Remove Tree Stakes

If you staked any trees that were planted last fall, make sure you check them periodically to see if they are stable. Once stability is achieved, staking material should be removed. Young trees can grow quickly around staking materials, girdling (or strangling) the tree. As you can see in the photo above, the staking material was left on this tree way too long and the tree had begun to grow around the material. Trees should only be staked for one year or less.

Basseterre Day 5

Elephant ears! Some in the rain forest had germinated very high on the tree.

A dam in the middle of the rain forest. Early engineers hoped they could use the stream to power the sugar mill. The plan failed.

The rain forest was amazing. Lots of vines and nut trees (especially almonds). The rain forest on St. Kitts is fairly small and simple (only one canopy, unlike the Amazon that has several canopies and rain forest levels--so much that the jungle floor is completely dark).

Basseterre Day 4

Bananas

Basseterre Day 3

Not sure what this is, but I doubt it would grow in Kansas!

A few of the many palms in the Caribbean.

Basseterre Day 2

The top photo is an impressive native tree related to the locust. The bottom photo is another shot from the botanical garden. The stone edifice remains from an old sugar mill, an important part of St. Kitts' industry in the past. Below the tower and a little to the left are some pineapple plants.

Basseterre, St. Kitts

Mango Tree

Can you find the lizard? I am not sure what this tropical plant is, although it was in the botanical garden.

I went to St. Kitts last week and toured a botanical garden and took a short hike through a bit of rain forest. I will post a few pictures for you to enjoy this week. I will do my best to tell you what is in the pictures.

Lawn Care Companies

If you use a lawn care company, you have probably received (or will receive soon) a renewal contract in the mail.

Before you sign up, think about your satisfaction with your lawn. If you're not happy, switch companies.

You deserve to work with a company that does what you want.