#found waterlogged in winter

[icelogged]

[redsrooftopprincess]

Gravity (Part 2)

This may be becoming a thing. There will be at least one more chapter and I have no idea what to call this thing. Maybe by the end I'll know. 😅

Gn reader x Raphael

Warnings: Hypothermia, language (but I think that's a given in a Raph fic?)

Part 1 Part 3

It had been one week. One week since he'd slipped. One week since the fever carried him to your rooftop.

You haven't spoken. More specifically, he hasn't spoken. Apart from texting you when he made it home like you insisted he did every night, it had been radio silence. You texted him before his patrol like you always did, and he stared at his phone, expressionless, before putting it back in his pocket.

What could he say?

He'd already had the conversation a thousand times in his head, and as far as he was concerned, it didn't need to be said. He didn't need you to let him down easy.

Because you'd mean it. Every damn word. You're sorry. He's your best friend. Nothing has to change.

But it would change, there was no way it couldn't. Things were different now.

That night had been the worst of it. He'd left not long after his confession. At that point, just the sound of your voice was enough to make him weep, and he didn't want to make things worse. Not that he thought they could *get* worse.

He made up some excuse about Leo calling it early, and ran.

He was running now, through the freezing rain, a sudden cold snap in the middle of spring, and hoping that between the temperature and the downpour hammering into his coat, he could think about anything else.

It wasn't long before he was considering ditching the coat. It was already soaked through, and weighing him down, which was hard to do.

That gave him pause.

He stopped, ducking under an overhang, and opened his coat, pulling the fabric back to expose his side. He twisted and looked at the small device mounted onto his shell just under his shoulder blade. There was supposed to be a little red light. There wasn't.

Shit.

They each had them. One of the first inventions D had come up with after they'd started doing patrols as kids.

A blizzard had suddenly torn through the city one night, and they were woefully unprepared with only winter coats. The cold dropped their body temperatures, and then them. Splinter had to hunt across the rooftops until he found them, asleep and hypothermic, huddled behind a construction dumpster.

Donnie didn't leave his lab for days. He blamed himself, he should have known the blizzard was coming, that their gear was insufficient, he should have had *some* kind of backup heat supply. No matter how many times his family told him otherwise, it was his fault, and he would never let it happen again.

So he built something to fix it. Raph didn't really get a lot of the specifics, but the overall was that the small devices "converted kinetic energy into heat that was then stored and distributed throughout the inside of their shells." Or, as Raph understands it, as long as you keep moving, you won't die.

One night a few weeks ago, someone had gotten lucky and he had taken a rusted rebar to the chest that had shattered on impact. His regulator had been damaged by the shrapnel, but the weather had already been warming up, and then the season hit and it was forgotten about.

The rain must have been the final nail, only the exterior was watertight. It was dead. He could already feel the cold and damp setting in. He needed to get home. Fast.

He set off, the only sound other than the roar of the rain was the gradually slowing heartbeat that pounded in his ears.

*Fuck* it was cold.

It wasn't long before his waterlogged coat became too much to carry. He ditched it behind an air conditioning unit, and kept moving.

Hailstones felt like bullets as they pelted bare skin, and through the sheets of rain, the haze of cold and exhaustion that had started at the edges was encroaching. It wasn't long before he was too tired to think.

He was moving on pure instinct, without even the presence of mind to pray he could make it somewhere safe. Somewhere in the back of his mind a tiny Leo was lecturing him for not hitting his emergency signal.

He stumbles. He is so, so tired. The soft darkness of sleep is pulling at him like a rip tide. He drags himself to the next rooftop, barely touching down before he collapses.

[yansurnummu]

First line tag game

tagged by @pocket-vvardvark <3

tagging @captain-of-silvenar @sulphuricgrin @varlaisvea and anyone who's interested!

Rules: Post the beginning lines of your 10 most recently published fanfics, then attempt to tag 10 people!

-

Heat

Under normal circumstances, Elsweyr’s cave systems brought relief from the desert heat. Unfortunately, Darkpool Mine had become a den of fire and brimstone-loving Merrunz cultists.

Like Winter

Many spirits called the tundras east of Hjaalmarch home. Donobhan left them be, and they didn’t pay him much mind. Far from the Reach though he was, he was a Spiritblood in his heart, and wayward spirits of circumstance caused him no discomfort.

Fading Light

It was some small comfort to Zerith-var to know that at least some things hadn’t changed so much. He watched the bright colours of the sky as the sun set over what remained of the city of Rawl’kha, breathing in the sweet, spiced scent of the cup of chai in his hands. It was perhaps a little more watery than how they would have made it in his time, but he tried his best to force himself to appreciate the little things.

As Azurah Wills, My Heart Endures

Drals exhaled smoke from his pipe, leaning back against Zerith-var’s shoulder. The rustling of a turning page was sharp in his ear, keeping him from drifting too far off before Zerith-var spoke again.

To the Horrors I've Known and Loved

I often asked myself, if I could tell you one thing now, what would it be? The answer's changed a lot, over the years. 

Fang and Claw

There once was a time in Drals’ life where he abhorred touch. That time felt far away now, but he could recall the feeling of anger and indignation and the desire to slice off any fingers that found themselves in his proximity.

The Desert is a Memory of the Ocean

The light was bright enough to blind, to burn. Galen raised an arm over his eyes, dread in the pit of his stomach, as Auredil became a beacon of divine power before them.

A Variation of the Truth

Auredil smells like the sea. Not in a poetic way, Lindir muses, no; he smells like brine and sand and waterlogged wood, like washed-up kelp that's been drying too long in the sun. He's not unlike a sailor, soaked in seawater and whiskey and gods-know-what-else.

More Destiny Shorts

"What's wrong, my dear?"  Kara crosses one leg over the other, leaning back in the metal patio chair. James stares into his coffee cup, his mind racing as she watches him curiously.

Gingerbread

Crow sees the ship fly overhead, and he finds it hard to suppress his grin. He starts toward where it was heading, out on the flats of the Tangled Shore, a giddy feeling in his chest.

[thisstormbringsstrangeloyalties]

The Dark Defender - A Dexter Fanfiction (Part 1/6)

Read this story on Ao3

Next part

Story Summary: Meg Winters has a perfectly normal life and a wonderfully perfect boyfriend. Until she stumbles across a perfectly dark secret… and now her very life is in danger. No, not from the Bay Harbor Butcher whose waterlogged body of work has just been uncovered. But from something much closer… Desperate for help, Meg reaches out to a new hero in town, The Dark Defender, dealer of deadly vigilante dirty work. However, once Meg puts out a plea to The Defender, she must deal with the consequences, both bad AND good.

Author’s note: I wrote this story out of frustration with how I thought the Dark Defender from season 2 was SUCH a cool idea. I felt the fact that the Bay Harbor Butcher only killed other killers was something everyone just kind of slept on? It was only mentioned in passing a few times by civilians and only spurred one really shitty copycat. Personally, I think someone with such a strong moral code and harsh form of punishment would have developed SOME sort of cult following. And the Dark Defender would have been a good jumping off point for that. It would have been so cool for Dexter to have his darkest secrets revealed, only to turn around and discover that a huge group of people are ROOTING for him and that they think he’s actually doing the right thing. Definitely something I think he’s always craved, but never expected to find. Ugh. Okay. Enough rambling. Onto the story.

Wordcount: 2,189

* * * * * * * * * *

Meg Winters had a perfectly normal life and a wonderfully perfect boyfriend. She had been dating Zach O’Connell for nearly a year now, and they lived together in a small cottage in Miami.

The past year had felt like a dream to Meg. She worked in a bookstore. Zach worked in a retirement home, caring for others just as he cared for her. But it had been at the bookstore where they’d met. He’d come in looking for something to read, and she’d helped him find what he was looking for. And then he’d come back. He’d come back again and again. He had insisted it was for the books. “Your recommendations never miss,” he had insisted. “I can never put them down.” But it was never books they’d talked about.

Zach seemed to Get Meg in a way no one else ever had. He shared nearly all her interests, turned up whenever she needed him most, and somehow always knew what to say. When he’d asked for her number, she’d given it readily. When he’d asked her out, she couldn’t say “yes” fast enough. Things moved quickly then. Within weeks, they had A Song, they had A Spot, and then they were looking at A Place. Before they had even reached their half-year anniversary, they had moved in together.

There was tragedy, of course. Not long after they had settled into their new home, Meg’s best friend, Stephanie, had gotten into a terrible accident. Struck by a car while she was out running in the early hours of the morning. The driver had never been found, and the paramedics had said Stephanie was lucky to still be alive. Well, almost alive. Stephanie was in a coma, and no one knew when, or if, she would ever wake up.

The accident had very nearly destroyed Meg. Stephanie had been her closest friend since childhood. They’d done everything together. Meg couldn’t imagine a world without her.

The only thing that had kept Meg from falling apart completely was Zach. For some reason, he and Stephanie had never really gotten along, but after the accident, he’d pushed all that aside for Meg. He’d held her through every sob that wracked Meg’s body. He’d stayed up with her during every sleepless night. And he’d gone with her to every bedside visit in Stephanie’s hospital room. He’d even taken turns with Meg, reading all of Stephanie’s favorite books aloud. The doctors had said it was possible she could still hear them and that speaking to Stephanie might help guide her back to consciousness.

The ordeal was more painful than anything Meg had ever been through, and consequently, it had brought her and Zach together in a way she had never experienced with anyone before. They hadn’t even known each other for a year, and yet it felt like they had been together for a lifetime.

Meg really thought she had found The One. She was prepared to spend the rest of her life with him. They were perfect for each other. They could weather any storm together. Nothing could possibly tear them apart.

Or at least that’s what Meg had thought.

Until she found the box.

Living in Miami meant living with constant heat. And living in constant heat meant that any fault in the house’s air conditioning was a problem to be addressed immediately.

She had work off that day while Zach, on the other hand, had a full day at the retirement home, and though she wasn’t needed at the bookstore, she couldn’t stop herself from curling up in bed with her nose in a book. She was so absorbed in her reading that she didn’t notice how unusually warm the room was until a drop of sweat rolled down her nose and landed in the middle of the page.

She blinked, staring at the small soaked spot in confusion. Then she looked up. For the first time in at least an hour, she took stock of her surroundings. Everything seemed normal except for the uncomfortably stuffy temperature. Meg strained her ears and picked up the telltale hum of the air conditioning unit. Well, that was odd.

She marked her place in her book before closing it and getting out of bed. She wandered over to the bedroom vent, tucked almost under the bed itself, and put her hand over the grate. A measly stream of cool air poured out. She frowned. Was something blocking it?

She bent closer and peered through the grate. In what little light penetrated the vent, she thought she could see the silhouette of something in there.

She slipped her fingernails under the edge of the grate and worked to pry it free. Soon enough, she had loosened it enough to jam her fingertips underneath and pull it completely off. She set the grate aside and plunged one hand into the vent. She was half a forearm deep when her fingers brushed against something smooth and angular. She froze, grabbed ahold of it, and pulled.

She sat back at she looked at the small box in her hands. It was plain and made of finished wood. Her heart pounded as she hesitated at the latch. She felt like she had just stumbled across something she wasn’t meant to view.

Finally, steeling herself, she flipped up the latch and opened the box.

Her stomach sank at the sight that greeted her. Sitting on top was a bra. One of her bras. Her nose crinkling in distaste, she pulled it out and set it aside only to uncover more of her things beneath. Socks, underwear, a diary she had kept in high school, a diary she had kept in middle school. There were CD’s Stephanie had burned for her, old postcards addressed to her, even a USB drive she recognized as her own from her college days. She felt like she was going to be sick.

This was Zach’s box. It had to be Zach’s box. In fact, some sixth sense told her it was undoubtedly his. But why? They lived together, there was no need to keep a stash of her things, especially things this… personal. Why this invasion of privacy?

But still, something deep inside told her Zach had started this collection long before they’d started living together. It felt like some strange profile he’d put together, something to understand her.

She thought about how Zach had sometimes seemed to know her better than she knew herself, and pieces of a puzzle she didn’t even know existed started clicking into place.

She kept digging.

At the very bottom corner of the box, tucked away like they were the most secret thing of all, were what appeared to be… clumps of hair. Meg’s stomach turned as she pulled one out and examined it. It was short, brown, and bound by a thin rubber band. She set it aside and began pulling out more clumps, each tied together with another rubber band. As she pulled them out, a sense of unease began to weigh more and more heavily in her gut. There was something about the samples of hair that felt almost sacred, like there was a sense of pride behind each one. They almost felt like— like… Meg stuttered mentally over the word that rose so damningly in her mind.

They almost felt like trophies.

She pulled out another clump of hair and came to a halt. For the first time, the hair she held looked familiar to her. She sat unmoving, staring at it, willing herself to remember where she had seen it before. Then it came to her.

David.

David was one of the bookstore’s regular customers. Or at least he had been. He was a tall, handsome fellow with bright green eyes and ridiculously curly, pale blond locks. She’d recognize them anywhere. She’d spent plenty of time staring at them whenever David came into the store and leaned uncomfortably far over her counter, chatting about increasingly personal subjects with her. Every once in awhile, he’d gain enough nerve to ask her out. She’d politely turned him down each time, but David seemed to be under the impression that she’d change her mind if he just wore her down a bit more.

Once Zach had started coming into the store, he and David had encountered each other only a few times. Zach would walk in to find David bent over Meg’s counter like a vulture. Then he’d look at Meg and Meg would give him a “please help me” look, to which Zach had always obliged with gusto. Without a moment’s hesitation, Zach would barge into the conversation, leaving no room for David’s unwanted advances. After a few minutes of quiet frustration, David would give up on his pursuit for the day and leave in a huff.

After this had happened a couple times, David had stopped coming to the bookstore entirely. Meg assumed that, with Zach in the picture, David had finally accepted defeat. She couldn’t say she missed him or his patronage. But now, as she turned the curly bundle of pale blond hair in her grasp, she began to doubt it was as simple as that. A cold dread began to creep up her spine as his disappearance suddenly felt a lot more nefarious.

Her skin prickling with revulsion, she dropped the bundle of hair into the discard pile and picked up the next one in the box. She froze as it came into sight. The cold dread rose into a white hot rage.

She did not need to think about where she had seen this hair before. She recognized it immediately, knew it as if it were her own. The chestnut brown with the red highlights. It was Stephanie’s.

Meg’s hands shook. Her vision turned scarlet. She wanted to scream. She wanted to tear something apart.

Zach. This was all Zach. Zach had done this. He had never really liked Stephanie. Of course, he had done this. He had been the one to hit Stephanie with his car. He had been the one to put her in this awful coma. This was a fact that Meg now knew in her very soul.

She wanted to fling the box away. Destroy it and everything inside. She wanted to run all the way to Zach’s place of work and beat him with her fists until there was nothing left.

But Meg did neither of these things. Instead, she reverently set Stephanie’s hair down next to David’s and reached for the box of horrors once more. There was still more inside and she knew she had to see this through until the end.

