Seriously thoughtful What's out in your garden now ....

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by montsnmags

Aye, it is, yes.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-banana-flower.htm

Cheers,
Marc

huh! learn something new all the time! I've seen the trees before but I guess I never really noticed the flowers! reads like it is an all around good flower for women! you can die your hair, stimulate lactation and take care of cramps all with one flower!

[SneakySnake]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

huh! learn something new all the time! I've seen the trees before but I guess I never really noticed the flowers! reads like it is an all around good flower for women! you can die your hair, stimulate lactation and take care of cramps all with one flower!

its also a useful "ecky thump" if you are in need of a weapon.

[kindlekitten]

you just wind up and whack someone with it?

[SneakySnake]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

you just wind up and whack someone with it?

Yup. I am tempted to cut it down and take demonstrations photos.

But that would be taking it too far.

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

Yup. I am tempted to cut it down and take demonstrations photos.

But that would be taking it too far.

that would be a fun picture!

[Stitchawl]

Look up some recipes for banana flowers. They become a fantastic, delicious dish that most people outside of rural S.E. Asia never see or hear about!

Stitchawl

[FlorenceArt]

So that's what a banana flower looks like. Wow! My only attempt at reading a book in Japanese was a collection of short stories or essays by Yoshimoto Banana. In the first story she explains how she chose the name Banana: she was a hostess in a bar, saw a flower arrangement with a banana flower in it, and was extremely impressed. I am ashamed to say that I gave up reading at this point (my Japanese is not so good), so I don't even know how the story ends, but the description of the banana flower stayed with me. Now I understand why she was so awed.

[beppe]

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

This is my first real effort at a vegetable garden.

This is very clear from your pictures! But so well done that it could be shown in specialized magazines.

Now do not spoil your good work. Go there early every morning to weed. Water in the evenings. It is a beauty!!!

[beppe]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

OK! Moral question....

As you can see, something delicious is overhanging the fence into our yard.

When it was just a flower dropping bits that blew under the back patio it was just a pest. But now, on the eve (probably a few weeks away) of being eatable, what should we do?

Bear in mind that the owner can probably see the delicious treats from his kitchen window and back balcony.

Any ideas?

Moral? what?
This is happening in you garden. Jump on them right away. Before the owner can do anything. Let them become eatable on your table.

[beppe]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

Yup. I am tempted to cut it down and take demonstrations photos.

But that would be taking it too far.

Do it. Please

[dsvick]

Our daffodils are starting to bloom now as well as the hyacinths, nothing on the narcissus yet though.

One of my summer projects this year will be to set up a vegetable garden, we had one at our old house and would like to do one in the new as well. We just need to figure the best spot for it, and how to protect it from the deer. Last year we grew lettuce, tomatoes, melon, peppers, collards (for the iguana also). A banana tree would be cool, Petey (the iguana) and the kids love them - I dont think it will do so well in North East Ohio though.

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

...since late Fall by tilling, adding lime, tilling, adding Miracle Grow soil, tilling, adding manure, tilling one last time to thoroughly mix everything, hoeing and hilling the rows, covering the rows with weed-resistant material, putting putting red mulch between them, and adding a border.

That's a lot of work, but it does look nice. Did you get it from a book(s) or just sort of wing it? Our last one was in a 4 foot x 12 foot box I made in the back yard and was a bit cramped, the next effort will be something much more ambitious I think, or so I've been directed.

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

here at Casa KK, gardening is almost always done barefoot, and quite often even more ummmm bare. those iddybiddy splinters are a bitch!

You sound very knowledgeable, next time I'm in Seattle can I come over and help you garden, I'm sure I could learn a lot from you

[GeoffC]

sound advice on how to keep vegetable gardens weed-free would be appreciated ...

[poohbear_nc]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

OK! Moral question....

As you can see, something delicious is overhanging the fence into our yard.

When it was just a flower dropping bits that blew under the back patio it was just a pest. But now, on the eve (probably a few weeks away) of being eatable, what should we do?

Bear in mind that the owner can probably see the delicious treats from his kitchen window and back balcony.

Any ideas?

It's obviously trespassing - perform a citizen's arrest and take it into custody!
[Errrrmmm - I'm no gardener - what is it?] [Just read other posts - please disregard]

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by dsvick

Last year we grew lettuce, tomatoes, melon, peppers, collards (for the iguana also). A banana tree would be cool, Petey (the iguana) and the kids love them ...

I want an iguana; they're such interesting looking critters! Unfortunately the wife doesn't like any reptiles.

Except for me, of course.

Originally Posted by dsvick

That's a lot of work, but it does look nice. Did you get it from a book(s) or just sort of wing it?

Everything I've learned has been from the Internet. You can't go wrong with the Internet! If it's online, it has to be true!

Originally Posted by dsvick

Our last one was in a 4 foot x 12 foot box I made in the back yard and was a bit cramped, the next effort will be something much more ambitious I think, or so I've been directed.

Good luck!

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by GeoffC

sound advice on how to keep vegetable gardens weed-free would be appreciated ...

Weed control fabrics work well. Dupont makes them, but you can probably find cheaper brands that work just as well at your local department or garden store. You'll need lawn staples to hold it in place, and a covering of mulch for appearance if you desire.