My little balcony water garden seems to be doing pretty well. There has been some growth on the plants. I removed six baby plants from the water hyacinth. No wonder they are highly invasive in warmer climates, I added 11 long fin white cloud mountain minnows. So far, they seem to be doing well. I removed the pot scrubber islands for the birds about as soon as I installed them, realizing that the birds would probably just get entangled.
I traveled to Lancaster yesterday to pet superstore That Fish Place/That Pet Place to check out a small vendor and hobbyist swap they were hosting in conjunction with the Aquarium Club of Lancaster. It was a great event. especially if you were in the market for cichlids or plants. Alas, as I was looking for some specific types of community fish, shrimp and snails, I didn’t get anything. The store is well worth checking out, and I bought some supplies – some fish food, nitrifying bacteria supplement for a new tank and test strips. One of the coolest things in the store is this shallow ray tank:
I took route 741 across Lancaster County and saw quite few buggies and horse plow teams out on a sunny Saturday. Hopefully I can get back for some pictures soon. I also stopped at Stuaffers to pick up some catnip plants for my cat, Kona. He wouldn’t be happy if I came back empty handed.
This weekend, I set off to Chester Springs to check out some garden centers in hopes of finding some aquatic plants for a container water garden I have on my balcony. I found a Louisiana iris and spearwort plant to add to the equisetum (horsetail reed) and water hyacinth I already have.
Here’s how it looks so far:
It doesn’t look like much now, but it should fill in nicely. I will try to keep you updated about my little water garden. The sponges are an experiment to see if birds will use them as landing pads to take drink. I hope to add some fish when the water warms up.
While I was out, I ran across the charming Chester Springs Creamery at Milky Way Farm. They make delicious ice cream. Here is an impromptu panorama of part of the property:
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Chester County. Here are some of the holiday decorations from my town.
Although it seems that fall color was late to arrive and short lived, Valley Forge National Historical Park has non the less supplied some nice views. Here is a sampling from a recent visit.
Fall is one of the most popular times of year at Linvilla Orchards in Delaware County. The charming Halloween and fall decor, hay rides, food and activities are fun for the whole family (and school groups). The fresh produce, pies and apple cider donuts are particularly recommended.
Fantastic pumpkin carving is on display.
The decorative displays have a story book theme.
The colorful displays of pumpkins and gourds are very tempting.
Linvilla’s critters are out ready to welcome visitors.
And because I’m obsessed with Christmas trees …
Mascot Roller Mills in eastern Lancaster County is well worth a stop if you are in the area. The site of the well preserved water-powered grain mill welcomes visitors. More information can be found at resslermill.com. The William J. Morton Bird Sanctuary is adjacent to mill.
Elsewhere in Lancaster County, fall colors are on display …
The horses were enjoying the sunny day.
It looks like the much delayed Autumn color has finally arrived to Chester County this year. I just hope the season isn’t brief. Here is a sample of some of this year’s color.
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