December 23, 2011

Snow, Winter Mosses, and Merry Christmas



The ground has been bare and the temperatures quite mild for the past couple of weeks, so I was very happy to wake to snow this morning. Winter seems very bleak without the brightening effect of snow on the ground, even if only two or three inches, like today. Now it looks like Christmas day will be white.




But yesterday the ground was bare, and as I walked through the woods and saw the brilliantly green mosses, shining with fresh emerald color, I thought of the saying that snow was the "poor man's fertilizer". Although that usually refers to spring snows, I don't see why it wouldn't work in the fall, when the ground is still soft. The mosses seemed to have soaked up the moisture and nutrients of early winter snows, and were glowing with health. They will be covered with a soft blanket today, biding their time until they emerge again. Along with the white of Christmas snow, I wish you joy, and peace, and love.


5 comments:

  1. It does look all Christmasy in your first photo. The moss here is also a glorious green. There is even forsythia blooming. It is as confused about the weather as I am. Thank you for the Christmas wishes. I know your lights are still shining.

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  2. I love how moody that first image is with the low clouds obscuring the top of the mountains. Our moss is shining brightly but not as bright as yours. Still, it is so much more colorful than grass in winter. Enjoy the holidays!

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  3. thanks so much for the comments, Lauren, Lisa, and Ms. Wis. A lovely weekend is on store for Vermont, and I hope also where you are.

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  4. Happy Holidays, Altoon. Looking forward to your blog posts this coming year!

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