I was surprised to look down in a grass field on a recent trip through Buchanan, Virginia and see tiny blue flowers blooming in early January.
I believe they are an invasive species from Eurasia known as bird’s eye speedwell or winter speedwell (Veronica persica).
Flower Blooming in January
Looking back, here are some memorable wildlife and weather moments from 2011.
Winter Weather
I’m a bit of a weather enthusiast and 2011 didn’t disappoint. It was definitely fun to go skiing in the yard for the first time after buying cross country skis
Spring and Summer Wildflowers
Also a wildflower fan, this spring and summer featured good blooms of a variety of wildflowers.
A Bear with Three Cubs
I saw the bears later, but it was my wife who captured a mamma bear with three cubs in the yard (captured on film that is).
See Also:
2011 Snowfall Report
Capital Weather Gang’s Top 5 Weather Events of 2011
Have a great 2012!
I’m in the process of updating Bob George’s website. It now includes his complete flower series, including watercolors and acrylic paintings of many Virginia and Tennessee flowers, including wildflowers. Subjects include fire pink, yellow violet, day lilies, dogwood blossoms, bloodroot, geranium, yellow lady’s slipper, rhododendron, iris, crocus, wild oats, bluebells, bleeding heart, spring beauties, dames rocket, and the turk’s cap lily.
Art makes the perfect gift. Check it out!
New video from NBC4 Washington:
See Also: What Does Ragweed Look Like?
My wife and I picked some coneflowers, queen anne’s lace, and ironweed for the vase… [Note: A sprig of sage (not in bloom) was also added.]
Summer Wildflowers in a Vase
Here are some pictures of some blooming phlox (summer/fall/garden phlox or large leaf phlox?) along the Appalachian Trail near Linden, Virginia. Note the variation in color from lavender to white (in the third picture).
Phlox in the Sun
Wild Phlox along the Appalachian Trail
White Phlox