Ramble Report March 9 2017

Today's Ramble was lead by Dale Hoyt.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don.)

Today's post was written by Don Hunter and Linda Chafin.

30 Ramblers today

Announcement: The Athens Historical Society will conduct a Ramble in the Ruins around the old Athens Brick Company site at Sandy Creek Nature Center on Saturday, March 25, 3:00 p.m. Details can be found here.

Today's route:  Leaving the Shade Garden arbor we made our way along the back of the conservatory and through the Heritage Garden on the way to the path down to the Orange Trail spur from the Flower Gardens down to the Orange Trail and it's creek.

American South Renovation Garden:

Georgia Rockcress

Georgia Rockcress (Arabis georgiana) was recently listed

Ramble Report March 2 2017

Today's report was jointly written by Don Hunter and Linda Chafin with additions by Dale Hoyt. Don's album of photos from today's ramble can be found here.

33 Ramblers today.

Today's readings: Bob Ambrose recited one of his new creations: Reverie - Afternoon in the Botanical Garden and Marguerite read Howard Nemerov's Trees.

Today's route: We began with an observation of the Ginkgo trees at the Shade Garden arbor then walked down the Shade Garden walkway to the Dunson Native Flora Garden. We walked through the Dunson Garden to the head of the wetlands display and returned the same way back to the Shade Garden arbor, and, for many, on to the Visitor Center to the Cafe Botanica for socializing over food and drink.

Gingko short shoots and pollen cones

Ginkgo trees at the Shade Garden Arbor.

Ramble Report November 17 2016

Today's Ramble was conducted by our guest leaders: Dr. Chelsea Cunard and Carly Phillips.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don.)

Today's post was written by Dale Hoyt.

A message from Linda to all the Ramblers:

"What a great year of rambling, poetry, fellowship, art, and learning it has been. I am awed by being a part of this group. Thanks to all of you! L."

Attendees:42, another new record!

Announcements:

Ramble Report November 10 2016

Today's Ramble was lead by Linda Chafin.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don.)

Today's post was written by Dale Hoyt and Don Hunter.

Attendees: 36 (a new record)

Announcements:

Visit this page to see the current Announcements.

Today's reading:Linda read a poem by Wendell Berry:

The Peace of Wild Things

Ramble Report November 3 2016

Magnificent Ginkgo leaves

Today's Ramble was lead by Dale Hoyt.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don.)

Today's post was written by Dale Hoyt.

Attendees:31

Why leaves change color in the fall

Leaves are green because they contain lots of chlorophyll, the molecule that is responsible for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is green because it reflects the green wavelengths of sunlight. It absorbs the blue and red portions of the visible spectrum and uses the energy of those light waves to manufacture carbohydrates. But chlorophyll is not the only pigmented substance in a leaf. There are also yellow and/or orange colored molecules in a leaf. The orange color

Why trees drop their leaves

I once lived in a small town in the upper midwest. How small was it? It was so small there was only a single Dairy Queen, a crumbling, 1950s cement block building with only window service. It had a couple of weathered picnic benches where teen agers gathered during the summer months. It closed for the winter early in November and didn't reopen until the weather warmed up in March.

It closed because the building wasn't insulated and the heating costs would have been enormous. Plus, when there is snow on the ground, no one stops at a restaurant that lacks heated indoor seating. The decision to close for the winter was economic – operating expenses would increase while revenues decrease. The owner would lose money by staying open all winter.

Leaves are living structures and, like all living things, there is a constant turnover of the material they are made of. Being exposed to bright sunlight, while necessary for them to make