There were only two clumps of hair left, both blond and both similar enough to Meg’s own hair color and texture that, for a brief moment of terror, she thought they belonged to her. But then, no, they were most definitely not hers. That one was too dark and the other one was too curly. Unlike the other samples of hair, these two were not held together with a rubber band. Instead, they had each been tied up with a beautiful bow of ribbon, one a deep, midnight blue and the other a sleek, crimson red.

Meg stared at them, trying to figure them out. There was something special about these two samples, that much was clear. But what?

Once more, she felt the pieces of this new puzzle clicking together, and that’s when she knew.

Zach had mentioned before that he’d been in previous relationships. In fact, he’d been in two rather serious ones, but whenever Meg had asked about his exes, he’d clammed up. All she knew about them was that things had been perfect… until they weren’t.

“They just changed,” he’d told her simply. “And I knew that we’d never be able to work things out.”

And that was that.

Meg had tried not to pry. Zach had always been so quiet about his past, and she had never pushed him to say more than he was comfortable with. From what little she’d heard, it didn’t seem like the kind of stuff someone would want to relive. But now she wished she hadn’t been so understanding. She wished she had squeezed every last detail out of him.

She looked down at the hair in her hands again. This was all that remained of those two mysterious exes now, she was certain of it. And as she had this thought, another certainty settled over her, one that made her head spin and her stomach twist into knots.

She was next.

Meg sat unmoving for a long while, clutching the remains of her predecessors. Then, like a switch, she came back to life. Mechanically, she began putting everything back in the box, taking extra care to arrange it just as she had found it. She closed it, latched it tight, and slid it back into the open vent. She took time to make sure the box was positioned so the air flow was unblocked, then she replaced the grate, climbed back into bed, and pretended the whole thing had never happened.

Next part

[pearlboned]

NISA, THEY CALLED HER, WITH NO SURNAME EVER TACKED ON; THOUGH SHE MUST HAVE HAD ANOTHER NAME, NO ONE EVER USED IT, THEIR MOUTHS TOO FULL WITH THE BLACK VELVET OF THOSE TWO SYLLABLES. THEY KNEW HER, OF COURSE, IN OTHER WAYS. THOSE SOBRIQUETS SO UNIQUE TO THE TEMPTRESS OF THE ISLE: THE MERLING QUEEN. THE BLACK PEARL.

SWATHS OF IMPORTED FABRIC HUNG FROM THE CEILING AND THE WOMAN FOUND BEHIND THEM ALL, LAYERS LIKE STEPS TO HEAVEN / BARE LEGS CROSSED ON THE ARM OF A THRONE, THE RIGHT HAND TO GOD ⸺ OR, AT LEAST, THE FLESH UNDER HIS PALM / THE SLOW REVEAL OF A SHARP PEARL SMILE FROM BENEATH BLACK PARASOL / YOUR NAME INVOKED AT THE TAVERN, HOUSED IN THEIR LEERING SONGS, THE PATRON SAINT OF PIRATES / A MILKY PUDDLE OF SILK FALLEN AROUND SLIM ANKLES, VENUS RISING FROM THE FOAM / THE ECHO OF A SONG FROM WITHIN A HALF - SUBMERGED CAVE, THE CALL DRIVING YOU INTO THE DEPTHS, INTO THE EMBRACE OF THE DARKNESS / A MOTH EATEN CROWN ATOP A HEAD OF SILK CURLS / FAVOURS AND GIFTS LEFT UNATTENDED ON THE DRESSER, AN ALTAR OF TRIBUTE TO A FLIPPANT GODDESS / BOTTICELLI'S THE BIRTH OF VENUS WITH A CONSPICUOUSLY EMPTY SHELL / DOZENS OF HANDS OF DEVOTION RAISED TO THE GIRL ON HER BALCONY, VIOLENT IN THEIR RELIGION, AND THE CALL OF THEIR FILTHY HYMNS / A SPIDER'S WEB OF SPANISH LACE / SOAPSTONE CARVED IN YOUR LIKENESS, HANDED OUT TO THE WAITING AS CONSILATORY FAVOURS: THE CLOSEST MOST WILL GET TO TOUCHING YOU / A RING OF GUNPOWDER ON THE UNDERSIDE OF DELICATE CHIN, A BLACK MARK LIKE ROT .

FULL  NAME     .     nisa     SOBRIQUET(S)  /  ALIAS(ES)  /  TITLE(S)     .     once long ago, and always with derision, the little princess ╱ on land, velvet, the dark lady, and most predominantly, the merling queen ╱ on the high seas, the black pearl   AGE     .   thirty - two  ( 32 )  GENDER  +  PRONOUNS     .   cis  woman,  she  +  her     ORIENTATION     .   bisexual, male lean     OCCUPATION     .   siren at the nest + ( contracted ) silk aboard the widow's wake ALLEGIANCE     .   her hungers

( + ) vivacious, captivating, silver - tongued, clever, persuasive, passionate, flirtatious, charismatic, ambitious, seductive, ambrosial, magnetic, fervent, adaptable, languid, astute, witty ( - ) sybaritic, cruel, vain, selfish, irreverent, delusive, hedonistic, self - indulgent, demanding, challenging, manipulative, fickle, jealous, flippant, prideful, distrusting, coquettish TOUCHPOINTS      .      salome, the bible. scarlett o'hara, gone with the wind. johanna swann / the black swan, asoiaf. chel, the road to el dorado. esmeralda, the hunchback of notre dame. scarlett & giselle, potc. estella havisham, great expectations. westley, the princess bride. ned kynaston, stage beauty. bella baxter, poor things. milady de winter, the three musketeers. irene adler, sherlock holmes. daphne kluger, ocean's eight. helen of troy, greek mythology. scylla, greek mythology. lola montez, history. phryne, history. angelica schuyler, hamilton. vanessa, the little mermaid. margot fenring, dune. angelica neal, the mermaid and mrs. hancock by imogen hermes gowar.

WATERLOGGED PAGES      .    trigger warnings      :    death, sex work

nisa ( as she was as a girl, of a different name and identical disposition ) does not remember the sea journey from turkiye to england, but she can remember the story of her ruination of it: a screaming babe who would not be quieted for bribery or threat. we made a mobile of your mother’s finest necklaces to entertain you ⸺ not so fine, it should be said, but the best that could be found in the meager wooden box ⸺ called the man down the hall – an italian tenor — to sing you to sleep. in desperation we even bought all the ice on board, baba said, lined pieces along the silk of your crib in case you were hot. we were penniless when we arrived. nothing worked. it was misery. you were born difficult, mother said. it is a truth among few that nisa has held onto.

01. the child of a merchant and his seamstress wife, the small family emigrates from turkiye and eventually settles in england to improve upon a fledgling textile business. nisa's father, though single-minded to the point of recklessness in his ambition, is successful. the business grows substantially in nisa's youth, while she runs half-wild in the streets, a dark-haired and velvet-eyed creature known to be as troublesome as she is charming. 02. still in the throes of childhood, nisa is employed as a lady's maid & companion to a young daughter of aristocracy, a girl of similar age. determined to improve social standing and fretting over his eldest child's untamed spirit, her father reiterates over the cries of protest this is an advantage she cannot squander. he expects her to learn all that she can in order to become a proper lady; a woman that will one day take what she is owed from the world.

03. the noble family to which nisa is employed elects to join a british colony in the caribbean. though the notion of leaving her family unravels her, both mother and father insist she will go. she blames herself for their obstinance: if the wildness of her soul had driven them to action, the suppleness of her mind had solidified the choice. observant and adaptable, the girl-child inherits the mannerism and grace of a higher class as if it is birthright. her parents take this as a sign that their choice was the right one. nisa will one day come to believe it the first mark of her thieving heart.

04. it is this talent what makes her believable, in the end. or the start of the end, perhaps. on a voyage from the colony to another, the ship housing nisa and the nobles is boarded and eventually burned by pirates. having witnessed her own employers, friend and charge slaughtered by a stray bullet, nisa plunges into the sea to save her own life. found later by scavengers prodding the wreckage for remaining goods, they find a dark-eyed girl clutching a piece of driftwood. brought on board, she snaps pearl teeth at their dirty hands, proclaiming to be the noble daughter found on a recovered charter. they might have wrung her neck where she stood, but still she barks from somewhere deep in the throat: the governor will hear of this. he will send people for me. born difficult, her mother had always said. she may as well die difficultly too. 05. brought back with the scavengers to tortuga, she is listed as the gem of their haul: the alleged daughter of a duke, haughty and captivating. she is plucked from the flotsam and paid for by a congregation of sirens who had arrived at the dock to peruse wares, and instead found themselves purchasing a daughter. the sharp edge of her personality only makes them laugh; these are women whose teeth are filed down into points. her beauty, certainly, is painful to look at even than ⸺ but perhaps more importantly, she exists as a foreign good unlike anything else found on the befouled island of tortuga: she is a creature that can teach them the ways of graceful aristocracy. 06. she practices drowning beautifully in salt water. that is another way to say she studies under sirens. their beloved little creature, a daughter to the nest, she is raised from girl to womanhood among the heady perfume and heavy sin of the brothel. they craft her carefully, across years, though the hands crafting the greatest expanse of marble are her own ⸺ nisa, as she is known by now, had long since ceased to allow others to dictate her destiny. in return she instructs the women in etiquette and elocution, gentility and grace. her virginity, upon debut, sells for an unheard of sum. a number yet unmatched, and a marker of what she would become: a legend.

07. a man would take the storm between his teeth to meet the merling queen in her nest, they say. there's not a pirate on tortuga that does not know the name, and few men on the sea who have not heard tell of a velvet-eyed siren who resides in a silk-strewn cave. if there is a woman more adept at handling love or slicing it open, it cannot be said, nor can they be found ⸺ which is why many moons after her name has fallen across the sea like white moonlight, a silk-gloved captain finds its way to the nest, proposition in hand. i have a job for you, love.

HEADCANONS .

if she ever had a surname, and surely she once did, it has never been known on the island. she is the eponymous nisa, a name as well-known and oft-repeated as a pirate's favourite threats.

loves tortuga's specialized pastimes almost as much as she does the stolen finery its ilk drags in. she participates in the drinking, gambling, and carnal pleasures with all the dark velvet of her heart, though at times she finds it all inexplicably rote. boring. this is not an impression she shares.

what she never tires of are luxuries, and she has deals with many of the crews that frequent the islands to offer her a first pass at the cargo they've stolen. ornate bedframes, imported gowns and bolts of cloth, silk curtains, pearled knickknacks... there's a reason they say she's got the finest room in the nest.

nisa does not join the widow's wake as a silk for every voyage, but instead works via contract ⸺ typically brought on for only the most difficult or demanding of jobs, due to her skill and exorbitant fee. she prefers life in the silk cocoon of the nest, with no wish to spend every day under the harsh conditions of the sea. still, for the right price, she can be bought.

has many an act at the nest, but perhaps the most famous is a performance that combines aerial silks with the famous dance of salome/dance of seven veils. the layers she wears and the silks she hangs from cannot be distinguished, and she as she maneuvers, layers shed, leaving her increasingly naked.

as a teenager brought to tortuga, she continued the lie of her noble birth due to it carrying the greater chance of survival; as a siren, building a mythos attracted more attention. over a decade later, her relationship with this facet of her story has grown complicated ⸺ perhaps she doesn't believe she was that noble girl, but she has come to have faith in the notion that she deserves it to be true. that she is deserving of the sweet untruths she's told, and therefore in some way, they are true.

though she likely has the finest manners in tortuga, that isn't saying very much. nisa found quickly that the rabble were not impressed with the infinitesimal details of etiquette, and compulsively interested in the more dramatic/obvious gestures. as such, she's learned to play up + exaggerate certain traits while dropping others altogether. it's a pastiche of a genteel disposition, but they do love to call her the dark lady nonetheless<3

it is still something of a joke, the supposed once-lady who wound up on tortuga… though some call her the dark lady with sincerity; others love the jest" however could a lady so fine never have been found by her dear family?

despite the oft-repeated fact that nisa's virginity was sold off at an unheard of amount, she was no longer a virgin at the time, just a fantastic actress<3 jack sparrow vc: what? pirate.

there is a small bay on the island known as nisa's pillow. despite the affectionate-sounding name, the little inlet garnered its informal moniker for the half-moon it makes, seemingly perfectly round. as round, they say, as nisa's breasts.

highly requested, always booked, charges an insane rate. she is essentially her own pr person, and comes up with schemes to keep this going. generally occupied by high rollers, in the last year or so she's begun a 'raffle' for the array of would-be suitors who want her time: though they still pay a premium, those unable to buy their way to a booking are able to put their name into a collection (with a small entry fee, thank you) which is drawn weekly. the name drawn receives an hour of her time, the lucky soul. those who do not get selected may be offered party favours in consolation... small soap- or limestone carvings in her image. you can spot many a pirate walking around with these babies

a particularly rum-daft shipmate once mistook the carved figure of nisa as one of a saint, and began praying with it in times of duress. this caught on ironically, but now you can see some reaching for her figurines genuinely ⸺ invoke her name for luck, for lust, they say ⸺ or out of ignorance

there are a few simplistic drinking songs which have been made for or name her. they might be complimentary, but not particularly wholesome

takes daily walks. she likes fresh air (as fresh as it gets in tortuga) and knows to show off the goods. often she takes some of the younger/training sirens to act as a version of lady's maids

[plushiepunk]

Plushie Restoration: Elmo and Winter

HELP I deleted the draft on accident so now I have to start over

Ahem

Recently I got some older Build a Bears off of eBay and decided to restore them!

Elmo is from the 2004 Sesame Street collab and stands at 19" tall!

Winter is from the A Friend Fur All Seasons 2007 collection and is 14"

Under the cut is the whole process I went through both for posterity and in case anyone wanted a step by step guide on restoring build a bears :)

Here are there before pictures!! They didn't smell bad which was a pleasant surprise; Winter did have a bit of an "old basement" smell but that came off in the wash so they both smelled a bit like soap

As you can see they're not in bad shape, just well loved over the last 17-20 years

First order of business was to unstuff them so they didn't get waterlogged in the wash! I used my seam ripper on their back stitches and found their original hearts, find a friend ID tags, and Elmo had a sound chip in him!

I wish I had a way to restore the sound chip, but since it's literally 20 years old I'll settle for keeping it as a memento

Ta da! Fluffless!

As for the washing process, I did a gentle cycle with a deep fill and All Free and Clear detergent

Insert the funny spin cycle photo

The drying process had a bit of trial and error: I eventually put them on the shoe rack so they wouldn't bang around in the wash (Elmo has big plastic eyes so this posed a very loud issue)

I set it to a 50 minute timed dry on the lowest heat setting and checked on them every ten minutes or so. I also found that you have to rotate them on the shoe rack so they dry evenly

Winter was dryer than Elmo a lot quicker, but after they were both only a little damp I took them out and got to brushing

I cleaned a wire dog brush and went against the grain until they were super fluffy again!

As you can see Elmo had a lot more debris than Winter!

