We are lucky that spring wild flowers emerge in the wooded, undisturbed,some might say neglected, back part of our yard.
Some of the earliest to appear are Spring Beauties. Their delicatesprays of pink flowers have deeper pink stripes on each petal. Then, largepale green, roundish leaves are the first sign that the single white flowerof Bloodroot has emerged. Our grandchildren are surprised when we showthem the "blood" oozing out of the stem of a picked flower.
Next appears the white flowered Twinleaf which truly has twin leavesshaped like butterfly wings.
Shy yellow Trout Lilies with mottled leaves grow in profusion beneaththe beech tree right where I had thought to establish a path. That pathwill probably meander a little to accommodate them.
Later in the spring the pink, white or lavender Dame's Rocket appearsfrom its basal rosette of leaves. This comes up in the most unexpectedplaces, where the leaves blow against the hydrangea bushes, and in establishedflower beds. These happy accidents I often leave alone. Sometimes I movethem to the location where I want to see them.
Perhaps you, too, are interested in spring wild flower walks, sohere are the dates of some of them close by in the next month.
April 17, Lakeside Daisy Open House will start at noon at the LakesideDaisy Nature Preserve near Marblehead. For information, phone 433-4919.
April 19, Erie Spring Wildflowers nature hike will start at the VermillionRiver Preserve, one mile north of Wakeman. Phone 433-4919.
April 26, A spring wildflower walk will be held at Malabar Farm StatePark in Richland county. It will start at 11 am. Their number is 892-2784.
May 3, Tim Snyder of the Hancock Nature Preserve will lead an allday bus trip to Clifton Gorge. This wild flower walk and visit to historicClifton Mill will leave from 819 Park Street in Findlay at 7:30 AM. Registrationcloses April 28, and the cost is five dollars. Call 425-7275 to register.There is limited seating.
May 10, the annual Malabar Farm Volksmarch, a six-mile walk throughthe woods, will begin at 9 AM. Registration at the Big House required.Call 892-2784 for information.
May 17, "Birds, Blooms and Brunch" will be held at LitzenbergMemorial Woods near Findlay at 7:30 AM. Bring Wildflower identificationbooks and field glasses. Register by May 15. A donation will be taken upfor brunch. Call 425-7275 for more information.
May 18, John Haeger, Toledo Parks naturalist, will talk about "WildflowerFolklore" at 2 PM. at Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center nearFindlay. Call 425-7275 for more information.
May 19th through May 25th, Kelleys Island is celebrating Lilac Week.Phone 746-2360.
Mary Lilly