Articles related to "Gregg Pasterick"
Chicory; spindly, maligned and ironic
Chicory, it’s the object of botanical epithets one minute, sold as a hoity toity salad green the next. It’s considered a weed yet its roasted, ground roots are sold in markets as a coffee additive or substitute. It's spindly, maligned and ironic.
chicory • cichorium intybus • wildflowers • folklore • catalogna
Chicory, it’s the object of botanical epithets one minute, sold as a hoity toity salad green the next. It’s considered a weed yet its roasted, ground roots are sold in markets as a coffee additive or substitute. It's spindly, maligned and ironic.
chicory • cichorium intybus • wildflowers • folklore • catalogna
Folks As An Act of Nature
It’s funny how far we’ve managed to distance ourselves from nature. When a hurricane sweeps across Florida, it is an act of nature. A big, aggressive, destructive act of nature. It might also serve as a Johnny Appleseed of sorts, spreading the seeds of an orchid species that has never before grown on the North American continent. But when a gardener brings, from another continent, a new plant species to the garden, such as Purple Loosestrife or Japanese Honeysuckle, well that’s another story, isn’t it? It’s not an act of nature at all, particularly when the results are as disastrous as those associated with these two plants.
folks as an act of nature • wildflowers of north america • gregg pasterick • environment • ecology
It’s funny how far we’ve managed to distance ourselves from nature. When a hurricane sweeps across Florida, it is an act of nature. A big, aggressive, destructive act of nature. It might also serve as a Johnny Appleseed of sorts, spreading the seeds of an orchid species that has never before grown on the North American continent. But when a gardener brings, from another continent, a new plant species to the garden, such as Purple Loosestrife or Japanese Honeysuckle, well that’s another story, isn’t it? It’s not an act of nature at all, particularly when the results are as disastrous as those associated with these two plants.
folks as an act of nature • wildflowers of north america • gregg pasterick • environment • ecology
Photos and Field Guides, Part 2
For perhaps the last time this year I impatiently thumbed through a stack of newly processed photos looking for a couple wildflower shots. Armed with my usual stack of field guides, I was hoping to identify a pair of vetch-looking legumes I found along a creek during a mid-October hike.
wildflowers • north america • gregg pasterick • botany • folklore
For perhaps the last time this year I impatiently thumbed through a stack of newly processed photos looking for a couple wildflower shots. Armed with my usual stack of field guides, I was hoping to identify a pair of vetch-looking legumes I found along a creek during a mid-October hike.
wildflowers • north america • gregg pasterick • botany • folklore
Wildflower Terminology (With Apologies)
Calyx. What in the world is a calyx? And glabrous? Is that a Star Wars character? What about peduncle? Is that when you’re older than your mother‘s brother? Sadly, these are terms associated with wildflowers, and I would be remiss in my attempts at sharing these bits of botany if I didn’t spend a little time on them. I apologize in advance...or two paragraphs in, anyway. I’ll dwell on some of the basic lingo only, which, in itself, may be cause for an aspirin or two.
wildflowers • north america • gregg pasterick • peduncle • inflorescence
Calyx. What in the world is a calyx? And glabrous? Is that a Star Wars character? What about peduncle? Is that when you’re older than your mother‘s brother? Sadly, these are terms associated with wildflowers, and I would be remiss in my attempts at sharing these bits of botany if I didn’t spend a little time on them. I apologize in advance...or two paragraphs in, anyway. I’ll dwell on some of the basic lingo only, which, in itself, may be cause for an aspirin or two.
wildflowers • north america • gregg pasterick • peduncle • inflorescence
A Brief History of Flowers
You ever wonder where wildflowers came from in the first place? Their evolution? Flowering plants, or <I>angiosperms</I>, are believed to have evolved from a now-extinct group of plants called <I>gymnosperms</I>.
wildflowers • gregg pasterick • botany • flowering plants • angiosperms
You ever wonder where wildflowers came from in the first place? Their evolution? Flowering plants, or <I>angiosperms</I>, are believed to have evolved from a now-extinct group of plants called <I>gymnosperms</I>.
wildflowers • gregg pasterick • botany • flowering plants • angiosperms
A Kind of Retrospective
Sunlight has just forced open the clouds, draping itself across the pine trees like the snow that fell before it. Winter has found the Sierra Nevada Mountains not with a vengeance, but with a kind of lazy persistence. Not a polar bear by nature, I turn a blind eye to the Ansel Adams landscape, instead contenting myself with my usual cup of coffee and a stack of colorful, warm wildflower photographs. 2001 was a great year of wildflower discovery for me, and a day like this begs for a retrospective.