After this I hung them up on hangers so they could dry the rest of the way overnight

The next day it was off to build a bear! I actually work there so my experience/process will likely be a bit different than the average person, but I'll still let you know both what I did and what you would likely do!

I added a sound chip to Winter and placed both their original hearts and a new one in them so they could be extra loved!

After they were stuffed (I like mine pretty firm), I closed them up with a ladder stitch and a kiss!

And there they are!! Fully restored build a bear friends. This was such a fun process and I'd honestly love to try it again with new friends sometime!

And here they are at their big brother BeeGee's birthday party. I guess it's their birthday now too!!

[film-in-my-soul]

D, stucky!

-> Scent Kink (non A/B/O, non werewolves), Masturbation <-

D is for Dirty Secret

It's wrong. Steve knows it's wrong. Even if it weren't Bucky's shirt held between his hands, a man's shirt, there's no mistaking the wrongness of bringing the fabric up to his nose and breathing in deep.

Steve's eyes flutter closed at the first inhale, a shiver of lust making his stomach clench, half from arousal, half from the shame he'll never entirely brush off. Still, despite knowing that, he can't stop himself, and he hasn't really tried to since the third time he'd used the excuse of having the time and energy to do laundry so he could get his hands on something of Bucky's.

Like a ritual, Steve runs through the reasons why he shouldn't. He ignores that it grows shorter every time he kneels at the foot of Bucky's bed, and when he's done, Steve eases his conscience with the reasons it's not that bad after all.

First, it's not like the shirt is clean, and even if Steve were to get it messy, he is going to clean up after. Bucky won't know the difference; he'll probably even muss up Steve's hair and call him a good little housewife for cleaning up while he's at work, anticipating the elbow Steve will jab him with. It's a trade-off, all things considered, a bit of payment for doing the work Bucky always likes to complain about. And really, if it stops Steve's resolve from breaking, something that feels closer and closer as the winter months draw nearer and Bucky insists on Steve taking his better coat when he leaves for sign painting in the early hours, then Steve can't find it in his heart to give more than a token protest against the need that lives inside him.

Justified in only the loosest sense, Steve swallows thickly, buries his nose in the balled-up cotton, and takes in another breath. The next burst of heat that rolls through him is all pleasure, fleeting guilt assuaged by the wash of Bucky. The groan that works itself from Steve's chest is just as unstoppable as his right hand falling to his lap to undo the fastenings on his slacks.

It hadn't always been like this, Steve acknowledges, panting hot into the bundle of cloth and slipping his slim fingers beneath the waistband of his shorts. There hadn't always been this wriggling little desire in the back of his head when he'd catch a whiff of Bucky coming in from the dance halls or off a night shift at the docks. But, one day during a wet summer, the roof of their apartment started leaking while they'd both been out, and everything changed. Steve's bed had suffered the damage, sheets already beginning to stink with mildew, the mattress waterlogged, and the crates they'd used to prop it all up warping from the weight and rain. Without a hint of sunshine on the horizon, it had sent Steve right into Bucky's bed, the other man not giving him a chance to argue over why the floor and a handful of blankets would be just as good as the lumpy mattress he'd been suffering with already.

That night, Steve had found himself with his face pressed into Bucky's pillow, Bucky against his back, smelling like damp summer heat. It had felt, at the time, inevitable, laying there in the dark and then in the dawn, cock hard, breathing in Bucky's scent as slowly as he could so the other wouldn't get suspicious or worried about Steve's lungs if he caught Steve struggling for air. After that- after getting himself off while Bucky had gone to gel up his hair and brush his teeth to start the day, biting Bucky's pillow and licking his own fingers clean to hide the evidence- well, some wires had gotten crossed.

So here Steve is, one hand shoved into his drawers, the other holding Bucky's shirt to his nose and mouth, getting off as quickly as he can without risking an asthma attack or ruining his pants by shooting off too soon.

Wracked with shivers, haunched over himself, and muffling his panting gasps of pleasure with the spit-slick fabric, Steve drags his tongue over the shirt, wanting to taste the lingering hints of a night of dancing and spilled lemonade. Steve can almost hear a voice that sounds a lot like Bucky in the back of his head, teasing him with a tone that's just a bit smokey, like how Bucky sounds when he's done with a cigarette.

"You gonna cream yourself, sweetheart? Make a mess in your shorts?"

And even though it's not someone real asking him, Steve nods, digging his face into the shirt and hiccuping on an indulgent sob when he catches another hit of Bucky's stale cologne. The spice of it makes his cock throb, the undercurrent of work-sweat a stab to his gut even stronger than the feeling of fisting himself, tight and rushed.

Steve tips forward, lets his upper half drape over Bucky's bed, and arches into his hand, spine bent awkward, his orgasm bright and hot beneath his skin as it grows in throbbing pulses. He lets himself imagine the soft, wet fabric against his mouth is something even softer and bites back a whine.

God, what he wouldn't give to slide his mouth and nose down Bucky's stomach, to catch the drying sweat of a day's work against his tongue, the salt tang of sea and summer so sharp it might hurt to taste. Even still, what deal he wouldn't strike to go further, to let his face fall into the perfect crease of Bucky's thigh and groin, the hair there rough and the scent as strong as it will ever be, in that most protected place. He could come from it, he's sure, wouldn't even need a hand to fuck into, just Bucky crooning low and letting Steve take it all for himself.

Steve is so lost in the idea that he almost doesn't feel his climax peaking, the coil of pleasure-pain behind his navel tightening, pre-come leaking over his forefinger and thumb where the curve over the slit as he strokes himself. But it's there, right at the tip of his tongue, a choking sound of need and a stutter in his hips that threaten to spend his already sore knees sprawling as his balls begin to draw up and his shoulders begin to shake. 

He has just enough time to pull his cock from his shorts and drag Bucky's shirt from his mouth to press the fabric against the head of his dick, biting down on Bucky's mattress to muffle his grunts as he finishes, eyes squeezed shut and chest tightening at the distant thought at mixing him and Bucky together, even in this tiny way.

There's a moment, spent but still muggy with orgasm, where Steve draws Bucky's shirt away from his softening cock and contemplates bringing it back to his mouth to smear the both of them on his cheeks and chin. But he's already going to be running against the clock doing the laundry before the sun goes down and Bucky gets home; throwing in a shower on top of that isn't worth the momentary pleasure he won't get to linger in.

When he gets off the floor, Steve’s knees pop, and he knows they’ll be smudged with faint bruises in a few hours. Distracted by the familiar pain and receding waves of climax, Steve doesn’t hear the telling creak of floorboards from the bedroom doorway. So when a voice breaks the semi-quiet, his heart flies into his throat as he swings around, soiled shirt clutched to his chest, pants still unzipped and loose on his hips. He meets Bucky’s eyes, the other man leaning against the doorframe, all lazy angles and hooded eyes.

“You got a funny way of washing laundry, pal.”

[cambriian]

found some old writing and was curious,

Snow fell against the dry ground harshly as I gloomily stared out the wooden window pane, adjusting my sunhat that no longer served any purpose at the current moment.

It was 1816, the deprived year when summer looked like another frigid winter. The horses had succumbed last week to starvation, and so had the cattle. My family has been left with barely anything to hold onto, like many others in our small town located in a rural area of southern Germany. We weren’t just hit by snow; rough rain waterlogged crops and slowly killed them. As a result, food provided by these crops was quickly depleted for both people and livestock, killing both within weeks or months.

Even though farmers were willing to sell off their crops for at least some money to purchase goods, only a few bought crops in the crisis; and despite many people’s efforts, heavy rains eventually killed off those plantations. As far as food was concerned, we only had beef, corn, strawberries, and some leftover pie from the month before. I grabbed some cold meat from the old icebox and sat at the table with it. I began eating alone as the snow was the only noise filling the deafening silence.

We have four more months until this year concludes. But it felt like forever until this devastating frozen summer came to an end.

Four more months.

Four.

More.

Months.

[kadavernagh]

TIMING: Current-ish LOCATION: The beach PARTIES: Marcus and Regan SUMMARY: Marcus does a good deed by pulling a dead body from the water, but Regan is there to question him about the strange circumstances.

Another quiet night, Marcus thought to himself. Normally a quiet night along the shore would be considered a good thing, but this town had taught him that quiet almost certainly means trouble. And trouble always seemed to find its way to Marcus one way or another. No ships out at sea right now, and there hadn’t been for a while. Marcus figured it may be a good time to do a quick patrol along the beach to look for any drowning swimmers. 

As he slowly made his way down the steps in his long descent towards the beach, he could feel a knot start to form in his stomach. Usually drunk college kids liked to mess around on the beaches at night. While this on its own didn’t bother him, there was nothing wrong with having a little fun with your youth after all, alcohol and unpredictable ocean currents were never a good mix. He had saved six people from drowning since coming to this town, not including the strange pale woman from the pier. 

At first he kept a calm walking pace, glancing out at the water to look for anybody who may need saving. His pace increased to a sprint when he found a mass floating about 20 feet from the shoreline. The curve of their back bobbed up and down over the waves, their head and feet must have been under the water. They weren’t moving. Fearing the worst, Marcus dove in without even removing his shoes, trying to pull the body back to shore as quickly as possible. 

Leave it to Maine to have record temperatures on the year she was stuck in a winter coat. At least by the beach, it buffered her from the wind, and night lended a chill to the breeze. Plenty of people wore layers at the beach. She didn’t stick out too much, right? Did it matter? It was late, anyway. And why was she still chasing any form of normalcy? Forget it. Regan shuffled through the sand, letting her feet guide her. They rarely let her down, leading her straight toward the inevitable.

In the distance were two figures – a person in the intertidal zone standing by an inert lump, tide lapping at them both. Her skin prickled with thrilling, familiar death. And that lump she spotted was no small find. Not a gull nor a fish. Bigger. A seal, a dolphin, or maybe…

Regan’s feet picked up pace. When she saw what her body already knew was present, her eyes twinkled, and she took it all in. He was beautiful. Not the man – to her, he didn’t exist – but the body. Bloated, waterlogged flesh that had been picked clean in spots by ambitious fish. Eyes that had swollen and erupted out of his skull and long-disappeared down something’s gullet. Seaweed tangled in his remaining hair and draped across the drenched, tattered clothes as if claiming the body for itself. The man besides the body was, Regan supposed, also quite handsome, though it had taken her too long to really notice him.

“What’s this about?” She blinked, processing what was happening here. Perhaps she should have been more alarmed by the body. Even in this death-saturated town, people managed to be caught unawares. The man appeared stunned, though Regan couldn’t tell if it was because of the body or because he was seen by the body. But she didn’t need to give the decedent an examination to know it was not freshly-dumped. He was no killer. This seemed serendipitous. “Did you find this body?” Which raised more questions. The clothes were too wet and free of sand, the skin showing no evidence of gulls’ plundering, for this to be a beachcombing find. “Did you find this body in the water? How did you drag it out of the ocean?” Touching the body would have been unavoidable, unfortunately, though salt water was good at chafing away evidence by itself anyway.

Her walks always ended this way. Her hand dipped into her pocket and emerged with her ID. “I’m Dr. Kavanagh. I work at the Office of the Medical Examiner.” Though this probably seemed like a chance meeting to him, it was anything but. Regan didn’t subscribe to fate, and certainly not Fate, but death hooked her and reeled her toward whenever she needed to be. “You won’t be surprised to hear that I have some other questions for you. I think we have a few minutes before I have to alert my investigators, and I’d like to have you on your way as soon as possible.”

By the time Marcus had reached the man in the water, it was obvious he was beyond saving. Bloated, and partially decayed. Or had something been eating at him? He reminded himself of how terrifying the circle of life could really be. He didn’t fancy the idea of dragging this corpse to shore, but he figured the least he could do for the man was get him identified so that they could have a proper burial. He knew several former comrades of his who would have been grateful to have had the same courtesy extended to them. 

When he reached the shore, he was greeted by an unwelcome sight. A woman was standing at the shoreline watching him, as well as the body he was carrying. 

Shit. 

Surely she wouldn’t think he had killed the man, right? She didn’t seem to be especially suspicious of him, she almost seemed curious. Also, in spite of it being a warm 78 degree night, she was dressed in a winter coat. Her first impression she left on Marcus was… curious to say the least. 

She was questioning him, which couldn’t be a good thing. It would be pretty easy for Marcus to prove he had nothing to do with the poor man’s death, but he didn’t want to deal with the headaches of a police interrogation. While the people in this town didn’t generally seem to show many biases, he never had a good history with the police. Being implicated in a murder wouldn’t help his case in any way if it came down to it. He was relieved to hear she was a medical examiner. Surely she of all people could see the decomposition and know this couldn’t possibly be a fresh death. 

“My name’s Marcus, Marcus Fremont. I tend to the lighthouse up that way” he said, gesturing towards Hanging Rock. “I also use down time on my shift to search for any swimmers that need help, lot of drunk college kids putting themselves in bad situations. Evidently, I found this guy way too late”, Marcus said, gesturing to the man’s body on the ground. 

“It is… welcomed meeting you, Marcus Fremont.” Maybe not good, but welcomed, yes. His account of what happened was, at the least. Regan took in the nervous way he was holding himself. The way his feet shuffled in the sand and uncertainty in his voice. “Let’s get this out of the way. I am not assuming you have anything to do with the death.” But with that said… “However, if you did have something to do with it, I will find out, and you will not get away with it. I like to make myself clear.” She fished out a small spiral notebook and pencil from her bag. They weren’t official tools of the investigation but they were enough to capture Marcus’s ad hoc account, before she sent him off.

“Bodies are heavy, even in the water.” She leveled her gaze at him, though it was more studying than accusatory. “You must be quite practiced in pulling people to shore if you were able to do this. Where were you when you saw the body? And what did you see, exactly? Did you presume the body to be a live person?” She readied her pencil.

The woman’s cold demeanor wasn’t a relief to Marcus, but he was glad he wasn’t being implicated in the poor man’s death. He watched as she readied a pad and pencil and wondered why she would need to take some kind of eyewitness statement if she wasn’t a cop. Sure, she worked with the cops, but this part wasn’t her job was it? Shouldn’t she be calling a detective over or something? 

“I used to be in the navy. Had to pull plenty of my shipmates out of troubled water, at least during training. Hard to do that kind of rescue on a real ship. And during those trainings we all were wearing 40-60 pounds of equipment on our body which, of course, would get waterlogged. In other words, this wasn’t much of a struggle for me.” Marcus explained, feeling proud that his strength had almost returned to him completely. If nothing else, he always had his athleticism to fall back on as a point of pride. 

“I was probably about halfway down the shoreline between here and the lighthouse when I saw something floating. I couldn’t tell from that distance that he was already a lost cause, so I dove in to try and get to him as quickly as I could. Once I got closer, I realized he was well beyond saving. But that didn’t mean I was going to let his body become fish food”. 

He glanced at the woman in front of him again, curiously. There was plenty that was off about this woman, and he had some questions of his own. 

