Wednesday, May 16, 2012

May Stitch May Walk

I've neglected "Noah's Sampler" for a couple of weeks.  I decided to sit down for a couple of evenings ago and tackle the boring borders many borders.  Here's the result.  Now on with the alphabet and the Ark! 
  
It's Wednesday and there is so much to see.  Let's take a walk.
  
The first of the Meadow Checker Mallows (Sidalcea campestris) are in bloom.

The young Douglas Fir trees are sporting their bright new green growth. 

Here's a close-up.

We had very warm weather over the weekend, which curtailed our Iris display.  The Western Iris (Iris Tenax) peaked on Thursday or Friday, but we still have lovely waves of mauve and lavender in the meadows. 

We have some Snowbrush (Ceanothus velutinus) hidden behind an out-building, so I have remember to stroll around and look at it.

Near the Big Creek there are large verdant swathes of Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum).

I was pleased to find that the well-named Elegant Cat's Ear (Calochortus elegans) had made an appearance.  They grow on a long slender stem.  First there is no sign of them, then suddenly they are in bloom.

I'm doing a poor job identifying plants and shrubs today.
This may be Pacific Ninebark...or not....I think the leaves are the wrong shape.  There's still so much to learn!

This photo is "A Study in Shades of Green".  The light green new leaves of the Ash tree in the front, with the bright green blackberry vine to the back left and the Vine Maple leaves in the background.   

Speaking of green, the banks of the Big Creek are covered with water loving plants...

...including a nice stand of Camas (Cammassia quamash).

The new fronds of the Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) have unfurled. 

The Oregon White Oaks (Quercus garryana) are among the last trees to leaf out in the Spring.

New plant to identify!  I noticed these green vines creeping about a couple of weeks ago.  Now that they are in bloom, they resemble a member of the vetch or pea family. I think it is a close relative of the Mountain Pea (Lathyrus lanszertii).  

I don't remember ever noticing these lovely sprays of berries on the Osoberry aka Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis).  The Osoberries were in bloom in late March / early April, and so have had time to set their fruit.

That's it for today.  It has been a pleasant morning.  I hope you enjoyed the walk.   

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

What interesting varieties you have. Of course the Elegant Cat's Ear caught my attention. Very unique! And in stitching observations...you are doing great. XD

Vickie said...

The elegant cat's ear is cool! I can see how the borders were tedious. Well, now onto fun! :)

twinpeakprimitives said...

Maybe you were boring with the borders while stitching but seems a great result gonna be come up.
First time I saw Elegant Cat's Ear, how wonderful plant it is!
Thanks for taking us such a walk!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Lovely walk today with such pretty flowers - my favourites of course were the cat's ears. I try to stitch borders when I'm watching something challenging on television, I find that I don't notice how tedious they are this way.

Barb said...

I just spent 3 days finishing the border on "Penny America". Those borders do get boring!!Thanks you for the wonderful walk!I have never seen the Cat's Ear. It is lovely!

Unknown said...

Congrats on you border finishes. Have fun with the rest of the piece.

Really enjoyed your walk, as usual. How lucky you are to be able to enjoy such beauty around you!

Pam in IL said...

WOW! You get to see such beauty every day! Your pictures just lift my spirits so much. Your stitching is awesome too.

Maggee said...

I am attracted to borders for some odd reason! I always hold my breath as I stitch side four!! Love the walk! I HAVE to go find a place with flora like that... unfortunately it will take a long drive! Thanks! Hugs!