My Bit of Heaven - by Kristl Walek

[Kristl Walek]

While broken toe, week 3, has meant some missed seed (Medeola virginiana berries were gone), there are always unexpected surprises, such as the Vaccinium macrocarpon suddenly ripe, only a week after the seed was still beige/green inside.

Another batch of off-coloured Sarracenia purpurea seed pods were still intact.

And Myrica pensylvanica was collected.
This species is rare in Ontario and is normally only seen as an occasional (planted) ornamental.
The berries were normally still intact in early winter (which is when I usually collected it). What a shock to go out in early October last year here in Nova Scotia, where the species is native and common, and not find a single berry because the birds here know it and love it.

I love the smell of the shrub and the waxy coating on the berries (most commonly used for bayberry candles) actually serve a primary function in protecting the seed from desiccation.

These Drosera intermedia have prepared for winter by forming their winter resting bud (hibernaculum). Masses of smally leaves are formed in the center of the plant to protect the apex from drying out.

[Kristl Walek]

And last week I (happily) stumbled onto a small population of Dirca palustris, which was quite uncommon in Ontario, and is even rarer here. I've always liked this small shrub with its round growth habit, clean light green foliage and greenish-tan bark with white lenticels. Here all the specimens grew as small trees and lit up the understory.

It was always the very first shrub to bloom in Ontario (tiny yellow flowers lining bare branches) followed quickly by red berries (very quickly dispersed and challenging to collect). Timing of seed here may be very tricky, as the site is a good 2 hours from home.

[Kristl Walek]

I have no idea why I was thinking of this today:

Nova Scotia is the second-smallest province in Canada (55,284 square kilometres.)
Canada is about 9,000,000 square kilometers.

The UK=240,000 square kilometers.

Canada= 36 times the size of the UK.

Fascinating when one sees the numbers.

[cohan]

interesting about birds and berries--here in the countryside, there are usually no berries that make it into winter (unless you count rosehips) but for some reason this year the birds have not been grabbing all the berries as soon as or even before they ripen! there are even berries on the sorbus that have been there for weeks..weird..i don't know if birds went south (really really) early this year, or there were more berries to keep them busy,or what...

[Stephenb]

And last week I (happily) stumbled onto a small population of Dirca palustris, which was quite uncommon in Ontario, and is even rarer here. I've always liked this small shrub with its round growth habit, clean light green foliage and greenish-tan bark with white lenticels. Here all the specimens grew as small trees and lit up the understory.

It was always the very first shrub to bloom in Ontario (tiny yellow flowers lining bare branches) followed quickly by red berries (very quickly dispersed and challenging to collect). Timing of seed here may be very tricky, as the site is a good 2 hours from home.

Thanks for showing this. Can't recall having seen it before. Got me looking up if it was used for anything and it seems to have been an important medicinal for Native Americans: http://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl

For example:

Compound decoction of bark and roots taken to induce pregnancy.
Compound infusion taken for dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.
Decoction of branches applied as poultice to swellings on the leg or limbs.
Infusion of bark and wood used as an emetic to remove yellow from the stomach.
 

[Kristl Walek]

dear friends.....

It appears that I have reached a rather crucial juncture in my life....that point when one must look at ones life options in a rather more profound and philosophical way than usual.

I am contemplating some serious changes to my life (moreso than simply moving to yet another part of Canada) and here is where I would like your help so that I can begin to get some perspective.

Do any of you (no matter country) own a holiday apartment/house that is available for rent for part of the year OR rent out rooms/cottages on your own property OR can refer to me a good lead regarding same???? Ideally I would like to be in a warmish location during the winter. Ideally, I am not looking at North America.

If one is to start out on another great life adventure, it feels safer to do it initially with folks one knows and can trust.

[fermi de Sousa]

Hi Kristl,
How warmish? We get to about 40^oC during our summer which is your winter! Would you consider coming this far for some contemplation time? Or are you thinking somewhere closer to home?
cheers
fermi

[Kristl Walek]

To ensure I have not given the wrong public message.....
I am not leaving Nova Scotia tomorrow and becoming an international plant gypsy,
although this long-standing dream of mine has now re-entered my consciousness as a good and doable option for the next phase of my life, and is one I am now seriously researching. I can't go anywhere until I solve some health issues and finish my book. I would also like to explore the flora of Newfoundland, while I am still on the east coast of Canada.

I may lose my nerve; I may be stuck here for years trying to re-sell my house--but that gives me more time to ensure I am on the right track, and to continue to explore the flora here. The fact that I am able to envision another dream on my horizon gives me great pleasure. And Michael, I think Ireland may just be the place to start my journey when the time comes.

[Maggi Young]

Hmmm.... but "international plant gypsy " sounds soooooo good.

I can't say the winters are warm here in Aberdeen, Kristl, but the welcome is.... whenever you want!

[Kristl Walek]

maggi---

i have been trying to come up with a comparable to the "travelling giraffe".....

yes, the idea that i might also finally come face to face with many of the friends i have made here on the forum is also a delicious thought...

now to figure out how the international plant gypsy might support her habit while on the road is another point to ponder.

[cohan]

wow! big considerations for sure! good luck and lots of fun thinking/researching
maybe you'd be able to make an arrangement with another seed seller to sell things you collect while travelling, or have a part time base during  sales seasons.....

[ranunculus]

Hi Kristl,
Have you considered a lengthy international lecture tour ... many AGS and SRGC local groups (and other countries in Europe probably) would jump at the opportunity to host one of your erudite talks and would willingly offer you accommodation, sustenance, sightseeing, nursery visits and onwards transport?  The only considerations would be booking your tour far enough in advance and ensuring you have a capable assistant over here to coordinate with local group officers.  A potential visit would have groups clamoring for your services.  The East Lancashire AGS Group CERTAINLY would. 



 

maggi---

i have been trying to come up with a comparable to the "travelling giraffe".....

yes, the idea that i might also finally come face to face with many of the friends i have made here on the forum is also a delicious thought...

now to figure out how the international plant gypsy might support her habit while on the road is another point to ponder.

[Stephenb]

Please include Norway on your itinerary   I could arrange something locally and it would be a pleasure to show you around. I'm sure there are several other local gardening clubs in Norway that would love to have you visit.  Your expenses would be covered.

[Kristl Walek]

Thank you...much (positive) food for thought.

On a related question:
Have any of our members ever sold a botanically-related website and any advice?

I understand the basics of valuation, etc. And I would prefer not to use a broker for the sale.

What I need to know is whether there is a site that is particularly good for getting the information out there that the web site/business is for sale? I will obviously use the web site as a starting point.

[Julia]

Hi Kristl,
Just been checking through your pictures (which has helped withe the identification of my pic's) whilst sitting in the Hostel down at Port Morton (nr Liverpool).
I was on Brier Island yesterday but I was unlucky I could not find the Primula by the lighthouse instead I saw 4 male Harlequin Ducks in the cove beside the lighthouse which was fantastic.
Whilst on my travels around Nova Scotia for the last week I have covered about 2500 km and seen alot of the fall colours.
But was lucky enough to see Clintonia, Epigea and Cornus leaves. But today I saw Hamamelis in flower so was very happy a plant introduced to cultivation in the uk by Archibald Menzies.