Wednesday, October 03, 2018

Pink Powder Puff Calliandra surinamensis

The Pink Powder Puff is one of the most interesting plant-tree! Taking a look at the Pink Powder Puff growing in my front yard garden, you're not sure what it actually is. Is it a dwarf-tree, or a plant, or a shrub?

Pink Powder Puff Calliandra surinamensis
Pink Powder Puff Calliandra surinamensis - August 27, 2018 PM
I am fairly confident that this type of mimosa is the Calliandra surinamensis of the Family: Fabaceae and Subfamily: Mimosoideae. It is also known as Surinam Powder Puff, Pink Powder Puff, Pompon De Marin, Surinamese Stickpea, and Officiers-kwast. It originates in the country of Suriname, in northern South America.

Pink Powder Puff Calliandra surinamensis
Pink Powder Puff Calliandra surinamensis - November 14, 2017
My Pink Powder Puff is now about one year old. The first couple of months, into cold weather, the plant did not achieve the look you see in the first photo above. It was approaching one year of age before it started to look like a dwarf-tree with quite the canopy. Right from the early age, it did have plenty of powder puffs but I don't believe I ever saw the bean-like seed pods until September 2018.

Close-up view of the Pink Powder Puff
Close-up view of the Pink Powder Puff - July 2, 2018
It was the month of September 2018 when I began to see what looked like bean pods sprouting all over my pink powder puff. Some had turned brown and opened. I decided to clip them off, dry them, and harvest the seeds.

Drying Seed Pods of Pink Powder Puff
Drying Seed Pods of Pink Powder Puff - October 2, 2018
Once you start clipping those pods, you realize just how many there are. I originally had only a few that I put on top of a bin in the shed. I couldn't understand a couple of days later why they were lying on the floor of the shed. Then I put the lot of them on a tray on top of the washer ... come back a day or so to find several out of the tray, on the washer, and on the ground.

Opened Seed Pod of the Pink Powder Puff
Opened Seed Pod of the Pink Powder Puff - October 2, 2018
I was standing outside the shed and could actually hear them POP when they opened up and again they were not in the tray. Just like the Mexican jumping bean!!!

Seeds from the Pink Powder Puff
Seeds from the Pink Powder Puff - October 2, 2018
October 3, 2018, it was late in the afternoon, around 5:30pm. I was out in the shed going through the seed pods to pull out those that opened and didn't yet release the seeds and picking up the loose seeds. All of a sudden, I heard a very loud SNAP!!! as one opened up, flew up in the air, hit the side of my left hand little finger and then flew on the ground next to the washer. I have never heard of such a thing ... it was kind of a violent action ... and very very strange. I rather suspected something like that after finding these all askew in the shed and then hearing something yesterday about this time as I was standing just outside the shed with the door shut. Like, WHO KNEW???

October 4, 2018 around 3pm in the afternoon ... I was out checking on how many seed pods had opened ... quite a few ... when they started ferociously SNAPPING. I lost a few that escaped from under the netting and flew off to my left into the shed. I sincerely think these are SNAP PEAS!!

Researching the seeds, I found a reference that tells you how to prepare the seeds for best use. It seems you need to scar them ... one recommendation was with sand paper. So, I think I will grab my emery boards and go to it before I try planting these.

Scarified Seeds from the Pink Powder Puff
Scarified Seeds from the Pink Powder Puff - October 3, 2018
I found a bit of information on how the powder puff seeds should be prepared for planting. Although my variety is not the strigillosa, I believe this information is still applicable.
"Scarify and inoculate seed with strophostyles spec.1 before planting. Scarifying (nicking or roughing the seed coat) seed greatly improves germination, and establishment time after planting. Walker (2005) found that mechanically scarified seed ranged in germination from 74 to 85 percent. Pitman (2009) used sandpaper to scarify powderpuff seed and had similar results. The average percent germination of unscarified seed was 14 while the scarified was 96. In both experiments, physically roughing the seed coat resulted in better seed germination than unscarified, chemical or heat treatments. If scarified seed is unavailable, plant in the fall, and allow seed to over winter in the soil." --USDA-NRCS Powderpuff Mimosa strigillosa
October 3, 2018 at 4pm I had used a sandpaper emery board on 12 of the seeds gathered from the seed pods. I picked up a Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse seed starter kit to use.

Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse
Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse - October 3, 2018
This is the first time I am trying this type of seed starter. It seemed pretty straightforward on the use. Open up the package as shown and then pour 1-1/4 cups of warm water into the tray. The peat pods will swell up.
Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse Step 1
Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse Step 1 - October 3, 2018
You can see in the previous photo how the individual peat pods have swollen after absorbing the warm water.
Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse Steps 2-3
Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse Steps 2-3 - October 3, 2018
In the next step, you gently open the tops of the peat pods by pulling at the netting cover. For the following step, I used a metal bottle stopper with a pointed-edge to create seed holes about 1/4 inch deep. I carefully dropped only one scarified seed in each hole although the kit recommends 2-3 seeds. I then gently covered the hole with the peat.

Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse Final Step
Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse Final Step - October 3, 2018
It's important to keep your kit covered as shown above. It should be kept out of direct sunlight. I placed mine on the kitchen sink near the outside window ... if I had enough room in the window base, I'd set it there. It is suggested that once you see a seedling that you should prop the cover open. And, once all seedlings have emerged, to remove the cover. You need to make sure you keep the peat pods moist. That's pretty much it ... now it is a waiting game to see if these seeds will sprout seedlings!! Hopeful.

EXPLODING SEED PODS


After witnessing many more of the ferociously opening SNAPPING seed pods, I started Googling to see WHY. First reference I found actually talked about exploding seed pods! about "the evolutionary innovation of a fruit wall that can store elastic energy through growth and expansion, and can rapidly release this energy at the right stage of development."

Exploded Seed Pod of the Pink Powder Puff
Exploded Seed Pod of the Pink Powder Puff - October 4, 2018
There are actually other plants that have the ability to shoot out their seeds! One plant has pods that can actually shoot out their seeds up to 50 feet! Boy, you have to be careful around these opening seed pods because you might lose an eye ... safety glasses recommended.

EXPLODED SEED PODS OF OCTOBER 4, 2018


Exploded Seed Pod of the Pink Powder Puff

Exploded Seed Pod of the Pink Powder Puff

Exploded Seed Pod of the Pink Powder Puff

Exploded Seed Pod of the Pink Powder Puff

It was a little earlier for me, in the afternoon of October 4, 2018, right around 3pm, when I was out in the shed tending to the seed pods. I had the white netting over them and could see that several had exploded open! At one time, the netting was actually askew from the ferocious nature of the exploding seed pods! I gingerly lifted the white netting cover and then SNAP!!! with such a force, a couple of the seeds pods opened and flew off the tray onto the shed floor. Holy smokes!

In the previous five photos, these were a handful of those seeds pods that fiercely opened or exploded as I was standing in the shed. Looking at each photo, you can see what seeds were still in the pod and indentations where the other seeds flew out. Pretty cool, eh??

HOW MANY PINK POWDER PUFF SEEDS?


Pink Powder Puff Seeds - Calliandra surinamensis
Pink Powder Puff Seeds - Calliandra surinamensis - October 5, 2018
Take a look at the circular collection of pink powder puff seeds! I've lost a few into the shed floor, given a couple of the seed pods to neighbors, and still have a few to open. That could easily account for 40 more seeds. I planted 12 seeds in the Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse. I also left many early opening seed pods on the plant ... no telling how many seeds got shot into the ground ... maybe 100 or so?

How many pink powder puff seeds to you think are in that circular collection? Overall, how many seeds do you think have been produced this year by my PPP plant? Hey, leave me a comment on your educated best guess! I'd love to hear from you.

Pink Powder Puff - Calliandra surinamensis
Pink Powder Puff - Calliandra surinamensis - October 5, 2018 AM
Here is a morning shot of the Pink Powder Puff plant in my front yard garden! The late afternoon photos will show a more streamlined plant as the leaves seem to fold up for night fall. Pretty, isn't it?

PINK POWDER PUFF SEEDS - KNICKED


I've decided to try a second-go-around with 12 of the pink powder puff seeds. I had an empty pink egg carton available this morning. I grabbed my nail clipper and gingerly knicked or cut into the sides of the 12 seeds.

Pink Powder Puff Seeds Knicked - Calliandra surinamensis
Pink Powder Puff Seeds Knicked - Calliandra surinamensis - October 5, 2018
Using organic potting mix, I filled the egg carton's twelve spaces. With the metal bottle stopper, I created little pockets in each of the soil-filled spaces. I dropped one knicked seed in each pocket and gently covered with soil.

