I live out in the boondocks surrounded by farm fields and woodlands. During the summer, I'm pretty well limited to walking our main road and some of the improvised trails/roads tractors cut out to get to the harder-to-reach fields.
However, when the autumn harvest is completed, there's no limit to where I can wander except for common sense and safety. When a trail camera picked up a black bear investigating where I had just passed, that was a definite sign for me to avoid that particular path. After that near miss, along with the several occasions I became temporarily disoriented (lost), I decided it was in my best interest to keep to the cleared swaths surrounding the fields. No problem. Those paths proved perfect for investigating the bordering woodlands without any bears, briars, or brambles attacking me.
A few months ago, as the weather began to warm, I envisioned spring bringing forth lots of vibrant blossoms and buzzing, flittering insects to greet me on my morning walk. Didn’t happen.
Yes, the understory underwent a bright and beautiful re-greening, but no big splashes of color painted the vegetation except for some yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) and twisted vines of briars sporting white blossoms. I refused to give up hope though.
Then, as I noticed some promising buds peering out from the greenery, my quiet time with Mother Nature came to an end.
However, when the autumn harvest is completed, there's no limit to where I can wander except for common sense and safety. When a trail camera picked up a black bear investigating where I had just passed, that was a definite sign for me to avoid that particular path. After that near miss, along with the several occasions I became temporarily disoriented (lost), I decided it was in my best interest to keep to the cleared swaths surrounding the fields. No problem. Those paths proved perfect for investigating the bordering woodlands without any bears, briars, or brambles attacking me.
A few months ago, as the weather began to warm, I envisioned spring bringing forth lots of vibrant blossoms and buzzing, flittering insects to greet me on my morning walk. Didn’t happen.
Yes, the understory underwent a bright and beautiful re-greening, but no big splashes of color painted the vegetation except for some yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) and twisted vines of briars sporting white blossoms. I refused to give up hope though.
Then, as I noticed some promising buds peering out from the greenery, my quiet time with Mother Nature came to an end.
The inevitable tractors made their presence known as they plowed and prepped the land for the coming growing season. That was okay. I could ignore the noise and dust. However, when the sprayers arrived, I had to make a quick exit. The choking, stinking, poisonous mist drove me away and kept me from returning for a week.
The saddening sight of curled-up brown leaves from the herbicide overspray broke my heart. I was afraid everything would wither away, but nature surprised me. A little further back in the woods, beyond the line of dying leaves, new growth continued to spring up. Magnificent Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) blossoms drew an audience of winged admirers. Since then, I've discovered several different oak trees, and a few days ago, an American Holly (Ilex opaca) peeked out from behind a wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) bush.
Today, I noticed blueberries! My "Picture This" app identified them as Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). I plan on taking a cutting to propagate my own. Blueberries are a breakfast staple for me. Along with a banana, they make my morning oatmeal eatable. Don't worry. Even though I'll be tempted, I'll leave the fruit on this plant for the wildlife to enjoy.
Today, I noticed blueberries! My "Picture This" app identified them as Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). I plan on taking a cutting to propagate my own. Blueberries are a breakfast staple for me. Along with a banana, they make my morning oatmeal eatable. Don't worry. Even though I'll be tempted, I'll leave the fruit on this plant for the wildlife to enjoy.
A few days ago, some Sawtooth blackberry (Rubus argutus) vines caught my eye, and I'll take some cutting from them too. I'll also try my hand at propagating the oaks and other native trees as well as a variety of native bushes. This will be another first for me. Wish me luck! I'll keep you informed on my progress.
Discovering, learning, and trying new things is so much fun. It’s wonderful! I can't tell you what joy I feel from these simple little blessings. I hope my enthusiasm spreads to all of you. Everyone needs to include native plants and bugs into their lives. Whether you have a yard, patio, or window box, it doesn't matter – plant something and watch the appreciative bugs take advantage of your kindness. It'll make you smile.
Discovering, learning, and trying new things is so much fun. It’s wonderful! I can't tell you what joy I feel from these simple little blessings. I hope my enthusiasm spreads to all of you. Everyone needs to include native plants and bugs into their lives. Whether you have a yard, patio, or window box, it doesn't matter – plant something and watch the appreciative bugs take advantage of your kindness. It'll make you smile.
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