Nah, I'm still a beginner, still learning. I just started Ted Gordon's threatened and endangered plant species of the Pines class, it runs through October. Fantastic class.
Karl Anderson, a retired botanist, has been mentoring me a bit. He was out yesterday with me, counting a plant population. He's been a wonderful help. He keeps stressing the importance of me learning plants out of the pines too, but gosh, there are just so many!!!
We saw about 200 swamp pinks blooms down here, we seem to be a little ahead of Ocean County. The population I visited Tuesday with Ted's class was nowhere near ready to bloom. Only 10-15% of the population blooms on any given year, ideally, though the populations I've seen have a slightly lower bloom percentage.
Our highbush blueberry were well into bloom yesterday down here.
One interesting thing I learned Tuesday that Karl reaffirmed yesterday is on the subject of trumpet pitchers. There are a couple in the Pines in isolated spots. They are not native to the Pines, of course, but there is no conservation effort on them because they were apparently planted in various spots by a Piney who thought it would be a good joke. scratches head....
We found some orchid leaves yesterday while we were out too, though it's too early to tell what kind. And I saw a lady slipper that should be blooming soon.
It's funny, but it seems like I forget a lot of them over the winter. I had to laugh when Karl said yesterday that now he had to relearn all the plants since it was spring. At least I know it's not just me, lol!
Next time I see Ben I'll give him the CD with my powerpoint presentation, and he said he will set it up for viewing somehow. Lots of info in it and pics.
Renee
