Speedwells are very common in our area. I’ve noticed four different types on the trails in Morrisville. Here is some information to help you identify them. All speedwells have four petals. Three petals are the same size, and one is slightly smaller. Bird’s eye speedwell (Veronica persica) is the first speedwell that I noticed. The… Continue reading Speedwell Flower Identification
Category: Plants
Spring is Coming
Today, I walked through Carpenter Park and Morrisville Community Park. Officially, spring is still a few weeks away. Not only did it feel like spring today, it looked like spring as well. The flowers are blooming everywhere! This is a Japanese flowering apricot in Carpenter Park. It has been blooming for quite a while already.… Continue reading Spring is Coming
Stoke’s Aster
Have you ever seen Stoke’s aster (Stokesia laevis)? This aster is native to the coastal plain of South Carolina and Georgia, but is commonly planted in gardens. Bumble bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers, and the plant is resistant to deer and rabbits. These beautiful blooms can be seen now at the American… Continue reading Stoke’s Aster
Sunflowers at Dix Park
If you get a chance in the next week, take a walk around the sunflower field at Dix Park in Raleigh. There is plenty of parking, bathrooms are available, and there is a wheelchair accessible path through the field. The path around the field is a 0.4 mile loop. There is a smaller garden full… Continue reading Sunflowers at Dix Park
The Many Shapes of Oak Leaves
Did you know that over 30 species of oak trees (Quercus) can be found in North Carolina? Worldwide, there are more than 450 different species! I had been surprised earlier this summer by Sawtooth Oak and Water Oak. Their leaf shape was not what I was expecting for an oak tree. Their acorns caught my… Continue reading The Many Shapes of Oak Leaves
The Sweet Smell of Spring
Between the wisteria and the Carolina jessamine, the sweet smell of spring is in the air.
Tickseed-Sunflowers are in Full Bloom
Have you noticed the beautiful displays of midwestern tickseed-sunflowers lately? The flowers can be found on each of the trails in Morrisville. These are some pictures from the Shiloh Greenway taken on September 15th.
Tree Identification in Winter
Have you ever tried to identify trees just by their bark in the winter? It isn’t very easy to do. I’ve been challenging myself this winter to see how many trees I can learn. Take a look at some of the amazing variety you can see. Next time you take a walk, look at the… Continue reading Tree Identification in Winter
Triangle Orchid Society’s Fall for Orchids Show
We had the great pleasure to attend the Triangle Orchid Society’s Fall for Orchids show at the JC Raulston Arboretum last weekend. We enjoyed beautiful displays of orchids, listened to informative talks from orchid experts, and even got to shop for orchids and supplies. The orchid show happens every year at the JC Raulston Arboretum.… Continue reading Triangle Orchid Society’s Fall for Orchids Show
Very Early Signs of Spring
Have you noticed any signs of spring this January? Many early spring flowers have already started to grow. They might not be in bloom yet, but their leaves are poking up out of the ground. Today I saw henbit, yellow thistle, clover, and Carolina geranium leaves.