Wild Beauty

Time For Some Green

Remember that stuff?

Not money...green grass, green plants, flowers!

I have a bad case of SAD and thought some fall pictures might cheer everyone.

I long for the green of spring and summer and it is weeks away.

No more snow! No more cold!

I dream of spring nights with the sounds of birds, crickets, and frogs singing to the dark. I love the smell of spring and things growing so fast you can almost hear them grow.

I long for feet in the creek and spring water cress.

I listen to the winter winds as we prepare for the coldest night this winter.

I listen, in vain, for the night cry of "Whip Poor Will" and hope that they are warm.

I listen and I long for longer days, warmer days.

But I don't miss the ticks!!!

Picking Spanish Needles...

while I bless them. I'm sure all of you know them. Those tall plants with the pretty flowers that the butterflies and bees just love. Also known as Black Jack, Farmer's Friend, and Hairy Beggarsticks. The scientific name Bidens pilosa does not make it any more fun to pick off your pants, shirt, socks, coat and sometimes your underwear.

Well, since I was griping, you know me, I had to do research! I actually found a site where people want seeds of this plant. I wish I had their phone number. I would give them all they can pick!

It is also used as a cooked green. Stop, listen to me, DO NOT PLANT SPANISH NEEDLES!!! They grow where ever they get a toe hold. They survive along fences very well. Walking down the fence row, I looked like a porcupine with mange! I felt like a pin cushion, a needle magnet, and a drug addict all at the same time.

You must not call this plant a wildflower and nurture it. It is a weed, rip it out by the roots! Burn it! Do not let one seed go to the ground!

We finished one section of fence, pierced as we were. Den pushed up some fallen trees(the reason for the fence damage) cut a couple off the fence. We are still cleaning up from the tornado in early spring (F4). Straightened, stretched and hammered, one side is finished.

...and you thought I was gonna gripe about snow!!