Nature is Full of Surprises
I've been working on some new projects and haven't had the time (or more honestly, I haven’t taken the time) to research new topics for Let's Get Our Hands Dirty. So, I browsed through my archives and found one of my "Through the Lens of a Nature Lover” articles from a couple of years ago.
At that time, I lived out in the boondocks and had miles of dirt roads, farm roads, trails, and fields to explore. I enjoy thinking back and reminiscing about all the greenery that surrounded me and the ‘new to me’ native plants I discovered.
May, 2023
I live out in the boondocks surrounded by farm fields and woodlands. When the autumn harvest is completed, there's no limit to where I can wander except for common sense and safety.
When a trail camera picked up a black bear investigating where I had just passed, that was a definite sign for me to avoid that particular path. After that near miss, and several occasions when I became temporarily disoriented (lost), I decided it was in my best interest to keep to the cleared swaths surrounding the fields. No problem. Those paths proved perfect for investigating the bordering woodlands without any bears, briars, or brambles attacking me.
During the summer, different obstacles, such as rattlesnakes and copperheads hiding in the overgrown understory, limit my explorations to our main road and some of the improvised tractor trails/roads. Again, no problem. Miles and miles of mostly untouched countryside promised wonderful adventures.
A few months ago, as the weather began to warm, I envisioned spring bringing forth lots of vibrant blossoms and buzzing, flittering insects to greet me on my morning walk. Didn’t happen.
Yes, the understory underwent a bright and beautiful re-greening, but no big splashes of color painted the vegetation except for some yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) and twisted vines of briars sporting white blossoms. I refused to give up hope, though.
Then, as I noticed some promising buds peering out from the greenery, my quiet time with Mother Nature came to an end.
The inevitable tractors made their presence known as they plowed and prepped the fields for the coming growing season. That was okay. I could ignore the noise and dust.
However, when the sprayers arrived, I had to make a quick exit. The choking, stinking, poisonous mist drifted in my direction, driving me away and preventing me from returning for a week.
When I did return, the saddening sight of curled-up brown leaves from the herbicide overspray broke my heart. I was afraid everything would wither away, but nature surprised me. A little further back in the woods, beyond the line of dying leaves, new growth continued to spring up. Magnificent Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) blossoms drew an audience of winged admirers. Since then, I've discovered numerous species of oak trees, and a few days ago, an American Holly (Ilex opaca) peeked out from behind a wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) bush.
Today, I noticed blueberries! My "Picture This" app identified them as Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). I plan on taking a cutting to propagate my own. Blueberries are a breakfast staple for me. Along with a banana, they make my morning oatmeal edible. Don't worry. Even though I'll be tempted, I'll leave the fruit on this plant for the wildlife to enjoy.
A few days ago, some Sawtooth blackberry (Rubus argutus) vines caught my eye, and I'll take some cuttings from them too. I'll try my hand at propagating the oaks and other native trees, as well as a variety of native bushes. This will be another first for me. Wish me luck! I'll keep you informed on my progress.
Discovering, learning, and trying new things is so much fun. It’s wonderful! I can't tell you what joy I feel from these simple little blessings. I hope my enthusiasm spreads to all of you. Everyone should make room for native plants and bugs in their lives. Whether you have a yard, patio, or window box, it doesn't matter – plant something and watch the appreciative bugs take advantage of your kindness. It'll make you smile.
National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder is a handy guide tool for finding plants indigenous to your area. Go for it!
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That's such a lovely read. It is amazing that I have just written up something similar about the importance of getting out and about in nature for the immense good it does fro our physical and mental health. Here in the UK we don't have anything as exotic as rattlesnakes and brown bears. But at this time of year the countryside is bursting with life even if some of it wakes us up at 5am (yes Im looking at you Collard Doves). Thank you for sharing Greta. I Look forward to your articles and they transport me back to my visits to the USA - for example blueberries MAINE and Magnolias - Well the SOUTH in general but mainly Baton Rouge, New Orleans which we remember so fondly.
Enjoy your informative and entertaining articles.