I planted 50+ American Ginseng seeds this evening. We have no real plans to harvest them; it just seemed like a good idea to expand the diversity of native plants on the property. No, the seed stock isn't necessarily local -- but the critters who partake of the fruits probably won't care. It beats the local corn and soybean crop, no doubt.
Panax quinquefolius seed, bottom center, looking like a chickpea
I planted them all over the yard: beneath the enormous sycamores, under several basswoods, and in the shade of various species of oak and maple -- to give at least some of them the best chance. If just a few sprout in the spring, I'll be elated. (More than likely, I'll forget I planted them at all, find them two or four years from now, and wonder how the hell they got here.)
A crab spider on a poison ivy leaf
This got me to won'dring. . . how many spiders on how many leaves are here? How many species? How many birds were born here this summer? How many red squirrels? Bats? What goes on in this yard when I'm at work, sleeping, not looking out the window?
It boggles the mind.
Then I walked around the yard at dusk, marveling in the light, the light.
6 comments:
Hi Jain
I love that late afternoon light and you have captured the contemplative mood well...
I often think along those same lines of wonderment especially after finding that kestrel in my tree at home...
Happy days
It does indeed boggle the mind. We know only a fraction of the world in our own backyard.
I hope some of your introduced ginseng seeds geminate and produce plants. There are a few wild ginseng plants along this river, some miles upstream, and in a big woods about twenty miles south of here. The only ones I know and have seen locally, though I hear rumors.
I love your golden light shot of the water. It makes a great header shot, too.
But then I never tire of looking at and photographing light on the water.
Nice post…
Beautiful light photo and header Jain. I'm always wondering just what I am missing too while inside.
There seems to be something to marvel at everytime I go looking, it's the call of the wild I guess!
My son says he has spotted Ginseng around here, but I never can. Hope your seeds grow and you remember!
Smiles,
Wanda
Jain,
I was walking around a meadow two afternoons ago and noticed a grasshopper clinging to an Indian-grass stalk and thought to myself, "This grasshopper is living a life entirely separate, entirely unknowable, and inconceivable to me." It was humbling.
I enjoy your comments, Friends, thank you.
I find that the land provides so many treats every day. It changes daily, especially our lake. You never know who or what you will find in the nooks and crannies!
Great photos!!!!
Post a Comment