Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Wildflower Wednesday: Bluebells!


 Last Saturday, I went down to Walker Creek where I found Virginia Bluebells lining both sides of the creek. This annual trek to photograph them always reminds me of my parents' farm.  We spent many weekends and all summer there when I was a child and then visits until I was 30.  I remember how the bluebells lined the creek there too. 

 Last month, I picked up 4 bags of trash along Walker Creek as part of a community cleanup day.  I did this by myself as everyone else cleaned up along New River.     The road borders the creek and so it is easy for folks to dump trash or litter without anyone seeing them. I was pleased to see that only a few pieces of trash appeared since my pickup.   Next year, I hope to get the neighbors involved.  Maybe we can make it a "Friends of Walker Creek" event. 



Saturday, April 13, 2013

Snow then 94 degrees!

March was cold and April has swung from highs to lows so far. 

 Last Thursday (April 4), a snowstorm hit without warning.  Seriously, the weatherman said only a chance of wintry weather but 4 inches of snow ended up falling.
 My glory-of-the-snow were true to their name, struggling to bloom thru the snow the next day. 

 The snow quickly melted away with the spring beauties resuming their blooming (photo taken April 7).

 Cut-leaf toothwort bloomed for the first time on April 7, a little late this year.

Likewise, Bloodroot bloomed early April 7.  By the afternoon, the leaf below this flower was out already.

The temperature quickly rose into the 80s on Monday and Tuesday with a high of 94 on Wednesday, April 10! Thursday night, a cool front moved in, and a severe storm rained about 1.5 inches which took care of most of the bloodroot blossoms.

Today, the weather is sunny and not so hot so I plan to get out and work in the garden.   Happy Spring everyone!