a beast among the beauties

It was various shapes and shades of green that attracted this wandering photographer.  The hosta, the ginger, the holly I knew were there, but only as I edited the photo did I recognize the beast lurking in their midst, the poison ivy with its three toothy leaves.  Along with every other plant this summer the PI is also abundant, hanging out along the edges of the paths and, most dangerously, amongst the wild berry patches.  Caution in reaching those large, luscious berries is a requirement of enjoying them this year!

quinquefoliate for ABC Wednesday

This "quinquefolitate" is a Virginia Creeper.  But, a question, is it Parthenocissus quinquefolia or Parthenocissus vitacea?
This  "quinquefolitate" vine is growing on the deck leading to the garden with the Siberian Iris called Snow Queen (unfortunately not yet blooming).  The woods are full of this woody vine that climbs quickly to the top of the tallest trees.  Tarzan would be quite satisfied with it!
If I have not quaffed your desire for the letter q, please visit ABC Wednesday for more.

My world this Tuesday

"A hard rain's a gonna fall" is the reality of this Tuesday in Fabius Township.  All is green and growing so fast that even our "wild look" landscaping that features very little mowing is getting beyond us.  But today the rain gives a respite from the work outside.

We are emerging from two weeks of daily concerts at the Gilmore Keyboard Festival in Kalamazoo 25 miles north of us.  Finally I wore out and good only keep up with the concerts and not the blog.  The Festival is a marvelous orgy of music all day, every day, every two years.  We heard old favorites and experienced music we did not know from composers of the 19th and 21st century.  If you love the piano, think about visiting Kalamazoo in two years for the next festival.  It is a beautiful time to be in Michigan!

Visit many more spots around the world at My World.

It's truly spring and the color of today is green

Forget that brown world I showed you in March!  To the yellows add the green of grasses that are growing so fast.  It seems we are ahead of previous springs for greening up like this.  And so far (fingers crossed) the average 2.5 inches of snow in April has not made an appearance.  I looked for hepatica in the woods yesterday but found none. 
If you are interested in the contrast three weeks can make in a Michigan spring, check out: the sepia world of March