Milkweed Season!

[Note that at the bottom of this post, there is a picture of an absolutely adorable little king snake. Saving the best for last!]

Welcome to the latest entry in my "Year in the Woods" series, where I document all the native plants I can find in our woods in one year.

Last week I posted the first milkweed of the season, but this week they are really popping. The loss of monarch butterfly overwintering habitat in Mexico has received a lot of press, but we are losing valuable host plants in North America as well. Do your part by planting some in your garden.

Here is Variegated Milkweed, Asclepias variegata.

The Colorful Woods of Late Spring

[Heads up: There's a picture of a sweet little ring-necked snake at the bottom. You've been warned]

Welcome to the latest entry in my "Year in the Woods" series, where I document all the native plants I can find in our woods in one year.

The woods often seem to be cloaked in rather dull shades of green and brown. However this time of year, if you are willing to look close, you will find lots of bright colors.

Yes, we have a cactus in North Carolina, Prickley Pear (Opuntia humifusa). It is stunning in bloom.

8 Factors to Taking a Great Photo, Weighted

Here's what I think it takes to get a great photo:

20% - An amazing subject

20% - Photographer's talent and technical expertise

15% - Being in the right place at the right time with a camera (i.e. keep it handy as often as possible)

15% - The right lighting

10% - Framing/composition

10% - Taking several shots of the subject and picking the best

5% - Judicious image editing

5% - A nice, expensive camera (although yes, a better camera will take better photos, all other things being equal)

This means amateurs like you and me have 75% of what it takes to get a great shot! Get out there and take some pictures, folks!

A Busy Week in the Woods

Welcome to the latest entry in my "Year in the Woods" series, where I document all the native plants I can find.

I'll start out this week with Arrowleaf (Peltandra virginica). This is a new find for me, although it's probably been here all along. That's the blossom in the second picture.

 

I was surprised to find I had no prior record of this lovely little flower. It's called Venus' Looking-Glass (Triodanis perfoliata) and with a name like that I'm pleased to have identified it! Didn't even notice the cute little beetle when I was taking the photo.

The Woods Wear White in May

Not only does the Chionanthus continue to look stunning (see previous post) it's delicate white blossoms have been joined by a host of other white flowers.

First we have one of the Hawthorns, species unknown, but in the genus Crataegus.



The Wildflowers of Early May

Welcome to the latest entry in my "Year in the Woods" series, where I document all the native plants I can find in our woods in one year.

Many of the wildflowers I see have small and fairly inconspicuous blossoms. I find them fascinating nonetheless.

This is one of my favorites, called Heart Leaf. Not sure of species, but it's in the Hexastylis genus. That's the blossom on the lower left, and it's often covered by the leaf litter. I believe it is pollinated by ground insects such as beetles.

How to Find Native Wildflowers, and Recommended Guidebooks to Identify Them

Find a large wooded piece of property near your home that has a good trail network and which you can visit conveniently. State and county parks are excellent candidates.

Alternatively, buy a large wooded piece of property and put a house in the middle of it. Fifty to one-hundred acres is a good minimum. The property should have a good trail network. If not, build one.

Buy two or three wildflower identification guidebooks. Here are a couple of my favorites:

• Wildflowers of North Carolina, 2nd edition, by Justice, Bell and Lindsey
• Forest Plants of the Southeast and Their Wildlife Uses, by Miller and Miller
• A Guide to the Wildflowers of South Carolina, by Porcher and Rayner

Walk the property on a regular basis, at least three times a week from March through October. As you walk, scan the woods around you, focusing on the forest floor within ten feet of the trail. Scan extra carefully around stream banks, ravines, bluffs, rock outcroppings, and any other noteworthy terrain.