Getting to know the land: Lichens
Lichens abound in the wet forests here in Western North Carolina with their amazing silver-grey-green colors on the tree limbs. Today I’m adding “Usnea” to my Land Life List. Usnea is the one on the left in the photo. The Land Life List is the idea of learning the names of everything I can see on the 5 acres that makes up the new homestead. Obviously this is a life-long project!
Read MoreGetting to know the land: Light patterns
The wiser part of me knows that it is good that I arrived at Five Apple too late in the season to do much growing. This might be the only thing that will get me to observe first, then dig.
Since we arrived in mid-Autumn—besides having wonderful fall colors on the land —I did have a great opportunity to observe the sunlight/shade patterns on potential garden areas— which will be very similar to the Spring pattern as the sun will be passing through the same angles, just moving the opposite direction. This is handy since the plants that like cooler temps are often grown in both spring and fall.
Read MoreGetting to know the land: Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)
Back in early October we were exploring the edge of the creek on the land’s southern boundary.
Love this plant! Panicle Hydrangea
Any plant that attracts this kind of beauty on a daily basis is going to win points with me!
Read MoreSinging in the driveway…in the spring in the driveway…
This well-camouflaged little fella was singing up a storm but I couldn’t see him for the longest time.When I’d hear the song, I’d take a few steps toward it, song would stop, I’d wait.
Read More
