Well, nowadays, I can get still low, but the getting back up part, after hugging the dirt, is more of a challenge. Although I will admit now that my two newer cameras have tilting LCD screens, the task has improved significantly.
So this post is dedicated to all of you who threw caution to the wind and tried out the Limbo at some point in your life. Feel free to comment below on any memories you have about the Limbo!
All of these plants have blooms that are quite small and tend to be little more than ground covers. Shown in chronological order, with photos from my "archives."
March - Bird's Eye Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)
Another really tiny flowered, weed-like, non-native plant, but with a remarkable blue hue. The flower color reminds me of the clear blue sky in central Oregon. It's called a creeper by botanists because it spreads through lawns and disturbed areas barely noticed. There are hundreds of Veronica species, but this one may be the lowest and it blooms early in the season. These were along our gravel road.
April - Dove's Foot Geranium (Geranium molle)
In April, these weedy invaders were growing all along Laurelview Road where we walk the dog. The tiny purple flowers are easy to spot, even at 1/3 inch wide, and the leaves have a unique shape and texture. To me, these are a splendid ground cover!
May - Cut Leaf Geranium (Geranium dissectum)
Like the related Dove's Foot, these seem to follow about a month later. The tiny purple flowers are easy to spot, even at 1/3 inch wide. We saw these along roads and pathways at the park. Note the completely different leaves, hence the name "cut leaf."
June - Pineapple Weed (Matricaria discoidea)
This little weed with the tropical name is actually a native of the Northwest. You really have to get down low to appreciate the nature of this plant! The slightly golden flower has no rays and does resemble a micro-pineapple of sorts. We spotted these growing along hundreds of feet of pathway at Jackson Bottom Wetlands.
July - Surprise!
When out for a walk along our road this time of year I tend to scan the ground for any interesting blooms or for trash to pick up. On this day, my spotted friend with the big nose found this little starling in the ditch. It was following its instincts to be completely still. We did not stick around long, as I did not want to meet the Mom.
August - Common Mallow (Malva neglecta)
These slightly pinkish flowers are about 1/2 inch wide and if you've tried to pull the plant up, you know it has a nasty taproot. This non-native from Europe is considered a weed by most gardeners. The Latin name kind of says it all for this guy! More likable members of the Mallow family: cotton, hollyhock, and hibiscus.
September - Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)
This is the first year I spotted these tiny, salmon colored blossoms near the pond at Rood Bridge Park in early September. Another non-native ground dweller that grows mostly west of the Cascades, it opens in full sun only. These blossoms are about 1/3 inch wide. And who can forget reading "The Scarlet Pimpernel" book in high school?
October - Pearlwort (Sagina procumbens)
You've probably seen this stuff growing in cracks on the road or sidewalks; or along gravel roads. This non-native and several similar species grow into mats, and spread along the ground from a central root. The very small yellow flowers (1/8 inch) are hard to spot, but if you get down low enough they come into view.
November - Fungus!
And finally, with November, comes the arrival of the fungus crop, with its many sizes and variations. Here's a mushroom shot from last year.
You had to go pretty low for this post.
ReplyDelete