Mid April Woods Ramble

One of the best parts of having a long-running blog (we're 10 years in on this one), is that it also works as a garden journal and a way to keep track of when to expect wild crops.  Molly and I went hiking in the woods and around the house the other day.  Here's what we found, in no particular order:

The hillside across the creek is covered with white bloodroot flowers, but on the near side they are just beginning to open.

We crossed over to visit the Dutchman's Breeches.  These were introduced several years ago.

In spite of frequent visits by herons, the pond is full of fish.

Bleeding Hearts are just starting to break out of the soil.

Baby Cleavers are everywhere. 

A shallow section of the creek with lots of shale and stepping stones.

Echinacea coming up.

Garlic mustard - if you aren't sure, crush a leaf and take a whiff.  Eat this stuff!

Glossy wild ginger.  The fuzzy stuff is further down the path.  Both were introduced.

Infant jewelweed.  Soon enough there will be a waist high (swampy) meadow, filled with it.

At first I thought this was a volunteer valerian.  Smelled it, and it is lovage that Molly planted last year.

Miss Molly out on a limb.

Ramps spreading well on both sides of the creek.  Also introduced.

Skunk cabbage.  This is really a lovely plant.  We don't have too much - just enough.

Trout lily foliage.  They cover the ground, especially on the other side of the creek.  Another week or so til bloom.