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#thistles — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #thistles, aggregated by home.social.

  1. We moved ours to a spot where they could do their thing. We know the bees love them and didn't want to destroy them.

    Saving Pollinators One Thistle at a Time

    Posted on August 26, 2015 by Chris Helzer

    "Pollinator populations are in trouble for a lot of reasons. Loss and degradation of habitat, pesticides, and diseases are all major contributors. However, at least in the Central United States, much of the pollinator decline can be tied to spiny pink/purple-flowered plants and the way humans react to them.

    "On the face of it, thistles seem like they’d be pretty well-liked. Thistle seeds are a major food source for birds and other wildlife, as well as for a variety of invertebrates. The abundant nectar and pollen found in thistle flowers make them one of the most popular plants among both pollinator and non-pollinator invertebrates. As if that wasn’t enough, most thistles have large and/or abundant blossoms, which you’d think would make them very attractive to people. Sure, they’ve got spines, but so do cacti, yucca, and many other plants gardeners love to landscape with. So why do we hate thistles so much?

    "The cultural dislike of thistles is not at all a new phenomenon; references to the unpopularity of thistles can be found at least as far back as the Book of Genesis in the Bible. There, thistles are mentioned when God curses Adam after he eats the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:17-18 – 'Cursed is the ground because of you… Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you…' Clearly, if God includes thistles as part of His curse on all humanity, they are not a crowd favorite.

    "Regardless of why thistles are so widely disliked, our contempt for them causes serious problems for pollinators. This happens in two ways: 1) direct destruction of an important floral resource for pollinators, and 2) major side effects associated with #1.

    "Because thistles are so important to pollinators, our compulsion to destroy them is a major problem. Sure, some thistle species are invasive and can cause enough ecological damage that their control is warranted. Most thistle species, however, are targeted for destruction purely because they are thistles. Many of those are native wildflower species and are not at all aggressive or problematic. Regardless, there are few places where thistles are tolerated, let alone encouraged. The result is the loss of a big source of food for many pollinators."

    Read more:
    prairieecologist.com/2015/08/2

    #SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #Thistles

  2. We moved ours to a spot where they could do their thing. We know the bees love them and didn't want to destroy them.

    Saving Pollinators One Thistle at a Time

    Posted on August 26, 2015 by Chris Helzer

    "Pollinator populations are in trouble for a lot of reasons. Loss and degradation of habitat, pesticides, and diseases are all major contributors. However, at least in the Central United States, much of the pollinator decline can be tied to spiny pink/purple-flowered plants and the way humans react to them.

    "On the face of it, thistles seem like they’d be pretty well-liked. Thistle seeds are a major food source for birds and other wildlife, as well as for a variety of invertebrates. The abundant nectar and pollen found in thistle flowers make them one of the most popular plants among both pollinator and non-pollinator invertebrates. As if that wasn’t enough, most thistles have large and/or abundant blossoms, which you’d think would make them very attractive to people. Sure, they’ve got spines, but so do cacti, yucca, and many other plants gardeners love to landscape with. So why do we hate thistles so much?

    "The cultural dislike of thistles is not at all a new phenomenon; references to the unpopularity of thistles can be found at least as far back as the Book of Genesis in the Bible. There, thistles are mentioned when God curses Adam after he eats the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:17-18 – 'Cursed is the ground because of you… Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you…' Clearly, if God includes thistles as part of His curse on all humanity, they are not a crowd favorite.

    "Regardless of why thistles are so widely disliked, our contempt for them causes serious problems for pollinators. This happens in two ways: 1) direct destruction of an important floral resource for pollinators, and 2) major side effects associated with #1.

    "Because thistles are so important to pollinators, our compulsion to destroy them is a major problem. Sure, some thistle species are invasive and can cause enough ecological damage that their control is warranted. Most thistle species, however, are targeted for destruction purely because they are thistles. Many of those are native wildflower species and are not at all aggressive or problematic. Regardless, there are few places where thistles are tolerated, let alone encouraged. The result is the loss of a big source of food for many pollinators."

    Read more:
    prairieecologist.com/2015/08/2

    #SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #Thistles

  3. We moved ours to a spot where they could do their thing. We know the bees love them and didn't want to destroy them.

    Saving Pollinators One Thistle at a Time

    Posted on August 26, 2015 by Chris Helzer

    "Pollinator populations are in trouble for a lot of reasons. Loss and degradation of habitat, pesticides, and diseases are all major contributors. However, at least in the Central United States, much of the pollinator decline can be tied to spiny pink/purple-flowered plants and the way humans react to them.

