http://www.timesnews.net/artic...

That explains it.....

I happened to be standing under my pine tree (horrible, ugly Table Mountain pine from previous owner) weeding today, and the wind blew all the pollen right on me. I was yellowish green from head to toe!

That's what laid me low! Pine tree pollen! We have several around my apartment, and you can see the pollen in the air! All our cars are covered. I try to cover my nose and mouth whenever I have to go outside, but don't always remember. I've been on antibiotics off and on since Jan. Don't know what did it in Dec., but I was sick all through Christmas. The best thing for the symptoms is Coricidin. OTC.My insurance wont pay for anything that will help!

I'm covered in oak pollen here. It's everywhere and on everything. I gave up on the idea of washing the car off. Maybe tonight's storms will wash the pollen away and I can breath better again.

Just battled a sore throat and aches all over this week. Today is the first day my throat isn't burning. Had a fever with chills two days of the week but managed to keep going.

MollyD

I have a silver maple (yuck, don't plant these) that is intent on pelting me with helicopter seed pods any time I set foot outside. It seems like every single seed sprouts, too, so I will have lots of tree seedlings to weed out of the beds and the lawn. This tree might be next on my tree removal list, along with the pine tree.

ditto Red! There is one smack dab in the middle of my lawn here. It is high on the cut down list!. If I had the money the oaks would go too since they like to toss acrons and branches down on me. Those acorns sprout too!

MollyD

i'm lucky that I not plagued with allergies in TN but I feel for those who do.

it sounds like the wind is gonna take the trees too.


its been hectic, hectic here this week. hope everyone has gotten in some gardening time.

"it sounds like the wind is gonna take the trees too. "

Not sure which would have been better but we were spared the tornados so far tonight.

MollyD

Whew - all we got up here was a lot of wind and some badly needed rain. Sure looked threatening for a while, there.

I think this rain made my green beans start peeking thru! my dad kept saying we needed to replant, but its because we haven't had a good rain.

This morning before church the weather was very pleasant. I got back here around 11am and was out in the garden by noon. No sooner did I get outside than the winds picked up and huge branches began to break and fall around me! That told me to get myself back inside before I made a close acquaintance with one of them!!

MollyD

I don't blame you.
it started raining on my way to work at 10pm..it was raining when I left this morning. but its COLD now.

see...my snowball bush is in full bloom and it's cold and rainy =). usually, if it doesnt snow, the rain beats the blooms off.

Guess I won't be putting one of those on my wish list!

A while back someone was talking about a kolkwitzia (either here or on DG, I can't remember). I mentioned I'd had one when I had my house in NY. Turns out I have one here too! I didn't recognize it till it bloomed. Here it's way bigger than in NY. There it never grew bigger than 10 ft and stayed in a round shrub like form. Here it's like a small tree about 15 ft high and the branches spread out like other small trees. I would never have known it till I saw those small pink bell like flowers bloom. I'm delighted to have it but don't see a way to root cuttings since it's very woody and I don't see any runners.

Now I'm waiting for some stuff to bloom. The leaves look like a Rose of Sharon (a hybiscus that grows up north) but the seeds don't look like it.

MollyD

awww....don't let that discourage you. I live in the mountains too....and probably colder than your weather. I've still enjoyed the blooms on it plus when you think of how long the other spring stuff stays in bloom...it's all good.

I've never heard of kolkwitzia.....I'll have to look that one up. Rose of sharon does very well here. as do hibiscus.

Kolkwitzia is also called Beauty Bush. Other than when it blooms it isn't much to look at.

MollyD

we must call it something else around here. seems like I have seen it in the pink but I never had one myself.

http://www.google.com/search?q... Google has links to it and pictures on this page. I notice that White Flower Farm recommends it be in partial shade down south. Mine gets afternoon sun so I don't think that's too firm.

MollyD

Very pretty...

Thanks Sheryl. It's an old fashion favorite. In 1923 it won an Award of Merit and has lasted since so it's a pretty tough plant. I always enjoyed mine.

MollyD