Bark in the Park

Not much excites the senses in the stark landscape of a northern winter. But tree bark is something to bark about. Winter is the ideal time to appreciate its many forms and textures. While walking Grass Point I decided to take a closer look at the bark in this park.

Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern White Pine

Maple

Red Pine

Pin Oak

Apple

Four different barks I couldn't positively identify. Maybe you can?

This peeling bark reminds me of a Shagbark Hickory but I don't think that's what this tree is. Some older maples begin to peel. It is very difficult to identify a tree only by its bark!

This bark also appears to be that of a maple judging by the last few clinging leaves. It also appears to be well loved. Aside from these cocoons, it also hosts two bird nests.

I'm not the only one appreciating the bark in this park. This is the work of pileated woodpeckers. They seem to prefer the White Pines.

I don't think the tree directly above will live to see another winter. This is the front and back of the tree. Notice the wood chips below on the snow. (The top photo is a different tree.)

Who is that barking now? Even Mojo is taken with the bark in this park!

Consider bark when designing your garden. It will be the main attraction come winter. In my own garden I appreciate the red bark of dogwoods, especially with a back drop of blue spruce. Who doesn't love paper white or river birch trunks towering over the snow? I don't know about you, but I think the bark of the red pine is spectacular.

Gobbly Gook

Gobbly gook translated: bad photos of wild turkeys at Grass Point State Park. I just happened across these wild turkeys yesterday. They were not cooperative, in fact, downright elusive, the moment I slowed down to take their photos - they "melted" into the woods - eerily stealth-like. We all know why - can't blame 'em.

"You turkey! Now all I have is bad photos!"

I think these guys will avoid the Thanksgiving dinner table.

On the "iridescent" side (as in very bright), I found a beautiful turkey feather! I added this to my little collection in my shed - feathers, cocoons, honeycomb, pine cones, etc. To my dismay, the next day my turkey feather was gone! I searched the shed and found the tip on the floor. Hmmmm, a squirrel (?), seems to have bit off the downy feathers - can't say I blame 'im - would make for a very warm winter nest. At least I was left the beautiful, iridescent finale which I have attempted to capture - not quite succefully - in these photos.

But just look at the detail - okay, maybe not so much (bad) detail - but how the color changes in the light. It is truly a gift from nature that I am thankful for - even if it's been bitten in half.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving - quaint, peaceful, quiet - in a sense of place close to your family and friends and among natures' gifts.

Daylight Leaves

Just as daylight savings time ends, so have the leaves left. I managed to freeze the leaves (in timeless photos) before Frosty Morning. As my garden grows, now at three years, I find I am rewarded with a little show of fall color and interest.

Cardinal Dogwood

Geranium and Evening Primrose (Oenothera)

Forsythia 'Meadowlark'

American Witch Hazel

Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Alice'

Snowball Hydrangea

Young Amur Maples with Red Osier Dogwood in background.

Pin Oak

The Witch Hazel I just planted this past spring from a bare root purchased at Prairie Moon. The Forsythia has grown from a cutting I took with me from Maine when we moved here. The Amur Maples showed up as seedlings in a window box I also brought with me from Maine! It is exciting to watch them all grow each year. The Pin Oak put on some weight this year, but nothing can compare to a beautiful, mature tree come fall. Following is a mature Pin Oak in nearby Grass Point State Park. Following that mature Oaks and Maples throughout the park.

Look at this carpet of leaves.

This Birch's branches and jewel leaves dance in the sunlight.