Is There Not Glory

Noah

Is there not glory enough in living the days given to us? You should know there is adventure in simply being among those we love and the things we love, and beauty, too. ~ Lloyd Alexander

Strawberry Bush/Euonymus americana

Growing in the fence row out back is another native, Euonymus americana/strawberry bush, with striking seed capsules. It is a sparse bush with green stems which spreads by stolons as well as seed. Check out the USDA distribution map to see if it is native to your area.

Crane Fly Orchid

If you go out in the woods today, you may find a native, terrestrial crane fly orchid/Tipularia discolor.  In autumn, the crane fly orchid corm sends up one leaf, a dark green, almost black leaf, puckered lengthwise, with a hint of purple midrib. 

If you check, the backside of the leaf is purple also. It is amazing how such a small thing stands out on the forest floor. They persist throughout winter taking advantage of the missing leaf canopy. Usually by late spring or early summer the leaves die back and in late summer a leafless, bottlebrush-like stalk of tiny flowers appears. Snuggled against the moss covered root of a tree, the ones in my garden survive no matter how much mowing or leaf removal or lack thereof.  I love finding natives in my garden. Have fun. Explore.