Showing posts with label Multiflora rose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Multiflora rose. Show all posts

Monday, November 19, 2007

Autumn Rains



The Philadelphia area is being blessed with rains this week, and the Farmer’s Almanac suggests that we may have snow in our near future. Certainly the deer are aware of the coming cold: they’ve all donned their grey winter coats.

With the late summer, Philadelphia is still seeing lots of color in the trees. In fact, Jesse Milton of the Trees News blog has observed some excellent autumn color in Atlanta, Georgia. Soon Pennsylvania will be grey and brown all over, with small patches of pink and orange where the young beech trees still hold their leaves (a process called leaf marcescence – some oaks and other trees do this too).

Today’s images include two staples of the local winter bird diet: pin cherries (Prunus pennsylvatica), and multiflora rose hips (Rosa multiflora). As the cold sets in, these tiny fruits will be stripped from every branch by a variety of small birds. These small birds constitute much of our passing winter color (unfortunately birds, unlike trees, can fly away from my camera).
Until then, enjoy the show – Pin cherry trees are one of my Pennsylvania favorites.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Nests Revealed






Ever since the trees lost their leaves with the autumn, I’ve been poking about and mentally cataloguing the nests around the farm. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to capture a few during a lovely sunrise to share with you today.

I'm not sure which nest belongs to which creature, but there are quite a few small birds' nests in the hedge, snuggled happily in the thorny Multiflora rose canes. The larger and higher nests of the latter two images likely belong to the gray squirrels.

While you’re enjoying these pictures from my walk, I’m working on drafting up what I learned during my interview last week with Director of the Open Space Preservation Department in Chester County. I can’t wait to share!

Monday, December 11, 2006

Frozen






Last Wednesday I watched the sun rise and the moon set over the frozen fields. Our ground froze completely for the first time last Tuesday night after several nights of semi-frozen earth. The world was so frosted that it looked as though it had snowed (and I certainly hope that it will in coming days).

Most of the trees have finally released the last of their leaves, with a few exceptions, and the evergreens are taking center stage. Tomorrow I’ll show you how great those evergreens look in morning sunlight!

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Back in the Hedge








Remember when we explored the hedge in the winter? Well, you’d hardly recognize it now! All those bare branches and rose trailers are in full leaf, and the hedgewalls are drooping under their own weight of fresh leaves and blossoms. Now when I venture into the hedge, I have to squat or crawl through most sections, often in near-blackness.

While I have not yet identified some of the smaller trees in the hedge, the multiflora roses (rosa multiflora) which comprise a fair portion of the hedge gave a wonderful showing in recent weeks along with the Japanese honeysuckle and grapevines. The whole world was saturated with the sweetness of flowers, a welcome visit to follow all the cherries and other flowering trees of mid-spring.

The multiflora rose was introduced to this region in the 19th century, and recommended for hedges just like these. However, over time, this species’ rapid and easy proliferation has shown its more invasive qualities, and careful management of this plant is now encouraged. Nonetheless, it makes for a beautiful, animal-friendly environment.

The birds, deer, bunnies, foxes, and other creatures have always frequented the hedge – but with the onset of spring they are out in force! I've followed deer through the hedge as they disappear into the woods. When I wander the tunnels, I am immediately surrounded by the red-winged blackbirds, whose usual songs are replaced with a near-quacking sound.

Undoubtedly the nests are near by, and I am being quarantined by the neighborhood watch program. While six to ten birds encircle me from the hedge, one takes the role of giving away my position by hovering over my head mrack-mracking all the while. (I’ve watched them do the same to a fox, and I wonder if I should take this behavior as a compliment, an insult, or merely by-the-way.)

Our image above of one of these red-winged black birds does not do them justice, but it was hard to get a clear picture as they bantered about. Intelligent birds
that they are, all nests were located safely away from the tunnels, so I couldn’t spot any chicks; given their behavior, I didn’t dare try to venture off the trail.

With the roses now spent, it’s a matter of waiting for rosehips to swell and grapevines to fruit. I do not believe these will produce edible grapes, but I did see another variety around my neighbor’s garden, which appear ripe and ready for picking. Looks like I need to bake some cookies and barter a trade!

Monday, April 10, 2006

Moon rise, sun set

These rose hedges are going to look so incredibly righteous once they begin to bloom!


How's THAT for a five o'clock shadow?

Have a lovely evening, everyone... and a great Tuesday too.

Sunday, January 29, 2006

My favorite kind of day


Rain is my favorite weather; I could never tire of it. Today I am blessed with a lovely, steady, soft rain – I hope it continues all week long!

Rumor has it I've been missing a nice long stretch of rain around Seattle since moving. At least I know the forest, trees and gardens in Seabeck are being well-watered. I hope to find the flower and herb beds happily overgrown upon my return.

You know, blogs are great for sharing my thoughts and images, but I wish I could convey SMELLS through this blog. Then I could share with you the wonderful scent of the rain on the trees, grass, and thickets.