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The various brambles and briars on the farm are the very epitome of resilience – and quiet anger. They seem to invite one to brush up, even if unintentionally, against a tendril so those long, sharp thorns can get a bite of flesh. They’re so adept at scratching me that I sometimes wonder if they’re actually moving when I’m not looking – getting closer, smirking, and then grabbing.
Continue reading “Haiku: Coming Up Roses”
Clouds invite woolgathering: looking up at a cerulean sky adorned with puffy, filmy, or swirling clouds is simple luxury. This sky stopped me in my tracks – so much there.
Continue reading “Haiku: Empyreal Eddies”
The big silver maple has shed her seeds and is now crowned in green leaves. As I pulled the feed cart to the barn, I noticed that the carpet of samaras (underfoot everywhere in this area beneath the big maple) sported a few that seemed to be sticking straight up out of the ground. I had to take a closer look, right?
Continue reading “Around The Farm: Sprouting Samaras”
Just shy of a month ago, we had snow on the ground. I was worried about how the budding trees and plants would fare, but the mulberry tree, at least, is looking none the worse for wear: it’s full of green berries!
Continue reading “Foraged: Mulberries This Year?”
The peonies have begun to bloom. Their bright beauty, popping against the green backdrop, draws the eye. An overnight storm left the large, heavy blossoms slightly droopy from the pummeling rain, but their loveliness is irrepressible. These delicate flowers burst forth in showy glory, but don’t last long – a feast for the eyes while they’re here.
May you find some natural beauty this Friday.
Anthropomorphizing much? Sure…but I’ve come to think of the big silver maple as a stately lady, especially at this time of year, when her samaras rain down to earth. They’re edible, but I don’t harvest them for two reasons: (1) I have plenty of other food options and (2) I want to see the seeds germinate in the soil.
As today’s breezes blow the samaras hither and yon, I’ll be wishing them luck and hoping they begin life – just as the maple is, no doubt.