We are so lucky to share, with our neighboring community Potluck Farm, 140 acres of rolling woodlands, fields and streams that are criss-crossed by 11 different meandering trails.
In the spring, we are surprised every day by a different wildflower, as they take turns peeking out from winter quiescence.
In summer, we are awash in green - the woods becoming a lush, almost tropical place.
In fall, the sourwood brag the first burst of red, and are soon joined by the brilliance of the maples, soft yellows of the beech, and deep reds of the oaks.
By November, with the flowers, foliage, and colors waning, some folks choose the warmth of homes over a chilly trek on the trails. But winter is my favorite time in our woods. The nippy air is energizing; the bugs are gone; the parchment beech leaves won't let go; sunlight shoots laser beams to summer- shaded spots of beauty; and the topography of the land, previously hidden by screens of vegetation, shows itself.
And it's surprisingly green.
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| The brilliant Christmas Fern adorns the woods all winter |
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| Meg on Sacred Circle Trail among the Christmas Fern |
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| Mosses are everywhere and are not bothered by being trampled on the trails |
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Below, three smaller bursts of green delight the observant hiker. The wild ginger shows it's heart, and the rattlesnake plaintain is a pop of delight. The greenbriar earns its name.... the briars are despised in summer for their thorny tangles, but the leaves are admired in winter just for being green!
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Holly shows itself in many forms. Gorgeous creeping cedar blankets huge patches of our woods,
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| Creeping cedar and holly green-up the Creek Bottom Trail |
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| So much WinterGreen beauty!! |
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