Teaser Tuesday
by Leslie Cox; Tuesday; February 11, 2025
This is an example of hoar frost which has formed on this broken piece of tree branch. Came across it on our walk with Sadie through a nearby forest recently…just a day or two before it started snowing.
Hoar frost forms when water vapour in the air comes into contact with solid objects which are already below the freezing point. Ice crystals from immediately and the ice continues to grow as more water vapour becomes frozen on the object. On a windless night it can grow well on tree and shrub branches where the surface temperature is not likely to rise above zero for several hours.
Word of the Week
by Leslie Cox; Monday; February 10, 2025
bombyciferum – (bom-bih-SIH-fer-um)
from the Latin words “bombyx” meaning ‘silkworm’, ‘silk’ or ‘silk garment’ and
“fero” meaning ‘to carry’ or ‘to bear’
“fero” meaning ‘to carry’ or ‘to bear’
Verbascum bombyciferum – silver mullein or giant silver mullein native to Turkey.
Quote of the Week
by Leslie Cox; Sunday; February 9, 2025
“Love is the strongest force the world possesses,
and yet it is the humblest imaginable.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Plant IDs updated
by Leslie Cox; Wednesday; February 5, 2025
Two more plant IDs in the ‘C’ category have been updated in the new format layout with photos which are now working properly when you click on them to enlarge. I have also added some information pertinent to how this unique plant performs in our Zone 7a garden.
Check out Corydalis solida and Cotinus ‘Grace’.
Teaser Tuesday
by Leslie Cox; Tuesday; February 4, 2025
Verbascum bombyciferum – giant silver mullein
Another plant who thinks spring is just around the corner. Boy, did it get fooled!
This photo was taken last week. Today, this plant is buried under 25 cm (10 in)
of snow which fell overnight Sunday and all day Monday.
Apparently, the weatherman is promising another 10 – 20 cm (4 – 8 in)
today for the Comox Valley and Campbell River, BC.
It does not look like spring is coming this week…or even next.
