Oh, So Hardy!

Moss

There is a lot going on in the so-called dead of winter.  My January garden is a tiny thing.  Although it looks lush and tender, the fern moss is hardy to -5° F. It is completely happy outside in this 3"x 4" bonsai pot. I brought it inside to photograph because I'm not completely happy outside in the cold!  A high fired pot is impervious to freezing temps as well.

Fern Moss

Mosses are non vascular and reproduce by spores. You can read more about moss here.

Other Mosses

Lichens

Lichen on Wood

A woodpecker probably dislodged this little piece of wood with a lichen growing on it.  I found it on the ground and added it to a bed of moss.  The little shiny black bug near the top (I only noticed when processing the photo) may have been his target. 

Lichen and Sedum

A lichen is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus for structure and algae for photosynthesis. More about lichens here.

Birds

It is quite common to see beautiful cardinals at the feeders but the mockingbird usually hangs out in the front where there is a utility pole, one of their favorite haunts. However, freezing temperatures and snow-covered conditions brings him to the feeders. Most all the birds love the sunflower hearts and pieces. I've added chopped dried cranberries to their diet as well.

Mockingbird

The red-bellied woodpecker does have a red belly though it  cannot compare with his head. They are fond of the suet formulated for woodpeckers.  All the birds love it.  

Red-bellied Woodpecker

The feeders have been brought closer to the house for convenience but they will not remain. Too messy!  I'm always amazed how the birds endure the harsh winter.

Front View

Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing but to turn it into glory.  William Barclay

Christmastime is Here

Christmas Cat

2009

Who knows why I stopped by Pet Smart last Christmas Eve, noticed an openly loving, white cat with big blue eyes, and adopted him. I immediately, named him Christmas; since, Eve would not have been gender appropriate. Soon, he began to work his holiday magic and transform non-cat persons into cat lovers.

 Although Christmas is a mouser, he is very social and gentle with people. He made friends with the children next door and their Jack Russell terrier.  They all play chase; and, Christmas has a turn as IT, chasing after the kids and the dog.  He made friends with the military retiree to the east of us.  He goes in and watches TV with him and usually has a snack.

After a number of ear infections, Christmas had surgery to clear the problem. It took about three months for his hair to grow back.

2010

All in all, Christmas has been good for us; and, I think we have been good for him, as well.

Jingle bell, jingle bells, jingle all the way.
2010

Merry Christmas

Wildlife Fare

Everything is attracted to the screech owl box but the screech owl. The bluebirds are always checking it out, but the squirrels usually win the right to spend the night in it.

Mr. Squirrel is having supper. No need to sully the sleeping quarters. He lets the shells drop on the ground.

I was noticing all the food for wildlife while out taking a walk.  As well as the squirrels, deer come and eat the acorns.

Beautyberries are still available, and the birds will eat them when other things are depleted.

There are plenty of goldenrod seeds. Goldfinches eat those.  

Nandina berries remain for a long time and provide, if not food, a feast for the eyes  Nature provides bountifully and beautifully.

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.