Downy Woodpecker (source)
I've been walking through the trees these past couple days, gathering up bits of nature for the Advent season. I love to clip greens and berries from the junipers in our shelter belts and poke them into wreaths and vases. I heard a Downy Woodpecker tapping on the trees and then I saw him and watched for a while. There were a few Chickadees dipping in and out, and today I noticed a flock of Sharptail Grouse had come into the trees for shelter from the coming cold. I think they like to feed on the Russian Olive trees. Olives were part of my collecting this winter.
Russian Olives
I love bringing in the things that grow in my world and adding them to vases and candles.
For me, the earthy, spicy aroma of a juniper wreath is a fragrant and beautiful gift to my home.
It says, "Christmas is coming!"
Wishing you an Advent of quiet contemplation and joy.
Nice post. Love the wreath! We have some woodpecker relatives of that fellow outside our windows! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your wreath and your juniper branches in the mason jar. I have some more housecleaning and a birthday at my house this week, so I probably won't get much Christmas up til this weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Jody! I especially love the little pop of blue from the juniper berries -- SO pretty!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Jody!!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. I've never seen russian olives before.
ReplyDeleteLove the door wreath...lovely!
ReplyDeleteWhat's up with those olives? Are they edible? Or just for the birds? I also enjoyed a quiet walk outdoors last weekend to gather fragrant branches for the house. Finally got the advent wreath made, hung and lit for the first time tonight. 'Tis the season!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, Jody, those olives are really unusual and beautiful. They look great in your festive wreath and in your home.
ReplyDeleteI just did a little reading about the Russian Olive:
ReplyDeletehttp://voices.yahoo.com/russian-olive-trees-why-all-fuss-4590195.html?cat=32
Very interesting. Had no idea it was controversial. Thanks, Jody. I learn something new every time I visit your blog!