Vole-a!

Russ was zeroing in on one of shallow window wells this morning.  I didn't see anything at first but  upon closer inspection a vole had found his way down there.  I don't see how it could climb back out so time for a rescue...

 

 

Rosy Maple Moth

I spotted this by our front door the other morning.  I've never seen one.  I had to Google it.  I tried "colorful moths of Iowa" and saw a picture that matched.

This is a Rosy Maple Moth - species Dryocampa rubicunda.

Well it's not Jack and the Beanstalk

I wasn't sure what to expect with my milkweed experiment.  I've learned I need to thin out my seedlings if they are clumped and mine are definitely clumped.  I continue to thin out without taking too many away.

My neighbor rolled through the other day with a riding lawn mower and took out a few spots.  I knew this might happen which is why I planted some into the woods and some closer to my fence.

Here is a picture of one the plants my seed pods came from.  Clearly this plant is ahead of mine.  I'm hoping that mine continue to grow and the in Year Two, I will have a more mature root system which will lead to a taller plant.  We shall see. 

 

 

Here is what mine look like as of Sunday compared to a plastic knife...

 

 

Flying the flag proudly today for D-Day

70 years definitely worth commemorating.  Hats off to Gene Stientjes for his service.