Pink Powder Puff Seeds Knicked in Egg Carton
Pink Powder Puff Seeds Knicked in Egg Carton - October 5, 2018
After thoroughly watering the soil until it was very moist, I covered the egg carton. I've labeled it with today's date and time initiated into the soil -- October 5, 2018 - 11:15am.

Pink Powder Puff Seeds Knicked in Covered Egg Carton
Pink Powder Puff Seeds Knicked in Covered Egg Carton - October 5, 2018 - 11:15am
To try and speed up the germination process, I have placed the covered egg carton on the outside lower step leading into my Florida Room. At the moment, it is getting some direct sunlight. I've also covered it with a dry dish rag. It should be out of the direct sunlight in maybe 1.5 hours. I will keep checking on it and move it into the shade if necessary!

UPDATE: Well, I hate to admit it, but I gave up on trying to grow the Pink Powder Puff inside. I have seen many a seedling popping up in my front yard garden ... I try to NOT pull them out, but let them be to see if another beautiful PPP might emerge.

MY ORIGINAL PINK POWDER PUFF

Julie Ann Brady - Pink Powder Puff - May 12, 2019
Julie Ann Brady - Pink Powder Puff - May 12, 2019
In the photo above, you can see a lot of growth on the edges which gave my PPP a drapey look. I decided to give it a bob haircut, so to speak.

Julie Ann Brady - Pink Powder Puff - May 15, 2019
Julie Ann Brady - Pink Powder Puff - May 15, 2019
My PPP weathered the bit of cold weather we had. I think there really wasn't a Winter to speak of in Leesburg Florida for the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019.

It is now March 2020! My PPP has had no issues with the previous Winter season spikes of cold weather. I can't tell you just how many times I have pruned the PPP to keep it contained within the space in the middle of my front yard. It has gotten so full and high that I need to use a rake to grab the projectiles for trimming. I have gotten so many compliments from neighbors passing by who marvel at the pretty pink powder puffs.

Julie Ann Brady - Pink Powder Puff - March 6, 2020
Julie Ann Brady - Pink Powder Puff - March 6, 2020
In the March 6, 2020 photo of my PPP you can see how it has taken on a heart-shape! That was not intentional but just sort of happened that way. I had trimmed the plant that morning and came inside to look out my kitchen window to take a photo. A heart is what I saw!!

Julie Ann Brady - Pink Powder Puff - March 13, 2020
Julie Ann Brady - Pink Powder Puff - March 13, 2020
One week later, on March 13, 2020, I climbed under the PPP and trimmed up about a foot and a half to clear growth from the base. It took a hand saw on a few of the tiny branches down below. I also pulled out the metal edging I had around the base that was put there to support the low-lying branches from lying on the ground.

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Bruzzo the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Today I learned of the sad and senseless story behind the tragic death of Bruzzo the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Bruzzo the Rhodesian Ridgeback RIP
Bruzzo the Dog
My sister first texted and then phoned me today to talk about some of the details. She had told me back in July about the fact that Bruzzo ran off whilst visiting with his family on the "pet-friendly" Madeline Island. Alas, it wasn't "pet-friendly" for poor Bruzzo!!

Much to do was done to try and find Bruzzo. This effort was supported by many compassionate people both on and off Madeline Island.

When I looked at this photo of Bruzzo, I remember remarking to my sister how he looks like a hunting dog. He is/was a very noble looking dog for sure. That made me wonder, how could someone shoot and kill a dog that definitely looked like someone's pet with a collar.

Before today, I literally knew nothing about this breed. Reading the Wikipedia reference on the Rhodesian Ridgeback, this breed has "previously been known as Van Rooyen's lion dog or the African Lion Hound or African Lion Dog — simba inja in Ndebele, shumba imbwa in Shona — because of its ability to keep a lion at bay while awaiting its master's arrival."

Some of the details that I can share: It was around 7:30am on July 7, 2018. Something caused Bruzzo to run off from the vacation cottage on Madeline Island where he had been staying with his family. The family was preparing to return home to Iowa. They searched and searched for Bruzzo, but had to ultimately leave, planning to return to the island as soon as they could to continue the search.

I first heard of Bruzzo's disappearance on July 9th from my sister. At that time, I Googled and searched on Facebook to see what I could find out. It seemed a large effort was soon in place, to search the island and contact all residents to see if there had been a sighting of Bruzzo.

