I saw a new flower this week. This is broadleaf pink purslane (Portulaca amilis). The flower petals only open on sunny days. I’ve walked by this spot probably twenty times recently, but it’s always been just as the sun is rising. I changed the routine by going a little later in the day, and was… Continue reading A Change in the Routine Brings a Surprise
Author: Jaclyn
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A Close Encounter with a Bullfrog
The temperature was in the low 70’s when we went for a walk Saturday afternoon. We always stop when we pass by the pond at Church Street Park. That afternoon, we noticed a bullfrog in the water. We took some pictures from the trail and watched it for a little while. The pond was pretty… Continue reading A Close Encounter with a Bullfrog
A Closer Look at Flowering Dogwood
Flowering dogwood trees are a common sight in April. The large white flowers really stand out along woodland edges. But did you know that those white petals are not flowers? The white part of the dogwood blossom is a flower bract. They are special leaves that protect the flower. Take a closer look at the… Continue reading A Closer Look at Flowering Dogwood
A Closer Look at Queen Anne’s Lace
Take a closer look at Queen Anne’s Lace. Have you ever noticed that the flowers on the outside edges are larger than the others? What about all the ants and other insects that explore the flowers? Have you ever looked closely at the seed head?
A Closer Look at Ragweed
As I am patiently waiting for summer’s grand finale of asters, goldenrods and tickseed-sunflowers, I can’t help but notice the large patches of ragweed growing alongside them. Yes, ragweed season is almost here. Have you ever looked at ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)? Many people think the showy yellow flowers filling the roadsides in the late summer… Continue reading A Closer Look at Ragweed
A Closer Look at Southern Magnolia
The southern magnolias are blooming now. Have you ever taken a careful look at the center of this flower? The stamens are the flat white sticks at the bottom. The curly pieces are the stigmas. This flower is older. The petals are turning brown. The stamens have mostly fallen off, and the red piece remaining… Continue reading A Closer Look at Southern Magnolia
A Closer Look at Virginia Creeper
Have you ever taken a close look at Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)? This common native vine is sometimes confused with poison ivy. Virginia creeper’s leaves are almost always in groups of five, while poison ivy’s leaves are in groups of three. You don’t need to worry about touching Virginia creeper. It will not make you… Continue reading A Closer Look at Virginia Creeper
A Different Perspective
We took a walk at Umstead State Park recently, and came across this interesting sight. It looked like a curtain of beautiful autumn leaves. A large tree branch had fallen, and bent another tree’s branch toward the ground, giving us a different perspective. Take time to enjoy the little things.
A Glowing Ember?
The setting sun hit this oak leaf just right, making it look like a glowing ember. Remember to take some time out of your busy day to enjoy the simple things.
A Guide to Yellow Summer Flowers
Have you seen any large, yellow, daisy-like flowers along the trails this month? If you look carefully, you might notice that there are several different plants in bloom right now. It’s hard to keep track of all of them, so I’ve put together this list of their key characteristics. I hope you find it helpful!… Continue reading A Guide to Yellow Summer Flowers