Governor Francis Farms Rose Pond Shows Signs of Pollution Narragansett Bay - Saint George Court, Linda Maintanis

It's a well-known fact that Rose Pond is located at the back of, or south side of Saint George Court.
Many locals tell stories of skating on it when they were grade school age. Now it is located outside my living room window, facing east, the old water tower still stands in a tangle of wild rose vines.
The pond is spring fed; I think that's a good thing to know, that in a pinch you could get your own water...

Last week, Thursday before the storm, I happened to glance over and around the pond, possibly trying to spy a deer or beaver. Instead something jumped out at me. A large mass of slightly flourescent green sludge that appeared to have traveled down the bank  of the pond. Now collected below;
it's sheen was compelling. What could it be?

The pond is a part of a chain of waterways that feed into Narragansett Bay. Located only 1500 feet from the shoreline of the bay, it's fresh water is a tiny tributary that allows wildlife a drinking fountain along it's path. From here the stream winds through Brown's Farm, still owned by a member of the founding families, Henry Brown. At the shore an estuary is formed.

 The Rhode Island DEM was called and are looking into the matter.  Hopefully there will be no long term damage to the delicate system.

Local Gardens Host to Hornets - Governor Francis Farms Bees in the Bushes?

Hornet's Nest. 

We've all heard the term and even said it a few times 

but how many of us have ever seen a real hornet's nest? 

Wikipedia defines the European Hornet this way, "This species will sting in response to being stepped on or grabbed but generally avoid conflict. They are also defensive of their hive and can be aggressive around food sources. They are carnivorous and eat large insects: primarily wasps, large moths, and other large bees. Care should be taken when encountered in these circumstances as they may sting without warning. The pain from the sting may persist for several days with attendant swelling. If you are stung you may wish to seek medical attention."

There have been several sightings of late in the Governor Francis Farms area of large, established hornet's nests. Take one look at these and stay away!
 
This nest shown below in both photos was about the size of a basketball. Additionally, as you can see in the second photo, it was not even waist-level; a potential danger to small children and pets...

Problems associated with the hornets are the following, "European hornets are carnivores and eat many species of insects. Many of these insects are considered pests in the garden, which indicates that the hornet provides a benefit to the average garden/farm. However, they are known to eradicate domestic honeybee hives, resulting in fewer honeybees for open pollination."

Therefore, homeowners who are aware of these pests on their property 

are encouraged to arrange removal by a licensed pest control firm.

To read more about the Honeybee reduction and the resulting problems 

I suggest SARE for more research.

Jack Frost Warning Puts Plants on Saint George Court Under Wraps for Cool Protection

A frosty forecast caused homeowners on Saint George Court to bundle up their baby vegetables and flowers last week.
 On May 14 and 15, 2013 a cold front pushed through Governor Frances Farms in Warwick, Rhode Island; Bringing temperatures with it that plummeted into the high 30's, the chill was a serious threat to most gardeners.

I, for one, had a very creative idea to protect the seedlings we were coddling.

These unique bubble-warmers were just the right protection for our baby plants.