Beech trees under attack.

At first I thought these tree funghi were quite pretty, just a natural evolution of trees reaching the end of their life cycle. Not so. Beech bark disease (BBD) occurs as the result of an insect-fungus complex where an invasive beech scale insect (Cryptococcus fagisuga) feeds on the bark of the tree, creating cracks that allow a native canker fungi (Nectria) to enter. Between 50-85% of infected beech trees will die within 10 years of infestation. The invasive insects did not just fly across the Atlantic. Once again, European settlers brought these buggers with them in the 1800’s. Are we going to lose all native North American tree species eventually? Elm. Ash. Beech. Black spruce. Pine. WTF!

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Flowers from Avatar

Sometimes nature can overwhelm with its beauty. Take this blue/purple sphere for example. I have no idea what the varietal is but it could have been conjured up by James Cameron for Avatar. I suppose I could look it up but more fun to throw it out there to you readers. Anybody have an idea what this flower is? Happy gardening y’all!

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Flower delight.

When sun, soil, fertilizer and water find their ideal partner.

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Trumpet plant

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Roundabout rally driving.

Lilac scent drifts on the breeze, wafting through my car. The County is awash in these bushes, multiple hues of purple wherever the eye looks. Some white, but mostly purple. Every now and then a super vibrant dark purple bush can be seen, standing out from its more pedestrian light shaded brothers and sisters. These beauties are more of a magenta colour. Rich. It makes for glorious drives out and about.

As I approach the roundabout at Warings Corners I feel alive. The sun is beating down, blue sky radiant as I aim my car into the first turn. Nobody else is in the roundabout so it’s perfect timing. My left tires just graze the raised curb, but hardly perceptible. Foot is still on the accelerator, I’m maintaining speed. Then a slight turn of the wheel to the right and a quick left, no more than 20 degrees. I’m in harmony with the car and the road. No squealing tires. The Michelins hold true. I pop out the east side of the roundabout and straighten the wheel. I’m through! The perfect roundabout turn. An effortless glide from west to east. Roundabout rally driving! (PS: Only try this when you are the sole car in the roundabout, not recommended for new drivers.)

It’s a great day to be alive. Have a great Pandemic day y’all.

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Tulips

It is another one of nature’s many miracles, how tulip blossoms are supported on so long and slender stems.

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