Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
What A Plant Knows
Can we say that plants have senses? How do plants sense their environment and how do scientists study plant senses?
These are questions I am exploring for the next few weeks in a free, online class entitled What a Plant Knows (and other things you didn’t know about plants). The class is taught by Tel Aviv University Professor Daniel Chamovitz, who wrote a book by the same title.
The class began last week and I am enjoying it so much I wanted to mention it here. It is not too late to start the course, offered through Coursera, a company that offers massive open online courses (MOOCs).
Plant Swap
We finally had much-needed rain this past week and even now there is a fine mist. It is cool 68.7 °F and gray, the opposite of last weekend when we had clear blue sunny skies and temperatures in the high 80s. Last Sunday I helped with a neighborhood plant swap. It was heartening to see the turnout of people (including some children) interested in sharing plants with each other.
I shared Monarda, Hedychium coronarium, and Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ and in return, I could not resist some reblooming Irises of unknown color and a white peony, Paeonia Festiva Maxima. Today I found several rebloomers flowering in the garden.
Reblooming Iris germanica (Bearded iris) (bearded German Iris)
Miscellany
The Swamp Sunflower continues to tower over the back border. Today it was covered with bees. On Thursday during a cold, heavy rain I spied a hummingbird stopping in to visit along the top of this plant. The hummingbirds are gone now and no more Monarchs ever showed up, just that one.
Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower)
The Sedum gradually is turning brown now. The last time I photographed it a big grasshopper was sitting on it. No way to know if this is the same one but it looks completely cushioned by the tiny flowers.
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Herbstfreude) and Differential grasshopper, Melanoplus differentialis
pbmGarden 
Going to check on the cool plant class!
Thanks so much!
Oh good. It’s fascinating. I’m just watching the videos, not worrying about the tests and paper.
A white peony sounds nice. I have a lovely big white one with streaks of pink in it, and it smells wonderful. I just had a look at that book and it sounds fascinating… I may order that soon. Thanks for the tip, and enjoy the course!
Your peony sounds similar to this one–pink at the center. Hope it will also smell good. My husband is reading the book. I think you’ll like it. So far the videos have been good.
Your sunflower looks better than ever!
A plant swap sounds nice, I don’t think my neighborhood has enough interest to support one… unless I opened up the cooler and kept a couple six packs ready….. hmmmm, that might be an idea.
Thanks! The sunflower has been going for many weeks now. I have to cut it back soon though because I don’t want it to spread seeds. You should try the plant swap–sounds like you have a good formula for getting neighbors involved! I was surprised at how many people came and it was fun seeing all the kids picking out plants too.
Your class sounds interesting although I doubt one will ever find the answers to these questions. I had Penstemon d. Huskers Red one year and thought it very beautiful. I’m impressed with your Helianthus angustifolius – such a beauty. Let me find a swamp quickly! 😉 Maybe near the pond…
The professor does a good job of discussing the science of plants. Just 8 weeks long so it’s manageable. That sunflower has done unusually well this year. It’s not really in a wet spot in my garden but from the name I guess it can tolerate the water pretty well.
Love your white Iris, I wish mine reflowered.
Iris in October is sort of a novelty I think. If the ones I brought home from the plant swap do well, maybe this white one will have some company next fall. Susie
Monarchs were still here this weekend so they may just be taking their sweet time…the course sounds great. i am booked with a few things right now but will note it for future reference.
Hi Donna, glad to know you have the Monarchs there. The class is pretty interesting–I’m just watching the videos, not taking the tests, etc. I recommend it for when you’ve some free time.
I can’t participate in the class but I’m going to find that book! I love that swamp sunflower.
Hope you’ll enjoy the book–my husband went that route also. The sunflower may be the champ of my garden this year–still going strong.
Thanks for the tip about Coursera.
You’re welcome. Hope you get a chance to check it out. I have enjoyed this class.