Mini-Course: What Else Blows in on the Wind? Once you determine the primary wind direction - which for most of us is the south/southwest - what besides the wind comes in to your property? Weed seeds for one. As most of you know, I am careful about what plants I refer to as weeds. For most people, weeds are those plants that you didnt plant and dont want. But in most cases weeds can be pioneer plants in disturbed, degraded areas. The first photo here is foxtail, or Downy Brome. It is a bunch grass, native to this area. But the sharp seed heads can be a real problem for pets and livestock. Foxtail is only useful as forage in the early spring when the grass is tender and has some carbohydrate value. The second photo is salsify, also a native, it has a very pretty, bright yellow, star-shaped flower in the spring and then builds this perfect seed head to disperse the seed by little parachutes. When the flower is picked the stem releases a milky white fluid. The third air-borne photo is the Canadian thistle. This is a seriously invasive biennial/ perennial plant that can take over any disturbed or degraded or over-grazed area. It is difficult to get rid of as the plant survives and the seed is prolific.** Aside from weed seeds that blow in from your neighbor who thinks the flowers are pretty, and especially in town, garbage can blow into your property, fumes from vents and vehicles and even noise. When you plan windbreaks, hedgerows and privacy fences, take all of the things that may blow your way into consideration. Next Mini-Course: Solar Aspect - Let The Sun Shine....I hope youre all playing with your color pencils. Observing the wind and sun at this time of year is WAY more important than in the summer when everything loves to grow.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 17:36:52 +0000
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