Monthly Archives: July 2011

Deer Control

Posted on July 31, 2011 by hdomke

Sammy chews on a deer leg Many gardens in North America have deer problems. The way we are managing the PGT creates a perfect habitat for deer. Deer have not been a serious problem for us. To control our the … Continue reading →

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Posted in Exotic invasives, Mammals | 1 Comment

Giant Swallowtail

Posted on July 30, 2011 by hdomke

Giant Swallowtail, (Papilio cresphontes) The large stands of Prairie Blazing Star are thriving despite the most intense summer heat that we have seen in decades. Many kinds of butterflies, especially swallowtails can be found feeding on the 4-foot tall purple … Continue reading →

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Posted in Butterflies & Moths, Flowers | Leave a comment

Twelve-spotted Skimmer

Posted on July 29, 2011 by hdomke

Twelve-spotted Skimmer, (Libellula pulchella) In addition to the ponds, lakes and creeks at the PGT we have several very small ponds. I call them “puddles”. They are supposed to be great for amphibians and are also a place to show … Continue reading →

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Posted on July 28, 2011 by hdomke

Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding on Buttonbush I was lucky today to capture this Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding on a Buttonbush flower at the Lotus Ponds. I was there to photograph dragonflies when this immature male hummingbird zipped past me to feed. Buttonbush … Continue reading →

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Posted in Birds, Trees & shrubs | 1 Comment

Compton Gardens

Posted on July 27, 2011 by hdomke

Interpretive plaque at Compton Gardens Last week Lorna and I enjoyed exploring Compton Gardens; a 6-acre native woodland garden in Bentonville. Corrin Troutman (Director of Horticulture) gave us a tour and explained their experience with different trail surfaces. They tried … Continue reading →

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Posted in Public Gardens | 4 Comments

Garvin Woodland Gardens

Posted on July 26, 2011 by hdomke

Entrance path and water at Garvin Woodland Gardens Mike Brown took us on a behind-the-scences tour of Garvin Woodland Gardens yesterday. He gave us many helpful suggestions for the PGT as we toured the 210 acre property. As the construction … Continue reading →

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American Bellflower

Posted on July 26, 2011 by hdomke

American Bellflower, (Campanulastrum americanum) One of the summer flowers I found this morning is American Bellflower. On the PGT I find it in moist shaded places along the creeks. The group of plants I photographed this morning was in the … Continue reading →

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Posted in Flowers, Ponds & Streams | Leave a comment

Rose Mallow

Posted on July 25, 2011 by hdomke

Rose Mallow, (Hibiscus lasiocarpos) If you walk around the Beaver Lake now you will find Rose Mallow at the waters edge. The flowers range from almost white to a deep magenta. This 6-foot tall plant will bloom from now until … Continue reading →

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Blue Dasher Dragonfly

Posted on July 24, 2011 by hdomke

Blue Dasher, (Pachydiplax longipennis) Blazing Star (the purple flower shown here) is good for attracting butterflies and it also makes a great perch for dragonflies. Here is a Blue Dasher that I photographed near Beaver Lake today.

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Purple Coneflower

Posted on July 23, 2011 by hdomke

Purple Coneflower, (Echinacea purpurea) Purple Coneflowers are are one of the “signature” flowers at the PGT. They thrive here and they bloom for several months. At the moment the intense heat is starting to stress them but many still have … Continue reading →

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