sartorial splendor, bug calligraphy, belles at the ball

Striped maple twigs:  I want to design a whole clothing line this elegant.






As the branches age, they develop the characteristic stripey look.


A mature striped maple.

In other news, I discovered a cache of calligraphic runes, inscribed on downed branches by either fairies, or insects.



This moss-covered stump or rock – probably stump, but the sponginess was pretty deep – is playing host to three ash seedlings that have buried themselves, business-end first.

It’s not unreasonable to expect those seedlings will have enough for at least a start on life – this mushroom looks pretty content.


Ditto the baby fern.


And this little guy. Either hemlock or balsam fir – I forgot to check which. 


Belles at the ball. Milkweed seeds.


Each one a beauty.