“Now, if you don’t mind. What are you doing out here so late? And I hate to be critical about people’s fashion and whatnot but, why are you wearing that big coat? It’s a pretty warm night, all things considered. Might have been why this guy decided to go for a swim.” He said, glancing at the body of the man again. 

Marcus’s story was more than believable – Regan didn’t know very much about what went into training people in the Navy, but she figured any Navy Seal could probably pull the body of a full-grown human being from the water with relative ease. Probably even easier dead than alive. Regan knew from experience that those who drowned alive flailed and could easily drag others down with them. A shudder ran through her as she thought of her grandmother’s deceptively strong grip. Jotting down the details Marcus provided made for a worthy distraction. “It’s good you were around, then. I don’t know how I would have been able to pull him out.” Felt the body’s presence, certainly. But it would have become some tantalizing treat that she could not reach. “One last thing. Your contact information, please.” She readied her pen.

Regan eventually realized she was being studied back. “This is… official Medical Examiner garb.” Her stomach squeezed with the lie, but she did not allow herself to flinch. “Do not concern yourself with it. We need many pockets, you see.” Even though she’d pulled her notebook out of her bag, she closed it and inserted it into one of the pockets just to demonstrate a point. “Plenty of people walk the beach at night. I was going beachcombing.” Which was true, though the objects of her affection were not shells or sea glass. I can have an answer for everything, too, Regan thought, despite not finding Marcus particularly suspicious. 

She shook her head at his speculation. “No, he died before tonight.” Though how far before was hard to say. Water changed decomposition, giving fewer clues to the post-mortem interval. But if the fish-bitten holes in his clothes and skin were anything to go off of, it had at least been a couple of days. She gave the cadaver a look of admiration, taking in the salt-shriveled flesh and clumps of remaining hair. “Once we identify him we may be able to gather information about when he was last seen alive, and where. Not my favorite method. Humans are unreliable.” She pulled a business card from a different pocket and handed it to him. “I expect you to contact me if anything else about this occurs to you. But perhaps there’s more to be said right now.” She raised a brow.

Marcus observed closely as the woman in front of him wrote down every detail of what he said. He had hoped he wouldn’t be called to testify as a witness of any trials that popped up in the future. He didn’t do well with informal questioning like what he was getting now, he fared even worse when being questioned in more official settings. It’s why he chose to live a life in secret while officially being presumed dead, it was much easier than having to come up with a believable excuse to go AWOL to the U.S Navy. 

“I imagine you have a lot of tools of the trade. Magnifying glass, scalpel, gloves…” he trailed off, unable to remember anymore things he could imagine a medical examiner using. He knew what a doctor used and also figured a detective would want a magnifying glass. “Didn’t mean to make it feel like an interrogation”, he added, still not fully sure he wasn’t in one himself. 

He gave the woman his contact information without any argument. He learned from an early age that the more he cooperated with the law, the better things will be for him overall, even if he didn’t particularly want to cooperate. He had hoped this night would be the end of his questioning and hoped even more that he wouldn’t be getting a call asking him to testify. 

“Nothing else at the moment, I think we about covered it. Saw him floating, tried to save him, realized it was too late, dragged his body to shore. Didn’t know the guy, obviously, but felt he deserved a proper burial as most people do.” He paused to look at the man’s body again before returning his gaze to the strange woman in the big coat. 

“I know people can be very unreliable with their stories, especially if it’s really been multiple days. But I really do hope you guys can figure out who this man was. Just so his family can get some closure” 

His words hung heavy on his tongue, knowing that his own family didn’t even get the comfort of knowing he was alive until very recently. 

“Rib spreader, bone saw, delightfully long needles…” Regan continued, enjoying the rise her equipment sometimes got out of people. “Your willingness to help is appreciated,” she said with a nod of her head, though she knew it was less of a willingness and more of an obligation. People didn’t tend to tell her much of anything until she showed her ID. Dr. Rickers probably didn’t have the same issue; Regan imagined most people just believed he was a medical examiner on the spot and opened up to him. Not only was he an exemplar of their occupation, he had this annoying quality that made others actually want to engage with him. Except for Regan. She was the only person with sense.

Pulling her phone from one of her many pockets – and shooting Marcus a glance that said see? Helpful – sent a text alert to her office, who would come down here with the police. There was little scene investigation to be had. The body had obviously been dumped and drifted this way from elsewhere. “I assume you can usually be found around here?” Regan asked him. She had his contact information, but that wasn’t the point she was getting at. “If you see anything, please inform my office. And if you see any choice animal carcasses, message me, personally. Got that?” Her voice lightened at the request – which for her, was as friendly as she got. “You have been fine to meet, Mr. Fremont. Memorable, at least. Most individuals don’t bring me bodies. Keep up the good work. If you would like to leave now before my office arrives, you may. You’re dismissed.” 

Sometimes people really were good samaritans. But even though Regan didn’t think Marcus was at all responsible for this death, something told her this would not be the last she would see of him.

[theretirementstory]

Bonjour et bienvenue from a cloudy Bar-sur-Aube where the temperature is only 6c. It has been windy and yesterday did it pour with rain! It was wet inside and outside of my house, I really do wish that on one dry day the roofer will arrive and fix this problem. I can’t see it being done this side of Christmas but I have been wrong before 😉.

So what have I been doing this week? Well it has been week three of radiotherapy so that’s 15 sessions “under my belt” which means there are just two more sessions to go 😁. That gives me the opportunity to plan my Christmas and New Year meals. I think I have decided on the starter, Marinated Goats Cheese with Pears and Walnuts ����, I think a light dessert too so thought pavlova or meringue with fruit and cream. I was going to have filet mignon (pork) but am contemplating a turkey breast with sage and onion stuffing, bread sauce, roast potatoes, roasted parsnips and sprouts.

The car went to the garage as it had been recalled. I waited the 45 minutes and everything was fine. That was really good news as at the moment I am out in the car every day.

With all the rain and frost we have been having the cyclamen were getting waterlogged and I really don’t want to lose them. I moved them under the laurel bush, thinking it may be a bit drier there for them. The chrysanthemums now have brown heads on the flowers but I have left them where they are.

The other afternoon I came out of the house and running up my driveway was something brown, aaargh I thought a rat then realised it was a hedgehog, what on earth was it doing out in the daylight and should it not have been curled up sleeping for the winter? I managed to get quite close to get a photo (but not close enough to see fleas etc). The next day, about lunchtime, I was going out in the car and saw the young hedgehog again walking along the grass verge, I decided if it was still out and about when I got back I would put it into a box. Well yes it was still pootling around, did I go and get a box, no I didn’t, he looked happy enough “grubbing along the verge” then he decided to cross the road, so standing downwind of him I was the “lollipop lady” I would have jumped in front of a car if it had approached (well maybe). He limboed under a neighbours gate and proceeded down his driveway. Now I had seen this neighbour walking home from the shop so I waited to tell him he had a hedgehog in his garden, he spoke to me as if to a child who had seen it’s first hedgehog 😂😂. My next door neighbour was telling me that they had had a rat in the garden (shiver) and it had come right up to their French doors and stood on its hind legs and looked inside the window (was he winding me up?). Anyway the next he knew there was a BIG hedgehog in the garden seeing off the rat (not into my garden thank goodness) was he “pulling my leg?”

I read “online” (so it must be true) that from 1 January 2024, here in France, food waste is not to be put in your dustbin, it must be composted. Well I will put my fruit and vegetable waste into my own composter but any other waste, bread, skin off meat and fish won’t be going anywhere near my own composter, I hope they have bins in town as, if that’s what they want, I will put it in there. I have been putting the sunflower heads (minus seeds) dead flowers and my vegetable peelings into the composter, not that I expect any grubs, snails etc to be in there to turn them into compost but I can just hope.

Last Sunday I went to the Marche de Noel in Bayel. What a surprise I got when I went into the Salle there were about 30 exhibitors selling all kinds of items, artists with their paintings, authors with their books, of course the association of which the knitting workshop is part, but there were stained glass items, woodworked items and the knitted, crocheted and sewn items. Although not a lot of sales on the knitted, crocheted items a lot of the stained glass items were sold. I found out afterwards that Marlene had been there but we never saw each other. What a shame, it would have been nice to catch up.

On Monday, I got a bit of a shock, according to the newspaper there was a fire at “La Pomme d’Or”hotel/bar, a woman and her daughter were taken to hospital. The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning! On Friday I read that a man in his 50’s had been charged with attempted assassination and destruction of property by dangerous means. Then yesterday I read that the towns Mayor has filed a complaint for alleged theft against his deputy. Blimey it all happens in this town!

Anie is preparing for her trip to Indonesia, I have wrapped her presents and will deliver them when she returns. Monique tested positive for Covid so has not been to see me and she messages that she hopes to visit as soon as she can.

On Friday evening I met Pauline, we went to the travelling exhibition from the Centre Pompidou in Paris which had rolled up in town. I had seen it advertised weeks before and sent the piece from the journal to inform Pauline. What an exhibition! I am not big on art and to wander around a huge place looking at works is overload for me, so this grand camion with the display was perfect, a bite sized chunk not too much to overload the senses. I wanted to take photos of the lights in the street so I drove us back to town, parked by the river and we walked to opposite her grandmas house. I got one photo then we stood talking for goodness knows how long, my feet felt rooted to the spot! I had such a lovely evening that when I got home my mind was just so active and I was on a bit of a “high”.

Music slot puts in an appearance and again it’s two different songs, same title and these two were from the same year, 1979. The title is “Angel Eyes” by ABBA and Roxy Music.

“The Trainee Solicitor” and “The Ex-Graduate” have both felt a little unwell this week, is it a cold, ‘flu or Covid??? “The Trainee Solicitor” waved goodbye to his motor vehicle it has gone to the car graveyard. Good news for “The Ex-Graduate” an interview is on the cards for this week for a “real” job, she is fed up of working this interim job now so fingers crossed.

“The Daddy” had one works Xmas “do” last night, at Sneaton Hall in Whitby. I asked what was on the menu and he had no idea! Blimey me shows where my thoughts lie all the time doesn’t it? Is it a mum thing or just the thoughts of someone who loves food 😂😂.

I had mentioned to Maud that in the New Year we will go to “La Belvedere” again and have already checked out the menu 😂😂.

The cinema in town posted their programme on social media, I noticed that Napoleon was on but not in VO so I emailed and asked if they would be showing it in the original version. They replied that they are showing the film through to 19 December hopefully with a few sessions in VO but they have to get approval for that from the films distributor. Fingers crossed folks!

Last night, I decided to stuff a few dates to put with some chocolates for my ladies at the knitting group on Friday. I also found a recipe for fudge made in the microwave, sounds easy, so I may give it a try this year.

Wow there has been a lot happening this week.

The photos are of the Chateau in Vendeuvre -sur-Barse and taken from the brochure, the painting that I found caught my eye at the exhibition.

Jusqu’à la semaine prochaine

[tameblog]

