Larch
The first time I saw a larch tree I fell in love with it. I researched it and realized it looks like an evergreen but it’s deciduous. In 2021 I called up my friends who have a tree and plant nursery the likes of which you’ll never see elsewhere and asked do you have any larch trees. We set up an appointment. It was a supreme act of will (and lack of space in the trunk) to walk away only with one larch tree.
I planted it meticulously and have watered it in the same way. It is thriving where I put it. It’s just a few feet from the ginkgo. I’m sure they’re best friends now and they play footsie when nobody is looking.
This pic was taken on 3/28/25. This is what it looks like just before the soft leaves/needles burst out of those little nodules.
This is what it looks like after they burst out. I call her Cousin Itty Bitty Hairy Berry.
I was shocked to see her blooming. It is a learning experience that delights.
A close up of what the nodules look like when they burst open.
Here she is in 2021 when I got her. Just planted. Look at that dragon form!
Lichen
There are a lot of old fences on the property. It used to be a horse hobby farm. The lichen loves to grown on the old wood. It also grows on living trees. Lichen fascinates me in its variety of form and color. I’ve got a multitude of lichen pics from here and there, but these are from the yard.
new friends and old ones
when mysteries are revealed
cross time’s built bridges
Have you been surprised by nature?
Tao Talk 
I guess I have never seen a larch tree before. Very unique.
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They are different beasties for sure. I love this tree. The soft leaves that look like evergreens is pretty awesome. Seeing it bloom was a complete surprise.
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Delightful pictures and poem, Lisa. Nature never ceases to surprise me.
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Thank you, Robbie. You and me both!
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I didn’t know larch, but how I absolutely love lichen! I guess you can find lichen anywhere (almost), but it’s so discrete, you really have to stop and get close to discover its colours and shapes. Great, passionate post!
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Gunilla, yes, discrete is a great term for their habits. Thank you very much.
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And to answer your question: yes, when I get really close, nature surprises me. The basic principles are the same, but if you observe the shapes of different seeds f ex, or even leaves, there are endless variations. I have this idea/credo, that all shapes we create already exist, in nature.
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I appreciate you sharing your view, Gunilla. I have no reason to believe it isn’t just as you say.
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The larch tree is a beauty! I had never seen it before. Lichen is miniature beauty. Love your poem, Li.
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Punam, glad to introduce you to the larch. Yes I love lichen in their “miniature beauty.” Thank you <3
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The village we live in gets its name from the Larch tree; they’re all over the place but before moving here more than 40 years ago, we’d never heard of a Larch tree.
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How nice that larch are all around you, Nancy. Sounds like a swell place to live.
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We love it here …. 40+ years and no plans to relocate! We are currently in our 3rd house in the same village.
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I became a fan of lichen when I was living in Nome, Alaska–a treeless landscape makes you appreciate the smaller plantlife. But that larch is lovely, too. @samanthabwriter from Balancing Act
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I believe lichen would be plentiful in Nome. I remember taking a trip north, to Copper Harbor. Along the lake were large rocks covered with the most beautiful lichen. The larch is a prima dona :)
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I loved reading your story about how you acquired the larch tree. Had never heard of it before.
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Glad you enjoyed the story, Astrid, thank you.
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Oh, your Larch is glorious, Lisa! I don’t see them often, but it’s certainly a treat when I do. And I’m a fan of lichen as well. I’ve always kind of thought it looked like evidence of fairy presence.
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:) Glad you like the look of the larch. I’ve been trying to figure out what lichen looks like and you led me to it: fairy carpet!
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That tree is magic! In all seasons. And I too love lichen. The Kick-About had a prompt about it once–I think I did some embroidery. I’ll have to look for it.
I am always surprised by nature, even by things I’ve seen before. The sky for instance. Never the same. (K)
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It’s really perked that corner of the yard up. The angel with the broken wing enjoys it. Cool on the lichen. I hope you find your embroidery.
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Wow. That larch tree is neat. It made me think of Sigmund from Sigmund and the Seamonsters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQymJaUA4Fo
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Cool!
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Nature is just so fascinating. I love the larch tree, and so glad it is thriving with an unusual formation and pretty little blooms. :)
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She’s a beaut! :)
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So great that you planted a larch and that it’s doing well. Yes, it looks like Cousin Itt in the Addams Family!
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She is a welcome resident of the yard.
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I’m loving your theme this year and I’m learning so many new things. Thanks
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Sadje, thank you!
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You’re very welcome
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<3
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I love the idea of the larch and the gingko playing footsie underground! They’re both beautiful trees. Lichen can be really wonderful, too.
https://nydamprintsblackandwhite.blogspot.com
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Anne, they are beautiful “strangers in a strange land” that have become friends.
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