Hello Everyone!
It has been about a month since our first sit spot assignment, so for this week I would like for you to return to your sit spot. Please describe the spot, focusing on changes that the warmer weather brings. Remember to sit quietly and focus on observations and impressions.
I returned to the Warnell Garden this afternoon. At first glance, not much had changed since the last time we wrote about our sit spots. The trees seemed to be just as bare as before, and the ground cover was no greener. Plants in the pond showed no change and I was a little disappointed the fountain had stopped running.
ReplyDeleteLooking closer, I noticed tiny red and purple buds on some of the smaller trees on the west side of the garden. Also on the west side, some very pale yellow flowers were blooming. I wasn't sure what kind they were, but the five petals were not soft as I had expected. In addition to these small signs of the coming spring, the most noticeable change within the garden were the sounds. There was still the drone of surrounding buildings, a helicopter, the sound of distant traffic, and the lone turtle dove. But now there were other birds too. Their songs were loud, resounding from tree to tree, and most were robins. I'm not sure what the other birds were, but there were a lot, and they mainly hung out in the empty deciduous trees high overhead, rather than the pine trees.
This time there were squirrels too. One was running around on the ground with an acorn in his mouth. The other was up in a tree cleaning himself. The albino fish were still there swimming around, although the water was much less clear than previously. I saw no turtles in the water or basking on the small grassy mounds at the surface. There were also no ants running around on the cement, something I was very happy about while sitting on the ground.
Coming back to my sit spot, not much has changed from the previous assignment. The ground is still covered in dead leaves, but it just feels more like spring on this warm day. Most of the plants near my sit spot are evergreens. The deciduous trees that grow are not the kinds that quickly respond to a few warm days. There does seem to be less ivy growing on the fence though. The magnolias are starting to put out buds, and some of the other trees have new shoots forming There are quite a few birds around. Insects seem to becoming more active with the warmth. The squirrels are doing more, although the one in view seems to just be sleeping on a tree branch, which is something I've never seen before. You can hear other animals rustling in the underbrush.
ReplyDeleteI think with another week or two of consistently warm weather, my sit spot will look quite different. Now the cold weather just needs to hold off for that to happen.
The changes that I noticed in my sit spot were very gradual. To be honest, at first I really didn’t notice much, but after sitting there for a while, I started to notice some things. The biggest thing I noticed was that the air was warmer. The sun shining on my skin was warm and soft and I was comfortable in just jeans and a tee shirt…a big change from a few weeks ago when I needed boots and a scarf just to tolerate sitting outside. I noticed that there are these tall tufts of vivid green grass growing all throughout my yard and there is a huge patch of clover growing in one large swatch next to where I sit. The trees are starting to bud as well which doesn’t seem smart since it’s still only mid-February. Sounds carry differently in the warmer air. I could hear more birds, but not from as far away. Also, there was an earthy smell in the air. It wasn’t a strong smell, but definitely there, and something that absolutely wasn’t there in January. I saw a tiny patch of daffodils hiding behind a tree…spring well on its way!
ReplyDeleteI pass my sit spot every other day, but I rarely take the time go into the garden, given that I'm between classes. However, just from walking by, I can see that there are many more people taking advantage of the space, whether they are reading, studying, enjoying company with friends, or simply walking through.
ReplyDeleteWhile most of the grass is still dormant (although there are bright green tufts starting to come up), the large plants framing the garden are another story. Both the camellia bushes and the large magnolias were all covered in flower buds that are about to open, and there were already a lot of flowers in bloom. Still, despite the balmy weather, I only saw one flying insect, a bee on a magnolia flower.
Something I hadn't noticed before is that the pond is quite dirty. You can barely see the orange fish floating in the green, murky water, which didn't move in the minute that I was looking at them. Since the garden is evidently maintained and swept, as there are no dry leaves on the paths, I hope they clean out the pond soon. The fountain is the primary spot in the garden, and I would hope for it to be maintained as pristine as the ground surrounding it.
Heading back to my sit spot today I was a bit disappointed at how all of the unseasonal warmth hasn't had much of an affect, or at least not much of an obvious one. The grass is still brown, there weren't any noticeable flower buds or new leaves on the deciduous trees, but there are a few indications that things are warming up.
ReplyDeleteThe trees and bushes have tiny leaf buds (like, less than one cm) and the conifers are starting to lighten at the ends of their branches with new growth. There was one small tuft of grass that was about 5in and bluish-green sticking up out of the bermuda like an island. One of the trees had a fairy-ring of dandelions coming up under it. Other young plants coming up were some hardy acorn sprouts daring the the clay between the landscaping rocks.
I saw some evidence of the windy weather that we had last weekend - there was a clump of mistletoe on the ground by where I sit, even though none of the trees in my area have mistletoe growing in them. Other than that, there was more bird song than the last time, and I saw a thrush that flew across my clearing.
I hear the birds songs; they are more frequent than some weeks ago. I notice them mostly in the morning, and in my sit spot I was almost grazed by a male cardinal, we came so close.