    "On the face of it, thistles seem like they’d be pretty well-liked. Thistle seeds are a major food source for birds and other wildlife, as well as for a variety of invertebrates. The abundant nectar and pollen found in thistle flowers make them one of the most popular plants among both pollinator and non-pollinator invertebrates. As if that wasn’t enough, most thistles have large and/or abundant blossoms, which you’d think would make them very attractive to people. Sure, they’ve got spines, but so do cacti, yucca, and many other plants gardeners love to landscape with. So why do we hate thistles so much?

    "The cultural dislike of thistles is not at all a new phenomenon; references to the unpopularity of thistles can be found at least as far back as the Book of Genesis in the Bible. There, thistles are mentioned when God curses Adam after he eats the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:17-18 – 'Cursed is the ground because of you… Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you…' Clearly, if God includes thistles as part of His curse on all humanity, they are not a crowd favorite.

    "Regardless of why thistles are so widely disliked, our contempt for them causes serious problems for pollinators. This happens in two ways: 1) direct destruction of an important floral resource for pollinators, and 2) major side effects associated with #1.

    "Because thistles are so important to pollinators, our compulsion to destroy them is a major problem. Sure, some thistle species are invasive and can cause enough ecological damage that their control is warranted. Most thistle species, however, are targeted for destruction purely because they are thistles. Many of those are native wildflower species and are not at all aggressive or problematic. Regardless, there are few places where thistles are tolerated, let alone encouraged. The result is the loss of a big source of food for many pollinators."

    Read more:
    prairieecologist.com/2015/08/2

    #SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #Thistles

  4. We moved ours to a spot where they could do their thing. We know the bees love them and didn't want to destroy them.

    Saving Pollinators One Thistle at a Time

    Posted on August 26, 2015 by Chris Helzer

    "Pollinator populations are in trouble for a lot of reasons. Loss and degradation of habitat, pesticides, and diseases are all major contributors. However, at least in the Central United States, much of the pollinator decline can be tied to spiny pink/purple-flowered plants and the way humans react to them.

    "On the face of it, thistles seem like they’d be pretty well-liked. Thistle seeds are a major food source for birds and other wildlife, as well as for a variety of invertebrates. The abundant nectar and pollen found in thistle flowers make them one of the most popular plants among both pollinator and non-pollinator invertebrates. As if that wasn’t enough, most thistles have large and/or abundant blossoms, which you’d think would make them very attractive to people. Sure, they’ve got spines, but so do cacti, yucca, and many other plants gardeners love to landscape with. So why do we hate thistles so much?

    "The cultural dislike of thistles is not at all a new phenomenon; references to the unpopularity of thistles can be found at least as far back as the Book of Genesis in the Bible. There, thistles are mentioned when God curses Adam after he eats the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:17-18 – 'Cursed is the ground because of you… Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you…' Clearly, if God includes thistles as part of His curse on all humanity, they are not a crowd favorite.

    "Regardless of why thistles are so widely disliked, our contempt for them causes serious problems for pollinators. This happens in two ways: 1) direct destruction of an important floral resource for pollinators, and 2) major side effects associated with #1.

    "Because thistles are so important to pollinators, our compulsion to destroy them is a major problem. Sure, some thistle species are invasive and can cause enough ecological damage that their control is warranted. Most thistle species, however, are targeted for destruction purely because they are thistles. Many of those are native wildflower species and are not at all aggressive or problematic. Regardless, there are few places where thistles are tolerated, let alone encouraged. The result is the loss of a big source of food for many pollinators."

    Read more:
    prairieecologist.com/2015/08/2

    #SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #Thistles

  5. We moved ours to a spot where they could do their thing. We know the bees love them and didn't want to destroy them.

    Saving Pollinators One Thistle at a Time

    Posted on August 26, 2015 by Chris Helzer

    "Pollinator populations are in trouble for a lot of reasons. Loss and degradation of habitat, pesticides, and diseases are all major contributors. However, at least in the Central United States, much of the pollinator decline can be tied to spiny pink/purple-flowered plants and the way humans react to them.

    "On the face of it, thistles seem like they’d be pretty well-liked. Thistle seeds are a major food source for birds and other wildlife, as well as for a variety of invertebrates. The abundant nectar and pollen found in thistle flowers make them one of the most popular plants among both pollinator and non-pollinator invertebrates. As if that wasn’t enough, most thistles have large and/or abundant blossoms, which you’d think would make them very attractive to people. Sure, they’ve got spines, but so do cacti, yucca, and many other plants gardeners love to landscape with. So why do we hate thistles so much?

