So it is in a swath of mosses I cultivate between the back of the house and Big Momma's Garden. This verdant spot of various mosses, which greens up dramatically in the wet season, is punctuated (literally) by fungusses.
This one came in a clever guise. It seems familiar. Maybe it's some movie character I've seen, or it could be from a childhood fairytale. Whatever, as it breaks the soil, it delivers wonder and a smile. And, always the question: friend or invader?
In any case, mushrooms, fungi, fungusses, serve a useful purpose; their surprising presence calls attention to my need to groom my mosses. At the same time, their sudden appearances remind me that no matter how much I try to keep the moss patch neat, clean and pristine, just beneath the surface grows something that demands to be seen.
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They are rather demanding. The interesting forms and even smell. Like the Elegant Stinkhorn that is now in my garden. UGH... It smells awful. The flies love it though. I have a mossy path that is trying to recover from the drought now that we have had some rain. It is slow coming back.
ReplyDeleteGood thing mosses are so resilient, Lisa. Even a little rain greens them right up. Hope your path is verdant again.
DeleteHey Lee,
ReplyDeleteI do love mushrooms, mosses, lichens and any kind of colorful fungi.
What better time than Fall and the plentiful rains to see them in abundance.
They make great photographic subjects also, as your giant one illustrates.
My favorite of all is one called British Soldier lichens. Tiny little red 'soldiers' all lined up as if marching in a row. Have you seen them? I've only seen them a few times.
Interesting you mention those British soliders, Barbara (I didn't know that name for it). I love that lichen and can only keep a tiny piece going. Alas, I haven't been able to get it to spread. That name is the perfect description.
DeleteI have seen some fungi this year I have never seen before. Weird and beautiful, I am fascinated by them!
ReplyDeleteHey, Deb. The one I photographed is a first-time visitor to my garden. Our unusual visitors are just more strangenesses in a very strange year.
DeleteFungi are supposed to indicate the health of your soil --- when they pop up they let you know you have an active, well nourished, thriving, tilthy patch of acid soil, exactly what your mosses need. Good work!
ReplyDeleteGreat news, Laurrie. Now, I can look forward to some good moss spread. Cheers.
DeleteInteresting post. Last sentence brought to mind the title of a movie made a few miles from here starring Harrison Ford - "What Lurks Beneath". Wasn't really about our gardens at all. I have a Russian friend that would love to have your mushrooms with his evening meal.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jon. Perfect association, that movie title. Your Russian friend obviously knows his way around mushroom picking, while I'm always guessing about which ones are poisonous. Given the proliferation here this year, I'm inspired to study identification, yet again.
DeleteI have fungus that pops up after it rains so I'll take Laurries comment as a compliment. But the slime molds I can do without. At least you're growing a plant that doesn't need to be watered!
ReplyDeleteNo watering, yes – a silver lining around the fungus. Hey, I'll take it. Nothing, however, can make the slime . . . palatable.
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