The weather has been perfect for walking in the woods. I am so fortunate to live in an area where there are so many glorious trails and waterfalls to walk by. Monday through Friday, I drop Mathew off at school and then take a morning walk in the woods with Dylan. I am never disappointed as there is always something new to see. Yesterday was no exception.

Aren’t Fringed Polygala or Gaywings (Polygala paucifolia) the sweetest little things?! It always puts a smile on my face when I come across them.  It is a small plant that likes to grow in mossy areas. The contrast between the green moss and pink flowers makes it a magical find.

Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) love growing in cracks in the rock along the gorge but they also do fine in gardens as well. The flower reminds me of Chinese lanterns. They are five-sectioned, yellow and red, horned flowers that hides its nectar in its long projections; this makes it inaccessible to all but the longest-tongued creatures. It appears that these beautiful flowers were designed with hummingbirds in mind.

I rarely ever come across Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.) This one is a very interesting find as the flowers dangling below the stem is in singles, typical Solomon’s Seal flowers dangle in pairs.

This one looks very similar to Solomon’s seal but it has an erect flower at the end of its stem. Some call it False Solomon’s Seal but I prefer Showy Solomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa). When viewed from above, a slight zigzag of the stem between each leaf is noticeable.

What have you seen on your walks? Please share and I will continue to share.