Springtime in the Appalachian Mountains is always an explosion of colors. Small wildflowers seems to erupt from every mountain hollow. It seems like when you blink a new life appears before you. Vetch isn’t a native species but it is one that has adapted here. I do sometimes wonder if it’s capable of supplying a full range of micronutrients and phytochemicals for the wildlife that is native we’ve learned so much about our world since the days when learned people who had the best intentions brought so many alien species to North America. But it is sometimes used as fodder for livestock and it does fix nitrogen in the soil. The honeybees aren’t native here either but we do seem to consider them important to the balance of nature. And they do seem to enjoy the brightly colored pea like flowers of the Vetch along with the native bees and other pollinators. I was once advised by a marketing expert that I should probably not publish as many weeds but I to be honest I think that I have a different definition for what a weed is. The common aspect is that a weed is an undesirable plant growing in an inconvenient environment. And when I look at my forest with tree of heaven sprouting hither and yon I have a tendency to see their point. That particular tree is one that if I could completely remove from North America I would. I find no redeeming qualities in it whatsoever. However, that’s not true for every species. The deer on my mountain seem to enjoy the European clover, apples and even the Asian vetch that grows in the ditches and fallow fields. So the question becomes if it’s undesirable to whom? But I digress. The truth is that with a few exceptions like tree of heaven most of the alien species do offer at least some benefit.
Good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.
Announcement 2.0
For those who have been following me on Facebook and know of the struggle content providers have to get circulation from big tech I’ve been recommending for people to adopt MeWe as a social media platform. One of the problems I’ve run into on MeWe is that people don’t know how to navigate the platform. So to help with that I’ve created a permanent page on my website as a basic Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe I’ve tried to anticipate all basic questions there and You can bookmark the page to have as a reference and if you have any questions or suggestions don’t hesitate to contact me. I do still have a day job and I help admin several pages on both platforms so replies might be a little slow but I will answer you.
We also have the Lloyd’s Lens Photography Discussion Group on MeWe that is set up as a fully functional community. There you’ll not only be able to see and connect with me but you can also make your own posts and interact with each other.
I want you to join my group on MeWe: https://mewe.com/join/lloydslensphotographydiscussiongroup
Click the link below to jump to the Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe.https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/guide-to-mewe/embed/#?secret=GJGnIQEVHc
Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!
To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.
If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.
https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/embed/#?secret=ZBipPVJdZw
Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?
I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simply use the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.
LLOYD'S LENS PHOTOGRAPHY LLC 