    "The cultural dislike of thistles is not at all a new phenomenon; references to the unpopularity of thistles can be found at least as far back as the Book of Genesis in the Bible. There, thistles are mentioned when God curses Adam after he eats the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:17-18 – 'Cursed is the ground because of you… Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you…' Clearly, if God includes thistles as part of His curse on all humanity, they are not a crowd favorite.

    "Regardless of why thistles are so widely disliked, our contempt for them causes serious problems for pollinators. This happens in two ways: 1) direct destruction of an important floral resource for pollinators, and 2) major side effects associated with #1.

    "Because thistles are so important to pollinators, our compulsion to destroy them is a major problem. Sure, some thistle species are invasive and can cause enough ecological damage that their control is warranted. Most thistle species, however, are targeted for destruction purely because they are thistles. Many of those are native wildflower species and are not at all aggressive or problematic. Regardless, there are few places where thistles are tolerated, let alone encouraged. The result is the loss of a big source of food for many pollinators."

    Read more:
    prairieecologist.com/2015/08/2

    #SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #Thistles

  6. #theBeeAt3
    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 279

    When bumblebees move their vision improves!
    A study found that walking bumblebees actually process visual information 20% faster than inactive bumblebees.
    #bees

    #environment
    #nature #bumblebees
    #science #insects
    #vegan #education
    #wildlife #pollinators
    #worldbeesanctuary #thistles

  7. #theBeeAt3
    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 279

    When bumblebees move their vision improves!
    A study found that walking bumblebees actually process visual information 20% faster than inactive bumblebees.
    #bees

    #environment
    #nature #bumblebees
    #science #insects
    #vegan #education
    #wildlife #pollinators
    #worldbeesanctuary #thistles

  8. #theBeeAt3
    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 279

    When bumblebees move their vision improves!
    A study found that walking bumblebees actually process visual information 20% faster than inactive bumblebees.
    #bees

    #environment
    #nature #bumblebees
    #science #insects
    #vegan #education
    #wildlife #pollinators
    #worldbeesanctuary #thistles

  9. #theBeeAt3
    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 279

    When bumblebees move their vision improves!
    A study found that walking bumblebees actually process visual information 20% faster than inactive bumblebees.
    #bees

    #environment
    #nature #bumblebees
    #science #insects
    #vegan #education
    #wildlife #pollinators
    #worldbeesanctuary #thistles

  10. #theBeeAt3
    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 279

    When bumblebees move their vision improves!
    A study found that walking bumblebees actually process visual information 20% faster than inactive bumblebees.
    #bees

    #environment
    #nature #bumblebees
    #science #insects
    #vegan #education
    #wildlife #pollinators
    #worldbeesanctuary #thistles

  11. #theBeeAt3
    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 252

    Male #bumblebees tend to have a sweet tooth preferring to feed on nectar with high concentrations of sugar.

    #bees
    #nature
    #science
    #education
    #worldbeesanctuary
    #environment
    #biodiversity
    #wildlife
    #thistles

  12. #theBeeAt3
    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 252

    Male #bumblebees tend to have a sweet tooth preferring to feed on nectar with high concentrations of sugar.

    #bees
    #nature
    #science
    #education
    #worldbeesanctuary
    #environment
    #biodiversity
    #wildlife
    #thistles

  13. #theBeeAt3
    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 252

    Male #bumblebees tend to have a sweet tooth preferring to feed on nectar with high concentrations of sugar.

    #bees
    #nature
    #science
    #education
    #worldbeesanctuary
    #environment
    #biodiversity
    #wildlife
    #thistles

  14. #theBeeAt3
    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 252

    Male #bumblebees tend to have a sweet tooth preferring to feed on nectar with high concentrations of sugar.

