Blueberry Bushes in Autumn

blueberries in autumn

Some Blueberry Bushes celebrate autumn in an amazing way. The area around my cabin is a perfect illustration of this. Some of my bushes are really kicking up their heals with joy. I can’t tell you which species or cultivars these bushes are. I’ve got between 10 and 15 bushes, most of which were put in nearly 30 years ago. Back in the days when I had no idea I should be keeping track of what I was putting in. I only know they produce wonderful blueberries. So it’s a big mystery. But take a look at that photo above. Almost half the bushes I’ve got are that color. Screaming red. Blueberry Bushes send out rewards every season of the year. Spring with their blossoms. Summer with their fruit. Autumn with their color. And in winter the rewards are the red stems which are glorious with snow sparkling on them.

Violets for the Birthday Girl

She’s celebrating her 104th birthday. Absolutely marvelous. She’s part of an amazing family. A family that brings love to everything they do. And she loves Violets. So Violets it will be.

There are somewhere between four hundred and five hundred different species of Violets in the genus Viola, and those Violets are scattered all over this planet.

I’m really pleased to find many many different species of them here on my mountain, up in Shenandoah National Park and other places that I roam.

violet leaves

I’m thrilled to find an unknown leaf, an unknown flower and Violets always surprise me with their variety.

There is even at least one small shrub in the genus Viola which grows in Portugal. Most other species are either perennial or annual plants.

I don’t think I’ll be getting to Portugal anytime soon but that’s fine. There’s so many Violets here to keep me busy with finding, photographing and identifying them.

Keep in mind as you’re tending your gardens to leave some of the Violets. They’re beautiful and they are depended upon by many of the Fritillary butterflies as a primary host plant.

Sending loads of Violet thoughts and many hugs to you, birthday girl!