wildflowers • north america • gregg pasterick • photography • henbit
Sunlight has just forced open the clouds, draping itself across the pine trees like the snow that fell before it. Winter has found the Sierra Nevada Mountains not with a vengeance, but with a kind of lazy persistence. Not a polar bear by nature, I turn a blind eye to the Ansel Adams landscape, instead contenting myself with my usual cup of coffee and a stack of colorful, warm wildflower photographs. 2001 was a great year of wildflower discovery for me, and a day like this begs for a retrospective.
wildflowers • north america • gregg pasterick • photography • henbit
All Wildflowers Are Not Created Equal
Not all wildflowers are created equal. Some, though painted in eye-catching hues, are so small they are easy to overlook. Others, no matter how lovely they might be, are so abundant they are regarded as weeds. Some, strangely without color, are much more interesting.
wildflowers • north america • gregg pasterick • botany • herbs
Not all wildflowers are created equal. Some, though painted in eye-catching hues, are so small they are easy to overlook. Others, no matter how lovely they might be, are so abundant they are regarded as weeds. Some, strangely without color, are much more interesting.
wildflowers • north america • gregg pasterick • botany • herbs
Boo! Seasonal Wildflower Lore
In “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” a crowd of villagers has adorned the head of an unfortunate woman with a conical hat, and has fastened a long, pointy false nose to her face. Yelling, “Witch! Witch!”, they demand she be burned at the stake, mostly for its entertainment value. What does this have to do with wildflowers, you ask? Well, it is Halloween, and Halloween is when witches are about, and if anybody could find a use for a wildflower, berry, or bit of tuber, it would be a witch.
wildflowers • north america • gregg pasterick • halloween • folk lore
In “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” a crowd of villagers has adorned the head of an unfortunate woman with a conical hat, and has fastened a long, pointy false nose to her face. Yelling, “Witch! Witch!”, they demand she be burned at the stake, mostly for its entertainment value. What does this have to do with wildflowers, you ask? Well, it is Halloween, and Halloween is when witches are about, and if anybody could find a use for a wildflower, berry, or bit of tuber, it would be a witch.
wildflowers • north america • gregg pasterick • halloween • folk lore
Early Spring on the High Plateau: Pasqueflower
Pasqueflower, an early bloomer on the High Plateau
early spring on the high plateau: pasqueflower • gregg pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Pasqueflower, an early bloomer on the High Plateau
early spring on the high plateau: pasqueflower • gregg pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Photos and Field Guides Don't Guarantee Easy I.D.
Photographing wildflowers has taken on more significance since I moved to California. With so many new things to see, I don't want to spend too much time hovering over each and every flower, and I can be a world-class hoverer. Instead, I photograph them and move on, leaving identification for later, when I can sit with a field guide, some photos and perhaps a cup of coffee.
wildflowers • identification • gregg pasterick • photography • field guides
Photographing wildflowers has taken on more significance since I moved to California. With so many new things to see, I don't want to spend too much time hovering over each and every flower, and I can be a world-class hoverer. Instead, I photograph them and move on, leaving identification for later, when I can sit with a field guide, some photos and perhaps a cup of coffee.
wildflowers • identification • gregg pasterick • photography • field guides
Plant Families: Amaranth and Amaryllis
There are 90 species in the Amaranth family in about 60 genera. They are abundant in warm regions and while many species are considered allergy-causing weeds some, such as Celosia are very popular and beautiful additions to gardens. There are 1,300 species of Amaryllis in abut 86 genera, mostly native of tropical and warm climates. They grow from bulbs or underground stems, have narrow basal leaves and a long, leafless flowering stalk.
wildflowers of north america • botany • environment • ecology • gregg pasterick
There are 90 species in the Amaranth family in about 60 genera. They are abundant in warm regions and while many species are considered allergy-causing weeds some, such as Celosia are very popular and beautiful additions to gardens. There are 1,300 species of Amaryllis in abut 86 genera, mostly native of tropical and warm climates. They grow from bulbs or underground stems, have narrow basal leaves and a long, leafless flowering stalk.
wildflowers of north america • botany • environment • ecology • gregg pasterick
Plant Families: Anacardiaceae and Apiaceae
Next up on our quick fly by of plant families are the Cashew (or Sumac) family (Anacardiaceae) and the Carrot (or Parsley) family (Apiaceae or Umbelliferae). The Cashew family is one I try to steer clear of while the Parsley family is one of my favorites.
wildflowers of north america • gregg pasterick • plant families: anacardiaceae and apiaceae • botany • ecology
Next up on our quick fly by of plant families are the Cashew (or Sumac) family (Anacardiaceae) and the Carrot (or Parsley) family (Apiaceae or Umbelliferae). The Cashew family is one I try to steer clear of while the Parsley family is one of my favorites.
