Pyro Man decided on the spur of the moment one morning to torch the dead leaves off the iris and daylilies—in a skiff of snow! Bill torches the iris beds in early spring to control iris leaf spot, a fungal disease that over-winters on the dead leaves. Burning kills the spores. In addition, burning kills iris borer, a destructive insect that over-winters in its larvae, or “worm” stage, in the rhizome above ground. Day lilies are also susceptible to a leaf spot fungus. Goodbye disease and pestilence; hello gorgeous iris and day lilies!
He assembled the equipment: propane bottle from the gas grill with hose and flame thrower attachment (blow torch nozzle). Only problem was he was low on propane so the flame thrower didn’t throw flames very far. But it got the job done.
He assembled the equipment: propane bottle from the gas grill with hose and flame thrower attachment (blow torch nozzle). Only problem was he was low on propane so the flame thrower didn’t throw flames very far. But it got the job done.
We experienced very windy conditions late winter and early spring. Opportunities to burn pastures were few. Exactly one month after his practice session with the flowers, Bill received the county dispatcher’s blessing to burn pasture. This time, he started with a full gas bottle!
In two of my previous posts, “Pasture Pyrotechnics” dated April 12, 2014, and “Pyro Man Fires Up the Big Event” from March 25, 2015, I explained why native grass pastures are burned and the process we use. I included lots of pictures!
This year, I remembered to take a “before” picture. The pasture we burned is the tan/brown area in front of the tree line in the background.
This year, I remembered to take a “before” picture. The pasture we burned is the tan/brown area in front of the tree line in the background.
Here are some “during” pics:
The burn is complete! The unburned areas contain a lot of clover that has already greened up and won’t burn. But, overall, Bill proclaimed this year’s effort a “good burn!”
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, we woke up to this…
almost three inches of wet snow! Bill was rreeaallyy glad we were able to burn when we did! The temperature warmed quickly a few hours later and the snow became an Easter morning memory.
This purple hyacinth isn’t fazed by the snow! It stands with a snow-capped peak, undaunted amid the daffodil leaves.
This purple hyacinth isn’t fazed by the snow! It stands with a snow-capped peak, undaunted amid the daffodil leaves.
The daffodils in bloom weren’t quite as hearty but the buds were protected and opened a few days later.
Other spring happenings:
The little plastic greenhouse has baby spring greens ready to pick and toss in a salad bowl.
Other spring happenings:
The little plastic greenhouse has baby spring greens ready to pick and toss in a salad bowl.
Asparagus is up and we’ve already cut some. Delicious!
These two calves were actually a Thanksgiving, not a spring, happening. Pilgrim, on the left, was born November 22nd, and Mayflower was born on Thanksgiving. They were the last two fall calves. When I was taking photos for the “Romper Room” posts, I got lucky and found these two together.
We’re eagerly anticipating future spring happenings: morel mushrooms (soon!), more asparagus, iris blooming, Sparks, KS flea market where we’ll find more vintage rusty treasures for June’s Junque Garden, the return of the cows from Winter Resort Ranch and much more!
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