Friday, February 17, 2012

Winter Walks

I live in a very historic town. One of the interesting aspects about the town is that it was established right along the Wabash River. Of course the Native People lived here first. One of the unusual and interesting sites around are the Mounds.
There are two Mounds that were once used by the Native People. They haven't been completely explored but they have been brought to the fore lately. One of the Mounds was cut in two by a highway coming through years ago and this is where a friend of mine and I decided to hike this week.
She is doing a study of the plants growing on and around this Mound. There is an old sign on top of the Mound declaring it a property of the Knox Co Parks Dept. No one does anything to the Mound now days but they are thinking about it so the study is being done.
I always learn something when I go out with my friend. She knows more about plants than I will ever learn. One thing that was brought to my attention while we were out was the seed pods of the Bundleflower Desmanthus illinoesis.  It is a weed by any other name but I found the seed pods most intriguing. It is hard but it looks soft like the petals of an open rose. 
The petal peel off and the seeds drop out to spread about. This is growing in sandy soil. No doubt it would take over if it were planted in half decent soil. I am tempted. The blooms aren't much to look at but it is in the mimosa family and it has those tropical looking leaves. 
I hope you get to get out this weekend and hike around. Be sure to share what you have found.

12 comments:

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Great journal page Lisa. Love how you did it. Did you do on location drawing or take a photo? Would think it to cold outside right now to draw on location.

Robin said...

This was so intriguing to me....you are lucky to live close to those mounds.....Sacred Grounds for sure....(so sad a highway split through them).... still, what a fantastic place to hike!

I think this *weed* is wonderful - it does resemble a rose.... just lovely...

I am off on a hike with a friend today.....I can't draw, but will bring my camera and if I come across anything intersting, I will share!

Have a wonderful (and warmer) Friday!

Hugs,

♥ Robin ♥

Deb said...

Your journal pages are amazing Lisa! Your town sounds fabulous and filled with history ~ I really enjoyed reading about the Mounds.
Have a great weekend.

Julie said...

Did you bring seeds home, Lisa??? Looks very interesting! Beautiful sketch/painting.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Yes Julie, there are seeds in this little seed pod/capsule. I don't know if I want to start this plant in my garden though. It is obviously a tough plant. It might try to take over.

Katiejane said...

Well, this is a new one for me! You always show the most interesting things here. I really like the page you did. I think I could identify this if I ever saw one. I'm going hiking later today!

SandyCarlson said...

This is great stuff. Your post and your journal pages are gorgeous.

Quiet Paths said...

Fascinating post. It must be so enriching to be able to sketch whatever you see. I really enjoyed this.

Q said...

You are a naturalist....
I love your journal pages.
Sherry

Cheryl said...

Hi Lisa,

The mounds are so interesting.
I have visited many.....they are an endless source of fascination and mystery.

Beautiful seedhead and indeed it does look like a rose.
I sometimes think we miss the little things....there is beauty all around us if we just use our eyes a little bit more :)

Lovely to have a friend who shares......

Anonymous said...

I'm enjoying your blog so much, I thought i was a follower but I am for sure now,

Lynn Cohen said...

The detail you attain is amazing to me...so lovely!!!