wildflowers of north america • gregg pasterick • plant families: anacardiaceae and apiaceae • botany • ecology
Plant Families: Apocynaceae and Aquifoliaceae
...my first encounter with the Dogbane family(Apocynaceae) came in the form of Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) covered with butterflies, mostly Great-spangled Fritillaries. It was a deep green spring in southern Ohio, full of new life, and, like any wildflower that attracts butterflies; it immediately became one of my favorites. Every bit as boisterous as many Dogbanes aren’t, the Holly family (Aquifoliaeace) dares you to not notice it.
wildflowers of north america • gregg pasterick • botany • ecology • environment
...my first encounter with the Dogbane family(Apocynaceae) came in the form of Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) covered with butterflies, mostly Great-spangled Fritillaries. It was a deep green spring in southern Ohio, full of new life, and, like any wildflower that attracts butterflies; it immediately became one of my favorites. Every bit as boisterous as many Dogbanes aren’t, the Holly family (Aquifoliaeace) dares you to not notice it.
wildflowers of north america • gregg pasterick • botany • ecology • environment
Plant Families: Araceae (Particularly Skunk Cabbage)
The Arum family (Araceae) provides us big leafy ornamentals in the garden, a few potted plants in the house, and two of my favorite spring wildflowers, Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) and Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema Triphyllum). But most importantly, these blossoming wildflowers push aside the dark tattered curtains of winter in my life.
plant families: arum (particularly skunk cabbage) • gregg pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • environment
The Arum family (Araceae) provides us big leafy ornamentals in the garden, a few potted plants in the house, and two of my favorite spring wildflowers, Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) and Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema Triphyllum). But most importantly, these blossoming wildflowers push aside the dark tattered curtains of winter in my life.
plant families: arum (particularly skunk cabbage) • gregg pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • environment
Prairie Restoration in Wisconsin
There are many types of grasslands within the state of Wisconsin. These can be broken down into a number of different descriptions. The broadest breakdown gives us three categories: mesic, dry and wet.
prairie restoration in wisconsin • wisconsin • travel • suite 101 • peggy hoehne
There are many types of grasslands within the state of Wisconsin. These can be broken down into a number of different descriptions. The broadest breakdown gives us three categories: mesic, dry and wet.
prairie restoration in wisconsin • wisconsin • travel • suite 101 • peggy hoehne
Pukeweed in the Garden
I wouldn’t say wildflowers are notorious for turning up in the garden, but some do find their way into our cultivated beds. When a member of the Bluebell Family finds its way into the flower patch it is an unexpected joy. Even if it's Pukeweed.
wildflowers of north america • native americans • gregg pasterick • pukeweed • lobelia inflata
I wouldn’t say wildflowers are notorious for turning up in the garden, but some do find their way into our cultivated beds. When a member of the Bluebell Family finds its way into the flower patch it is an unexpected joy. Even if it's Pukeweed.
wildflowers of north america • native americans • gregg pasterick • pukeweed • lobelia inflata
The Zuni People and Their Edible Plants
I have been writing about the Zuni Indians and their plush, velvety regard for the natural world, as reported by Matilda Coxe Stevenson in the 1915 publication, the <I>Thirteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1908-1909</i>. They found many uses for the plants that grew around them, the most important of which were as medicines and as a food source.
the zuni people and their edible plants • gregg pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
I have been writing about the Zuni Indians and their plush, velvety regard for the natural world, as reported by Matilda Coxe Stevenson in the 1915 publication, the <I>Thirteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1908-1909</i>. They found many uses for the plants that grew around them, the most important of which were as medicines and as a food source.
the zuni people and their edible plants • gregg pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
There's More to Vervain than Anthers and Stigma
Field guides generally don't mention Druids or witches. They say things like, “Calyx usually tubular. Corolla salverform or funnelform. Stamens 4, didynomous.” They never get around to the bits about warding off witches, or how the devil uses an herb. It’s all anthers and stigmas with field guides.
wildflowers • folklore • druids • witches • potions
Field guides generally don't mention Druids or witches. They say things like, “Calyx usually tubular. Corolla salverform or funnelform. Stamens 4, didynomous.” They never get around to the bits about warding off witches, or how the devil uses an herb. It’s all anthers and stigmas with field guides.
wildflowers • folklore • druids • witches • potions
Too Tired for Asters
Okay. I admit it. My enthusiasm for wildflowers wanes with the decline of summer. Asters can be notoriously difficult to identify. One species of aster is often similar to many others. Also, many species hybridize, really muddying the water. By October I’m simply too weary to care. Am I a fair weather wildflower lover, or what?
wildflowers • gregg pasterick • asters • asteraceae • composites
Okay. I admit it. My enthusiasm for wildflowers wanes with the decline of summer. Asters can be notoriously difficult to identify. One species of aster is often similar to many others. Also, many species hybridize, really muddying the water. By October I’m simply too weary to care. Am I a fair weather wildflower lover, or what?
