The November Ramble: Gird Yourself for Drought Consequences; There’s Still Time To Plant Bulbs

An unidentified lily bulb just dug for replanting. The 2022 stem it at the top center and the very healthy bulb that needs to be separated from the stem is on the bottom. The bulb is about 4.5 inches in diameter. ANDREW MESSINGER

At the south end of a perennial island fallen leaves are banked for use on the bed once the ground gets colder. The leaves are from the apple tree in the center and large maples nearby. ANDREW MESSINGER

Lake Andrew, my mini bog, after 2 inches of rain in mid-November. The visible stems are from Lobelia cardinalis that survived the drought, but what about the pitcher plants and others? Did they survive the drought? ANDREW MESSINGER

The lily bulb separated from this year’s stem and ready for replanting. Next year’s stem can be seen emerging (purple) just below last year’s stem. ANDREW MESSINGER

Signs of a warm fall: A sunflower seed germinating where the parent plants grew during the summer. This seedling will not make it through the winter though. ANDREW MESSINGER