Monday, April 07, 2008

Intrepid Explorers R Us

Dave at the top of the world

We don't have to get in the car to have an adventure since we have our own wilderness to investigate. After the rains ceased on Saturday we went for a look at the east side of the hill to see if we had a creek yet. The former owners said we had one 'seasonally' and that is the case. On the plateau above us is a large field which drains into small waterfalls, which pool into a at the bottom into a second pond, soon to be swamp. A slideshow of the whole trek can be viewed here.

Of course my rationale for exploring is the flowers. I love these tiny pinky-white ones. Anyone know the name of this beauty?


These sweet things open up to pink too. So close to the ground, I had to risk painful knee bending to shoot them.

I love love love the unfurling heads of ferns. They are everywhere in our woods.

And there are numerous May Apple springing up in various stages of development. Such excitement.

How's this for a still life? Everytime we go for an 'explore' we find something like this. I have collected many bones and skulls and will use them as garden decor. Maybe it will serve as a warning to foraging deer. Mwah-ha-ha.

11 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:50 AM

    I think that is s round-lobed hepatica.

    I came home from Squaw Valley to crocus and some blue flower that I can't remember what it is and my red, mini-tulips in bloom!!

    teri

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  2. Every the artist, you are remindng me of O'keefee's skull and bone period, only in a wetter climate.

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  3. Anonymous9:43 AM

    Those little flowers are commonly known as Spring Beauties - and can carpet the ground......

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  4. Anonymous10:53 AM

    My DH suggests anemone .
    And while I am here ...LOVE your blog and visit daily, just never make it to the comment section.
    Linda in BC

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  5. Anonymous12:37 PM

    Mrs Mel,

    Those are Spring Beauties. Check out this site for lots of info on them:
    www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/kitchen/2006sp_spuds.html

    They are tubers--edible, but make sure to leave at least 20 plants for every one you harvest to allow for sustainable reproduction for future years delights.
    -jp

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  6. Pretty little darlings. Look at the teeth on that beast!

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  7. Anonymous6:15 PM

    I have no idea what that pretty little flower is, I just wanted to echo another individual's comment--and that is that I get such a great kick out of your blog. I originally started to read it for the quilt content. I'm a quilter who does a dozen other things in her life, but that does not leave time for guilds, getting together very often with quilt buddies, etc., so the net has been a great way for me to read about the creative endeavors of my fellow fabric nuts. But I have been following your move and your excitement as you explore your new locale...keep up the great writing, it's such a pleasure to read!
    Mary in San Diego

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  8. Hi Melody. I too had 50 acres of woods and fields to tramp at one time and bought the Audubon Field Guide to North American Wildflowers. It's very informational; organized by flower color, then by shape; with photographs of each. I was able to learn a lot from it.

    Now I only have small woods behind my house, but it's woods so I'm happy.

    Twinnie Susan

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  9. I would have guessed anenome as well. If you have an abundance of the baby fiddle heads, you can gather a bunch and add them to stirfry. We absolutely love them that way. I loved the fresh green colors of the moss, etc. in the slideshow. Such fun!
    LB

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  10. Anonymous9:02 PM

    Flowers are definitely not Spring Beauties. That was my first thought too but the leaves are wrong and Spring Beauties have 5 petals, these have 7. Also not anemone or blood root for the same reasons.

    And yes, I cheated- I looked in my Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers.

    Ah, fiddleheads....and morels!!! (often found near May Apples)- yum!

    teri

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  11. Anonymous9:11 PM

    Ok, could be a rue-anemone which is in the Buttercup family as is the hepatica.

    Regardless, they are beautiful. Sigh, I am ready to go strolling in the woods.

    teri

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