A Reishi Year

 This spring has been the absolute lushest (rainiest) in the 22 years that we have spent here on the farm.  The woods are an explosion in green.  Even on rainy days, we try to get out into the woods for a walk.  The dogs love it - and so do we.  

For much of our walk, we focus on the wildlife that surrounds us - wildlife to us is not just the fauna that inhabits our woods, but also the flora that grows there so abundantly.  Favored, of course, are the fungi that we find.

Different months are characterized by different mushrooms.

Spiny puffball

We have also noticed that different years seem to produce different mushrooms.  

It's a wondrous study of the interconnectedness of everything in our world... and especially the effects that weather has on all of it.

This year, for some reason (perhaps the abundant rainfall?) is a huge year for Reishi (Ganoderma tsugae) mushrooms, found on decaying hemlock trees.

We are seeing them everywhere in all shapes and sizes!

Reishi are an extremely hard mushroom that some cultures dry and pulverize for medicinal use.  We just enjoying finding it and allowing it to flourish. 

We also came across this crowned coral mushroom.  Typically, we have found coral mushrooms growing in soil, however, however this variety grows on wood and has a boxier appearance... a very cool find.

The hayfield that sits in front of our woods has grown so tall.  It's definitely time for mowing and baling - the only trouble is... it's impossible to dry in this rainy season!

In the photo, below, Forrest is standing in the hayfield - giving you an idea of just how long it is!

PS.. to answer a question about Maven Haven from yesterday... She sits on top of a leveled, stone pad.