Timothy Norton

Today I learned a new word! Ethnobotany.

I took a few anthropology classes in community college but that was some time ago. I loved the learning experience.

I'd definitely be interested in hearing more about your perspective in future threads.

I've observed this spring that I have had a few carpenter bees buzzing around my property enjoying the flowers of my pollinators. I keep mixing up bumble bees and carpenter bees but I think I have figured out the trick for my area. Carpenter bees have a shiny bare butt (abdomen?) while bumble bees are fuzzy.

So far I have developed a peaceful relationship with these bees, but I have noticed some holes in some old lumber on the property.

I think Switchgrass might be a nice screen for your location. It could take to the mowing, provides habitat, and I really enjoy the look. Maybe mix in some little bluestem and other native grasses?

I have rhubarb envy.

I see people around me with big beautiful stands of rhubarb with huge leaves and long stalks. Some of these people inform me that the plant(s) have been there for years and years and years or something along those lines.

I have a couple plants that are a couple years old, maybe one that is three years old, and they just seem puny in comparison.

Before I decide on relocation or trying to bring in a different strain of rhubarb, I figure I should ask.

How long does it take for rhubarb to be established and productive?

Thanks all!

I'll give you another thing to look for in your future interactions. Watch his ears as he interacts with you. If they are pinning back, he is NOT happy. If he is hopping and kicking but his ears are staying relatively forward he may be trying to initiate play with you.

Donkey play can be hazardous as they think kicking and rearing is the bees knees. You may need to ignore (don't turn your back on him!) and carry on with confidence until he 'gets' it.

I'm hoping the bribe does the trick but you might unintentionally be becoming his buddy.

Donks, especially mini donks, are just horse puppies.

For your situation, I recommend bribes. Donkeys can be territorial over their space but that doesn't excuse them from having bad manners. Carrot or apple pieces may be accepted donkey currency to 'pay' your way through his space.  

If you have time on your side and the goal is to turn a grassy area into usable space, I have found that a THICK (12"+) layer of coarse arborist wood chip does the job well.

Originally I would place a smothering layer underneath this made of a layer of kraft paper but I have had decent success. If somehow any weeds do persist, they tend to come up (root and all) with ease via hand weeding.

A quick shameless plug to remind folks that Permies hosts a Gear Review Grid where permie people review a variety of products like tools.

I've had really good luck with my Metal Flat Shovel tackling really rocky spots on my property. If I really have to pry on something, I will break out a long pinch bar.

I got incredibly excited when I looked out my window and saw my apple trees starting to bloom.

Spring is here!

Riona Abhainn wrote:my 5 year plumtree, inspite of it being the second year it flowered, doesn't have any fruit setting.

I'm newer to plum trees, and I have one type that is allegedly self pollinating while the other states it needs another pollinator. Could yours perhaps need a pollinator buddy?

Fingers crossed for more successes than failures in your near future!