wildflowers • gregg pasterick • asters • asteraceae • composites
Washington State Article Review - 2004
Take a trek back to 2004 and visit Washington State places.
washington • state • wa • places • scenic byways
Take a trek back to 2004 and visit Washington State places.
washington • state • wa • places • scenic byways
Wildflowers and Butterflies, a Bit of Nature's Delicate Balance
Butterflies and the wildflowers they depend upon for survival provide us a snapshot of nature’s delicate balance.
wildflowers • butterflies • native plants • larvae • caterpillars
Butterflies and the wildflowers they depend upon for survival provide us a snapshot of nature’s delicate balance.
wildflowers • butterflies • native plants • larvae • caterpillars
Early Bloomers in a New Land
After three weeks of a constantly spinning turnstile here, at the inn, my wife and I finally got away from the mountains and the winter for a couple days, heading for the coast and Point Reyes National Seashore. Imagine our surprise, discovering verdant slopes tumbling into the blue Pacific Ocean, full of life as well as the promise of life. Gray Whales were spouting off-shore, a variety of birds soared and zoomed and fluttered and hovered, a Bobcat hunkered down in the tall grass as we hiked by, Tule Elk foraged here and there, and an assortment of wildflowers were already in bloom.
wildflowers of north america • botany • gregg pasterick • ecology • environment
After three weeks of a constantly spinning turnstile here, at the inn, my wife and I finally got away from the mountains and the winter for a couple days, heading for the coast and Point Reyes National Seashore. Imagine our surprise, discovering verdant slopes tumbling into the blue Pacific Ocean, full of life as well as the promise of life. Gray Whales were spouting off-shore, a variety of birds soared and zoomed and fluttered and hovered, a Bobcat hunkered down in the tall grass as we hiked by, Tule Elk foraged here and there, and an assortment of wildflowers were already in bloom.
wildflowers of north america • botany • gregg pasterick • ecology • environment
Moby Dick Hotel and Oyster Farm at Nachotta
Moby Dick Hotel and Oyster Farm is a quaint Bed&Breakfast and gourmet restaurant at Nahcotta, Washington, on the east side of the Long Beach Peninsula fronting Willipa Bay
moby dick hotel and oyster farm • moby • dick • hotel • oyster
Moby Dick Hotel and Oyster Farm is a quaint Bed&Breakfast and gourmet restaurant at Nahcotta, Washington, on the east side of the Long Beach Peninsula fronting Willipa Bay
moby dick hotel and oyster farm • moby • dick • hotel • oyster
Have a Bloomin' Nice Time
Have you seen Lakeside Daisy and Cranberry Bog? They are two rare and wonderful State Nature Preserves. You have one month to visit one of them, and you need a lottery ticket to gain entrance to the other one. The effort is truly worthwhile.
lakeside daisy • ohio • nature • cranberry bog • state nature preserve
Have you seen Lakeside Daisy and Cranberry Bog? They are two rare and wonderful State Nature Preserves. You have one month to visit one of them, and you need a lottery ticket to gain entrance to the other one. The effort is truly worthwhile.
lakeside daisy • ohio • nature • cranberry bog • state nature preserve
Let's Do Lunch at the Little A'Le'Inn
Where could you go for a meal when you are hankering for a taste of something a little different? Something unusual with an off the beaten path kind of atmosphere, of course. How about doing lunch at the Little A'Le'Inn located near the mysterious Area 51 in Rachel, Nevada? I contacted Pat Travis, one of the owners of the Little A'Le'Inn, to find out what is on the lunch menu. They have lots of sandwiches, but I think we simply must have their world famous Alien Burger.
off beaten path • sharon west • meal • lunch • little a'le'inn
Where could you go for a meal when you are hankering for a taste of something a little different? Something unusual with an off the beaten path kind of atmosphere, of course. How about doing lunch at the Little A'Le'Inn located near the mysterious Area 51 in Rachel, Nevada? I contacted Pat Travis, one of the owners of the Little A'Le'Inn, to find out what is on the lunch menu. They have lots of sandwiches, but I think we simply must have their world famous Alien Burger.
off beaten path • sharon west • meal • lunch • little a'le'inn
Me, June, and a Meteor Shower
A little about me and the late-in-the-month, little-observed June Bootid meteor shower, which has a predicted peak on June 27th. Because the moon is just two days shy of new, it is an excellent year to investigate this small shower, possibly making a contribution to what we know about it.
me • june and a meteor shower • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars
A little about me and the late-in-the-month, little-observed June Bootid meteor shower, which has a predicted peak on June 27th. Because the moon is just two days shy of new, it is an excellent year to investigate this small shower, possibly making a contribution to what we know about it.
me • june and a meteor shower • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
X |
Y |
Z |
0-9 |