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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

FEATURED FUNGUS FRIEND

Cyathus stercoreus
(Bird’s Nest Fungi)

Bird's nest fungi are saprophytes and thus decomposers of organic material.   They are found most often on decaying wood and animal dung.  They don't harm living plants/trees.

The "nest" of this fungi is cup shaped and fuzzy outside/smooth inside.  The black “eggs” are small capsules known as peridioles which contain the fungal spores.  Rainwater or water drips into the splash cup and when the water hits the bottom of the cup it splashes out with enough force to eject the peridioles up to a yard away!

If the nest is on herbivore dung after dispersal they may germinate, form new mycelium and grow new fruiting bodies.  Or they might be eaten by another herbivore where after 'deposit' they may germinate and grow!  Spores of bird's nest fungi can travel through the digestive tract of herbivores unharmed. 
Nature's resilience...   Pretty amazing!




Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Garden Planning

Tis the season for designing your gardens and outdoor living spaces!

5 Tips to an efficient Garden Plan:

1. Have your site measured or obtain plans from the City or County

2. Perform a site analysis for your property. Example questions:

-usage of property

-what do you want?

-zones and sectors

-soil quality and drainage patterns

3. Draw out your site and create overlays for your tree canopy, hardscape, perennial plants etc. (as illustrated above) to accurately envision your site

4. Create planting and harvest calendars

5. Consult reference books, articles online and local sources for more information

We're here to help!!

www.gaiacreationsecoland.com