It's been my birthday weekend and glorious weather - so had to go down to the wood, taking friends! The honeysuckle is still incongruously blooming next to the blackberries and now the "Old Man's Beard" (the seeds of the willow herb) are ripening and becoming fluffy masses which fly away on tiny gossamer parachutes.
First, the long seed pods begin to open revealing the webbing inside:
Next, they open up fully and the minute seeds are borne away on the wind looking like swirls of delicate snowflakes, but wonderfully warm to the touch if they land on your skin...
... then the small birds begin to pursue them as though they were fruit flies or gnats! Suddenly the air is full of movement and life.
Stunning embroidery! Great craftsmanship (craftwomanship). Love your long seed pods of the honeysuckle!
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