    #bees
    #nature
    #science
    #education
    #worldbeesanctuary
    #environment
    #biodiversity
    #wildlife
    #thistles

  15. #theBeeAt3

    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 251

    Thistles are a vital #nectar source for male #bumblebees specifically (also for many other #pollinators!).
    Their current status should be revisited in both a rural and urban context.
    #thistles do good!
    Leave them grow.
    #bees
    #nature
    #biodiversity
    #wildlife
    #wildlifephotography
    #monday
    #environment
    #vegan
    #worldbeesanctuary

  16. #theBeeAt3

    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 251

    Thistles are a vital #nectar source for male #bumblebees specifically (also for many other #pollinators!).
    Their current status should be revisited in both a rural and urban context.
    #thistles do good!
    Leave them grow.
    #bees
    #nature
    #biodiversity
    #wildlife
    #wildlifephotography
    #monday
    #environment
    #vegan
    #worldbeesanctuary

  17. #theBeeAt3

    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 251

    Thistles are a vital #nectar source for male #bumblebees specifically (also for many other #pollinators!).
    Their current status should be revisited in both a rural and urban context.
    #thistles do good!
    Leave them grow.
    #bees
    #nature
    #biodiversity
    #wildlife
    #wildlifephotography
    #monday
    #environment
    #vegan
    #worldbeesanctuary

  18. #theBeeAt3

    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 251

    Thistles are a vital #nectar source for male #bumblebees specifically (also for many other #pollinators!).
    Their current status should be revisited in both a rural and urban context.
    #thistles do good!
    Leave them grow.
    #bees
    #nature
    #biodiversity
    #wildlife
    #wildlifephotography
    #monday
    #environment
    #vegan
    #worldbeesanctuary

  19. #theBeeAt3

    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 251

    Thistles are a vital #nectar source for male #bumblebees specifically (also for many other #pollinators!).
    Their current status should be revisited in both a rural and urban context.
    #thistles do good!
    Leave them grow.
    #bees
    #nature
    #biodiversity
    #wildlife
    #wildlifephotography
    #monday
    #environment
    #vegan
    #worldbeesanctuary

  20. #theBeeAt3

    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 250

    Bumblebees love #thistles (as do many #insects and #birds).
    Forget boyband bedding plants (so 90’s, pretty but ultimately useless) and have these kickass #punks of the #wildflower world in your patch.
    Sunflower family.

    #bees
    #nature
    #biodiversity
    #environment
    #bumblebees
    #wildlife
    #worldbeesanctuary

  21. #theBeeAt3

    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 250

    Bumblebees love #thistles (as do many #insects and #birds).
    Forget boyband bedding plants (so 90’s, pretty but ultimately useless) and have these kickass #punks of the #wildflower world in your patch.
    Sunflower family.

    #bees
    #nature
    #biodiversity
    #environment
    #bumblebees
    #wildlife
    #worldbeesanctuary

  22. #theBeeAt3

    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 250

    Bumblebees love #thistles (as do many #insects and #birds).
    Forget boyband bedding plants (so 90’s, pretty but ultimately useless) and have these kickass #punks of the #wildflower world in your patch.
    Sunflower family.

    #bees
    #nature
    #biodiversity
    #environment
    #bumblebees
    #wildlife
    #worldbeesanctuary

  23. #theBeeAt3

    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 250

    Bumblebees love #thistles (as do many #insects and #birds).
    Forget boyband bedding plants (so 90’s, pretty but ultimately useless) and have these kickass #punks of the #wildflower world in your patch.
    Sunflower family.

    #bees
    #nature
    #biodiversity
    #environment
    #bumblebees
    #wildlife
    #worldbeesanctuary

  24. #theBeeAt3

    Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.

    # 250

    Bumblebees love #thistles (as do many #insects and #birds).
    Forget boyband bedding plants (so 90’s, pretty but ultimately useless) and have these kickass #punks of the #wildflower world in your patch.
    Sunflower family.

    #bees
    #nature
    #biodiversity
    #environment
    #bumblebees
    #wildlife
    #worldbeesanctuary

  25. RE: fairdinkum.one/@John/115879202

    AND - as you can see in the photos, the bloody #thistles are still going crazy out in the paddock!

    The vinegar worked & killed all the thistle in the front yard.

    We’re thinking of trying again. This time instead of spraying the vinegar - we’ll be pouring it onto the thistle.

    $100 worth of vinegar has been purchased.

    Just waiting on my back & cooler weather.

  26. RE: fairdinkum.one/@John/115879202

    AND - as you can see in the photos, the bloody #thistles are still going crazy out in the paddock!

    The vinegar worked & killed all the thistle in the front yard.

    We’re thinking of trying again. This time instead of spraying the vinegar - we’ll be pouring it onto the thistle.

    $100 worth of vinegar has been purchased.

    Just waiting on my back & cooler weather.

  27. RE: fairdinkum.one/@John/115879202

    AND - as you can see in the photos, the bloody #thistles are still going crazy out in the paddock!

