Signs of Spring

There is always green in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to mild temperatures, conifers, and lots of rain.  The Indian Plum starts blooming in February, adding white lights to the landscape.

The Salmonberries have also burst into bloom. It seems early, but we had a week of unseasonably warm weather. Their intense pink makes my heart beat faster.

Life from Death

This lovely mushroom is growing on branches from a tree blown down last Autumn.

Douglas Maple (Acer Glabrum)

I love these trees, they are so beautiful and make a great visual barrier. It's a good thing, as they are very plentiful on my property. I think their flowers are exquisite. 

World Domination

Himalayan blackberries, attempting to take over the world, one tree at a time.

"I think blackberries are an immortal alien species sent to earth to take over the world..." ~Danie Kitchel

Signs of Spring

Today was a lovely, peaceful day, in spite of the big clouds. Just look at all the leaves  on the trees!

There seems to be a transition zone in the clouds, from the middle of the upper picture. To the left is all fluffy clouds, to the right the layers, continuing in the lower picture.

But it is only partly cloudy, with an interesting shape in the space between the clouds.

Red currents and red elderberries. Beautiful early bloomers.

A Moment of Sun

Near the end of a rainy day the sun appeared to highlight the colors of the changing leaves.

Native Berries

I love the native berries. They aren't as sweet and flavorful as imports, but they have reasonable growing habits and come into fruit throughout the spring.

Thimbleberry blooms. 

Salmonberry, ready to pick. The earliest berry, and oh so pretty.

Blooms of the native ground blackberry, which will be a small burst of intense flavor.

Native Iris

Old Stump

Out of the sad remains of a majestic tree new life thrives.

Scotch Broom

This year the scotch broom is everywhere under the power lines. It's a noxious weed, but a beautiful one.

Mushrooms

These lovely little mushrooms are growing next to my hay shed.

The red petals are from nearby Douglas maples. 

Wildflowers

Spring is such a beautiful time of year.

Spring Pleasures

New leaves glow

Lit from within

Showing the world

The tree's joy

In the return of 

Long days

and Warm sun

Abundance

While I was clearing trees and berry vines from the road (a continual project) I noticed that the thimble berries are ripe. I ate a handful before deciding I needed to pick them for the birds. Nature is so wonderful - the salmon berries are ebbing just as the thimble berries ripen. I was able to get a nice supply of both. The native ground blackberries are also beginning to ripen. These little beauties fill the mouth with surprisingly intense sweet lushness.

I kept hearing booming noises, and finally realized it was a thunder storm to the north. That explained the humidity. As the clouds moved in a nice breeze came with them, and it was very pleasant along the lane. I was overwhelmed with a sense of abundance.

The growth along the road is varied and lush. I cut out the things I don't want (blackberries, alder and maple trees) and trim back things I want but that are overzealous in their growth (native berries, shrubs). I save some of the saplings for perches, and some of the maple for sheep browsing.

I love this task. I feel so much a part of nature, and a part of this farm as I do it. I look at all the plants closely, deciding what needs to go and what can be encouraged to stay. It is quiet, solitary work, and my mind can relax while my body works.

The mosquitos are no doubt feeling the abundance as well, as they seem to have feasted well on human blood.

Seasons

These lovely mushrooms seem to like the hay and dampness. 

Cottonwood seeds fill the sky with snow, and litter the ground.

A Hint of Spring

The last few days have been lovely, warm and sunny; this has encouraged flora and fauna to show themselves, and to bask in the sun.

Adorning the Tree

Money may not grow on trees, but there are plenty of things that do. 

Tapestries in Yellow and Green

Autumn colors in the Pacific Northwest are subtle. Most native trees turn yellow and brownish orange. It may not be splashy, but it is beautiful.

Even the grass changes to yellow.

And the ever-present green. Conifers seem to darken this time of year, as the rain washes off dust from the summer. 

Autumn Leaves

The big leave maples happily share their lovely leaves with the evergreens.

And the lane.