I love this moment when there are layers of different greens climbing up the Blacks, and then, up near the top, it's not quite spring yet.
 

Nancy Demonstrates Bamboo Shoot Peeling

Nancy demonstrates bamboo shoot peeling. Because you can eat those things and there are a lot of them. After they are peeled, you boil them for 20 or 30 minutes to soften them and to remove the unhelpful cyanogenic glycosides. After that, they can be used in stir fry, salads, etc.

Baby Dinosaurs of Spring

 

OK, they are baby robins, but you have to admit...

I mean, click on the picture to make it bigger. They are kind of freaky.

A Report from Billy

"I was unable to photo, but thought  you should know. Yesterday a large white van parked at  the end of White Oak. The sign painted on the van, International Nepalese Full Gospel Church. A half dozen or so young people got out and were enjoying the sun and taking pictures of the mountains."

More Woodpecker Action

Woodpeckers be peckin'

 

Miika reports impressive pileated woodpecker activity this spring. This is one day's work on a 16-inch diameter log!

Mountain Gardens Fire

 

As many people know by now, Mountain Gardens, the botanical wonderland and herbal apothecary created over decades by Joe Hollis and many friends was hit by a fire that destroyed the main common building, which housed the library, the herb shop, and the kitchen. The plan is to build a similar structure in the same spot. If you would like to contribute financially, there is a gofundme page here.

The website also says this: "We are in the process of creating a list of things people could donate as well. Check back soon. It will be posted and updated here. If you would like to help with the clean-up, we will be having group work sessions on Wednesday afternoons and some weekends. Thank you to everyone who has contributed."