Forced Renovation

Heavy rainfall on Sunday caused a flood of water across the Upper Garden. Except for silt on grass where water stood for a short time, there was little plant damage. Water rushing out of the garden took the path that leads down to a sort of Dry Creek/Stone Steps that I use as a shortcut and water channel. Plants behind the stacked bricks are actually in a raised bed

Lantana beside steps took a beating.

Bricks washed off the stacked wall. Pine straw washed off the path  and

holes appeared but no weeds washed away. It may remain a swept path until

pine straw falls  in Autumn. Small stones washed out of the steps.

 

River stones washed all the way across the driveway. I picked them up and

tossed them back around the steps. I brought in two new stones where

 a hole washed on the left side. 

 

Path in April.

 

Also in April, from above.

 

 

Water is a powerful force.

Lichens, Moss and Stones, Part I

Before I show you the lichens and things I made pics today, let me introduce another stone, Stone the Gardener. Stone gardens somewhere just north of me a hundred or so miles, I think. He's a new member at Blotanical and has had a real problem getting a blog site that will show up in Blotanical's feeds. We're hoping the coming Blotanical changes will make him easier to find and pick and enjoy. You'll find him in the Alphabetical List under S. He says he shows up in New Blogs. I couldn't find that.

When I was reading my feeds this morning, somebody mentioned lichens. It set me off to go look for some outside.

Bits of lichen fall off trees onto the ground.

I feel compelled to pick up pieces of bark with lichens, limbs with great growths of lichens and ferns and other stray bits even when I don't have a use for them. 

Stones start with algae, then lichens and mosses.

Our limestone boulders erode away in interesting patterns.

The stone above is surrounded with Rose

Campion and Ghost Plant, whose tones complement.

The layers of this stone are one of my fav patterns.

Interesting weeds and seedlings surround my stones.

The narcissus above was a mistake. It came with a summer blooming bulb, foliage of the summer bulbs are noticeable around the stone.  I'm working on the idea of having summer bulbs and early spring bulbs in the same areas to bring two seasons of bloom.

Not only stones, but ancient fence posts have lichens.

I didn't find British Soldiers. I think they'll be along when the weather turns colder. 

Next post I'll show lichens, moss and trees: some live trees, some used for other purposes.

Can you imagine what this is, now developing a nice patina?

Flowers and text are from the garden of Nell Jean blogged on Dotty Plants Journal in warm, humid Southwest Georgia.