China Pink in the Garden - Gardening and Hobby 62

In our neighborhood, China Pink blooms in warmer months (Spring to early summer months) or around April to early June.

Image - Blooming of China Pink

China Pink has scientific name, Dianthus chinensis, and has several common names including:

- Pinks

- Indian Pink

- Rainbow Pink

- Sweet William

For vibrant blooms, China Pinks are ensured to receive ample sunlight. Consistent watering and fertilization will further support healthy growth and an abundance of flowers.

Where do you find China Pink (Dianthus chinensis)?

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The Young Redtail Hawk at Backyard - Critter 86

We saw a hawk in the pine trees at our neighborhood this morning. We believe it was a young Redtail hawk.

Fig - The Young Redtail Hawk.

Our neighbors' chickens heard it call and scrambled to get undercover, while the mockingbirds mobbed the hawk.

The young hawk flew off right after we took this picture. The chickens will probably hide for a while.

This bird is a familiar sight in our state, including our city, Baton Rouge. Young Red-tails can be identified by their brown plumage and the distinctive streaked pattern on their undersides.

Juvenile red-tailed hawks are meat-eaters (carnivores), mainly feasting on small birds and mammals.

Did you see Redtail Hawk around your areas?

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The Colorful of African Violets - Gardening and Hobby 61

 The African violets, cherished for their vibrant, colorful blossoms and effortless upkeep, make for an ideal houseplant.

Fig 01 - African violets, beautiful 

What I like that African violets boast thick, velvety leaves beautifully arranged in a rosette at the plant's base.

The flowers display a spectrum of colors such as:

- pink

- purple

- blue

- red

- white

Fig 02 - Blooming in the room 

African Violets should bloom all year round, if they well care. But, during the winter months, blooming may slow down or cease if the plant doesn't get enough light.

Fig 03 - Pink color of African violets.

Do you recognize African Violets? What colors?

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The Great Blue Heron in the Pond - Critter 85

If we are lucky enough, we may see the Great Blue Heron in the ponds or wetland areas in our state, Louisiana.

Fig 01 - The Great Blue Heron catching fish.

The majestic wading bird, the Great Blue Heron has some following distinction characters which are :

- the largest heron in North America

- blue gray plumage

- long legs

- bill like dagger and sharp

In addition to the ponds or wetlands, we could find the Great Blue Heron in several other habitats such as lakes, swamps, saltwater and freshwater marshes.

Fig 02 - A vase, illustration

The Great Blue Heron main food sources are wide range, include variety of fish species. We believe, the bird consumes small minnows in the pond.

Fig 03 - Bird walking on the shallow part of pond. 

Have you seen this giant bird in nature?

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The Banana Tree Produces Fruit in Our State - Gardening and Hobby 60

As you might know, our state, Louisiana has warmer temperature, hence some tropical plants grow well. 

Fig 01 - The plant starts to produce fruit

After growing for about four (4) years in the backyard, this is the first time our banana tree made bananas!

Yet, we don't know the taste. One neighbor said his tree produces more delicious, sweeter and good quality bananas, even compared to commercial ones which are sold in the grocery stores around our neighborhood.

The bananas are usually smaller but extremely good. A genuine treat.

Just make sure to break the flower off once they stop making fruit. Otherwise, they won't ripen. They will spend all their energy on the flower.

Fig 02 - Flowers of banana tree. 

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Fig 03 - Flowers, just growing. 

Banana varieties that well known in our areas:

- Dwarf Cavendish banana

- Gran Nain banana

- Brazilian dwarf banana

Fig 04 - Fruit development

Do you familiar with banana tress?

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The Wren's Eggs and Two Babies - Critter 84

At previous post, we talked about female Wren which visited our yard. The fact that the bird was nesting. 

Fig 01 - Eggs of Wren.

You may read the previous posting:

- A Female Wren Visited Our Yards - Critter 79 | Tanza Erlambang Update

We saw at least two eggs in the nest, the number of eggs laying by Wrens depend on their species:

- Caroline Wren, 3 - 7 eggs

- House Wren, 4 to 8 eggs 

The female Wren broods her eggs for 12 to16 days, tenderly guarded, while the male provides nourishment. 

Fig 02 - Wren's babies in the nest.

Finally, after approximately two weeks, the little babies start learning to fly, then they leave the nest.

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The Plumeria Smells Fabulous - Gardening and Hobby 59

Plumeria plants are celebrated for their stunning and fragrant blooms. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, these plants are cherished for their beauty and scent.

Image 01 - Flowers of Plumeria

The most striking aspect of Plumeria flowers is their large, waxy petals, which come in a dazzling array of colors, including:

- white

- pink

- red

- yellow

-  bi-colored.

- and occasionally even multi-colors.

Image 02 - Colorful flowers

Because these plants originate from tropical regions, they are typically cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide.

Image 03 - The plant with flowers.

Do you familiar with the Plumeria flower's scent?

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