ReplyDeleteI've also been noticing more insect activity, and the groundhog has come out from its hibernating hole next to my house! I am so excited for this because I haven't seen him since autumn! The woody vines are looking more alive than a few weeks ago, and there are the smallest buds on trees.
Finally, the smell of the air is different. Maybe from the change in humidity and the way my nose feels it. But the air isn't as harsh and empty as it was a few weeks ago; the air is getting a little sweeter and fuller.
It was interesting to go to my sit spot today because it felt more like winter this time than the last time I was there. Last time I was there is was sunny and warm (unusually so for this time of year). Today it was a bit colder and it was windy. In addition it was cloudy. The biggest effect this weather had was the animals in the area were not as noticeable. Last time I could hear birds around and saw some squirrels. I didn't notice any of that this time. The area itself hasn't changed that much since last time wither. It is still one of the few places around that has green grass and the trees don't have leaves on them. However, I did notice a dew of the trees are beginning to have buds and one of the trees was dropping seeds. The pine tree that was recently planted last time I was there was a bit fuller this time, evidence of the warmer weather.
ReplyDeleteBy the time I got to my sit spot today it had become overcast, so it was pretty quiet out there. The only activity other than the breeze rustling the trees was that of the squirrels chasing each other up and down the trunks of trees and through my yard.
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty green out there already, even though the oak and pecan leaves haven't come back yet. The grass is slowly starting to change, with bright spots peeking up through the leaves here and there. Patches of wild onion have sprung up all over the place, livening it up even more. The holly bushes, magnolia tree, and pines are green as ever, and buds have formed on the gardenia bush, rose bush, and dogwood tree. The hydrangea bush in my neighbor's yard is budding as well, which is exciting because it is one of my favorite flowers.
I expect that the changes will be more drastic over the next few weeks and I am looking forward to watching the development that the warmer weather will bring.
It wasn’t really hard for me to return to my sit spot as it’s my front porch. Not much has changed since the last time I wrote about what I saw here, though it’s not wet. It’s a nice day to sit and watch, a little chilly but not cold. Everything is pretty much grey and brown. Can’t really see the sun or anything it’s an overcast grey sky with grey trunks and brown leaves. The colors and temperatures are depressing, I wish it would snow. There’s a light breeze, I can hear the light rustle of dead leaves. I noticed that in some of the oaks there are residual leaves, especially the smaller trees. There aren’t really any in the tops of the older oaks. I think is cool that the trees are mostly barren for the fact you can see all the nests and mistletoe in the upper branches. I’ve always thought that mistletoe was interesting the way it grows, though the idea of a parasite kind of creeps me out. Besides the mistletoe the oaks don’t look very alive, not the case with the few pines a single cedar and a mean looking shrub scattered amongst the oaks. There are really not many animals about but I can see a lone bird of prey in the sky that I would guess to be a hawk and a black domesticated cat on the hunt. All in all it’s a pretty lazy day except for the neighboring mechanic who seems to be working on a welding job, the silence of the day intermittently interrupted by a metallic banging and the sizzling burning sound of two pieces of metal being connected.
ReplyDeleteNot much has changed at my sit spot since the last assignment. Today is a relatively quiet Sunday with little traffic on the road in the distance. My neighbor keeps to himself, toiling with something in his shed. The tall and mighty bamboo continues to grow, now hunching awkwardly beneath crowding tree coverage. Fallen leaves contrast with the greenery that the bamboo and small shrubs provide. The only sign of transformation was the shy appearance of some purple flowers on one of the large trees. I haven’t been able to identify it yet. Many birds are out and about, including a beautiful blue jay. My mind was at ease yet concentrated on the bird’s demeanor. The unusually warmer weather we’ve been experiencing seems to have jump started some of the seasonal transitions, but much of the natural life still lies in hibernation, anxious for the return of spring. Me too.
ReplyDeleteSo i decided to go with my 'sit spot' in my backyard back home in Madison. I sat on the dock of my little pond for a good thirty minutes and just watched and listened to what was going on around me. I was surprised to see the lake has filled up quite a bit since the last time i sat out there because of the more frequent rainfall we've experienced recently. The trees surrounding the pond have all completely lost their leaves now and it was shocking to be able to see the other houses around the lake through them, as they are usually hidden from view by the foliage. There's an old giant Oak tree that overhands the lake that has been struck by lightning three times since i have lived in that house (the past 8 years) that must be at least three stories tall. Although the top of the tree is now dead as a result i still like it, i feel that it gives the tree more character. Anyway i noticed, now that the leaves are all gone from the tree, that there were four birds nests and what i could only imagine to be a squirrels nest throughout the tree. I knew there was a woodpecker that has made his home in the tree but never knew there were so may other birds living in it. i was happy to see that all of the floral growth in the shallow area of the lake right off of the end of the growth has disappeared (mainly algae and other types of pest water vegetation) as it ruined my ability to fish from the dock last spring, though i am sure it will probably return when the weather warms up again. Apart from that not much has changed, and i enjoyed spending my time out there as much as i do every time i am able to just sit and listen to what's going on in the woods around the house.
