A Trip Up The Back Hill

Across the creek and a trip up the hill in the backyard. Something I've been wanting to do since moving here. Not much of a struggle at all, considering I've cut down on the smokes from two packs to about a half pack per day. I'm itching for one right now...ack!

Looks like a deer trail about half way up the hill. I've seen them in the area before, but they never hear me because of the rushing creek water.

White Mountain Laurel or Rhododendron, whatever you prefer. Plenty of those coming out all over the pace, but more pinks than whites.

Lot's of ferns on the hill...

Made it to the top, but forget trying to get through. Heavy with small pines and thickets. The area on the other side had been logged with what could have been the last ten years or so. It looks like if I want to see the other side (and the view) I'll need to do some clearing or wait until winter.

Anemone Virginiana 14,000 Seeds

I've been thinking about this one for a long time. It sure would be nice to see a swath of flowering plants along my long driveway. So I stumbled upon this one late last year. I'll probably scatter some in the woods too. The location sounds ideal for these things.

How to plant them is the next question. I suppose mixing with sand in a milk jug with lot's of small holes could work. Just shake 'em out. But how to scatter them consistently? This should be interesting.

Anemone Virginiana (Tall Thimbleweed)

They grow to three feet and bloom June to August, or thereabouts. The source Prairie Moon also claims the seeds have been stored in conditions ("pre sowing treatment") so that they may bloom the first year. Oh, okay we'll see about that. I could be too late for this year anyway.

Source for above image.

The target areas...first photo shows about 100 yards to crest of the hill. There's probably another 30 yards behind this.

 At the crest of the hill going down...that's another 100 yards.

Once that's done I will experiment with mass planting Astilbes along the creek banks. Ferns love it around there and so should these guys.

Part of the target area..

Other woodland plants:

Virginia Bluebells

Lobelia Queen Victoria