patrickpumnedu posted: " By Lee Anne Laskey As I step out of the rain scented Japanese Garden a "Fall Fiesta" Maple tree glows in the distance under the warmth of the scented leaf blanket below. I peek out of my raincoat hood for the sweet view. The fuzzy bud of a Star" Nature Notes
As I step out of the rain scented Japanese Garden a "Fall Fiesta" Maple tree glows in the distance under the warmth of the scented leaf blanket below. I peek out of my raincoat hood for the sweet view.
The fuzzy bud of a Star Magnolia gracefully poses in the breeze by the leaf sprinkled pond. This is a tree for all seasons. Stop by to admire the graceful silhouette and smooth, soft gray bark that will stand out even more in the upcoming winter garden.
A quiet Koi group swims by to entertain a child wandering with her grandmother who gently warns not to get too close to the edge. I linger. We all could learn a bit more by pausing to watch a child's abundance of curiosity in action.
Near the ground in the Home Demo Garden, I first hear the little notes of a contact call. I look up to spot a White-throated sparrow and a few others staying dry by the seedheads of nearby "Golden Jubilee" Anise Hyssop and "Raspberry Wine" Bee Balm. We all have the opportunity to admire these adorable birds when they pass through during their spring and Fall migration. Some do overwinter at feeders too.
On the Three-Mile Walk, I find more eye candy as I wander through the inviting crabapple tree collection off Three-Mile Drive. Many birds, like the Cedar Waxwing and American Robin eat the maturing fruits and it keeps them coming back. I discover pops of yellow, red and orange above me. Come hike the hill today too and make it a scavenger hunt for the whole family. A few treasures today are the "Cashmere" soft yellows, "Firebird" reds and "Pumpkin Pie" Crayola mix.
I head down to the Ordway Picnic Shelter next, where the now golden Tamaracks (Eastern Larch) light up the clouds. These deciduous conifers will drop their soft needle bundles all at once and then they return in the spring. Stop out to witness them painting up the Arboretum landscape and complimenting the trees around them.
If you are curious, research the long list of fascinating ways Tamarack wood is used. It is high-quality and literally rot-proof. The origin of the name gives a hint to one fun use. Tamarack is a word from the native Abenaki language, which means "wood used for snowshoes."
I pause under the striking beauty of the neighboring White Oak; its strong, mature branches seem to wrap me up in their jacket of large, rustic leaves.
Every four to six years, we all get to find its acorns that are a valuable food source for turkeys, pheasants, blue jays, nuthatches and several types of woodpeckers.
As I finally make my way up the hill to leave, I notice many other content visitors having fun on foot or in cars. I guess we all must be craving a little late Autumn treat with the trees this week. Hope to see you soon, bundled up on the trails and bursting with childlike curiosity.
Lee Anne Laskey is a Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer.
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