Along the Crest, Crested Iris

Enjoyed another fantastic day at Shaw Nature Reserve.  Following my volunteering stint, I hiked through the dry glades and woodlands near the Meramec River, evaluating the Spring’s continuing transition in color.  Among the most vibrant and prolific today was Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata).  Just another native to consider in your garden!

Spring Emergent

We’ve had an early Spring snow to slow things down a bit.  This time last year, Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) were in full bloom.  Today, I paid another visit to Powder Valley Nature Center (see previous visit), hoping to treat my Nikon to a photogenic feast of bluebells among the snow.  However, it seems that nature,

First Visit to Shaw Nature Reserve

I visited the Shaw Nature Reserve, located southwest of St. Louis, today for the first time.  I was thoroughly impressed with the numerous trails, the varying terrain, and the abundant spring blooms.  Woodland ephemerals have popped up everywhere.  These are Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and they’re prolific in the bottomlands at SNR. Sure, tulips and