Lichens, Moss and Trees

On Monday I showed you some of my stones with moss and lichens and algae. When I left the front yard, I followed the fences around to where some old utility poles are piled, some for thirty years or more.

This might be Shaggy Moss. I could go back with a

magnifying glass and my Golden Guide from 1967, or not.

Wonder why the companion pole has only a thin layer of crustose lichen?

Moss is forming on the ends.

Varying stages of decay and growth.

Where dust settles between decaying wood,

opportunists like chickweed and wild

geranium get a start.

This oak has had an insect infestation, drilled out by woodpeckers

and an interesting pattern of lichens.

Ancient fence posts, decaying and growing moss.

Notice the little spider web made by a funnel weaver.

(I have a little Golden Guide for spiders, too, 1968.

This line of live oaks grow along a former fence row.

I made pics of the bark patterns and mosses, for another post.

In the plowed ground of the firebreak, I saw numerous deer tracks.

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

A Fallen Tree Equals a Good Day's Work

Entire tree cut, moved and stacked.

Pictures and text are from the farm of Nell Jean blogged on Dotty Plants Journal in hot, humid Southwest Georgia.

Trees and Shrubs with Bursting Blooms

Continuing warm weather is encouraging blooms to burst forth daily. Pear trees are in bloom between here and town; one of our pears is starting to open blooms. Peach trees are putting out those tentative blossoms that insure some tight blooms saved back for the inevitable late freeze. The ornamental trees and shrubs are starting a real show.



Notice behind the red Camellia. Redbud trees are starting to bloom. The one on the north side of the house is fully bloomed out and bees are covering it.

Lantana montevidensis is putting out growth from the roots. Salvia leucantha has new growth on the two biggest clumps out front, while I anxiously wait to see if all the clumps will put out green leaves.
'Sailboat' daffodils have opened, pretty little white jonquillas with a creamy cup. Three 'Pink Charm' daffodils have opened, more with buds farther up the hill.


A cool wind was blowing all day. It was 65 degrees outside. Daddy Mack always said at 70 degrees you could go without a coat. I have a cough, and wore a sweat shirt with a hood when I was outside pulling weeds. Chickweed is rampant in the beds. Hot sun will take it out soon, but it overpowers the seedling Larkspur and Poppies, so I pull as much as is practical. It is easy to determine where the richest areas are: they have the most vigorous weeds.