Green Light . . .
The world turns, the new year approaches, and even though you can’t really notice it yet, days have begun to get longer again. This is a time for reflection, resolutions, and looking forward to finding new paths to being responsible stewards on this Earth. Here in the Bluegrass, there are many organizations working hard to encourage natural resource conservation, like Bluegrass Pride, which has listed some suggestions for green New Year’s Resolutions *click here*. Our Herald-Leader blog, the Greenspot *click here*, focuses attention on bringing you up-to-date on environmental issues and ideas.  Also, just a couple weeks ago community organizer Jim Embry sent a note about a resource book that he and other activists have put together; to check out the Sustainable World Sourcebook *click here*. or find a copy locally at the Good Foods Market & Cafe, the Morris book shop or Joseph-Beth Booksellers.  Â
This just in…  Jim Embry signs book- Sustainable World Sourcebook- at Third Street Stuff Coffee  Lexington eco-activist, Jim Embry, will sign copies of Sustainable World Sourcebook on Wednesday December 30, 5pm-6:30pm at Third Street Stuff Coffee 257 N. Limestone St. As a member of the Sustainable World Coalition, Jim was part of the collaborative team of writers for this publication which also features several of his photographs. Scenes from community gardens in Lexington,KY and Detroit, Muir Woods in California, and Terra Madre in Italy are among his photographs selected for this book. His written contributions include sections of chapters 6 & 7 and a back cover quote.Â
Amaryllis Rescue                                                              
Today’s trip to a couple home improvement stores revealed an abundance of leftover holiday Amaryllis bulbs, some sprouting already, others still hunkered down in their boxes, as my sister-in-law says “looking like pound puppies in need of being rescued. ”  They blossom into such beauties, it would be a sad waste to let them all bloom in the landfill. Thinking ahead, now is the perfect time to start amaryllis bulbs growing indoors to give as Valentine’s Day gifts. Their fresh green, strappy foliage and tall flower stalks, many over two feet high, topped by large, showy, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red, white and pink will create eye-popping, heart-warming impressions that can grow for years.  For each amaryllis you want to force into bloom indoors, you’ll need the bulb itself; a container for planting with good drainage, heavy enough to counterbalance this top-heavy plant, that measures about 2 inches wider than the bulb; and some potting soil and perhaps stones to add weight and drainage at the bottom of the pot. Plant the bulb so that about an inch it’s tip shows above the soil, and water thoroughly; drain away excess accumulated water so the bulb doesn’t rot, and wait until you see green leaves begin to sprout before watering again. Blooms usually take at least 40 days to emerge, sometimes longer depending on variety and growing conditions. The ones already sprouting a bit may take less time.
My favorite sources for special ‘designer’ bulbs are Easy to Grow Bulbs , where  a wide assortment of large, high-quality bulbs of all sorts can be found. Reading through their offerings is an education in itself. They only ship through December, though, so check out their Web-site soon if you plan to do a project now.    Also, the abundance of White Flower Farm’s gorgeous selections are a traditional inspiration, and a favorite with gardeners for years.
Heptacodium miconioides      Â
 7 Son Flower of ZhejiangÂ
 
 You’ve probably never heard of this small tree, or perhaps what you’d call a large shrub. After one glance, you may want to hear more, because this time of year it is a standout in the landscape. Loaded with fragrant white flowers in late summer, then deep rose-colored calyxes in autumn, and finally an interesting exfoliating bark in winter, it is a fantastic replacement for more invasive but temptingly bright bushes like Burning Bush (Euyonymus alata).
Heptacodium miconioides was found by plant collector E. H. Wilson in 1907, on an expedition to Hupei, China.  Arnold Arboretum botanists recorded the find, however it was not brought into cultivation until after 1980. Pest resistant, fast growing, and salt tolerant it is quickly becoming a favorite landscape accent specimen, growing to about 20 feet tall; it prefers a sunny to part-sunny location and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
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For a review of Farm City please click HERE.
Hard to believe, but the same insect can take on many different forms during tis life cycle. Take butterflies, for instance. First, they’re just tiny eggs, which hatch into caterpillars, followed by a dormant period in a cocoon or chrysalis, finally emerging as a classic fluttering butterfly.Â
Don’t expect them to stick around here much longer, though. Monarch butterflies, which we are observing as they pass through Kentucky, migrate thousands of miles south this time of year to overwinter in Mexico. You can track their progress at the Journey North Web-site by clicking HERE.
The Henkel Denmark landscape company sent its employees and even some contactors to work on a volunteer mission today. Crews replanted, weeded, trimmed, and hauled greenery in an effort to beautify elementary school grounds before classes begin August 12th. Click HERE for more of the story. Click HERE for a Photo Gallery taken of the crew at Glendover Elementary. You can click on the photos for a better view. It was a welcome sight to have people I’ve known for 30 years doing hard but heartwarming physical labor to improve the lanscape at Glendover. Thanks, Henkel Denmark.
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Gourdgeous       
Gourds are for more than just porch decor. With a bit of basic know-how, you can transform them into jewelry with an organic aura. Guest crafter Judy Denham will be teaching a hands-on class at The Arboretum at 500 Alumni Drive from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28. Use of the basic tools, like a wood burner and dyes, and findings enough to create earrings, a necklace and a pin are included in the $30 registration fee. To join this class, you must pre-register by calling 859.257.9339. More information can be found by clicking THE ARBORETUM. Two additional gourd transformation classes, Gourd Birdhouse, August 18 1-4 p.m., $25; and Coiled Pine Needle Gourd Vessel, September 29 1-4 p.m., $30, are on the schedule.
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Look close. You should be able to see right through this week’s Whatzit. 
Leave your guess as a comment this week; the official answer will be posted Sunday.
Whatzit #7 is an antique cloche, which is a glass dome that acts like a mini-greenhouse. Cloche is French for ‘bell’, the shape of this cover. Cloches come in different shapes and sizes. Sometimes used to protect garden plants from early freezes, or to protect, decorate and control humidity for indoor plants. This particular cloche was found during the Canal House Cooking book signing by Saveur magazine’s founder Christopher Hirsheimer. She was in Lexington to speak at the Woodford Human Society’s Fundraise, but also served up some cookbook snacks one evening at Debbie Chamblin’s Belle Maison Antiques and Trillium. Click on the shop names for Web-site access.Â
Belle Maison Antiques
525 West Short Street
Lexington, KY 40507
t/f 859.252.9030
www.bellemaisonantiques.com
Trillium
525 West Short Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859.255.1010
www.trilliumstyle.com
Artemesia
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  Jasmine
Gardens are not only for sunny days.  They can cast an evening glow with reflected light as well.  One idea: Choose plants with light and shiny flowers and leaves, which show up well when it’s dark. The feathery leaves of silver Artemesia, reminiscent of the mood goddess Artemis, are a good choice along side a mass of white begonias.  Think about other senses in the dark, too. Some flowers, like night-blooming jasmine, open when it’s dark, to release an amazing, almost overpowering soporific fragrance.Â
Ahhh, the magic of midsummer nights!
