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We’ve had unseasonably warm weather for going on two weeks now. Trees are budding. Grass is trying to green up. And so I started to wonder if my ramps might be confused and coming up early. I’m always eager to check on my ramps project each spring. I started planting ramps on the hillside behind our house three years ago. It will take at least five years to get enough spread to even think about harvesting some, and even then, I’ll probably wait longer.
It’s too early for ramps to be up, but once I started thinking about it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and since it was raining and I’m insane, that meant I had to clamber onto the hill and look.
Ramps or no ramps, there are lots of things growing in the woods. I’m an awesome woodland gardener, even in the winter!
Check out my moss.
And my ferns.
At this point, Morgan, who was home from school early because of high water, looked outside and wanted to know what I was doing walking around on the hill in the rain. Then she threatened to lock me out of the house. “I’m looking for ramps!” It was a legitimate endeavor!
You have no idea what adverse conditions I’m working under here.
These leaves got left behind in the great leaf drop of 2010. They miss their friends.
Look, the lichen is in bloom!
I walked all over the hillside, raindrops falling on my head, but I didn’t find any ramps. (Suzanne! Grow UP! It’s too early for ramps.)
By the way, I love this little collection of rocks and moss.
It’s where the fairies hold their meetings.
By this time, I’d left the hillside and wandered out the old logging road.
I don’t ever leave the woods emptyhanded.
I love winter arrangements of different textures, interesting shapes. It’s not a vase of spring wildflowers, but it doesn’t pretend to be either. It’s the best of winter, starkly beautiful and a little bit mysterious. I tucked a bit of moss at the bottom.
Take a walk in the winter woods this weekend and take something home. Hurry–the lichen’s in bloom. Tell people you’re looking for ramps. Even if you don’t have any or even know what they are. And even though it’s too early. It makes your outing sound legitimate. Especially if it’s raining. And if you’re lucky, you might even find a fairy gathering spot, too!
Oh, and that is such a cool key chain! 
Looking forward to seeing the finished results, if you don't go camping, it would be a nice She Shed of sorts 
Wow, you really have gutted this thing! It is so much fun to see the process! Keep the updates coming!
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The picture with the fungus was amazing! What beauty West Virginia has!
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I have been planning a trip to the woods….when it quits raining.
This is more of the “ordinary splendor” you live in.
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Dianna
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The rain looks so refreshing where you are. Here it’s still winter. 3-4 feet of snow all around. But… I’ve come to appreciate the winter time and my husband and I are both sad to see it go. I think I’ve finally hit the point in my life where I can be more patient with each season. After all, seasons change! Have a beautiful week sweet Suzanne!
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Just another day in northeast Kansas,
Suzanne
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Do you think your friend would sell me some ramps to plant? We live in Western NY with some wooded areas…don’t seem to have them around here, and no one knows what I am talking about…sigh.
Your blog inspires me. Thank YOU!
e.
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Later on, my mom learned from one of our older farmer friends that actually it was a meeting place for the 7 Nations American Indian tribal councils for hundreds of years. He had an old history book that told about it. Sometimes truth is more interesting than fiction. (although I still like fairy stories)
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LOVE LOVE LOVE the moss & Fungus shots even Boomer got is Butt in LOL.
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ps the easter bunny is also the taker of pacifiers, he takes them and leaves you an extra special basket, and brings them to little babies who need them. (hey i want my kids to have an imagination)) lol
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Formerly from Fairmont
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She is a big fan of sticks in vases, and the moss makes it even better.
Not to mention I think I spied a froggy in the background?