Clethra alnifolia If you’re looking for a flowering shrub that thrives in moist soil and delivers late-season interest, hardy summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is a top contender. Also known as sweet or coastal pepperbush and white alder, this low-maintenance native tolerates a variety of soils, performs well in partial shade, and erupts in a profusion of sweetly fragrant blooms during the dog days of summer. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Its upright, bottlebrush-shaped flowers are a magnet for pollinators, and once established, the plant requires little in the way of upkeep. Read on to find out more about growing this versatile North American shrub. Here’s what I’ll cover: A member of the Clethraceae family, summersweet is something of a botanical outlier. Ranging from southeastern Canada all the way south to Texas, C. alnifolia is the northernmost member of its family and the only Clethra species endemic to North America. For much of the year, this deciduous shrub blends into the background, its alternately arranged, serrated green leaves forming a dense screen. But come July or August, C. alnifolia transforms as it bursts into bloom, filling the air with a heady, honeyed perfume that you’ll likely smell before you see. The upright floral spikes, typically white to pale pink with prominent yellow stamens, are intensely fragrant, often described as cloying or even overpowering. But this intoxicating scent, combined with the buzz of bees and flutter of butterflies, makes summersweet a sensory showstopper few shrubs can match. The seed heads are gray skeins of many, small capsules filled with tiny, dark, dry seeds. Quick Look Common name(s): Hardy summersweet, coastal or sweet pepperbush, white alder Plant type: Deciduous shrub Hardiness (USDA Zone): 3-9 Native to: Eastern North America Bloom time / season: Mid to late summer (July-August) Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Soil type: Moist, loamy, well-draining Soil pH: 5.0-6.5, slightly acidic Time to maturity: 3-5 years Mature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide Best uses: Rain gardens, borders, hedges, naturalized areas, pond edges Taxonomy Order: Ericales Family: Clethraceae Genus: Clethra Species: Alnifolia Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet or pepperbush grows wild in woodland glades, thickets, pond edges, and riverside habitats. In the landscape, it is well-suited to wet, sunny locations like pond margins, streambanks, and rain gardens. In these conditions, the plant can reach its full potential, often growing up to eight feet tall and wide. Don’t have a water feature on your property? No problem. Summersweet also does well in consistently moist garden beds and is a wonderful choice for planting near patios or porches where you can enjoy its fragrance and the flurry of pollinator activity up close. Keep reading to learn how to get this native beauty established in your landscape. How to Grow The secret to cultivating hardy summersweet is really no secret at all. Find a spot that suits its needs, and this native shrub will largely take care of itself. Naturally found in moist, well-draining soils throughout its native range, C. alnifolia is happiest when consistently hydrated, but not waterlogged. While it thrives near ponds or streams, it doesn’t tolerate standing water for long periods. Think pond shore, not marsh; streamside, not bog. If you’re planting summersweet in a garden bed, you’ll need to water regularly, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to let the soil dry out completely. A one-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool in summer. Climate Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet is impressively cold-tolerant. In fact, it often produces more robust blooms following a cold winter. It also handles humid conditions well, which makes it an excellent candidate for southeastern gardens. Light Summersweet is very accommodating when it comes to light levels. While it will bloom most profusely in full sun, it only needs about six hours of direct light per day. In warmer parts of its hardness range, Zone 7 and above, summersweet will benefit from some afternoon shade. The dappled light along a partially shaded pond or stream is ideal. Soil This shrub isn’t fussy about soil texture and will grow in sandy, loamy, or even clay soils, as long as it remains moist but drains well. Pepperbush prefers acidic soil, with a pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.5, but will tolerate slightly more neutral conditions. Water Consistent moisture is key. Summersweet will tolerate brief dry periods once established, but it performs best when watered regularly. In garden settings with fast-draining soil, supplemental irrigation is often necessary. Fertilizing Summersweet generally doesn’t need fertilizer, particularly when grown in organically-rich, fertile soil. However, if growth appears sluggish or flowering is sparse, try top dressing with a couple inches of compost in the spring and summer. This boost of food will help encourage flowering. Alternatively you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if you prefer. Avoid formulas high in nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Cultivars to Select Hardy summersweet is generally quite easy to find at well stocked native plant nurseries. Many mainstream garden centers also carry a variety of cultivars, especially in midsummer when the shrubs are coming into bloom. Here are a few cultivars to look out for: Hummingbird Compact and dense, ‘Hummingbird’ is a compact cultivar that grows to just four feet tall and wide making it a good choice for smaller spaces or foundation plantings. ‘Hummingbird’ It retains all the charm of the species, with prolific midsummer blooms and a sweet, clove-like fragrance. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9. You can find plants available at Nature Hills Nursery. Ruby Spice The standout feature of ‘Ruby Spice’ is its vivid pink to purplish-pink flowers. ‘Ruby Spice’ This cultivar reaches about six feet tall and five feet wide and is ideal for hedges or back-of-border plantings. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9. You can find ‘Ruby Spice’ plants available via Nature Hills Nursery. Sugartina Neat, tidy, and petite, Sugartina® aka ‘Crystalina’ stays compact at just three feet tall and wide. Despite its small stature, this cultivar produces a profusion of fragrant white blooms in summer and works wonderfully in containers or tight garden spaces. Sugartina A solid pick for smaller landscapes or urban gardens in Zones 4 to 9. You can find Sugartina® plants available at Nature Hills. Maintenance If you’re growing hardy summersweet as a hedge or simply want a tidier look, a light pruning can help shape its naturally dense foliage. This species doesn’t mind a good haircut and will respond with vigorous growth. You can remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of year. For shaping or size control, prune in early spring before new leaves emerge, since summersweet blooms on new wood. Always clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a 10 percent bleach solution before you begin. Make your cuts at a slight angle to prevent water from pooling on the wound – this reduces the risk of fungal infections taking hold. Feel free to cut the shrub back to your desired height or silhouette. Just avoid removing more than 25 percent of the overall height in one session. Severe pruning can stress the plant and reduce its vigor, especially in the case of younger specimens. Propagation Hardy summersweet can be grown from seed, cuttings or planted as transplants. Growing from seed or cuttings can be challenging, but once established, these plants pretty much take care of themselves. From Seed Starting hardy summersweet from seed is fairly straightforward, but keep in mind that it can take three to five years before your seedlings grow into mature, self-sustaining shrubs. During that time, you’ll need to keep a close eye on weeds. Young summersweet shrubs don’t compete well. To grow pepperbush from seed, you have two options: either buy seed online, or collect your own from a wild plant. To harvest your own seed, wait until late fall when the shrub has dropped its leaves. The long seed heads should be dry and gray by then, with tiny, dark seeds inside. Collect them into a paper envelope or breathable bag, and sow as soon as possible. Fill a seed tray or flat with moistened potting soil. Scatter the seeds liberally across the surface, then cover them with a light layer of additional soil just enough to barely cover. Gently tamp the soil down with your palm. Move the tray to a bright, sheltered spot outdoors. While there’s some debate about whether cold stratification is necessary, it’s best to mimic nature if you’ve collected seed from a local wild plant. Leave the tray outside through the winter so the seeds experience a natural chilling period. Be sure to protect the tray from strong winds and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Do make sure, however, your seed tray is protected from any high winds, or extreme fluctuations in temperature. Make sure the soil remains moist, but not soaking. Germination should begin in spring as temperatures warm. When seedlings emerge, thin them out to keep the strongest. After a few months of growth, transplant the seedlings into four-inch pots filled with potting soil. You can move them into the garden in the fall, but keeping them in containers for another year will make it easier to monitor their progress. Cuttings Like many deciduous shrubs, hardy summersweet can be propagated from cuttings, particularly softwood cuttings taken in spring. This species roots most readily when young, pliable stems are harvested early in the season, before the leaves have fully unfurled. When timed right, rooting hormone typically isn’t necessary. To begin, prepare several four-inch pots with a mix of two-thirds potting soil and one-third sand. Since pepperbush appreciates consistent moisture, water the mix thoroughly until it’s damp to the touch. Fill each pot and gently tamp down the soil. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, snip four- to six-inch-long softwood cuttings from a healthy, mature shrub, making your cut just below a node or bud pair. Strip off all but the top set of leaves. Insert the lower two inches of each cutting into the prepared soil. To maintain humidity, cover each pot loosely with a clear plastic bag. This acts like a mini greenhouse, helping the soil stay moist and the air humid. Set the pots in a sheltered, brightly lit area outdoors, protected from wind and harsh sun. A covered patio or porch is ideal. If nighttime temperatures are still dipping below freezing, bring the pots indoors overnight. Roots typically develop in about six weeks. You’ll know rooting is successful when the cutting begins to produce new top growth and the leaves look fresh and green. At that point, you can remove the plastic and begin hardening off the young plants before transplanting them into the garden. Transplanting Planting nursery-grown transplants is by far the easiest way to establish hardy summersweet in your garden. Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil and at least six hours of sunlight per day. Dig a hole as deep and wide as the container your plant is currently growing in. Carefully remove the plant from its container, set it in the hole at the same height as it was in the pot. Water the root ball of the hardy summersweet before you fill in the hole to ensure the plant stays sufficiently hydrated. Fill in the hole, packing dirt firmly around the rootball. Then water again. If your soil drains quickly or tends to dry out, apply a one- to two-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Pests and Disease When planted in favorable conditions, hardy summersweet is as tough as they come, and virtually pest and disease free. Pests Pepperbush attracts a variety of beneficial insects, from butterflies and moths to beetles and wasps. For the most part, pest issues are rare. The one occasional nuisance is spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), particularly in plants under stress from drought, overcrowding, or poor air circulation. Early signs include tiny white or yellow stippling on the leaves, followed by bronzing, leaf drop, and fine webbing. To identify and manage infestations, read our guide to controlling spider mites. Disease Like many native species, hardy summersweet is virtually disease-free when grown in appropriate conditions. However, during unusually wet summers, it may develop leaf spot. This fungal condition causes dark, irregular patches to form on the foliage in mid to late summer. Though usually not harmful, severe cases may result in premature leaf drop. Remove and dispose of affected leaves in the trash or by burning. Avoid composting them, as this can spread fungal spores. Fragrant, Beautiful, and Easygoing Hardy summersweet doesn’t just tolerate the damp conditions where other shrubs falter, it thrives in them. Whether nestled along a stream bank or planted in a moist garden bed, this resilient native shrub offers a profusion of fragrant blooms just when most others are winding down for the season. If you’ve got a soggy or shaded area to fill, give pepperbush a try. With its stunning midsummer floral display and easygoing nature, it’s a standout addition to any garden. Are you growing hardy summersweet? Let us know in the comments section below! And to learn more about other native shrubs, check out these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Product photos via Nature Hills Nursery. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '176410929431717'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[ramestoryworld]

Clethra alnifolia If you’re looking for a flowering shrub that thrives in moist soil and delivers late-season interest, hardy summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is a top contender. Also known as sweet or coastal pepperbush and white alder, this low-maintenance native tolerates a variety of soils, performs well in partial shade, and erupts in a profusion of sweetly fragrant blooms during the dog days of summer. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Its upright, bottlebrush-shaped flowers are a magnet for pollinators, and once established, the plant requires little in the way of upkeep. Read on to find out more about growing this versatile North American shrub. Here’s what I’ll cover: A member of the Clethraceae family, summersweet is something of a botanical outlier. Ranging from southeastern Canada all the way south to Texas, C. alnifolia is the northernmost member of its family and the only Clethra species endemic to North America. For much of the year, this deciduous shrub blends into the background, its alternately arranged, serrated green leaves forming a dense screen. But come July or August, C. alnifolia transforms as it bursts into bloom, filling the air with a heady, honeyed perfume that you’ll likely smell before you see. The upright floral spikes, typically white to pale pink with prominent yellow stamens, are intensely fragrant, often described as cloying or even overpowering. But this intoxicating scent, combined with the buzz of bees and flutter of butterflies, makes summersweet a sensory showstopper few shrubs can match. The seed heads are gray skeins of many, small capsules filled with tiny, dark, dry seeds. Quick Look Common name(s): Hardy summersweet, coastal or sweet pepperbush, white alder Plant type: Deciduous shrub Hardiness (USDA Zone): 3-9 Native to: Eastern North America Bloom time / season: Mid to late summer (July-August) Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Soil type: Moist, loamy, well-draining Soil pH: 5.0-6.5, slightly acidic Time to maturity: 3-5 years Mature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide Best uses: Rain gardens, borders, hedges, naturalized areas, pond edges Taxonomy Order: Ericales Family: Clethraceae Genus: Clethra Species: Alnifolia Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet or pepperbush grows wild in woodland glades, thickets, pond edges, and riverside habitats. In the landscape, it is well-suited to wet, sunny locations like pond margins, streambanks, and rain gardens. In these conditions, the plant can reach its full potential, often growing up to eight feet tall and wide. Don’t have a water feature on your property? No problem. Summersweet also does well in consistently moist garden beds and is a wonderful choice for planting near patios or porches where you can enjoy its fragrance and the flurry of pollinator activity up close. Keep reading to learn how to get this native beauty established in your landscape. How to Grow The secret to cultivating hardy summersweet is really no secret at all. Find a spot that suits its needs, and this native shrub will largely take care of itself. Naturally found in moist, well-draining soils throughout its native range, C. alnifolia is happiest when consistently hydrated, but not waterlogged. While it thrives near ponds or streams, it doesn’t tolerate standing water for long periods. Think pond shore, not marsh; streamside, not bog. If you’re planting summersweet in a garden bed, you’ll need to water regularly, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to let the soil dry out completely. A one-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool in summer. Climate Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet is impressively cold-tolerant. In fact, it often produces more robust blooms following a cold winter. It also handles humid conditions well, which makes it an excellent candidate for southeastern gardens. Light Summersweet is very accommodating when it comes to light levels. While it will bloom most profusely in full sun, it only needs about six hours of direct light per day. In warmer parts of its hardness range, Zone 7 and above, summersweet will benefit from some afternoon shade. The dappled light along a partially shaded pond or stream is ideal. Soil This shrub isn’t fussy about soil texture and will grow in sandy, loamy, or even clay soils, as long as it remains moist but drains well. Pepperbush prefers acidic soil, with a pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.5, but will tolerate slightly more neutral conditions. Water Consistent moisture is key. Summersweet will tolerate brief dry periods once established, but it performs best when watered regularly. In garden settings with fast-draining soil, supplemental irrigation is often necessary. Fertilizing Summersweet generally doesn’t need fertilizer, particularly when grown in organically-rich, fertile soil. However, if growth appears sluggish or flowering is sparse, try top dressing with a couple inches of compost in the spring and summer. This boost of food will help encourage flowering. Alternatively you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if you prefer. Avoid formulas high in nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Cultivars to Select Hardy summersweet is generally quite easy to find at well stocked native plant nurseries. Many mainstream garden centers also carry a variety of cultivars, especially in midsummer when the shrubs are coming into bloom. Here are a few cultivars to look out for: Hummingbird Compact and dense, ‘Hummingbird’ is a compact cultivar that grows to just four feet tall and wide making it a good choice for smaller spaces or foundation plantings. ‘Hummingbird’ It retains all the charm of the species, with prolific midsummer blooms and a sweet, clove-like fragrance. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9. You can find plants available at Nature Hills Nursery. Ruby Spice The standout feature of ‘Ruby Spice’ is its vivid pink to purplish-pink flowers. ‘Ruby Spice’ This cultivar reaches about six feet tall and five feet wide and is ideal for hedges or back-of-border plantings. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9. You can find ‘Ruby Spice’ plants available via Nature Hills Nursery. Sugartina Neat, tidy, and petite, Sugartina® aka ‘Crystalina’ stays compact at just three feet tall and wide. Despite its small stature, this cultivar produces a profusion of fragrant white blooms in summer and works wonderfully in containers or tight garden spaces. Sugartina A solid pick for smaller landscapes or urban gardens in Zones 4 to 9. You can find Sugartina® plants available at Nature Hills. Maintenance If you’re growing hardy summersweet as a hedge or simply want a tidier look, a light pruning can help shape its naturally dense foliage. This species doesn’t mind a good haircut and will respond with vigorous growth. You can remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of year. For shaping or size control, prune in early spring before new leaves emerge, since summersweet blooms on new wood. Always clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a 10 percent bleach solution before you begin. Make your cuts at a slight angle to prevent water from pooling on the wound – this reduces the risk of fungal infections taking hold. Feel free to cut the shrub back to your desired height or silhouette. Just avoid removing more than 25 percent of the overall height in one session. Severe pruning can stress the plant and reduce its vigor, especially in the case of younger specimens. Propagation Hardy summersweet can be grown from seed, cuttings or planted as transplants. Growing from seed or cuttings can be challenging, but once established, these plants pretty much take care of themselves. From Seed Starting hardy summersweet from seed is fairly straightforward, but keep in mind that it can take three to five years before your seedlings grow into mature, self-sustaining shrubs. During that time, you’ll need to keep a close eye on weeds. Young summersweet shrubs don’t compete well. To grow pepperbush from seed, you have two options: either buy seed online, or collect your own from a wild plant. To harvest your own seed, wait until late fall when the shrub has dropped its leaves. The long seed heads should be dry and gray by then, with tiny, dark seeds inside. Collect them into a paper envelope or breathable bag, and sow as soon as possible. Fill a seed tray or flat with moistened potting soil. Scatter the seeds liberally across the surface, then cover them with a light layer of additional soil just enough to barely cover. Gently tamp the soil down with your palm. Move the tray to a bright, sheltered spot outdoors. While there’s some debate about whether cold stratification is necessary, it’s best to mimic nature if you’ve collected seed from a local wild plant. Leave the tray outside through the winter so the seeds experience a natural chilling period. Be sure to protect the tray from strong winds and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Do make sure, however, your seed tray is protected from any high winds, or extreme fluctuations in temperature. Make sure the soil remains moist, but not soaking. Germination should begin in spring as temperatures warm. When seedlings emerge, thin them out to keep the strongest. After a few months of growth, transplant the seedlings into four-inch pots filled with potting soil. You can move them into the garden in the fall, but keeping them in containers for another year will make it easier to monitor their progress. Cuttings Like many deciduous shrubs, hardy summersweet can be propagated from cuttings, particularly softwood cuttings taken in spring. This species roots most readily when young, pliable stems are harvested early in the season, before the leaves have fully unfurled. When timed right, rooting hormone typically isn’t necessary. To begin, prepare several four-inch pots with a mix of two-thirds potting soil and one-third sand. Since pepperbush appreciates consistent moisture, water the mix thoroughly until it’s damp to the touch. Fill each pot and gently tamp down the soil. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, snip four- to six-inch-long softwood cuttings from a healthy, mature shrub, making your cut just below a node or bud pair. Strip off all but the top set of leaves. Insert the lower two inches of each cutting into the prepared soil. To maintain humidity, cover each pot loosely with a clear plastic bag. This acts like a mini greenhouse, helping the soil stay moist and the air humid. Set the pots in a sheltered, brightly lit area outdoors, protected from wind and harsh sun. A covered patio or porch is ideal. If nighttime temperatures are still dipping below freezing, bring the pots indoors overnight. Roots typically develop in about six weeks. You’ll know rooting is successful when the cutting begins to produce new top growth and the leaves look fresh and green. At that point, you can remove the plastic and begin hardening off the young plants before transplanting them into the garden. Transplanting Planting nursery-grown transplants is by far the easiest way to establish hardy summersweet in your garden. Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil and at least six hours of sunlight per day. Dig a hole as deep and wide as the container your plant is currently growing in. Carefully remove the plant from its container, set it in the hole at the same height as it was in the pot. Water the root ball of the hardy summersweet before you fill in the hole to ensure the plant stays sufficiently hydrated. Fill in the hole, packing dirt firmly around the rootball. Then water again. If your soil drains quickly or tends to dry out, apply a one- to two-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Pests and Disease When planted in favorable conditions, hardy summersweet is as tough as they come, and virtually pest and disease free. Pests Pepperbush attracts a variety of beneficial insects, from butterflies and moths to beetles and wasps. For the most part, pest issues are rare. The one occasional nuisance is spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), particularly in plants under stress from drought, overcrowding, or poor air circulation. Early signs include tiny white or yellow stippling on the leaves, followed by bronzing, leaf drop, and fine webbing. To identify and manage infestations, read our guide to controlling spider mites. Disease Like many native species, hardy summersweet is virtually disease-free when grown in appropriate conditions. However, during unusually wet summers, it may develop leaf spot. This fungal condition causes dark, irregular patches to form on the foliage in mid to late summer. Though usually not harmful, severe cases may result in premature leaf drop. Remove and dispose of affected leaves in the trash or by burning. Avoid composting them, as this can spread fungal spores. Fragrant, Beautiful, and Easygoing Hardy summersweet doesn’t just tolerate the damp conditions where other shrubs falter, it thrives in them. Whether nestled along a stream bank or planted in a moist garden bed, this resilient native shrub offers a profusion of fragrant blooms just when most others are winding down for the season. If you’ve got a soggy or shaded area to fill, give pepperbush a try. With its stunning midsummer floral display and easygoing nature, it’s a standout addition to any garden. Are you growing hardy summersweet? Let us know in the comments section below! And to learn more about other native shrubs, check out these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Product photos via Nature Hills Nursery. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '176410929431717'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[alexha2210]

