MORE PHOTOS FROM WALNEY POND, FROM OUR VISIT ON 4-21-26

 

This is my favorite spot at the pond. There is a bench under the shade of the trees, and this natural arbor sets the scene beautifully. It's a very restful place even though there is a road you can just see on the other side, that gets quite busy when people are coming home. There are a few other benches around the pond, and I make use of all of them. Each has a nice view across the water.

The red leaf is from a White water-lily, the American white water-lily it is called. Scientific name is Nymphaea odorata. It has quite a few other common names; White water-lily, Fragrant water-lily, Sweet-scented water-lily, Beaver root, Tuberous water-lily, Alligator bonnet, Fragrant white water-lily and Sweet-scented white water-lily. There are many on this pond and when they are in full bloom, are a sight to behold. 

The Pickerelweed is appearing but no blooms yet. If you click on its name, you will be able to see what they look like.

This was the only Yellow flag iris I saw blooming that day. I am looking forward to going back and seeing more. They can bloom from April to August depending on what region they are in. It originated in Western Asia and Northwest Africa and is now considered a highly invasive species in over 40 U.S. states. Not a good plant as pretty as it is. Considered toxic to humans and livestock if ingested, and the sap can cause significant skin irritation or blistering upon contact, so best to wear gloves and long sleeves when handling it. Note to self as I found myself moving a leaf or two so that I could get a clearer view of the flower. Not doing that again and now we know! I didn't know about this particular plant being oblivious until finding out the information for today's post, but I do warn family and friends not to handle any plant when out and about along these paths. I need to take my own advice. I am usually more wary of such things. 

A much better alternative to this Yellow flag iris apparently, is the Blue Flag Iris, which is a stunning native with violet-blue flowers that thrives in the same wet conditions. 

Another bench is calling to me. 

I have a wonderful time looking at all the new growth as I walk the path. In the photo above I tried to showcase the Common greenbrier. It is a native woody vine found throughout the easter half of North America, and ranges from Florida north into southern Ontario and Noa Scotia, and west to Texas and Oklahoma. While often considered a nuisance by hikers and gardeners due to its aggressive growth and sharp thorns, it is a vital part of the local ecosystem. I found much of my information about what I am sharing today online.

This is the Garlic mustard and is not a native plant in North America. It is originally from Europe and parts of Asia and was originally brought to the United States in the 1800s for herbal, medicinal and erosion control purposes. 

I came across the Bush Honeysuckle which is the last plant I took photos of.  I left links on the names for you to learn more if wanted.

The turtles are on a new wooden platform. They seemed to be enjoying the sun.

The last photo taken on that visit was the dog and her companion.

We were already in the car when we saw her, and driving back home shortly afterwards. I daresay we will be going again in a week or so.

BLUEBELL WALK NEAR THE OLD STONE BRIDGE IN MANASSAS 4-12-22

On the 12th of this month we drove over to the Old Stone Bridge in Manassas. The sun was shining and it was a lovely day.  Our son and daughter-in-law inspired us as the day before they sent us photos from their own walk, and took some very nice shots of the bluebells.  It reminded me that we hadn't been to see ours and I asked Gregg what he thought of going over that morning.  This sign was new, designed specifically with children in mind, sowing those seeds early.Virginia bluebells (botanical name Mertensia virginica) are also called Virginia cowslip, Blue and pink ladies, Chiming bells and Kentucky bluebells.  It blooms in the spring and is native to eastern North America.  They grow in wooded areas near river and lake banks, or in wetland areas. 

These were growing near Bull Run.  

We had just crossed over the Old Stone Bridge, which is part of the history of this area, relating to the Civil War.  If you are a history buff, you can click on the name to read more information.  I read it was built in 1886 and restored in 1959.

When I first moved here I was very curious about why a body of water like the one above, was called a 'run'.  I read that because our area was settled mostly by the English, back in their homeland the term 'creek' was used when referring to  'streams that were influenced by the tides'.  This was when the first settlers came across these bodies of water in 17th century America and they adopted the same name.  As they moved inland they very quickly encountered very fast-moving streams.  They didn't know what to call them.  There was no word for them, so they used the word 'run'.

The Bluebells were a bit passed their peak, some petals had dried up and some had fallen off, but were still beautiful!

We found an Eastern Bluebird.

Did you know an Eastern bluebird can fly 17 miles per hour?  They lay between 2 to 8 eggs in each clutch and lay two clutches per season.  They have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years.  Male bluebirds sing with their beaks closed. I found my information at this link, a website called World Birds Joy of Nature, with great photos.  If you scroll down a bit, there is a delightful video of one.

Other wildflowers I saw that day, firstly Marsh blue violets (Viola cucullata).  Also known as Hooded blue violet and purple violet.

Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens), also known as Downy Violet, Hairy Yellow Violet and Yellow Violet.

Yellow trout lily (Erythronium americanum), also known as Yellow dog-tooth violet.  I wasn't sure what it was at first, and certainly didn't realize it was a trout lily.  I was looking at it from a different angle.

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), also known as Poor man's mustard, Hedge garlic, Jack-by-the-hedge, Sauce-alone.

Virginia springbeauty (Claytonia virginica), also known as Fairy spud, Good morning spring, Narrowleaf springbeauty.

Bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus), also called St. Anthony's turnip, Bulbous crowfoot, Frogwort and Crowfoot. 

Also seen in the photo above is my last wildflower.  It is Purple dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum).

And that's the end of our walkabout around the bluebells for now, until next year.  It was fun going back.  I have since found other trails that have them, so who knows where we will turn up next year.

Thanks for looking and I hope your day is a happy one.