    The vinegar worked & killed all the thistle in the front yard.

    We’re thinking of trying again. This time instead of spraying the vinegar - we’ll be pouring it onto the thistle.

    $100 worth of vinegar has been purchased.

    Just waiting on my back & cooler weather.

  28. That’s me done for the day. My back is in spasm & was sore before that.

    We spent the morning outside with the #alpacas & the crazy #sheep.

    Some digging around the gate to let it open easier for the shearer tomorrow & more vinegar spraying on the #thistles.

    Then I changed the water troughs & pool water.

    It was nice to see the lambs using the pool to drink from. I’m still waiting for Chaser to use it as a pool. He uses the water troughs & they are much smaller…

  29. That’s me done for the day. My back is in spasm & was sore before that.

    We spent the morning outside with the #alpacas & the crazy #sheep.

    Some digging around the gate to let it open easier for the shearer tomorrow & more vinegar spraying on the #thistles.

    Then I changed the water troughs & pool water.

    It was nice to see the lambs using the pool to drink from. I’m still waiting for Chaser to use it as a pool. He uses the water troughs & they are much smaller…

  30. That’s me done for the day. My back is in spasm & was sore before that.

    We spent the morning outside with the #alpacas & the crazy #sheep.

    Some digging around the gate to let it open easier for the shearer tomorrow & more vinegar spraying on the #thistles.

    Then I changed the water troughs & pool water.

    It was nice to see the lambs using the pool to drink from. I’m still waiting for Chaser to use it as a pool. He uses the water troughs & they are much smaller…

  31. #Woolies delivered 6 litres of #doublestrength vinegar yesterday morning.

    I’ve been tempted to go spray the #thistles out back, but I feel safer when my better half is home, just in case my knees give out on me again.

    My knees have been giving me grief since Thursday & my meds don’t seem to be helping with the pain.

    I’ll go fill my sprayer though & get things ready for tomorrow.

  32. #Woolies delivered 6 litres of #doublestrength vinegar yesterday morning.

    I’ve been tempted to go spray the #thistles out back, but I feel safer when my better half is home, just in case my knees give out on me again.

    My knees have been giving me grief since Thursday & my meds don’t seem to be helping with the pain.

    I’ll go fill my sprayer though & get things ready for tomorrow.

  33. #Woolies delivered 6 litres of #doublestrength vinegar yesterday morning.

    I’ve been tempted to go spray the #thistles out back, but I feel safer when my better half is home, just in case my knees give out on me again.

    My knees have been giving me grief since Thursday & my meds don’t seem to be helping with the pain.

    I’ll go fill my sprayer though & get things ready for tomorrow.

  34. #Thistles - I sprayed #vinegar on the few that had started growing in the front yard.

    Then it poured down with rain for 4 straight days in a row.

    A waste of vinegar I thought.

    Nope - all the sprayed thistles are dead.

    I’ve just ordered 6 litres of vinegar & will attempt to do all the returning thistles in the #alpaca paddock early next week if my spine is willing.

  35. #Thistles - I sprayed #vinegar on the few that had started growing in the front yard.

    Then it poured down with rain for 4 straight days in a row.

    A waste of vinegar I thought.

    Nope - all the sprayed thistles are dead.

    I’ve just ordered 6 litres of vinegar & will attempt to do all the returning thistles in the #alpaca paddock early next week if my spine is willing.

  36. #Thistles - I sprayed #vinegar on the few that had started growing in the front yard.

    Then it poured down with rain for 4 straight days in a row.

    A waste of vinegar I thought.

    Nope - all the sprayed thistles are dead.

    I’ve just ordered 6 litres of vinegar & will attempt to do all the returning thistles in the #alpaca paddock early next week if my spine is willing.

  37. #Thistles - I sprayed #vinegar on the few that had started growing in the front yard.

    Then it poured down with rain for 4 straight days in a row.

    A waste of vinegar I thought.

    Nope - all the sprayed thistles are dead.

    I’ve just ordered 6 litres of vinegar & will attempt to do all the returning thistles in the #alpaca paddock early next week if my spine is willing.

  38. #Thistles - I sprayed #vinegar on the few that had started growing in the front yard.

    Then it poured down with rain for 4 straight days in a row.

    A waste of vinegar I thought.

    Nope - all the sprayed thistles are dead.

    I’ve just ordered 6 litres of vinegar & will attempt to do all the returning thistles in the #alpaca paddock early next week if my spine is willing.