Tag Archives: nature

The Upper Left-Hand Brick

NOTE:  This posting has an error.   The apple-like oak leaf gall is caused by a midge, not a wasp.  The leaf gall of the wasp is an elongated gall along the veins of the leaf.  I will update the … Continue reading

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February Flora!

February 23, and we have non-native crocuses blooming and native wild leeks peeking up in our backyard.  Talk about your winter wonderland… Note: the leeks link has a couple recipes.  It’s Nadia’s article in the newsletter of the Hawthorn Chapter … Continue reading

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Foggy morning wakeup

I looked out into the backyard one recent frosty morn and saw mist, so Bonita and I went out into Rock Bridge Memorial State Park to see if the mist was there, too.  It was.  There was frost on the … Continue reading

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We’re on a Sumac Roll, Aromatically Speaking

There is a new post in our native plants pages on Rhus aromatica, sometimes called Aromatic Sumac.  Defend your chickens and tan some leather.  Or just grow a nice plant or two.  It’s here: https://nadiasyard.com/our-native-plants/sumac-aromatic-rhus-aromatica/. Also, Nadia is working on … Continue reading

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Flapjacks and Sumacs

We had pancakes for breakfast this morning, watching out our dining room window as a small hawk—kestrel, I think—tried to catch its own breakfast in our backyard.  And on our pancakes was what?  Pure maple syrup from Vermont?  Nope.  That … Continue reading

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Leafscapes

Sometimes you have to look close  

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You can’t keep a good Goddess down

Despite yesterday’s snow and the 15-degree reading on our outside thermometer this morning, our Sky Blue Aster still held onto a few bedraggled blossoms. I mean, you really have to admire the persistence of this late-season bloomer!  It’s over for … Continue reading

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A Mysterious Gem

I would like to say that this was painted in our backyard, but I would not be telling the truth.  It could have been, had the artist visited here.  It could have been a playful interpretation of our little water … Continue reading

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Specially and diversely unique. Or something…

It was waaay past time to turn the compost in our backyard. One of those jobs that seem much worse in anticipation than they actually are, turning compost is something I can put off for a very long time.  Now, … Continue reading

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Halloween Party!

We’ve had a couple light freezes already, but that didn’t stop the Halloween festivities in our yard, as some sturdy late bloomers attracted a few trick-or-treaters.  This is just a sample of what we saw. Soon to come is a … Continue reading

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