When in Doubt, Look About

I miss the walks I enjoyed every day at my old homestead. I got spoiled being able to roam three or four miles wandering around farm fields, through wooded areas, and along secondary roads. During this time of year, the sights and sounds varied daily. I discovered many ‘new to me’ flowers, trees, and shrubs and took pictures galore. The insects and birds treated me to aerobatic exhibitions of skill and daring, either doing what came naturally, showing off, or trying to get rid of me.

I love my gorgeous new home and hope to live here for many years to come, but unfortunately, my walks are not very pleasurable. Our road is busy with drivers in a hurry and unconcerned about anyone strolling along the shoulders. Actually, it’s downright dangerous. After a few attempts, I gave up. Survival mode kicked in, and I decided it was better to live another day than to get my daily exercise.

All is not lost, though. I found about three acres of undeveloped property nearby, and I take full advantage of the open fields, trails, and woodlands. The owner gave me permission to roam around and explore, rake up and cart away leaves and pine needles, dig up plants, collect seeds, take pictures, and do whatever else I wanted to do (within reason).

It’s nice, but it’s not the same. About half the property has been cleared and kept mown for the eventual construction of a house. The border between the cleared area and the woods is sprayed with herbicide, and I must brave briars, ticks, and rattlesnakes to find any native flora. Needless to say, I keep my distance from the rattlers.

The rest of the property isn’t mowed or sprayed as often. However, I am disappointed with the lack of interesting things to photograph. At least I was until today.

Generally, I circumnavigate one of the fields in the same direction. This morning, I had to backtrack to find something I’d dropped out of my pocket. What a different view! I discovered native plants I’d never noticed before.

Roundleaf Thoroughwort (Eupatorium rotundifolium) is a species of bonesets I was already familiar with but hadn’t seen any this year.

Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia): I planted a couple of these in my yard. I really love them because they are pollinator magnets, especially bumble bees and wasps.

I spied the flowers strewn across the understory from a Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) but never located the actual vine since it was way up high in a live oak. This photo is from last year.

 I ran across a couple of Butterfly Peas (Clitoria mariana). They are so beautiful yet delicate

Of course, Fleabanes (Erigeron spp) are everywhere

as are Winged Sumac (Rhus copaline)

Carolina Desert Chicory (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus)

and Meadow Beauties (Rhexia spp)

I’m glad I dropped my lens cloth. Now I know there is more to see than I thought. Sometimes, you have to look at things from a different angle. As the old adage reminds us – when in doubt, look about.

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