The Jake and Bull Mountain Trail System of the Chattahoochee National Forest weaves all around Booger Hollow, so Tom and I know the trails well. When you hike a trail year after year, in all seasons, you know exactly where you’ll see certain plants. On the Lance Creek Trail, I know there will be stonecrop at a certain … read more Great expectations
Tag: plants
The really big pharmacy
To start our vacation – a week in Booger Hollow – we took the long way into the forest. Along country back roads and up Forest Service 58 – following Noontootla Creek as it splashes its way down the mountainside – one of the prettiest drives in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Swallowtail butterflies love this road, … read more The really big pharmacy
Newborns
The dirt crumbles under my fingers. My hair is full of raindrops. Bright green laughs against the backdrop of the still-awakening forest. I laugh along and talk to them. “Little basils, I want to be sure you have enough room to grow. How about six of you in this planter box, would that be OK?” … read more Newborns
The corner pharmacy
I live in a rural community, 6 miles to the nearest grocery store, but a handy pharmacy just opened about 150 yards from my house. This place has a limited stock, but the price is right. Shown above is one of the specials in today’s grand opening: bloodroot, free for the taking. Five years ago, I took a … read more The corner pharmacy
Day 46: Signs of the end
A couple days ago, I opened the front door and there they were: the reddening dogwood leaves. This is the first sign that summer is ending. The goldenrod is already out, and soon it will be the ironweed’s turn. A few other plants are taking on the red tinge, too. The basil is only wearily … read more Day 46: Signs of the end