Although going downtown provides the most variety, most of my rides are right around the neighbourhood here, on one of two streets that are safe to drive down. Neither of them have much if any in the way of sidewalks. I feel I've photographed everything that's worthwhile, but I keep trying to find interesting things to share.
One of my favourite plants at this time of year is Bird's-foot Trefoil. It's bright yellow colour is everywhere, in lawns, in ditches and even along cracks in the pavement.
As long as it can get some roots in it will reach out to the sides, spreading over a foot. You often see it hanging over the edge of the curb on Nelson Street, the only street around here that has a curb. This plant is used as high quality forage on cattle farms.
One of my constant challenges is trying to avoid pressure sores, as well as avoid the pain while I'm riding around. The sidewalks are the worst, but this crackled old pavement is almost as bad. So I have been trying to find a route down Nelson West that minimizes driving over this. There's a 200 yard stretch that's really bad where I have to ride on the narrow shoulder.
On a brighter note, the Milkweeds are in bloom now. This patch is just around the corner along the side of a driveway. It was cut down last year, so I'm hoping they leave it long enough for the Monarchs this year.
At the farthest end of Nelson our friendly lawn mower guy is building a garage/workshop behind his house. Having built two big additions, a cabin and a shed I'm always interested in diy construction. This looks like it will be pretty nice.
Nearby someone has this large rusted steel flower in their garden. We used to have one at our last house. Sorry about the photo-bombing blue roof of the playhouse behind, but it was the only angle.
And someone else has removed some old decor and replaced it with this interesting collection. And I think I've successfully found a route through that bad part of the street. I'm just going to avoid the painful parts and drive in the middle of the road if I have to!
We have plenty of that Bird's Foot Trefoil too. Now I know what it is, thanks to you. ;) That metal flower will flourish even without rain!
ReplyDeleteWould a sheepskin help your ride at all? Probably a silly question but I'm going to give ours a good test on Saturday for a longer ride. Those of us not in a wheelchair have no idea how painful a rough pathway can be. The milkweed flowers are gorgeous, aren't they?
I noticed the scent of the milkweed this morning. They are just glorious.
ReplyDeleteThat old blacktop looks like alligator hide. Milkweed reproduces by sprouting from the root, so a one-time mowing won't hurt it.
ReplyDeleteI think that yellow trefoil is also growing among some very old rocks at a government property here.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a lovely wildflower. We call it eggs and bacon.
ReplyDeleteYour last photograph is so colourful :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I haven't noticed the milk weed around here yet.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your collection of photos!!
Glad you found a good route.
I love the bird’s foot. We have it here and it always adds to a setting.
ReplyDeleteYou always find interesting things to share, FG.
The trefoil is so pretty! We have a lot of cinquefoil with yellow flowers that has a tendency to spread - it looks much like a strawberry plant before it flowers.
ReplyDeleteI love the garden bed with all the fun items. There is obviously a youngster living there (or at least visiting) based on the small garden tool.
Supposedly we have Bird's Foot Trefoil here but I have never seen any. Although it's invasive it sure looks pretty. Interesting that it is high quality cattle fodder.
ReplyDeleteOn a section of Bayfield River Road near us there are about half a dozen well made Milkweed signs posted along the shoulder saying 'do not mow'. Those milkweed sure draw in the butterflies. I was wondering if the tires on your mobile chair are hard rubber or air filled. After transporting so many wheelchair folks years ago you would think I would know the answer to that question. Well if I did, now I don't. Darn this aging thing. That's a pretty rough section of road you have to traverse.
ReplyDeleteSo that's what those yellow flowers are. I will probably forget though.
ReplyDeleteSo many roads here in Ontario are in bad shape and need resurfacing and the sidewalks I presume are just as bad. You are so knowledgeable with plants, trees and flowers and many times I learn something from your posts.
ReplyDelete