The Richland County Park District manages the 19 miles of the scenic B&O Bike Trail which runs from the City of Mansfield to the village of Butler. It is one of my favorite places to botanize on a daily basis, mostly one finds the run-of-the-mill flora, but occasionally there is something spectacular.
Early in the morning the bumble bees pollinate the Swamp Roses, Rosa palustris which grow freely along a small stream. Their display is a feast for the eyes and a reminder that roses need not be the weak, chemically dependant, insect infested "hybrid teas" of Jackson Perkins fame. These natives are hardy beauties requiring no care, yet producing a wall of flowers for the passers-by.
And just beyond the Swamp Rose, another member of the rose family: Black Raspberry,Rubusoccidentalis.These luscious berries festoon miles of the bike trail, and provide the energy and motivation I need on evening walks. How can the others bear to pass them by?
No thanks Cheryl! Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods is enough of the Trail for me. It takes way too much planning ahead to go on the trail. I recently talked to someone who was headed there. There were so many things to think about taking or not taking.
Early in the morning the bumble bees pollinate the Swamp Roses, Rosa palustris which grow freely along a small stream. Their display is a feast for the eyes and a reminder that roses need not be the weak, chemically dependant, insect infested "hybrid teas" of Jackson Perkins fame. These natives are hardy beauties requiring no care, yet producing a wall of flowers for the passers-by.
And just beyond the Swamp Rose, another member of the rose family: Black Raspberry, Rubus occidentalis. These luscious berries festoon miles of the bike trail, and provide the energy and motivation I need on evening walks. How can the others bear to pass them by?
Yummm. I love botany.
I love botany too! Nice post...we have prairie roses and red raspberry growing wild here in the Black Hills. :o)
ReplyDeleteThe bike is definitely the way to go, Cheryl! Those berries look tempting - our blackberries Rubus fruticosus are beginning to take shape here.
ReplyDeleteI generally walk, although I like to bike too!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter just suggested we do an October trip on the Appalachian trail! 10 Miles a day in the Shenandoahs- Any takers?
No thanks Cheryl! Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods is enough of the Trail for me. It takes way too much planning ahead to go on the trail. I recently talked to someone who was headed there. There were so many things to think about taking or not taking.
ReplyDelete