ReplyDeleteI was also wondering when we are going to need these cardboard tubes we're saving?
DeleteWe are going to be using those on Wednesday, so please bring them to class.
DeleteWhen i went to my sit spot, i had my dog, Gus with me. He laid down beside me and went to sleep as we sat on a tarp (because it was pouring practically all day) under the bare canopy. The recent rain has brought on a smell of the plants that smells sweeter than i remember. Other than the apparent smell and weed composition, not too much looked different in my sit spot. There weren't too many animals, i'm sure because of the rain. I did notice some flowering (what i assume to be) weeds growing in the grass.
ReplyDeleteI went back to my sit spot again over the weekend and not much has changed other then things growing. It was very damp the soil was dark. We've been putting a lot of compost in one of the garden bed with the kale in it. About three weeks ago we planted spinach and radish seeds so they are beginning to come up. Cabbage and brussel sprout and arugula leaves are getting big. The wheat grass as well. We identified something called miners lettuces that's been growing in the garden over the weekend. Its edible and really good for juicing. Carrots are getting leaves. The tomato patch from last year is clear now my little brother dug the ones up from last year and were planting our blueberry bushes there and building a rock wall around them to fence them off to keep the small animals out, which is almost done. I'm not sure where we'll put the tomato's this year. The yard is full of pecans (I spoke to my mom about selling them her response: no! the squirrels have to eat to!) lol
ReplyDeleteI was enjoying the outside weather but was active. I planted two dogwood trees and turned my compost pile just in time before the rains began. I then sat under the overhang of my porch and did notice some of the changes. There are some tiny daffodils coming up but these came with the property... the 300+ bulbs that I planted in the Fall are just barely making an appearance... which I understand but makes me a little anxious to see that they are doing well. There is another round of pine needles to be raked up and I notice the tree branches and pine cones that can be gathered for tinder when I light my wood-burning heater.
ReplyDeleteI see my sit spot daily because it is in the same place where I fetch with my dog. Today I visited at 11 am. This is my favorite time of day there because there is very little traffic and passers-by; the air is still fresh from the morning, but not yet cold; the sun is still soft; and it hasn't started raining yet. The ground was moist today, as it has been lately due to our many recent rains. The grass is beginning to look more lively, but not entirely so. It is still brown and yellow patches with some green spots here and there. I noticed today that the leaves that have blanketed the ground for several months now appear to have dissipated. Did wind disperse them or a hand-held blower? I'm not sure. The city has clearly been doing some landscaping because lining the field now are new young trees that were planted very recently - hence the large rings of dissheveled red clay surrounding them and the ropes staked into the ground and tied to three sides to hold each tree upright. The bark is a smooth light brown. I'm interested to find out what type of trees they are as spring brings them a few leaves.
ReplyDeleteMy sit spot is changing to my back porch, from which I can see a wall of evergreen underbrush and creeping vines. There are old dead trees covered in kudzu, piles of privet blocking out my neighbors house. Ivey coats the floor, and a holly tree peeks out through a tangle of vines. Vines are really good at their jobs - this holly tree is wrapped so tightly it looks like it's strangling. I can't see many buds on the few the deciduous trees. I've only ever lived here in the winter, so I'm not yet sure what those trees are. Judging by the leaves on the ground, the tall ones might be white oaks. One short-ish tree is bare with long legume like pods hanging residually from last year. Another is far away, and appears to be just beginning to bud with orangish tufts. The warmer weather appears to have brought more rain, and you can tell by the exposed patches of clay around the walking stones in the yard, or where some soil is exposed and stained a deep, dark brown. Not a lot of direct sunlight gets back here in the winter, so it must take a while for these areas to dry out. I can hear many more birds, but most of them are far away. I imagine, without the Milledge traffic and the neighbor using a chainsaw, I could hear many more. Sometimes, this one tree get's swarmed by little grey birds, and they make a racket, pooping all over my roommates car and coming and going in giant swarms. Spring coming!
ReplyDeleteThe sun is coming out right now, and a bird about 10 feet from me in a privet bush just got REALLY loud. I wonder if he's saying "FINALLY." So much rain lately, we could use some nice days. And now a whole chorus of them is swelling! Crows, little quick chirps, bullfrog-y croaks, and... oh wait, that's a generator.
The botanical gardens are starting to turn greener. Last time at my sit spot the grass was yellow for the most part but now there are more green patches, and some of the weeds I noticed there before have been pulled up or cut. Some of the bulbs I noticed from last time turned into beautiful daffodils. A few of the trees are beginning to sprout tiny green leaves. And there is the strange magnolia tree that has all the blooms. The birds were very happy and loud, and the sun felt nice and warm. I almost fell asleep in the grass. The dead leaves on mulched area had been cleared up a bit. Things look like they are getting ready for spring.
ReplyDelete