Clethra alnifolia If you’re looking for a flowering shrub that thrives in moist soil and delivers late-season interest, hardy summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is a top contender. Also known as sweet or coastal pepperbush and white alder, this low-maintenance native tolerates a variety of soils, performs well in partial shade, and erupts in a profusion of sweetly fragrant blooms during the dog days of summer. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Its upright, bottlebrush-shaped flowers are a magnet for pollinators, and once established, the plant requires little in the way of upkeep. Read on to find out more about growing this versatile North American shrub. Here’s what I���ll cover: A member of the Clethraceae family, summersweet is something of a botanical outlier. Ranging from southeastern Canada all the way south to Texas, C. alnifolia is the northernmost member of its family and the only Clethra species endemic to North America. For much of the year, this deciduous shrub blends into the background, its alternately arranged, serrated green leaves forming a dense screen. But come July or August, C. alnifolia transforms as it bursts into bloom, filling the air with a heady, honeyed perfume that you’ll likely smell before you see. The upright floral spikes, typically white to pale pink with prominent yellow stamens, are intensely fragrant, often described as cloying or even overpowering. But this intoxicating scent, combined with the buzz of bees and flutter of butterflies, makes summersweet a sensory showstopper few shrubs can match. The seed heads are gray skeins of many, small capsules filled with tiny, dark, dry seeds. Quick Look Common name(s): Hardy summersweet, coastal or sweet pepperbush, white alder Plant type: Deciduous shrub Hardiness (USDA Zone): 3-9 Native to: Eastern North America Bloom time / season: Mid to late summer (July-August) Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Soil type: Moist, loamy, well-draining Soil pH: 5.0-6.5, slightly acidic Time to maturity: 3-5 years Mature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide Best uses: Rain gardens, borders, hedges, naturalized areas, pond edges Taxonomy Order: Ericales Family: Clethraceae Genus: Clethra Species: Alnifolia Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet or pepperbush grows wild in woodland glades, thickets, pond edges, and riverside habitats. In the landscape, it is well-suited to wet, sunny locations like pond margins, streambanks, and rain gardens. In these conditions, the plant can reach its full potential, often growing up to eight feet tall and wide. Don’t have a water feature on your property? No problem. Summersweet also does well in consistently moist garden beds and is a wonderful choice for planting near patios or porches where you can enjoy its fragrance and the flurry of pollinator activity up close. Keep reading to learn how to get this native beauty established in your landscape. How to Grow The secret to cultivating hardy summersweet is really no secret at all. Find a spot that suits its needs, and this native shrub will largely take care of itself. Naturally found in moist, well-draining soils throughout its native range, C. alnifolia is happiest when consistently hydrated, but not waterlogged. While it thrives near ponds or streams, it doesn’t tolerate standing water for long periods. Think pond shore, not marsh; streamside, not bog. If you’re planting summersweet in a garden bed, you’ll need to water regularly, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to let the soil dry out completely. A one-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool in summer. Climate Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet is impressively cold-tolerant. In fact, it often produces more robust blooms following a cold winter. It also handles humid conditions well, which makes it an excellent candidate for southeastern gardens. Light Summersweet is very accommodating when it comes to light levels. While it will bloom most profusely in full sun, it only needs about six hours of direct light per day. In warmer parts of its hardness range, Zone 7 and above, summersweet will benefit from some afternoon shade. The dappled light along a partially shaded pond or stream is ideal. Soil This shrub isn’t fussy about soil texture and will grow in sandy, loamy, or even clay soils, as long as it remains moist but drains well. Pepperbush prefers acidic soil, with a pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.5, but will tolerate slightly more neutral conditions. Water Consistent moisture is key. Summersweet will tolerate brief dry periods once established, but it performs best when watered regularly. In garden settings with fast-draining soil, supplemental irrigation is often necessary. Fertilizing Summersweet generally doesn’t need fertilizer, particularly when grown in organically-rich, fertile soil. However, if growth appears sluggish or flowering is sparse, try top dressing with a couple inches of compost in the spring and summer. This boost of food will help encourage flowering. Alternatively you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if you prefer. Avoid formulas high in nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Cultivars to Select Hardy summersweet is generally quite easy to find at well stocked native plant nurseries. Many mainstream garden centers also carry a variety of cultivars, especially in midsummer when the shrubs are coming into bloom. Here are a few cultivars to look out for: Hummingbird Compact and dense, ‘Hummingbird’ is a compact cultivar that grows to just four feet tall and wide making it a good choice for smaller spaces or foundation plantings. ‘Hummingbird’ It retains all the charm of the species, with prolific midsummer blooms and a sweet, clove-like fragrance. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9. You can find plants available at Nature Hills Nursery. Ruby Spice The standout feature of ‘Ruby Spice’ is its vivid pink to purplish-pink flowers. ‘Ruby Spice’ This cultivar reaches about six feet tall and five feet wide and is ideal for hedges or back-of-border plantings. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9. You can find ‘Ruby Spice’ plants available via Nature Hills Nursery. Sugartina Neat, tidy, and petite, Sugartina® aka ‘Crystalina’ stays compact at just three feet tall and wide. Despite its small stature, this cultivar produces a profusion of fragrant white blooms in summer and works wonderfully in containers or tight garden spaces. Sugartina A solid pick for smaller landscapes or urban gardens in Zones 4 to 9. You can find Sugartina® plants available at Nature Hills. Maintenance If you’re growing hardy summersweet as a hedge or simply want a tidier look, a light pruning can help shape its naturally dense foliage. This species doesn’t mind a good haircut and will respond with vigorous growth. You can remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of year. For shaping or size control, prune in early spring before new leaves emerge, since summersweet blooms on new wood. Always clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a 10 percent bleach solution before you begin. Make your cuts at a slight angle to prevent water from pooling on the wound – this reduces the risk of fungal infections taking hold. Feel free to cut the shrub back to your desired height or silhouette. Just avoid removing more than 25 percent of the overall height in one session. Severe pruning can stress the plant and reduce its vigor, especially in the case of younger specimens. Propagation Hardy summersweet can be grown from seed, cuttings or planted as transplants. Growing from seed or cuttings can be challenging, but once established, these plants pretty much take care of themselves. From Seed Starting hardy summersweet from seed is fairly straightforward, but keep in mind that it can take three to five years before your seedlings grow into mature, self-sustaining shrubs. During that time, you’ll need to keep a close eye on weeds. Young summersweet shrubs don’t compete well. To grow pepperbush from seed, you have two options: either buy seed online, or collect your own from a wild plant. To harvest your own seed, wait until late fall when the shrub has dropped its leaves. The long seed heads should be dry and gray by then, with tiny, dark seeds inside. Collect them into a paper envelope or breathable bag, and sow as soon as possible. Fill a seed tray or flat with moistened potting soil. Scatter the seeds liberally across the surface, then cover them with a light layer of additional soil just enough to barely cover. Gently tamp the soil down with your palm. Move the tray to a bright, sheltered spot outdoors. While there’s some debate about whether cold stratification is necessary, it’s best to mimic nature if you’ve collected seed from a local wild plant. Leave the tray outside through the winter so the seeds experience a natural chilling period. Be sure to protect the tray from strong winds and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Do make sure, however, your seed tray is protected from any high winds, or extreme fluctuations in temperature. Make sure the soil remains moist, but not soaking. Germination should begin in spring as temperatures warm. When seedlings emerge, thin them out to keep the strongest. After a few months of growth, transplant the seedlings into four-inch pots filled with potting soil. You can move them into the garden in the fall, but keeping them in containers for another year will make it easier to monitor their progress. Cuttings Like many deciduous shrubs, hardy summersweet can be propagated from cuttings, particularly softwood cuttings taken in spring. This species roots most readily when young, pliable stems are harvested early in the season, before the leaves have fully unfurled. When timed right, rooting hormone typically isn’t necessary. To begin, prepare several four-inch pots with a mix of two-thirds potting soil and one-third sand. Since pepperbush appreciates consistent moisture, water the mix thoroughly until it’s damp to the touch. Fill each pot and gently tamp down the soil. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, snip four- to six-inch-long softwood cuttings from a healthy, mature shrub, making your cut just below a node or bud pair. Strip off all but the top set of leaves. Insert the lower two inches of each cutting into the prepared soil. To maintain humidity, cover each pot loosely with a clear plastic bag. This acts like a mini greenhouse, helping the soil stay moist and the air humid. Set the pots in a sheltered, brightly lit area outdoors, protected from wind and harsh sun. A covered patio or porch is ideal. If nighttime temperatures are still dipping below freezing, bring the pots indoors overnight. Roots typically develop in about six weeks. You’ll know rooting is successful when the cutting begins to produce new top growth and the leaves look fresh and green. At that point, you can remove the plastic and begin hardening off the young plants before transplanting them into the garden. Transplanting Planting nursery-grown transplants is by far the easiest way to establish hardy summersweet in your garden. Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil and at least six hours of sunlight per day. Dig a hole as deep and wide as the container your plant is currently growing in. Carefully remove the plant from its container, set it in the hole at the same height as it was in the pot. Water the root ball of the hardy summersweet before you fill in the hole to ensure the plant stays sufficiently hydrated. Fill in the hole, packing dirt firmly around the rootball. Then water again. If your soil drains quickly or tends to dry out, apply a one- to two-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Pests and Disease When planted in favorable conditions, hardy summersweet is as tough as they come, and virtually pest and disease free. Pests Pepperbush attracts a variety of beneficial insects, from butterflies and moths to beetles and wasps. For the most part, pest issues are rare. The one occasional nuisance is spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), particularly in plants under stress from drought, overcrowding, or poor air circulation. Early signs include tiny white or yellow stippling on the leaves, followed by bronzing, leaf drop, and fine webbing. To identify and manage infestations, read our guide to controlling spider mites. Disease Like many native species, hardy summersweet is virtually disease-free when grown in appropriate conditions. However, during unusually wet summers, it may develop leaf spot. This fungal condition causes dark, irregular patches to form on the foliage in mid to late summer. Though usually not harmful, severe cases may result in premature leaf drop. Remove and dispose of affected leaves in the trash or by burning. Avoid composting them, as this can spread fungal spores. Fragrant, Beautiful, and Easygoing Hardy summersweet doesn’t just tolerate the damp conditions where other shrubs falter, it thrives in them. Whether nestled along a stream bank or planted in a moist garden bed, this resilient native shrub offers a profusion of fragrant blooms just when most others are winding down for the season. If you’ve got a soggy or shaded area to fill, give pepperbush a try. With its stunning midsummer floral display and easygoing nature, it’s a standout addition to any garden. Are you growing hardy summersweet? Let us know in the comments section below! And to learn more about other native shrubs, check out these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Product photos via Nature Hills Nursery. 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[angusstory]