Fast forward to September 23rd. My sister texted me and told me the sad news. Bruzzo had been shot and killed ... she had no further information.

I turned to Facebook and began searching for info on Bruzzo. It was on Facebook that I learned so much about what allegedly happened to Bruzzo. It seems that yes, Bruzzo ran off at 7:30am ... but was probably shot and killed some 90 minutes later by a long-time resident of Madeline Island. Allegedly, Bruzzo was shot because the resident claimed he attacked 27 chickens. That resident then hid the body.

Many are debating the veracity of the resident's claims. It's not likely that Bruzzo attacked the 27 chickens, but that there had been coyotes and/or wolves there before he arrived. Many are commenting about said resident shooting at dogs for many years; that it is a known fact he shoots at dogs. Some have commented on the amount of court cases against said resident.

Bruzzo the Rhodesian Ridgeback RIP
Bruzzo the Rhodesian Ridgeback RIP
Look at this photo of Bruzzo the Rhodesian Ridgeback. I think it is hard to miss what a beautiful dog he was. He had only entered his middle age and had so much more life to live. Bruzzo was Nick's first pet. I can't begin to describe the amount of love his family felt for him. Bruzzo was an integral member of the family.

Amy and Nick AND Bruzzo the Rhodesian Ridgeback RIP
Amy and Nick AND Bruzzo the Rhodesian Ridgeback RIP
It's all a sad state of affairs. There needs to be some fair-minded justice here. Bruzzo's remains need to be surrendered; there should be a forensic examination. The appropriate legal actions need to follow. This is not something that can be brushed under the rug!

I don't have anything more to add, at the moment, about this sad and senseless tragedy. Perhaps God will grant me some divine wisdom as I contemplate the state of affairs. RIP sweet Bruzzo! May you be chasing your tail and having a fine time up there in doggy heaven.

dog lives matter tshirt by jaguarjulie
Dog Lives Matter ... you know??
There was a closed group on Facebook, Justice for Bruzzo, with a number of Madeline Island residents as members. As you can well imagine, it got pretty hot and heavy in that group. I know the death of Bruzzo affected me greatly ... I can't imagine how it affected Bruzzo's family. This terrible tragedy is something YOU JUST DON'T FORGET!!!!

Sunday, April 01, 2018

Russian Mammoth Sunflowers

This is no April Fools joke! It is April 1, 2018, and I just planted one dozen Russian Mammoth Sunflower seeds. Or, should that be referred to as Mammoth Russian? I feel it is more correct to put the country name first! What do you think about that?

Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflower - June 22, 2018
Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflower - June 22, 2018
This pretty photo of my Russian Mammoth Sunflower is what you would normally find on the cover of a sunflower seed packet like Burpee's!

Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seeds Planted
Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seeds Planted April 1, 2018
Five Chianti Hybrid Sunflower Seedlings
I'm using a starter planter which is my black, long, rectangular planter. It has been fifteen days on the planting of 6 Chianti Hybrid Sunflower seeds in that planter. You can see the 5 such sunflower seedlings which have emerged. Using rubber gloves, I drilled down with my pointer finger to create 12 holes that were more than 1 inch deep and less than 2 inches deep.

Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seeds
Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seeds
I recently purchased a packet of Russian Mammoth Sunflower seeds from an eBay seller located in Saint Peters, Missouri. The eBay listing said 20 seeds, but I think the packet had a quantity nearly double that. These sunflower seeds are reportedly organic, newly harvested, and should produce sunflowers that are 7-10 ft. tall.

Six Days Update - April 7, 2018

Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling at 6 Days
Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling at 6 Days April 7, 2018
After planting a dozen of the Russian Mammoth Sunflower seeds, it was the 4th day and the seedlings were emerging! On the 5th day, several more.

Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling at 6 Days
Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling at 6 Days April 7, 2018
By the 6th day, eight of the twelve seeds had sprouted little seedlings. In the rectangular planter, there are five Chianti Hybrid Sunflower seedlings with protective coverings. You can see the unprotected Russian Mammoth Sunflower seedlings that have emerged.

Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling at 6 Days
Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling at 6 Days April 7, 2018
The Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling is in the middle. It is 6 days on that growth, compared to the 3 weeks on the growth of the Chianti Hybrid Sunflower Seedlings in the plastic bottles.

Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling at 6 Days
Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling at 6 Days April 7, 2018
Measuring the height on the tallest Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling, it is a solid 3 inches, if not a bit more. That is impressive!

Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling at 6 Days
Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedling at 6 Days April 7, 2018
Comparing the stems of the Russian Mammoth Sunflower Seedlings to the Chianti Hybrid, it is interesting to see the differences. The Russian Mammoth stems are all green white the Chianti Hybrid has a bit of reddish color at the base. Additionally, the Russian Mammoth stems look a bit more solid for the early growth.

GROWTH PROGRESS OF THE RUSSIAN MAMMOTH SUNFLOWERS


Russian Mammoth Sunflower at 23 Days April 24, 2018
Russian Mammoth Sunflower at 23 Days April 24, 2018
Russian Mammoth Sunflowers at 34 Days May 5, 2018
Russian Mammoth Sunflowers at 34 Days May 5, 2018
Russian Mammoth Sunflower Split Stalks at 38 Days May 9, 2018
Russian Mammoth Sunflower Split Stalks at 38 Days May 9, 2018
As I observed the growth progress of the Russian Mammoth Sunflowers through April and into May, I saw the leaves were being eaten by some bugs. It seemed the bugs favored the Russian Mammoth over the Chianti Hybrid!

Earwig Bug Trap Jar in Sunflower Garden on May 9, 2018
Earwig Bug Trap Jar in Sunflower Garden on May 9, 2018
I installed an earwig bug trap jar for several days to see if I would snag a bug or two. I have yet to determine what type of bugs are at work. With thunderstorms forecasted for Central Florida, I removed the jar and stake.

Russian Mammoth Sunflower 35 inches tall at 41 Days May 12, 2018
Russian Mammoth Sunflower 35 inches tall at 41 Days on May 12, 2018
Sunflower Garden at 55 and 41 Days on May 12, 2018
Sunflower Garden at 55 and 41 Days on May 12, 2018
The sunflower garden enclosure has stayed in place to keep the bunnies and squirrels from nibbling. I had debated removing the rug pads from the sides of the enclosure, but decided to keep it there. Thus far, the only nibbling on the plant has come from some nocturnal leaf bugs!

Sunflower Garden at 63 and 49 days on May 20, 2018
Sunflower Garden at 63 and 49 days on May 20, 2018
The tallest sunflower is the Chianti Hybrid at 59 inches. The Russian Mammoth are actually 14 days behind on age, but catching up nicely on the growth.

Brown Bunny checking out Sunflowers May 19, 2018
Brown Bunny checking out Sunflowers May 19, 2018
The evening of May 19th, the brown bunny was nearby for the longest time, wondering how it might get into that sunflower enclosure. I'm sure it could SMELL it!!

Sunflower Garden at 69 and 55 days on May 26, 2018
Sunflower Garden at 69 and 55 days on May 26, 2018
Russian Mammoth Sunflowers in Front Yard Garden June 2, 2018
Russian Mammoth Sunflowers in Front Yard Garden June 2, 2018
To know me and my sunflowers is to know that I am always thinking about them and hoping the bunnies and squirrels don't take them out!! I planted several more in the rectangular container and then put them in the ground in the front yard ... a real leap of faith it was! Well, now, after watching them and nurturing them, you can see three of them are advancing in growth. I'm guessing the tallest one is easily 2 feet or maybe more!

Sunflower Garden at 78 and 64 days on June 4, 2018
Sunflower Garden at 78 and 64 days on June 4, 2018
All five of the Chianti Hybrid sunflowers are blossoming with some incredible flowers. Recently, the Russian Mammoth sunflowers kicked in and started having major growth spurts. There is one in particular that is really growing and nearly the height of the house. At 64 days, I can see buds forming on the tops of the sunflowers.

Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflowers - June 17, 2018
Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflowers - June 17, 2018
For more information on the Russian Mammoth Sunflower, be sure to check out the Burpee website. I really needed a ladder to be able to photograph the blossoms! It was indeed a mammoth experience!

Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflower - June 20, 2018
Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflower - June 20, 2018
Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflower - June 20, 2018
Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflower - June 20, 2018
Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflower - June 20, 2018
Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflower - June 20, 2018
Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflower - June 20, 2018
Julie Ann Brady - Russian Mammoth Sunflower - June 23, 2018
P.S. Thanks for dropping by to check out my Russian Mammoth Sunflowers. I appreciate you taking time to visit, but please do me a big favor ... DO NOT STEAL MY HARD WORK!!!