Marie Kung / is on Nostr

This account is focused on my efforts to grow things in support of the humans and animals living around the house. More general nerdiness gets posted on @mariekung

Last Notes

2024-09-03 18:38:27

Managed to empty out a #compost bin. I'm technically ahead a bit this year... even though this is something I didn't get done last year. 😊 #gardening
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2024-08-26 19:00:22

A seasonal transition point: Stiff goldenrods readying to take over from the Joe-Pyes. #NativePlants #gardening #NorthernIllinois
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2024-08-20 12:59:05

I don't grow vegetables at a high enough volume for #SavingSeeds but my local library started a seed program and it has nothing right now. I'm confused by the resources out there- about only heirlooms are good, which are sterile, etc. If you have a site or info to share, I'd appreciate it. #gardening #GrowYourOwn

2024-08-18 00:43:51

Not a great photo but I didn't want to spook it. Only the second #monarch I've seen this year. The Joe-Pye is pretty much done so I hope it found something in there for a boost. #NativePlants #butterfly #gardening
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2024-07-21 01:37:52

The Joe Pye Weed flowers are coming on. I would like to think this honey bee is giving me a thumbs-up for bringing one into the yard. The bumblebee and cucumber beetle aren't as camera aware. #pollinators #insects #NativePlants #gardening
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2024-07-09 00:52:25

New #pollinators arrive for the new #NativePlants. A hummingbird clearwing moth and a potter wasp on wild bergamot. #insects #gardening
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2024-07-04 00:45:27

Added last summer to get first-time flowers this summer. Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) and Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum) #gardening #NativePlants
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2024-06-23 14:22:04

Weird #gardening revelation. Apparently the key to successful spinach (for me) is letting the weeds grow. I thined the weeds yesterday. I thined... the weeds. They're keeping my greens and cilantro going in the heat. This #GrowYourOwn journey keeps throwing curveballs at me.
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2024-06-22 19:32:13

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@npub1eav…g6f3 Thanks! I tend to get impatient so I'll leave them for a bit longer.
Various references talk about air flow but I suppose they should dry out in the basement too. Will need more of that patience. 🙂

2024-06-21 14:03:32

First year growing #garlic (German Red). Could use some #GardeningHelp.
Q1: The bottom two leaves are wilted. Tips (not pictured) are staring to brown. What do you think? Should I wait? Internet advises different things.
Q2: Garage or basement as curing locale? Or is neither a good option? #gardening #NorthernIllinois
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2024-06-19 12:26:18

One neighbor and I were talking #cicadas. We agreed the birds, especially the house sparrows are larger and more. Also more rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels...
Different plants thrived and struggled. For me, more plant-damaging insects- slugs, aphids, weevils...
Spring was wetter and warmer than years past so that may be involved. But it's been interesting watching the food web stretch during the weeks of plenty. #gardening #BackyardHabitat #NorthernIllinois

2024-05-26 19:36:39

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@npub1v5a…5yax I've tried some different hooping configurations without success. Probably am crowding them too much. Seems like I should probably thin some and then try again. Thanks!

2024-05-26 14:28:23

Any #peonies advice for me? This stand pre-dates me and appears very healthy. The blooms are so large and heavy that they bend the almost 5 ft long stems practically to the ground. If I support them, the flowers tangle and clump at the top.
It has a short flowering period but I find it hard to make attractive during that time- when this peony was obviously bred to be attractive. #gardening #GardeningHelp
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2024-04-29 18:45:20

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@npub19cy…l06z Innocent 😉

2024-04-13 22:47:03

I'm excited at the possibility of watching this #robin family this spring, even if they've taken over the shed and Mom stares daggers when I go to the compost. Dad's been chasing off other #birds but has left me alone so far. 🤞 I'm not going to push my luck so sub-par photos it is.
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2024-03-04 03:15:16

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@npub1se6…cmph Podcasts through one headphone so I can still hear what's happening around me. Otherwise, too many jump scares and too many missed moments.