Possumhaw: Beauty or beast
“The extensive planting of just one exotic species removes thousands of native species.” — “The Trees in My Forest” by Bernd Heinrich-Biologist and Author
Possumhaw: Just being neighborly
Years ago, a neighbor fashioned a loop and hook from a metal coat hanger and affixed it to our gate. The coat hanger has long since rusted. Routinely over the summer, a bag appeared attached to the hanger filled with the best tomatoes you have ever put in your mouth.
Possumhaw: Tumbling into a fall
You might remember a column a couple of weeks back. Momma said when the State Fair comes the weather will turn cooler. Before the fair had ended and practically overnight, temperatures plummeted into the 40s.
Possumhaw: Do you see what I see?
Two weeks into fall and walking across the yard feels like walking on potato chips.
Possumhaw: Take the sting out of fall
It was midday and only 79 degrees; the wind was slightly blowing while clouds covered the sky. Hallelujah, a little break in the weather, though the earth was still dry and desert-like.
Possumhaw: Season of abscission
Leaves are starting to flutter across the yard onto the porches. A massive number are falling from the ash tree down to the deck. Sweeping may last a day, and then the surface is covered again.
Possumhaw: Alligator looking for a home
Standing on the porch overlooking the small pond I see reeds on the far side lying on the surface of the water. At least I think they’re reeds; I go inside and get the binoculars.
Possumhaw: Go ahead and book it
After watering the plants and feeding the animals, it’s time to delve into a good book. It’s hot as blue blazes outside, often over 100 degrees in the “feels like” category — and it’s not even noon.
Possumhaw: Way back when
R.C. White’s book “Ten Million Kisses” turned over in my hands. If ever a cover attracted my attention this one did. A handsome soldier embraces his girl. The cover is done in deep sepia like photographs stored in boxes and albums from my mom and dad of the same era.
Possumhaw: Rain gardens, barrels and bioswales
Here’s a little follow-up from last week’s Possumhaw on rain and how you might conserve water to make it work for you.
Possumhaw: It’s an Uncle Bunky world
Kat was a young woman when we met. Fresh out of college and living in a small rental house just out from Starkville. I had furniture needing a new home and gave it to Kat to incorporate into her home. We became friends, and then not long after, Kat moved away.
Possumhaw: It’s a wild world out there
The Prairie has been unusually wild in the past week. A full-grown doe feeds in the middle of the sedge field in broad daylight. Her red hide shines in the sunlight. She ambles and nibbles, raising her head now and then as she stares with doe eyes.
Possumhaw: In every day there’s magic
It’s a beautiful time to be in the Prairie. There have been days of cool breezes, warm sunshine and spotty rain showers.
Possumhaw: Music of the morning
Sam walked in the door asking, “What happened on the porch? It looks like a gale force wind swept through.”
Possumhaw: Travel slow, travel light
Sitting on the front porch drinking my morning coffee, I noticed a tremendous number of pollinators.
Possumhaw: The wonder-filled world
Another month of spring lay before us. Many years it feels like there is no spring at all; the days change quickly from winter to summer.
Possumhaw: The extended guest
Our guest once lived in Starkville, having gone to college there. Later he continued his stay while working for the Extension Service. He moved away from the South for another job, came back again, then moved away again. And so it was, he came back for an extended visit but a short stay.
Possumhaw: A few of my favorite things
In the cool of the morning, a light breeze caused the leaves in the trees to flutter ever so slightly. The soft morning light filtered through the branches. Flowers were in bloom, pinks, yellows and blues. The grass had been cut, as had the fields, so I could see all the way to the lake.
Possumhaw: Ducks take a stroll
The oddest thing happens every year about this time. Besides the torrential rains, the Pekin ducks come waddling up to the house.
Possumhaw: All along the river
The day started cool, with a gusty wind, and gradually warmed as the sun shone overhead. Sam suggested a drive, which meant heading to the Tombigbee River spillway on the west bank. I was eager to see the area since the last time the river raged and the grassy hill beside the spillway was covered deep in floodwater.