Old Woman of the Woods oak tree with a sunset and sundog, January, 2022 near Chickamauga NMP, NW Georgia

Observing Nature with a Purpose

I spend a lot of time observing nature as I wander and work in the woods, creek and fields. Whether on my property near the #ChickamaugaNMP in Northwest Georgia, at my relatives in Arizona, Wisconsin or Washington, or traveling around this fantastic country (and world), I’ve always loved seeing God’s creations, and how they work […]

Harvesting Elderberries, NOT Pokeweed / Pokeberries!

Lots of folks are out harvesting elderberries, especially the North American native American Elderberry, or Sambucus Canadensis. Health benefits abound! BUT, many people are posting photos of Pokeweed or Pokeberry (also known as Pokesalat) on social media, and asking: Are these Elderberries? NO! And knowing the difference when you’re harvesting elderberries is critical! Pokeweed berries […]

Finding Wonderful Hidden Wildflowers: Haiku

It is often so/ that when we clear dross and junk,/ we find wonderful. Using a loping shears to clear underbrush and non-native privet from around the hardwood trees in my back yard reveals an undergrowth of black-eyed susans and other hidden wildflowers. Sometimes you have to burn the grasses and weeds from large fields, […]

Wildflowers from NaturesGuy's property -- August 2019 -- Don't miss the show!

When You Lock Yourself Inside: Free Verse About Wildflowers

The fields are bursting brightwith wildflower’d colors:Purple,red,orange,yellow,blue,white. I didn’t know.I missed the wildflower show.It’s tragic what you don’t see,hear,smell,taste,feel,when you lockyourself inside. I’m not surprised,nor mad.Just a little sad,yet gladI soon enough realizedthe wildflower blissI might havecompletely missed. I’ll do better.

orange and black butterfly on woodland sunflower, NW Georgia, July 2018, part of a natural yard

Wildflowers and Butterfly Beauty: Three For The Price Of One

Wildflowers and butterfly beauty is one of the best parts of rural life. As people go back to the woods or the fields, focusing on being self-sustaining and off-the-grid, one of the first questions they ask is: “What should I DO?” One of the most vital things I tell them is what they should NOT […]