"Simple like an uncarved block."
Tao te Ching


"Like an acorn that holds the promise of a thousand forests."

Sunday, January 25, 2009

SINDAY STROLL

The stroll begins today at the foot of the bluff just up from the creek. From here we will head "Further up and further in." Life on the bluff is wondrous. look at the climbing Hartford Fern (for Master Gardeners, Lygodium plamatum) and all the lichen and mosses.


This mini fern found a little indent in the rock and made a home.


The seed pods and dried leaves are from the primitive Big leaf Magnolia, the living leaves exceed 18" and the flower is plate size and beautiful. They lay near a young Mountain Laurel and that curious climbing fern.

Red Holly berries cover the forest floor. Will these join them soon?


Look at that vibrant green moss and the charming little Ground pines which are clubmoss or "Lycopodium obsurum". At one time the 4-6" tall little trees were harvested at Christmas and are now an endangered species.

More red berries, these on the wonderful wintergreen plants. In the spring the tender new leaves can be harvested for tea and to chew as a spring treat. They are also known as Partridge Berries.


As we pass this moss we have moved up a hill and are headed home.



Oh, look at my tribute to Narnia. Do you see the back of the wardrobe anywhere?
Lets go home.


To see other stroller out and about today pop over to

4 comments:

Everydaywoman said...

What a beautiful stroll--and what close attention to detail! Your children and grandchildren must be so proud of you, you blogger, you! Thanks so much for sharing!

Marcie said...

I can't believe how green it is there! The ferns and moss are beautiful and, of course, I love the lamp post!

Cloudhands said...

Ruth and Aisling,
Thanks for walking with me today.
Ruth, I'm headed back to your site to comment there. Amazing pictures.
Aisling,
I'm sure you got the foreshadowing of Narnia at the beginning of the blog. At least I hope someone did.

Everydaywoman said...

Cloudhands,
Just love the quote about "the joy of doing." Thought you might enjoy our game of "tag" in the blogosphere. If so, please visit:
http://everydaywomanusa.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/tag-youre-it/

Ruth