In the woods behind our house, there is an old logging road which is quickly becoming carpeted with the colors of fall. The trees are dressed in rich reds, browns, oranges, and yellows. On my way to work, I drive by what must be the cutest farm on the planet. Behind it, you can see miles and miles of colorful trees covering the rolling hills - it is truly breathtaking and makes one feel happy to be alive.
Walking along the old logging road, there are all kinds of interesting mushrooms, as well as a tree or two I thought worthy of a photo. One tree is growing on top of a rock, and the other looks as though it might start walking with me at any moment.
In my garden, there were a few little patches of orange peel mushrooms, which I initially left in place because I was intrigued by their bright orange color. Now, they seem to be taking over the place, so I guess it's time to get out the shovel and start digging them up. Apparently, you can eat them, but I think I'll pass.
11:04 AM
Labels: Nature and Wildlife
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9 comments:
I enjoy looking for interesting things in the woods. It's fascinating how trees can grow under adverse conditions, and what grows on them.
Your mushrooms are a good colour and look interesting. I too am leery of trying mushrooms without a really good ID. Although I did used to pick Chanterelle mushrooms when I lived on the west coast. They were delicious, and not easily confused with anything deadly.
Northern Shade,
It looks as though I need a good mushroom identification book ;) I have heard that the Chanterelle mushrooms are quite good. Thanks for visiting!
I have so many mushrooms in my garden, especially this year with all the rain. But I wouldn't have a clue as to what they are and would be afraid to eat them.
Daphne,
I'm right there with you. I think I would be nervous even with the identification book. I am having visions from the movie Into The Wild. Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog!!
Liisa
Hi Liisa,
I really enjoyed your melange of fall leaves. I would steer clear of those mushrooms too. You just never know do you?
The trees reminded me of the Ents in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Thanks for the photos.~~Dee
Dee,
Those trees really reminded me of the Ents, as well. I wonder what they do back there when we're not looking. ;) I really enjoy your blog, by the way.
Hi Liisa;
There are dozens of mushroom guides but one I have used for years is Orson K Miller's Mushrooms of North America. I have learned about a dozen safe mushrooms and only pick about 6 varieties to eat. These are easy to identify and cannot be confused with poisonous ones.
I'd recommend reading some library books and then a field course or two. With a little work you can probably find a local person with skills that you can check against what you think to be true. It all makes fall walks that much more interesting.
It's going to be cold tonight and will rain within a day or so. Mushrooms will be sporting in great abundance. One that is choice and easy to find now is Shaggy Mane, Coprinus comatus. It's quite common and very good but you must prepare them as soon as you pick them.
Honey Mushrooms are also choice and are out right now. You may even have a picture of one--I am not sure--as there is some variation in this mushroom depending on what wood it grows on, dead/decaying wood buried underground, etc. They are Armillariella mellea.
Best wishes on your nature walks!
George Africa
The Vermont Gardener
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I just found you through Blotanical and I am really enjoying your site.
You had a great veggie harvest for your not paying much attention to your garden! I'm curious, have you ever planted a cover crop? I have been contemplating it but wanted some first hand accounts.
Liisa,
Beautiful photographs. I love the color of the mushrooms, but I'm not confident about identification except for chanterelles. I'm just glad there are more varieties of mushroom available at the market these days.
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