We are truly blessed with the opportunity to wander around the most beautiful old growth forests to the east of our property. Peace, health, good company and treasures are always to be found on a walk.  Like this Trillium – A three leaf, three petal flower, reminding us of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Three in One.

  As beautiful as it is – one should not pick it. It could take years to re-grow, and it could take 2-3 years for the seeds carried off by ants to propagate.  We had to pull out “because it’s the LAW” – to our young son, as these are his favorite, and if you do not know where to find them, they are quite rare.

My wonderful neighbor JoDana knows exactly where to find them year to year on the farthest south west tip of her property. The ground is so lush with old growth timber standing with new growth and a few evidences of harvested timber.

“Trilliums grow by rhizomes and all species are clump forming. Because trillium seeds have a fleshy organ called an elaiosome that attracts ants, it is one of many plants whose seeds are spread by ants as well as mice. They are difficult to propagate and are prone to dying if transplanted. Since trilliums die so easily when disturbed, it is illegal to pick trilliums in many areas such as Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Trillium is seldom affected by pest or disease problems.”  Thanks Planting Flower Bulbs!

I’m not sure which photo is my favorite. They are just all so beautiful – and the memory of a wonderful afternoon walk as the soft rain made it’s way dripping to the forest floor while the dogs roamed free.  Sigh. Have I mentioned I love my life and where God put us?

I even think the Slugs are amazing! Do you know that they mate hanging from slime dangling from trees?  Weird.

Bleeding Heart, Fern and Trillium.

Another wonderful find is a large area with Bird’s Nest Fungus growing.  These are pretty amazing plants for sure! Noteworthy Plants and the University of Wisconsin has quite a bit to share!

Ms. JoDana says these are Chocolate Marsh mellows, but she wouldn’t let me try any. I think she is planning to sneak up and harvest them for herself later. I thought they were Elk Drops.

Babies. Aren’t they cute?

The pups and the walkers take a short rest to listen, observe, laugh. With the Ocean to the west and the beauty of the North West Forests to the East, I feel like I am living in paradise! Thanks for coming along our Spring Break Journeys!