Changing habitat

“Plants have far more enemies than can be counted… [They] cannot run away from the endless legions of attackers that comprise an unrelenting menace.” —Hope Jahren, Lab Girl, p 104 It was by pure coincidence that I began reading Lab Girl by geobiologist Hope Jahren – which is part memoir, part botany primer – while …

Captivating Darlingtonia

Plants that eat bugs. Just the thought of them and I am instantly transported back to third grade, when our teacher brought several carnivorous plants into our classroom. I’m not sure I ever saw one eat a bug because, of course, the third grade boys liked to poke the plants to make them close. Regardless, as a …

Spring Has Sprung

For me, spring isn't so much about a date on the calendar or the alignment of the earth; instead, it is about spring wildflowers. After our visit to Bake Stewart Park last weekend, I can say with confidence that spring has sprung! The annual parade of wildflowers which will be appearing in our forest, woodlands, parks, …

Hinsdale Rhododendron Garden: Reedsport

Earlier this month we headed to Reedsport to experience something new, the O.H. Hinsdale Rhododendron Garden. Located 3 miles east of Reedsport on Highway 38, the garden is currently being restored by a joint partnership between the BLM and the “Friends of Hinsdale Garden.” This hidden treasure was a labor of love for one man, …

Changes at Bake Stewart Park

Last spring I wrote numerous times about Bake Stewart Park and the glorious wildflowers growing there. For many years, we visited this park only occasionally, however since our wildflower discovery we've made a point to go out there more often. Over the past year we've watched as the Army Corps of Engineers worked to revitalize …

Hendricks Park: Rhododendrons

Recently, I took the opportunity to spend time at Hendricks Park in Eugene. It has been years since I’ve been to the Park and even longer since I’ve been there during peak bloom. I wasn’t disappointed during my early morning stroll along the gravel paths: the birds were singing, the sun was shining, and the …

Calypso Flower

During our walk along the Schwarz Campground interpretive trail, I discovered that the Calypso flowers are currently in bloom. These are one of my favorite wild flowers (although, admittedly I have many favorites!). This delicate looking plant is a native orchid. And although it is depends on a specific fungus in the soil to grow, …

Resilient Oso Berry

It is hard to believe that just two weeks ago, this Oso Berry was covered in half an inch of ice. As we have been slowly getting our yard cleaned up from the damage of February's ice storm, one thing I have noticed is that the native plants I've put in our garden appear to be …

Mushrooms! A Postcard from the Woods

We saw a plethora of mushrooms on our walks last weekend. It was so fun to see all the shapes and sizes, from humongous to teeny-tiny. I had a hard time not stopping every couple of seconds to take another photo, then I had a harder time picking just a few to be our most recent "postcard".

Plant Identified: Rattlesnake Plantain

For many years, as we’ve walked the Row River Trail here in Cottage Grove, we have occasionally noticed these leaves growing along the edge of the trail. They are so distinctive and interesting looking that we’ve often wondered what they are. Unfortunately, it is hard to identify a plant unless you see it blooming. Luckily …