Clethra alnifolia If you’re looking for a flowering shrub that thrives in moist soil and delivers late-season interest, hardy summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is a top contender. Also known as sweet or coastal pepperbush and white alder, this low-maintenance native tolerates a variety of soils, performs well in partial shade, and erupts in a profusion of sweetly fragrant blooms during the dog days of summer. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Its upright, bottlebrush-shaped flowers are a magnet for pollinators, and once established, the plant requires little in the way of upkeep. Read on to find out more about growing this versatile North American shrub. Here’s what I’ll cover: A member of the Clethraceae family, summersweet is something of a botanical outlier. Ranging from southeastern Canada all the way south to Texas, C. alnifolia is the northernmost member of its family and the only Clethra species endemic to North America. For much of the year, this deciduous shrub blends into the background, its alternately arranged, serrated green leaves forming a dense screen. But come July or August, C. alnifolia transforms as it bursts into bloom, filling the air with a heady, honeyed perfume that you’ll likely smell before you see. The upright floral spikes, typically white to pale pink with prominent yellow stamens, are intensely fragrant, often described as cloying or even overpowering. But this intoxicating scent, combined with the buzz of bees and flutter of butterflies, makes summersweet a sensory showstopper few shrubs can match. The seed heads are gray skeins of many, small capsules filled with tiny, dark, dry seeds. Quick Look Common name(s): Hardy summersweet, coastal or sweet pepperbush, white alder Plant type: Deciduous shrub Hardiness (USDA Zone): 3-9 Native to: Eastern North America Bloom time / season: Mid to late summer (July-August) Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Soil type: Moist, loamy, well-draining Soil pH: 5.0-6.5, slightly acidic Time to maturity: 3-5 years Mature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide Best uses: Rain gardens, borders, hedges, naturalized areas, pond edges Taxonomy Order: Ericales Family: Clethraceae Genus: Clethra Species: Alnifolia Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet or pepperbush grows wild in woodland glades, thickets, pond edges, and riverside habitats. In the landscape, it is well-suited to wet, sunny locations like pond margins, streambanks, and rain gardens. In these conditions, the plant can reach its full potential, often growing up to eight feet tall and wide. Don’t have a water feature on your property? No problem. Summersweet also does well in consistently moist garden beds and is a wonderful choice for planting near patios or porches where you can enjoy its fragrance and the flurry of pollinator activity up close. Keep reading to learn how to get this native beauty established in your landscape. How to Grow The secret to cultivating hardy summersweet is really no secret at all. Find a spot that suits its needs, and this native shrub will largely take care of itself. Naturally found in moist, well-draining soils throughout its native range, C. alnifolia is happiest when consistently hydrated, but not waterlogged. While it thrives near ponds or streams, it doesn’t tolerate standing water for long periods. Think pond shore, not marsh; streamside, not bog. If you’re planting summersweet in a garden bed, you’ll need to water regularly, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to let the soil dry out completely. A one-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool in summer. Climate Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet is impressively cold-tolerant. In fact, it often produces more robust blooms following a cold winter. It also handles humid conditions well, which makes it an excellent candidate for southeastern gardens. Light Summersweet is very accommodating when it comes to light levels. While it will bloom most profusely in full sun, it only needs about six hours of direct light per day. In warmer parts of its hardness range, Zone 7 and above, summersweet will benefit from some afternoon shade. The dappled light along a partially shaded pond or stream is ideal. Soil This shrub isn’t fussy about soil texture and will grow in sandy, loamy, or even clay soils, as long as it remains moist but drains well. Pepperbush prefers acidic soil, with a pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.5, but will tolerate slightly more neutral conditions. Water Consistent moisture is key. Summersweet will tolerate brief dry periods once established, but it performs best when watered regularly. In garden settings with fast-draining soil, supplemental irrigation is often necessary. Fertilizing Summersweet generally doesn’t need fertilizer, particularly when grown in organically-rich, fertile soil. However, if growth appears sluggish or flowering is sparse, try top dressing with a couple inches of compost in the spring and summer. This boost of food will help encourage flowering. Alternatively you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if you prefer. Avoid formulas high in nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Cultivars to Select Hardy summersweet is generally quite easy to find at well stocked native plant nurseries. Many mainstream garden centers also carry a variety of cultivars, especially in midsummer when the shrubs are coming into bloom. Here are a few cultivars to look out for: Hummingbird Compact and dense, ‘Hummingbird’ is a compact cultivar that grows to just four feet tall and wide making it a good choice for smaller spaces or foundation plantings. ‘Hummingbird’ It retains all the charm of the species, with prolific midsummer blooms and a sweet, clove-like fragrance. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9. You can find plants available at Nature Hills Nursery. Ruby Spice The standout feature of ‘Ruby Spice’ is its vivid pink to purplish-pink flowers. ‘Ruby Spice’ This cultivar reaches about six feet tall and five feet wide and is ideal for hedges or back-of-border plantings. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9. You can find ‘Ruby Spice’ plants available via Nature Hills Nursery. Sugartina Neat, tidy, and petite, Sugartina® aka ‘Crystalina’ stays compact at just three feet tall and wide. Despite its small stature, this cultivar produces a profusion of fragrant white blooms in summer and works wonderfully in containers or tight garden spaces. Sugartina A solid pick for smaller landscapes or urban gardens in Zones 4 to 9. You can find Sugartina® plants available at Nature Hills. Maintenance If you’re growing hardy summersweet as a hedge or simply want a tidier look, a light pruning can help shape its naturally dense foliage. This species doesn’t mind a good haircut and will respond with vigorous growth. You can remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of year. For shaping or size control, prune in early spring before new leaves emerge, since summersweet blooms on new wood. Always clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a 10 percent bleach solution before you begin. Make your cuts at a slight angle to prevent water from pooling on the wound – this reduces the risk of fungal infections taking hold. Feel free to cut the shrub back to your desired height or silhouette. Just avoid removing more than 25 percent of the overall height in one session. Severe pruning can stress the plant and reduce its vigor, especially in the case of younger specimens. Propagation Hardy summersweet can be grown from seed, cuttings or planted as transplants. Growing from seed or cuttings can be challenging, but once established, these plants pretty much take care of themselves. From Seed Starting hardy summersweet from seed is fairly straightforward, but keep in mind that it can take three to five years before your seedlings grow into mature, self-sustaining shrubs. During that time, you’ll need to keep a close eye on weeds. Young summersweet shrubs don’t compete well. To grow pepperbush from seed, you have two options: either buy seed online, or collect your own from a wild plant. To harvest your own seed, wait until late fall when the shrub has dropped its leaves. The long seed heads should be dry and gray by then, with tiny, dark seeds inside. Collect them into a paper envelope or breathable bag, and sow as soon as possible. Fill a seed tray or flat with moistened potting soil. Scatter the seeds liberally across the surface, then cover them with a light layer of additional soil just enough to barely cover. Gently tamp the soil down with your palm. Move the tray to a bright, sheltered spot outdoors. While there’s some debate about whether cold stratification is necessary, it’s best to mimic nature if you’ve collected seed from a local wild plant. Leave the tray outside through the winter so the seeds experience a natural chilling period. Be sure to protect the tray from strong winds and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Do make sure, however, your seed tray is protected from any high winds, or extreme fluctuations in temperature. Make sure the soil remains moist, but not soaking. Germination should begin in spring as temperatures warm. When seedlings emerge, thin them out to keep the strongest. After a few months of growth, transplant the seedlings into four-inch pots filled with potting soil. You can move them into the garden in the fall, but keeping them in containers for another year will make it easier to monitor their progress. Cuttings Like many deciduous shrubs, hardy summersweet can be propagated from cuttings, particularly softwood cuttings taken in spring. This species roots most readily when young, pliable stems are harvested early in the season, before the leaves have fully unfurled. When timed right, rooting hormone typically isn’t necessary. To begin, prepare several four-inch pots with a mix of two-thirds potting soil and one-third sand. Since pepperbush appreciates consistent moisture, water the mix thoroughly until it’s damp to the touch. Fill each pot and gently tamp down the soil. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, snip four- to six-inch-long softwood cuttings from a healthy, mature shrub, making your cut just below a node or bud pair. Strip off all but the top set of leaves. Insert the lower two inches of each cutting into the prepared soil. To maintain humidity, cover each pot loosely with a clear plastic bag. This acts like a mini greenhouse, helping the soil stay moist and the air humid. Set the pots in a sheltered, brightly lit area outdoors, protected from wind and harsh sun. A covered patio or porch is ideal. If nighttime temperatures are still dipping below freezing, bring the pots indoors overnight. Roots typically develop in about six weeks. You’ll know rooting is successful when the cutting begins to produce new top growth and the leaves look fresh and green. At that point, you can remove the plastic and begin hardening off the young plants before transplanting them into the garden. Transplanting Planting nursery-grown transplants is by far the easiest way to establish hardy summersweet in your garden. Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil and at least six hours of sunlight per day. Dig a hole as deep and wide as the container your plant is currently growing in. Carefully remove the plant from its container, set it in the hole at the same height as it was in the pot. Water the root ball of the hardy summersweet before you fill in the hole to ensure the plant stays sufficiently hydrated. Fill in the hole, packing dirt firmly around the rootball. Then water again. If your soil drains quickly or tends to dry out, apply a one- to two-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Pests and Disease When planted in favorable conditions, hardy summersweet is as tough as they come, and virtually pest and disease free. Pests Pepperbush attracts a variety of beneficial insects, from butterflies and moths to beetles and wasps. For the most part, pest issues are rare. The one occasional nuisance is spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), particularly in plants under stress from drought, overcrowding, or poor air circulation. Early signs include tiny white or yellow stippling on the leaves, followed by bronzing, leaf drop, and fine webbing. To identify and manage infestations, read our guide to controlling spider mites. Disease Like many native species, hardy summersweet is virtually disease-free when grown in appropriate conditions. However, during unusually wet summers, it may develop leaf spot. This fungal condition causes dark, irregular patches to form on the foliage in mid to late summer. Though usually not harmful, severe cases may result in premature leaf drop. Remove and dispose of affected leaves in the trash or by burning. Avoid composting them, as this can spread fungal spores. Fragrant, Beautiful, and Easygoing Hardy summersweet doesn’t just tolerate the damp conditions where other shrubs falter, it thrives in them. Whether nestled along a stream bank or planted in a moist garden bed, this resilient native shrub offers a profusion of fragrant blooms just when most others are winding down for the season. If you’ve got a soggy or shaded area to fill, give pepperbush a try. With its stunning midsummer floral display and easygoing nature, it’s a standout addition to any garden. Are you growing hardy summersweet? Let us know in the comments section below! And to learn more about other native shrubs, check out these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Product photos via Nature Hills Nursery. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '176410929431717'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[tumibaba]

Clethra alnifolia If you’re looking for a flowering shrub that thrives in moist soil and delivers late-season interest, hardy summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is a top contender. Also known as sweet or coastal pepperbush and white alder, this low-maintenance native tolerates a variety of soils, performs well in partial shade, and erupts in a profusion of sweetly fragrant blooms during the dog days of summer. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Its upright, bottlebrush-shaped flowers are a magnet for pollinators, and once established, the plant requires little in the way of upkeep. Read on to find out more about growing this versatile North American shrub. Here’s what I’ll cover: A member of the Clethraceae family, summersweet is something of a botanical outlier. Ranging from southeastern Canada all the way south to Texas, C. alnifolia is the northernmost member of its family and the only Clethra species endemic to North America. For much of the year, this deciduous shrub blends into the background, its alternately arranged, serrated green leaves forming a dense screen. But come July or August, C. alnifolia transforms as it bursts into bloom, filling the air with a heady, honeyed perfume that you’ll likely smell before you see. The upright floral spikes, typically white to pale pink with prominent yellow stamens, are intensely fragrant, often described as cloying or even overpowering. But this intoxicating scent, combined with the buzz of bees and flutter of butterflies, makes summersweet a sensory showstopper few shrubs can match. The seed heads are gray skeins of many, small capsules filled with tiny, dark, dry seeds. Quick Look Common name(s): Hardy summersweet, coastal or sweet pepperbush, white alder Plant type: Deciduous shrub Hardiness (USDA Zone): 3-9 Native to: Eastern North America Bloom time / season: Mid to late summer (July-August) Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Soil type: Moist, loamy, well-draining Soil pH: 5.0-6.5, slightly acidic Time to maturity: 3-5 years Mature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide Best uses: Rain gardens, borders, hedges, naturalized areas, pond edges Taxonomy Order: Ericales Family: Clethraceae Genus: Clethra Species: Alnifolia Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet or pepperbush grows wild in woodland glades, thickets, pond edges, and riverside habitats. In the landscape, it is well-suited to wet, sunny locations like pond margins, streambanks, and rain gardens. In these conditions, the plant can reach its full potential, often growing up to eight feet tall and wide. Don’t have a water feature on your property? No problem. Summersweet also does well in consistently moist garden beds and is a wonderful choice for planting near patios or porches where you can enjoy its fragrance and the flurry of pollinator activity up close. Keep reading to learn how to get this native beauty established in your landscape. How to Grow The secret to cultivating hardy summersweet is really no secret at all. Find a spot that suits its needs, and this native shrub will largely take care of itself. Naturally found in moist, well-draining soils throughout its native range, C. alnifolia is happiest when consistently hydrated, but not waterlogged. While it thrives near ponds or streams, it doesn’t tolerate standing water for long periods. Think pond shore, not marsh; streamside, not bog. If you’re planting summersweet in a garden bed, you’ll need to water regularly, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to let the soil dry out completely. A one-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool in summer. Climate Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet is impressively cold-tolerant. In fact, it often produces more robust blooms following a cold winter. It also handles humid conditions well, which makes it an excellent candidate for southeastern gardens. Light Summersweet is very accommodating when it comes to light levels. While it will bloom most profusely in full sun, it only needs about six hours of direct light per day. In warmer parts of its hardness range, Zone 7 and above, summersweet will benefit from some afternoon shade. The dappled light along a partially shaded pond or stream is ideal. Soil This shrub isn’t fussy about soil texture and will grow in sandy, loamy, or even clay soils, as long as it remains moist but drains well. Pepperbush prefers acidic soil, with a pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.5, but will tolerate slightly more neutral conditions. Water Consistent moisture is key. Summersweet will tolerate brief dry periods once established, but it performs best when watered regularly. In garden settings with fast-draining soil, supplemental irrigation is often necessary. Fertilizing Summersweet generally doesn’t need fertilizer, particularly when grown in organically-rich, fertile soil. However, if growth appears sluggish or flowering is sparse, try top dressing with a couple inches of compost in the spring and summer. This boost of food will help encourage flowering. Alternatively you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if you prefer. Avoid formulas high in nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Cultivars to Select Hardy summersweet is generally quite easy to find at well stocked native plant nurseries. Many mainstream garden centers also carry a variety of cultivars, especially in midsummer when the shrubs are coming into bloom. Here are a few cultivars to look out for: Hummingbird Compact and dense, ‘Hummingbird’ is a compact cultivar that grows to just four feet tall and wide making it a good choice for smaller spaces or foundation plantings. ‘Hummingbird’ It retains all the charm of the species, with prolific midsummer blooms and a sweet, clove-like fragrance. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9. You can find plants available at Nature Hills Nursery. Ruby Spice The standout feature of ‘Ruby Spice’ is its vivid pink to purplish-pink flowers. ‘Ruby Spice’ This cultivar reaches about six feet tall and five feet wide and is ideal for hedges or back-of-border plantings. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9. You can find ‘Ruby Spice’ plants available via Nature Hills Nursery. Sugartina Neat, tidy, and petite, Sugartina® aka ‘Crystalina’ stays compact at just three feet tall and wide. Despite its small stature, this cultivar produces a profusion of fragrant white blooms in summer and works wonderfully in containers or tight garden spaces. Sugartina A solid pick for smaller landscapes or urban gardens in Zones 4 to 9. You can find Sugartina® plants available at Nature Hills. Maintenance If you’re growing hardy summersweet as a hedge or simply want a tidier look, a light pruning can help shape its naturally dense foliage. This species doesn’t mind a good haircut and will respond with vigorous growth. You can remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of year. For shaping or size control, prune in early spring before new leaves emerge, since summersweet blooms on new wood. Always clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a 10 percent bleach solution before you begin. Make your cuts at a slight angle to prevent water from pooling on the wound – this reduces the risk of fungal infections taking hold. Feel free to cut the shrub back to your desired height or silhouette. Just avoid removing more than 25 percent of the overall height in one session. Severe pruning can stress the plant and reduce its vigor, especially in the case of younger specimens. Propagation Hardy summersweet can be grown from seed, cuttings or planted as transplants. Growing from seed or cuttings can be challenging, but once established, these plants pretty much take care of themselves. From Seed Starting hardy summersweet from seed is fairly straightforward, but keep in mind that it can take three to five years before your seedlings grow into mature, self-sustaining shrubs. During that time, you’ll need to keep a close eye on weeds. Young summersweet shrubs don’t compete well. To grow pepperbush from seed, you have two options: either buy seed online, or collect your own from a wild plant. To harvest your own seed, wait until late fall when the shrub has dropped its leaves. The long seed heads should be dry and gray by then, with tiny, dark seeds inside. Collect them into a paper envelope or breathable bag, and sow as soon as possible. Fill a seed tray or flat with moistened potting soil. Scatter the seeds liberally across the surface, then cover them with a light layer of additional soil just enough to barely cover. Gently tamp the soil down with your palm. Move the tray to a bright, sheltered spot outdoors. While there’s some debate about whether cold stratification is necessary, it’s best to mimic nature if you’ve collected seed from a local wild plant. Leave the tray outside through the winter so the seeds experience a natural chilling period. Be sure to protect the tray from strong winds and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Do make sure, however, your seed tray is protected from any high winds, or extreme fluctuations in temperature. Make sure the soil remains moist, but not soaking. Germination should begin in spring as temperatures warm. When seedlings emerge, thin them out to keep the strongest. After a few months of growth, transplant the seedlings into four-inch pots filled with potting soil. You can move them into the garden in the fall, but keeping them in containers for another year will make it easier to monitor their progress. Cuttings Like many deciduous shrubs, hardy summersweet can be propagated from cuttings, particularly softwood cuttings taken in spring. This species roots most readily when young, pliable stems are harvested early in the season, before the leaves have fully unfurled. When timed right, rooting hormone typically isn’t necessary. To begin, prepare several four-inch pots with a mix of two-thirds potting soil and one-third sand. Since pepperbush appreciates consistent moisture, water the mix thoroughly until it’s damp to the touch. Fill each pot and gently tamp down the soil. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, snip four- to six-inch-long softwood cuttings from a healthy, mature shrub, making your cut just below a node or bud pair. Strip off all but the top set of leaves. Insert the lower two inches of each cutting into the prepared soil. To maintain humidity, cover each pot loosely with a clear plastic bag. This acts like a mini greenhouse, helping the soil stay moist and the air humid. Set the pots in a sheltered, brightly lit area outdoors, protected from wind and harsh sun. A covered patio or porch is ideal. If nighttime temperatures are still dipping below freezing, bring the pots indoors overnight. Roots typically develop in about six weeks. You’ll know rooting is successful when the cutting begins to produce new top growth and the leaves look fresh and green. At that point, you can remove the plastic and begin hardening off the young plants before transplanting them into the garden. Transplanting Planting nursery-grown transplants is by far the easiest way to establish hardy summersweet in your garden. Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil and at least six hours of sunlight per day. Dig a hole as deep and wide as the container your plant is currently growing in. Carefully remove the plant from its container, set it in the hole at the same height as it was in the pot. Water the root ball of the hardy summersweet before you fill in the hole to ensure the plant stays sufficiently hydrated. Fill in the hole, packing dirt firmly around the rootball. Then water again. If your soil drains quickly or tends to dry out, apply a one- to two-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Pests and Disease When planted in favorable conditions, hardy summersweet is as tough as they come, and virtually pest and disease free. Pests Pepperbush attracts a variety of beneficial insects, from butterflies and moths to beetles and wasps. For the most part, pest issues are rare. The one occasional nuisance is spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), particularly in plants under stress from drought, overcrowding, or poor air circulation. Early signs include tiny white or yellow stippling on the leaves, followed by bronzing, leaf drop, and fine webbing. To identify and manage infestations, read our guide to controlling spider mites. Disease Like many native species, hardy summersweet is virtually disease-free when grown in appropriate conditions. However, during unusually wet summers, it may develop leaf spot. This fungal condition causes dark, irregular patches to form on the foliage in mid to late summer. Though usually not harmful, severe cases may result in premature leaf drop. Remove and dispose of affected leaves in the trash or by burning. Avoid composting them, as this can spread fungal spores. Fragrant, Beautiful, and Easygoing Hardy summersweet doesn’t just tolerate the damp conditions where other shrubs falter, it thrives in them. Whether nestled along a stream bank or planted in a moist garden bed, this resilient native shrub offers a profusion of fragrant blooms just when most others are winding down for the season. If you’ve got a soggy or shaded area to fill, give pepperbush a try. With its stunning midsummer floral display and easygoing nature, it’s a standout addition to any garden. Are you growing hardy summersweet? Let us know in the comments section below! And to learn more about other native shrubs, check out these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Product photos via Nature Hills Nursery. 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[romaleen]

