A very successful non-native species often seen in Wyoming and arid gardens is Artemisia ‘Powis Castle.’ It probably originated in the Mediterranean region, but it became popular when it was planted at Powis Castle in Wales, Wales being one of the leading best guesses for the birth place of St. Patrick. Powis Castle is a…
Author: wyominglife
No Awards for Originality
Ok, I know. It’s the ubiquitous spring Crocus photo, but I couldn’t resist. I know I won’t win any awards for originality, but it’s such a comforting site, knowing that the growing season is coming. Our winters are long here in Wyoming, and the March warm up is a welcome reminder that God has set…
National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming
Although I’ve been through Jackson Hole multiple times, I’ve never visited the National Elk Refuge just north of town. The National Elk Refuge is one of 553 refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There is good evidence that elk once ranged all across North America, inhabiting forests, river valleys, the prairies and…
Doomsday Wyoming Style
Well, there’s been a lot of hoopla in the media the last few days due to a bill introduced in the Wyoming State Legislature. I don’t know why, that at this stage in my life, I should be surprised by the kind of reporting and commenting I came across as I tried to find out…
Addicted to the Glide
If you want to get addicted to cross country skiing, go out early in the morning, after a fresh snowfall, before anyone else is on the trails.
A Milder Wyoming Winter?
Perspective is an interesting thing. If you talk to almost anyone around Casper, the general perspective is that we are having a very mild winter. I spoke with a man in his 60’s who has lived here all his life and he was commenting on how warm this winter has been. Ditto with a man…
Wild Bergamot, A Showy Native Mint
Monarda fistulosa is commonly called Horsemint, Wild Bergamot, and Bee Balm. As with many native plants found in the Rocky Mountains and Western Plains, it was used by Native Americans to treat a variety of ailments, from headaches to bronchitis. Even today it is used as a component in some herbal tea mixes, and the…
Save Research Dollars, Ask Moms
I had to chuckle a little when I saw this ‘new study’ that says preschoolers and kindergarteners need lots of time…. wait for it… playing outside! “Play Time for Preschoolers Essential, Study Says” I cringe to think what this ground breaking research cost when they could have come to the same conclusion by asking any…
Cross Country Skiing on Casper Mountain
Sometimes the best activities are in our own backyards, or close anyway. At a friend’s encouragement our whole family rented skis and took a short drive up Casper Mountain to the Nordic Ski Center. The lodge itself manages to capture the classic mountain ski lodge look and feel without being pretentious, but the real draw…
Winter Watering in Wyoming and the High Plains
Last week we had three days in a row above 40 degrees F. With no snow cover, this was a perfect time to water shrubs, trees and perennials in the yard. The forecast for Central Wyoming for the first week of 2012 looks good for another opportunity for winter watering. In the high plains, winter…
Update EPA Well Testing Pavillion, Wyoming
An update is posted at the Drinking Water Advisor about the EPA’s interpretation of the results from the EPA well testing in Pavillion, WY. Pavillion is located in the Wind River Basin of western Wyoming where drilling for natural gas and oil has increased substantially in the last decade. EPA’s Lisa Jackson has stated the…
Wyoming Life 