tiny but vivid
the fuchsia buds contribute
to autumn's color choir

#haiku #haiga

From a recent hike, #mushrooms on a tree stump.

Went hiking today, and found this #mushroom mycelium growing on a leaf.

Went on a #mushroom foraging walk the other day. Convenient accidental dime for scale.

Figuring out ways to dispose of my grandmother's "good dishes". My nephew was only interested in the bowls, so I sent him those. A friend suggested making #candles out of the teacups. I had no idea candle- making had such a large hobby community, nor that it had so many gadgets and supplies... Here's my first test cases. Hard to see in the photo, but these two are dyed light blue. I'll be playing with other colors for the other cups in the set.

all the rest are spent
with tired petals trimmed in brown
late summer’s last rose
its scent already fading
with the shortening days

#tanka #poetry

Took a trip to Assateague last week. Kayaked, walked trails, read on the beach, swam, saw the horses. At one point, a ranger was trying to be polite, but was clearly exasperated. The state park had a changing area, with an outdoor shower so people could hose off the sand. A visitor had left a faucet open. A mare and her foal were delighted at this new source of fresh water. We all had to wait for them to drink their fill and move on. (reposted for alt text)

Assateague's salt marshes also have jellyfish. When this one's bell was fully extended, it was about the width of a small dinner plate.

I didn't plan or prune it this way; it just came out perfectly aligned. I've deadheaded it several times now and it keeps bouncing back.

#flowers #gerbera

unrelenting blaze
dwindling daylily buds
unopened, seared shut

#haiku

gladiolus streak
the ruffled skirt swirl of a
flamenco dancer

#haiku

I've got several hen-and-chicks lining one edge of my parking pad. I've never see them bloom before...

Spotted in a neighbor's yard #2

Spotted in a neighbor's yard #1...

#flowers #rose

I'm pleased with a newcomer this year - a mini rosebush that fit well in an existing planter, and seems to like its spot. Each full bloom is only about the size of a walnut.

The irises have started popping... #gardening #flowers #iris

hiding in plain sight
the ladybug wanders in
its fennel forest

#haiku

I've been working my way through a catalog of #mushroom growing kits. This was part of the first harvest of "snow oysters" (avocado for scale). They require fairly cool temperatures, so I had to wait until winter and grow them in the basement. There's also a second cluster, somewhat smaller than this one. Got a recipe lined up for a Thai-inspired soup that'll use these.

#Shiitake are ready! Now to find some recipes... #mushrooms

#flowers #gerbera