Articles by Shannon Bardwell
Possumhaw: The persistent gardener
Nightshade in the Merriam-Webster dictionary describes any of a genus “Solanum” of the family Solanaceae, the nightshade family of herbs, shrubs, and trees having alternate leaves, cymose flowers and fruits that are berries and including some poisonous weeds, various ornamentals and important crop plants such as potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes.
Possumhaw: Low down and dirty
Trying to start a new food plot in the raised beds zaps a lot of energy. We’ve been working on making a good compost bin for a couple of years now; maybe longer.
Possumhaw: For the love of spring
Who couldn’t love spring even with all its unpredictable weather? Rain comes in deluges for days followed by the most beautiful sunny days.
Possumhaw: Another season changes
The season arrives that I both like and dislike. “Out with the old; in with the new.”
Possumhaw: Power of plants
Returning home from a short jaunt northward, the lushness of spring had popped out everywhere. Lawns being cut, filling the air with the aroma of green onions.
Possumhaw: Sheltered in the woodpile
Strong winds plummeted the Prairie during the last two seasons, and spring promises to be no different.
Possumhaw: Another day in paradise
By the time I woke up it was about 31 degrees, but the weather report promised low winds, rising temperatures, and plenty of sunshine. I knew then it was going to be a great day.
Possumhaw: A duck to water
In the not so early morning, I stood at the kitchen window. Temperatures were in the high 60s and the sun shone brightly, lighting up the redbud trees across the little pond.
Possumhaw: Spring awakens early
Spring weather has come in quickly. In years past we still had cold temperatures and sometimes ice with a bit of snow at the end of February, but not this year.
Possumhaw: The art of waiting
I don’t think I’ve always been impatient. I’m wondering if it’s an age thing or is it because technology makes everything literally at your fingertips or in your back pocket.
Possumhaw: Early bird and the worm
After the rains came and temperature warmed, flocks of robins scattered across the ground. I watched from the window as the robins snatch their heads from side to side pushing aside fallen oak leaves and making small clearings.
Flowers flourish
Flowers are popping out all over. Some say weeds, though I like Felder Rushing’s saying, “A weed is just a flower out of place.” While walking along the westside of the “W” I often see bright yellow dandelions in all their glory. I’m tempted to snatch a few blooms for my rabbits. Then I remind myself the rabbits have gone on where they have plenty of bright yellow dandelions. Besides, I may get caught picking flowers where I’m not supposed to pick flowers. I would have to argue, “Don’t be silly, they are just weeds.”
Possumhaw: Sing in the sunshine
Last week was full of gray days and a lot of wind. Oh, how I yearned for sunshine. Winter is supposed to be somewhat dreary while all flora is at rest but day after day can take its toll.
Possumhaw: Roofs and ladders, oh my
Winds whistled around the corners of the house; the sky was dark. It was sure to mean more tree limbs down and added to the burn pile. The burn pile grows ever bigger with each passing week.
Possumhaw: Black, white, red all over
Perched on the thin limb of a leafless tree the male cardinal glowed. The drabness of the tree limb and a bit of morning sunlight further emphasized the brilliance of the cardinal’s attire. He regularly dines at the birdfeeder while the female mostly forages seed droppings on the ground.
Possumhaw: Listen to the sky
A tremendous number of dark-colored birds swept across the skies like dancers swishing from one side to the other as in a graceful dance. A month or so ago a reader asked if I’d let them know if I saw another murmuration. I agreed.
Possumhaw: Listen to the sky
A tremendous number of dark-colored birds swept across the skies like dancers swishing from one side to the other as in a graceful dance. A month or so ago a reader asked if I’d let them know if I saw another murmuration. I agreed.
Possumhaw: Cold on the Prairie
We wrapped exposed pipes with grocery store plastic bags; turned off as much water as we could before the freeze; checked the propane tank for an alternate means of heat in case the electricity went off.
Possumhaw: All things new
Here we are approaching a new year and wondering what 2023 will be like. We certainly got blind-sighted by 2020 and the two years following. We probably learned a lot of things during those three years.
Back in the day
Popsicle kisses and big bear hugs, little red wagons and jars full of bugs, grass stains, football games, lots of toys, oh the joys. –
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