christinepsparks

Nick’s Woods on a Fall Day

On a dark and drizzly day, brightly colored plants, fungi, and slime molds seem to shine! Drizzling and darkGreen turns to goldForest alchemyWith the sun’s light hiddenThe light of the leavesThe dying of chlorophyllReveling the bright huesGreen becomes pale yellowGreen bursts forth into crimson redThe tree trunks are muted, wet and greyLast year’s oak leavesContinue reading “Nick’s Woods on a Fall Day”

Donker Farm

Strix varia – Barred OwlSolidago – GoldenrodIlex verticillata – WinterberryAcer rubrum – Red MapleSymphyotrichum lateriflorum – Calico AsterLithobates palustris – Pickerel FrogArisaema triphyllum – Jack-in-the-pulpit (seeds)Lycogala epidendrum – Wolf’s Milk or Groening’s Slime

Spring Ledge Early Autumn

Umbers, ochres, dark greens Muted light softens the shadows Light emanates from the plants Ferns, mosses, blueberries seem to glow like embers Sparks of color – clear reds and yellows A pair of Tupelo trees grow by the edge of a meadow. They are unusual for this area. Their leathery leaves are bright and vibrant.Continue reading “Spring Ledge Early Autumn”

Mountain Mint Magic

Pycnanthemum muticum, or Mountain Mint has strong powers of attraction. A diverse crowd of critters can be found on its flowers. Under the sun, this plant hums with activity. If you live on the East Coast or the Midwest of America – plant native Mountain Mint! You will be delighted by the constant spectacle ofContinue reading “Mountain Mint Magic”

Garden Activity

The wildflower strip is buzzing with activity. All sorts of bees are enjoying the Echinacea purpurea. The milkweed flowers have drooped and seed pods are beginning to form. Bright orange milkweed beetles and milkweed bugs are busy. I spotted a green sweat bee drinking nectar from an Evening Primrose.

Beautiful Bovenzi 7/1/2024

Evening Primrose

I could get 3 and a half hours of sleep if I could fall asleep now. There’s a feral awareness to a sleeping world. Strange time – dark vulnerability. But – soft silver light. The dance of pink moths. Evening Primrose blooms. I like to look at Facebook Messenger to see who else is online. Continue reading “Evening Primrose”

Spring Flowers at the Cascades

Retractable Orange Antennae

I had no idea! Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars have antennae! I must have startled this one. As I approached, I noticed the bright little antlers. I have observed these creatures over the past couple of years. I had even brought a few caterpillars into my home to witness their transformation from caterpillars to butterflies. But, theContinue reading “Retractable Orange Antennae”

Another Kind of Primrose Moth

The Primrose glistened – tiny droplets coated tender trichomes. As I walked through the garden, I was delighted to see a small, rosy pink moth. Heretofore, I was familiar with Schinia florida – Primrose Moth. I was only recently aware of its existence, but I was deeply smitten! But, today’s moth was much smaller andContinue reading “Another Kind of Primrose Moth”