Lichens: Nature's Jewlery

Ever notice those greenish-gray-yellow spots on your tree branch, fence post or park bench? To some, it may look like a simple moss or mold and not worthy of a second glance. But if you did look closer, you'd realize it was something quite different and uniquely beautiful. Sort of like a big brooch or gaudy piece of jewelry, adorning that tree. You would see a lichen:

So what are lichens anyway? Lichens are composite organisms formed from a fungus and an alga. Together, the fungus and alga create a symbiotic relationship, living together as one organism, both inhabiting the same body. 

According to The Backyard Nature Website, the fungus benefits from the algae because fungi, having no chlorophyll, can't photosynthesize their own food. A lichen's fungal part is thus "fed" by its photosynthesizing algal part. The algae benefit from the association because the fungus is better able to find, soak up, and retain water and nutrients than the algae. Also, the fungus gives the resulting lichen shape, and provides the reproductive structures.

Pretty amazing stuff for something that most people may not even notice, huh?

Personally, I love finding these. I think they look like pressed flowers against the wood or rock. Looking closely, you can see the intricate shapes, the bumps and ridges that almost resemble flower petals or fine lacework.  Look for them next time you are out for a walk. 

Diseases in the Vegetable Garden

Just as the garden is always evolving, so too are the gardeners. This was my first year with an actual vegetable garden and I learned a lot. My beets never grew, carrots need more space and the zucchini needs a trellis. But the biggest lesson was to buy disease resistant plants. I thought about this is the beginning of the season, but in my rush and excitement to get my garden growing, I planted things that just looked good to me. 

Now, in late August, my cucumbers, tomatoes, string beans and snow peas are infected with a fungus. 

Last week I sprayed everything with an organic anti-fungal spray and though the plants look slightly better, I am not confident they will make it. 

Well, lesson learned. I will be sure to do a  good clean up in the next few months and remove the diseased plants completely. And next year I will do my research early and plant disease resistant varieties. 

Wordless Wednesday: Stumped

Sometimes even tree stump and fungi can be beautiful