Take a “Wild” Flower Walk
Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum)
“Spring is definitely here,” I think, letting the little one run ahead of me down the path as I take in the fresh greenery and colourful wildflowers, while listening to a burst of melodious bird song. Today, we are heading out to see some of April’s finest flowers, and my two-year-old son Alden has volunteered as my spotter. We’re keeping a tally of the flowers we see, and making a few notes about the colours of the petals, shapes of the leaves, and general habitat.
The first flower we happen upon is the showy western trillium (Trillium ovatum). Trillium means “in threes” which is appropriate, since the trillium has three leaves and three petals. The broad green leaves, each with a drip-tip for our rainforest climate, are positioned about half way up the stem. The petals are white, but turn pink or purple with age. Peek into the flower’s center, and you will see the golden-yellow anthers laden with pollen. After flowering trilliums produce berry-like capsules, and each seed has an oil-rich appendage that is loved by ants. In carrying the seeds back to their nests, ants effectively disperse the seeds. Trilliums grow in moist woodlands near streams. Since the blooms often coincides with the arrival Robins, trilliums are also known as “wake robins.” Continue reading »
All About Ants
Thatching Ants (Formica spp.) become active in the Spring.
For many years now there has been a mounded ant’s nest on my mother’s property. During the winter months, birds peck and scratch at the nest looking for an easy snack. In the early spring, the ants begin to emerge, moving slowly. As things heat up, the nest becomes a teeming mass of ants in a frenzy of activity. These thatching ants (Formica spp.) are red and black and have never caused my family any trouble. Continue reading »
Beachcombing with Kids
A Collection of Beach Glass
On the weekend, we often take the kids up to “Granny’s house” at Miracle Beach. When we get there, our 2-year-old son Alden heads straight down to the beach. Who needs toys? The beach has everything a toddler needs. Pebbles, seaweed, shells, crabs, sticks of driftwood and other flotsam and jetsam keep Alden fully occupied. It’s not only fun, but educational too. We talk about the colours, textures and shapes of the objects that we find, and Alden loves to count and sort things into various piles. Continue reading »