17-MAY-2011
Nomada bee on crabapple
These tiny bees are quite wasp-like and have unusual antennae (notice how thick they are?) This was one of the very few insects I saw at FWG today, in the cool gray weather.
17-MAY-2011
Wild plum thicket (Prunus)
Have we got many wild plums at FWG? Yes! This thicket has been growing and growing and there are many scattered trees around the garden, as well. They are native and attract insects.
17-MAY-2011
Chipmunk
Here is the same little chipmunk with the cropped tail, still around for a second year.
15-MAY-2011
Wild plum (Prunus)
We have quite a few of these trees at the FWG, all are in flower at the moment and beautiful. The rest of the year they are rather nondescript and in fact, can be mistaken for the invasive buckthorn in winter.
15-MAY-2011
Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Last fall I discovered, to my astonishment, a very small tulip tree sapling. This spring I checked to see if it was still alive. It was, very much so. One small branch had died, but the rest were full of buds, and today a few tiny perfect leaves were unfolding. How this tree came here is a mystery. Tulip trees are at the edge of their range in Ottawa, indeed, beyond their range. The Arboretum does have one (used to have two) of these beauties, but I have not seen it flower. The leaves and the flowers are spectacular, very exotic. Wouldn't it be something if our tree grows and flourishes?
15-MAY-2011
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
You can just about see the 'jack' in his 'pulpit'! I had a hard time finding the right position to show the jack.
15-MAY-2011
Woodland walk section of the Backyard Garden area
This has always been my favourite area in the BYG. It is flourishing now and well worth a visit to see all the plants that are blooming or about to bloom.
15-MAY-2011
Rototilling the Butterfly Meadow
Work is commencing at the start of a new season in the Butterfly Meadow. Diane and a couple of volunteers were busy today getting a site ready to plant a Monarch Waystation.
15-MAY-2011
Garlic mustard (Alliaria officinalis)
A non-native very aggressive invader of woodlands and woodland edges, as well as gardens, laneways, etc. It is interesting to see that in 1978, Gillett and White listed this plant as "uncommon, chiefly Ottawa" in their checklist of plants for this region. Times have changed!
15-MAY-2011
Red-winged blackbird nest
There is very little suitable nesting habitat in the pond at present, for red-winged blackbirds (we can only hope the cattails will grow, as they are important in many respects and not just for these birds). However, the female was busily building this nest in a very poor location. She has done an amazing job. See how intricately and carefully the strands of grass and other vegetation are woven around the dead cattail stems.
15-MAY-2011
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
The gorgeous yellow blossoms of this native species, can be found in most local streams and edges of wetlands. They are showy and beautiful and we have them growing at FWG! Thanks to some volunteers who planted them for us awhile back.
15-MAY-2011
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
Another view of this beautiful plant of wetland areas.
