http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/audio-video/categories/C298/P10/

~Fall Journey~



Black Gum Tree with fruit (deep purple or blue)



Persimmon Tree with fruit

Foxglove (September- roadside)

Dogwood with fruit (red berries)

~Along my walk- snapshots~

Today the morning began crisp and cool. Greetings for a beautiful fall day. I was on a quest today to figure out one tree in particular....The Black Gum Tree. I have been noticing its berries on my paths I take, and I was very curious what type of tree I had discovered. A friend and I had discussed the two particular trees while on an evening jog. Interestingly, the berry is not only fruit for many animals, it also is one of the first to turn in the fall and also the berry can be harvested for honey. Beekeepers especially like this tree near. I also took a shot of the persimmon- Did you know...that if you split its seed into you get a little surprise- a spoon and fork....adult supervison....as this is quite tricky to do!

~The Hint of Fall~

Fall is in the air, and I might go to say...quite earlier than usual around here! We have enjoyed September-like days and the evidence is upon us with Early Goldenrod and cool nights. Below are some pictures of my latest finds in the last weeks of August.

Heal - All - as its name implies- yes, it heals a variety of ailments- great plant!

Partridge Pea

My uncle Jr. first showed me this one!- Trumpet vine- I played with these in a large gulley at my grandmother's when I was a kid!

Primrose

~Sweet Summer~

July Creek Hikes are the Best!

Sweet, hot and humid July

Rose Pinks- I loved these as a child- and do so now as well. I would run through the field about a mile to gather these in an open field and hang them as arrangements on my grandfather's red barn. Medicinally, they are used to treat yellow fever, stomachaches, nausea, and a variety of other ailments.

First find of these- Great Blue Lobelia- creekside find.

Crayfish (Crawdad) burrow- called a "Chimney". Each piece of mud is rolled individually by the crawdad to create the chimney. Pretty neat- bricklayers of sorts!

~July's Beauty~

After the rain, alongside the road- cows grazing.

creekside after a warm, humid day

After a long creek hike, I found this - perhaps not in use anymore, but possess that 'country postcard' feel - I have a weakness for barns.

July clouds at sunset-

July ready sunflower!

Goldie, the draft horse- such a beauty- big & strong!

Blackberry Pick'in & Creek Stomp'in

The blackberries were a little earlier than usual this year - kids especially loved test tasting them on the way to the creek via the nature trail. Good Times!

Lunch Time!

Ripe Blackberries!

Hallie found a baby salamander!