One finished automatic feeder

Pot and reservoir together. Water in the reservoir is almost up to the bottom of the pot itself. The wick supplies the right amount of moisture to the plant. The reservoir must be refilled about every third day. Start the wicking action by top watering the plant. Check every few days to be sure the wick continues to work.

A Simple Lighting Setup

Where to start? Probably with the amount of light that African violets will thrive on. Winter sunlight is not enough. There is not enough, and a window is not always the best place.

Violets do best with at least twelve to sixteen hours of light a day. That’s far more than we can get through a window during the winter. It’s much easier to supply artificial light evenly for your violet. Normal tungsten bulbs are too hot. Violets prefer daytime temperatures below 78 degrees - and night temperatures above 60. Even the light from a single florescent desk lamp will work wonders if it’s placed just over the violet.

At present I’m trying a CFB placed about 14 inches above the single plant. It’s a warm daylight bulb with (approx) brightness of a 100 watt light bulb.

(It’s a Greenlite 23w/ELS 2700k bulb T2)
It runs cool enough so the plant is not being scorched. A timer turns the light on at 9:00 am, and off at 10:30 pm.

Next - Making watering and feeding easy!

My Assistant

It's a long story. I brought the violet outside for a quick series of natural daylight photographs. All to do with trying to find out why the camera sees the bloom as blue while I see it closer to magenta. Anyway - for the few minutes I was taking photos the Blackcap chickadees kept on flitting in - with no care at all for the stranger at the feeder. As for the color problem, I still don't have a clear answer. However it was an interesting experience. ATB!

Hey Rusty - I thought you invited me for dinner?

Yes, more photographs of Napoleon. It's a nice day out there but this squirrel is the only visitor at the feast. Napoleon is getting so tame I can bring the camera, (and flash fill)- within a foot of him and he simply goes on stuffing himself.

It's time I got to work on the African violet stuff, at least until some other animals or birds show up. ATB!

Napoleon wondering whats on the menu today.

Stuffed!

One very happy and probably overfed critter.

The birds have been staying away from the feeder today. It's clear and quite warm outside, perfect weather for taking photos but Napoleon is the only one willing to pose.

A Bright Day

The storm has passed, the new fallen snow is bright and clean. There is still a chill in the air but the birds sound happy.

Groundhog Day

Indeed, our local groundhog cares not a bit for our human ideas about shadows and spring. He was staying warm and snug in his den - wherever it is. Obviously though no one saw any shadow today. But like the other local critters, who cares? Spring will come when it comes. ATB!

A Path to Follow

Not that much snow here, the wind and drifting was the main problem. Both birds and squirrels made good use of the feeder.

Napoleon Waiting

Waiting for me to put more food on the feeder. He is stocking up for the snowstorm thats supposed to arrive early tomorrow morning. Even the birds seemed more excited. They kept me busy today. The weather is slightly warmer but still no sign of any raccoon activity this year. My bet is even the groundhog will be a no-show. (Grin). Smart critter!

Will he....?

Yes, this is our local groundhog. Now I wonder, will he see his shadow tomorrow? In fact it's so doggone cold here tonight I think Mr. GH would be wise to stay in his den, (wherever it is) - and keep warm.

Last night was minus 21C outside the Retreat. This morning the sky was crystal clear. And yet, the clouds are moving in and the temperature may not drop as low. Hope springs,(wrong word perhaps) - eternal. ATB!

A slight change of pace

Yes, being a little fed up with winter I decided to but a new 'pet'. Many years ago I cultivated many African violets under lights. I even won a few ribbons - though never best in show. Still, though very short on space in the Retreat, I thought it was time to bring in some new color (or if you prefer, colour) grin. Except for the dim glow from the computer screen, and the surveillance camera screen, it's dark in here. So I have this little plant under a single CFL. Lets see how well this grows over the next few months. ATB!

The Outlook

One of these days I will get a photo of these big birds at the feeder. They are very wary. This one is watching me while his pals fly off in the distance.

One Short Leap..

But wait a moment - Big Nappy is up there - dare I jump in? Better not just yet.

A Pair?

Notice the slight difference in colour. Interesting.

Colourful little fellow!

And quite unafraid of people.

Fresh Snow

But only about two or three inches of very light snow. This is what was left hanging on last summers bamboo.

Napoleon Returned!