Clethra alnifolia If you’re looking for a flowering shrub that thrives in moist soil and delivers late-season interest, hardy summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is a top contender. Also known as sweet or coastal pepperbush and white alder, this low-maintenance native tolerates a variety of soils, performs well in partial shade, and erupts in a profusion of sweetly fragrant blooms during the dog days of summer. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Its upright, bottlebrush-shaped flowers are a magnet for pollinators, and once established, the plant requires little in the way of upkeep. Read on to find out more about growing this versatile North American shrub. Here’s what I’ll cover: A member of the Clethraceae family, summersweet is something of a botanical outlier. Ranging from southeastern Canada all the way south to Texas, C. alnifolia is the northernmost member of its family and the only Clethra species endemic to North America. For much of the year, this deciduous shrub blends into the background, its alternately arranged, serrated green leaves forming a dense screen. But come July or August, C. alnifolia transforms as it bursts into bloom, filling the air with a heady, honeyed perfume that you’ll likely smell before you see. The upright floral spikes, typically white to pale pink with prominent yellow stamens, are intensely fragrant, often described as cloying or even overpowering. But this intoxicating scent, combined with the buzz of bees and flutter of butterflies, makes summersweet a sensory showstopper few shrubs can match. The seed heads are gray skeins of many, small capsules filled with tiny, dark, dry seeds. Quick Look Common name(s): Hardy summersweet, coastal or sweet pepperbush, white alder Plant type: Deciduous shrub Hardiness (USDA Zone): 3-9 Native to: Eastern North America Bloom time / season: Mid to late summer (July-August) Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Soil type: Moist, loamy, well-draining Soil pH: 5.0-6.5, slightly acidic Time to maturity: 3-5 years Mature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide Best uses: Rain gardens, borders, hedges, naturalized areas, pond edges Taxonomy Order: Ericales Family: Clethraceae Genus: Clethra Species: Alnifolia Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet or pepperbush grows wild in woodland glades, thickets, pond edges, and riverside habitats. In the landscape, it is well-suited to wet, sunny locations like pond margins, streambanks, and rain gardens. In these conditions, the plant can reach its full potential, often growing up to eight feet tall and wide. Don’t have a water feature on your property? No problem. Summersweet also does well in consistently moist garden beds and is a wonderful choice for planting near patios or porches where you can enjoy its fragrance and the flurry of pollinator activity up close. Keep reading to learn how to get this native beauty established in your landscape. How to Grow The secret to cultivating hardy summersweet is really no secret at all. Find a spot that suits its needs, and this native shrub will largely take care of itself. Naturally found in moist, well-draining soils throughout its native range, C. alnifolia is happiest when consistently hydrated, but not waterlogged. While it thrives near ponds or streams, it doesn’t tolerate standing water for long periods. Think pond shore, not marsh; streamside, not bog. If you’re planting summersweet in a garden bed, you’ll need to water regularly, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to let the soil dry out completely. A one-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool in summer. Climate Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, summersweet is impressively cold-tolerant. In fact, it often produces more robust blooms following a cold winter. It also handles humid conditions well, which makes it an excellent candidate for southeastern gardens. Light Summersweet is very accommodating when it comes to light levels. While it will bloom most profusely in full sun, it only needs about six hours of direct light per day. In warmer parts of its hardness range, Zone 7 and above, summersweet will benefit from some afternoon shade. The dappled light along a partially shaded pond or stream is ideal. Soil This shrub isn’t fussy about soil texture and will grow in sandy, loamy, or even clay soils, as long as it remains moist but drains well. Pepperbush prefers acidic soil, with a pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.5, but will tolerate slightly more neutral conditions. Water Consistent moisture is key. Summersweet will tolerate brief dry periods once established, but it performs best when watered regularly. In garden settings with fast-draining soil, supplemental irrigation is often necessary. Fertilizing Summersweet generally doesn’t need fertilizer, particularly when grown in organically-rich, fertile soil. However, if growth appears sluggish or flowering is sparse, try top dressing with a couple inches of compost in the spring and summer. This boost of food will help encourage flowering. Alternatively you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if you prefer. Avoid formulas high in nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Cultivars to Select Hardy summersweet is generally quite easy to find at well stocked native plant nurseries. Many mainstream garden centers also carry a variety of cultivars, especially in midsummer when the shrubs are coming into bloom. Here are a few cultivars to look out for: Hummingbird Compact and dense, ‘Hummingbird’ is a compact cultivar that grows to just four feet tall and wide making it a good choice for smaller spaces or foundation plantings. ‘Hummingbird’ It retains all the charm of the species, with prolific midsummer blooms and a sweet, clove-like fragrance. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9. You can find plants available at Nature Hills Nursery. Ruby Spice The standout feature of ‘Ruby Spice’ is its vivid pink to purplish-pink flowers. ‘Ruby Spice’ This cultivar reaches about six feet tall and five feet wide and is ideal for hedges or back-of-border plantings. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9. You can find ‘Ruby Spice’ plants available via Nature Hills Nursery. Sugartina Neat, tidy, and petite, Sugartina® aka ‘Crystalina’ stays compact at just three feet tall and wide. Despite its small stature, this cultivar produces a profusion of fragrant white blooms in summer and works wonderfully in containers or tight garden spaces. Sugartina A solid pick for smaller landscapes or urban gardens in Zones 4 to 9. You can find Sugartina® plants available at Nature Hills. Maintenance If you’re growing hardy summersweet as a hedge or simply want a tidier look, a light pruning can help shape its naturally dense foliage. This species doesn’t mind a good haircut and will respond with vigorous growth. You can remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time of year. For shaping or size control, prune in early spring before new leaves emerge, since summersweet blooms on new wood. Always clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a 10 percent bleach solution before you begin. Make your cuts at a slight angle to prevent water from pooling on the wound – this reduces the risk of fungal infections taking hold. Feel free to cut the shrub back to your desired height or silhouette. Just avoid removing more than 25 percent of the overall height in one session. Severe pruning can stress the plant and reduce its vigor, especially in the case of younger specimens. Propagation Hardy summersweet can be grown from seed, cuttings or planted as transplants. Growing from seed or cuttings can be challenging, but once established, these plants pretty much take care of themselves. From Seed Starting hardy summersweet from seed is fairly straightforward, but keep in mind that it can take three to five years before your seedlings grow into mature, self-sustaining shrubs. During that time, you’ll need to keep a close eye on weeds. Young summersweet shrubs don’t compete well. To grow pepperbush from seed, you have two options: either buy seed online, or collect your own from a wild plant. To harvest your own seed, wait until late fall when the shrub has dropped its leaves. The long seed heads should be dry and gray by then, with tiny, dark seeds inside. Collect them into a paper envelope or breathable bag, and sow as soon as possible. Fill a seed tray or flat with moistened potting soil. Scatter the seeds liberally across the surface, then cover them with a light layer of additional soil just enough to barely cover. Gently tamp the soil down with your palm. Move the tray to a bright, sheltered spot outdoors. While there’s some debate about whether cold stratification is necessary, it’s best to mimic nature if you’ve collected seed from a local wild plant. Leave the tray outside through the winter so the seeds experience a natural chilling period. Be sure to protect the tray from strong winds and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Do make sure, however, your seed tray is protected from any high winds, or extreme fluctuations in temperature. Make sure the soil remains moist, but not soaking. Germination should begin in spring as temperatures warm. When seedlings emerge, thin them out to keep the strongest. After a few months of growth, transplant the seedlings into four-inch pots filled with potting soil. You can move them into the garden in the fall, but keeping them in containers for another year will make it easier to monitor their progress. Cuttings Like many deciduous shrubs, hardy summersweet can be propagated from cuttings, particularly softwood cuttings taken in spring. This species roots most readily when young, pliable stems are harvested early in the season, before the leaves have fully unfurled. When timed right, rooting hormone typically isn’t necessary. To begin, prepare several four-inch pots with a mix of two-thirds potting soil and one-third sand. Since pepperbush appreciates consistent moisture, water the mix thoroughly until it’s damp to the touch. Fill each pot and gently tamp down the soil. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, snip four- to six-inch-long softwood cuttings from a healthy, mature shrub, making your cut just below a node or bud pair. Strip off all but the top set of leaves. Insert the lower two inches of each cutting into the prepared soil. To maintain humidity, cover each pot loosely with a clear plastic bag. This acts like a mini greenhouse, helping the soil stay moist and the air humid. Set the pots in a sheltered, brightly lit area outdoors, protected from wind and harsh sun. A covered patio or porch is ideal. If nighttime temperatures are still dipping below freezing, bring the pots indoors overnight. Roots typically develop in about six weeks. You’ll know rooting is successful when the cutting begins to produce new top growth and the leaves look fresh and green. At that point, you can remove the plastic and begin hardening off the young plants before transplanting them into the garden. Transplanting Planting nursery-grown transplants is by far the easiest way to establish hardy summersweet in your garden. Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil and at least six hours of sunlight per day. Dig a hole as deep and wide as the container your plant is currently growing in. Carefully remove the plant from its container, set it in the hole at the same height as it was in the pot. Water the root ball of the hardy summersweet before you fill in the hole to ensure the plant stays sufficiently hydrated. Fill in the hole, packing dirt firmly around the rootball. Then water again. If your soil drains quickly or tends to dry out, apply a one- to two-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Pests and Disease When planted in favorable conditions, hardy summersweet is as tough as they come, and virtually pest and disease free. Pests Pepperbush attracts a variety of beneficial insects, from butterflies and moths to beetles and wasps. For the most part, pest issues are rare. The one occasional nuisance is spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), particularly in plants under stress from drought, overcrowding, or poor air circulation. Early signs include tiny white or yellow stippling on the leaves, followed by bronzing, leaf drop, and fine webbing. To identify and manage infestations, read our guide to controlling spider mites. Disease Like many native species, hardy summersweet is virtually disease-free when grown in appropriate conditions. However, during unusually wet summers, it may develop leaf spot. This fungal condition causes dark, irregular patches to form on the foliage in mid to late summer. Though usually not harmful, severe cases may result in premature leaf drop. Remove and dispose of affected leaves in the trash or by burning. Avoid composting them, as this can spread fungal spores. Fragrant, Beautiful, and Easygoing Hardy summersweet doesn’t just tolerate the damp conditions where other shrubs falter, it thrives in them. Whether nestled along a stream bank or planted in a moist garden bed, this resilient native shrub offers a profusion of fragrant blooms just when most others are winding down for the season. If you’ve got a soggy or shaded area to fill, give pepperbush a try. With its stunning midsummer floral display and easygoing nature, it’s a standout addition to any garden. Are you growing hardy summersweet? Let us know in the comments section below! And to learn more about other native shrubs, check out these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Product photos via Nature Hills Nursery. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '176410929431717'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link