Park, seeing what grows and blooms in our yard and all around us. Some things were a total surprise! I documented many plants on Instagram and in the blog in a casual manner. This coming year, I'd like to keep a closer eye. 

Here are some plants I'm seeing in September:

Beach Roses are blooming their last blooms. They smell amazing. 

Some of the roses have already turned into huge hips. I might be researching how to forage and use these for something good.  

I took our oxalis out to the porch to enjoy more sun before the cold weather. It was getting very leggy inside. 

My neighbors chicks and hens bloomed weeks earlier than mine. So much so I started to think mine never would. But here they are!

The morning glories that we gladly share with our neighbors went nuts this month. They are out in full bloom in all manner of colors. We will have tons of seeds to harvest, spread and share this year. 

My husband doesn't like succulents but I'm planning on buying some up after seeing them at Sunset Farms, our favorite local nursery. 

What plants are cropping up where you live this month?