A Walk in the Park

Most days of the week, you will find me, and maybe Courage, taking a walk at the little park near where we live. 

This park is not large, not beautifully landscaped, not any thing particularly special. But it is close and does offer a mile or so of paved walking trail which enables one to get a bit of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise

And if you take the time to look, you can find bits of beauty strewn about in small doses.  

Pic. 1:  A tiny little daisy pushes upwards from the grass and weeds, it's yellow face yearning towards the sun.

Pic 2:  There are many names for the dandelion; including priest's crown, monk's head, telltime, Irish daisy, lion's tooth and blowball. Dandelions actually have a purpose, other than irritating those who want a perfectly groomed lawn. They serve as food for ladybugs, aerates and provides nutrients to soil, and serve as a home remedy as a diuretic and liver stimulant. They are edible and are a good source of Vitamin A and C. A lot of good comes from this lowly, yet beautiful (at times) weed.

Pic # 3. Brush growing near and in the water's edge have a beautiful backdrop of the sky as the sun goes down.     Pic# 4:  The reflection of trees in the creek that feeds the pond gives a double take on the beautiful view.Pic #5:  The mushroom, or  toadstool,  is another plant that plaque lawns and gardens. It is a fungi that grows mostly on soil or on it's food source. The most common in my corner of the world appears to be these white capped ones. But I have seen pictures of beautiful red ones, oranges ones, even blue ones. Mushrooms, like the dandelion, serve as food and has medicinal uses.  

It's amazing what beautiful plants you can find at your local park. I don't know the name of this tree, but it's flowers are breathtaking. They look tropical and put in mind little ballerina tutus. Do you know the name of this tree? Or have any information on it? This is a close up of the flower and the tree grows near a creek.