Iowa Weather Network Archives from 2008 to 2017
To much surprise the first flower of 2016 season has already opened today! The plant to claim this title goes to one single snowdrop ( Galanthus elwesii ) that decided to take the plunge and open today in the brilliant sunshine and high of 48.F that we had. This is by far much earlier than …
As one can see it really is a sea of grasses! Grasses are the prime feature blooming in this prairie and all other prairies across the state. Grasses are one of the most important factors of a prairie and are often overlooked and ignored as most attention is on the crown jewels of the prairie- …
Imagine being an early explorer walking through a thick wooded river valley, then up a steep hill and at the top of this hill seeing an endless sea of grasses and flowers un interrupted as far as you could see. This is what the explorers of the early times saw as they crossed the Mississippi …
My favorite prairie remnant continues to offer a look at once was Iowa before the age of farming. In this photo, you are looking at the prairie as an entire plant community. Appreciate how the beautiful grasses and flowers together bring colors and texture. Prairies really are the natural perfect garden, and it continues to …
Walking through the prairie remnant this week continues to revel the true beauty that is concealed within and continues to offer a wonderful view into Iowa’s former landscape. We are going on a month of continuous bloom in this natural, nature-made “garden.” The grasses and forbs (flowers) are just under knee-high now, giving it a summer …
Here we are, saying good bye to yet another spring season and welcoming summer with open arms. Why would I say it’s summer already? Simply because of the first peony blossom! This is my tell tale sign that summer has truly arrived. Here in Iowa, they bloom quite a bit earlier than my hometown of Wisconsin, where they bloom …
Welcome to my “Following the Prairie” article, offering awareness and a look into what Iowa once was. The plants and scenes you are seeing are just a small piece of what was once called a “sea of grasses and flowers” that covered nearly all of Iowa. The photos offering this glimpse are from a prairie …
What a beautiful time of year we have reached here in southern Iowa! Redbuds are in full bloom and grace our cities, towns and country sides with wonderful shades of purplish pink. Serviceberry is another one I have seen blooming. The Magnolias that bloomed about 2 weeks ago are done blooming now. Lilacs and Crab …
This week temperatures have been quite cool, starting off in the 30s for highs Tuesday last week when we had rain, and slowly moderating to the lower 60s today. Plants had a much slower progressing due to this from previous weeks. The only exception to this being the grass, which has seen a quick progression with …
The first bloom of 2015 has arrived officially today (March 10th), kicking off the spring season here in southern Iowa. To what plant does this prize go to? It goes to Snow Crocus which opened up in today’s sunshine. Snow or (Species) Crocus bloom much earlier than standard Crocus you see in most stores, but …