Tending Trails Through the Timber

Having a network of trails through your woodlot can provide tons of enjoyment. But without maintenance, they will quickly become overgrown with grass, weeds and vines, and blocked with fallen trees and branches. Not only does this make access more difficult, it also increases your exposure to ticks and chiggers.

Over the years, Kate and I have developed a nice network of logging roads, firebreaks and footpaths through our own property (you can read more about them here). Over time I've discovered the tools that make maintenance much easier.

Sorting Solidagos

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.

Nothing puts me in the mood for fall quite like the sight of glorious Goldenrod (Solidago sp.) bending in the breeze next to the driveway. I've enjoyed them for years, and make a point to avoid them with mower and sprayer so they will proliferate. But a year or two ago I began to realize we had more than one type, some taller, some shorter, some blooming earlier or later. Sorting them all out has been on my "I've been meaning to..." list for a while, and today I crossed it off.

Just When I Thought Things Were Slowing Down...

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.

Just when it seemed wildflower season was winding down, I had two brand new finds.

First though, here's Joe Pye Weed, a plant I had seen in our woods a few years back. I was fairly certain it was still around, and sure enough I tracked it down. The "official" name is Eupatorium fitulosum. It's a fantastic choice for attracting butterflies to your garden.

Repeat Performances

[At the bottom of this page there is a picture of a rat snake in a position which, I have to admit, even I find a bit creepy, and I am a huge fan of snakes!]

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.

We have some repeat appearances in this week's post. For starters, we have our second showing of Goldenrod, although this is a different species from what we saw last time (I still need to get them sorted out, but the genus is Solidago). 

More Tiny Flower Pictures

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.

Have to say, I worked pretty hard on the IDs this week, a couple of new finds and a real puzzler.

 

Here's the first new find, Hypericum boreale, Northern St. Johnswort. This marks the fourth Hypericum species I've found, a fact which I'm sure is of great interest to no one but me.