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Nature’s in charge

2009 December 17
by Kirk Ross
Aster-seed-receptacles

A closer look reveals beauty in a wild aster in winter phase. Photo by Ken Moore.

By Ken Moore

Last week a Citizen reader asked how I found anything to feature during winter. I responded that nature is so rich that I always had one or more subjects lined up, even in the winter. I added that I was already working on the lingering colors of sparkleberry.

That was my intent until the next day, when by the back door my eyes were captured by little white stars along burgundy limbs. Taking a closer look at a native aster in a pot destined, eventually, to go into the ground, I marveled at the coloration of remaining leaves highlighting star-like bases from which seeds had already taken flight.

At that moment, stopped in my tracks, I realized that the sparkleberry would have to wait; nature had stepped in to redirect my focus on that little aster.

However far ahead I plan, I am not really in charge of selecting what I will feature each week. Many times I am deflected from my intended focus to a more compelling one because of something that captures my eye. Perhaps my response to that Citizen reader should have been that I simply feature whatever nature thrusts my way.

I have moved that potted aster closer to my door for easier viewing each time I pass. That wildflower, in its so-called dormant phase, is now providing me as much pleasure with its bright star-shaped seed receptacles on stems strewn with burgundy colored leaves as it did last fall with its flurry of tiny purplish flowers perched on green leafy stems.

I recall how back in the fall I cautioned you to take a lighter hand as you “put your garden to bed for the winter.” I urged that clumps of tall branching plants and fluffy seed heads be left for winter interest and for food and cover for birds and other critters. I was at that time more intent on the distant landscape view of nature’s winter garden. Now I’m walking up close to discover color and textures not so obvious from a distance, definitely well worth slowing one’s pace.

The short walk to and from the mailbox is rewarded by the winter effect of dense wooly seed heads of common goldenrod along my very unkempt driveway. Recalling how I enjoyed the golden plumes of these, possibly my favorite of all wildflowers, weeks ago, I’m appreciating how the fluffy white seed heads rival the earlier bright flower heads.

In stark contrast, on rainy days those same seed heads are barely discernable, because they close tightly when wet. Well, that is logical; for why would a plant expose flight-dependant seed when it is weighted down with moisture?

The drifts of goldenrod seed heads lining the unmowed portions of the highways encircling our town these days seem to be suspended in time, as if to make certain we eventually take notice during our fast-paced travels.

Now I’m wondering what Mother Nature will offer up as alternative to my plan to feature the sparkleberry next week.

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