Hello, My Name is Larry and I’m A “Leafer”!

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Larry Lynch

Bigtooth Maple at Thanksgiving

This time of year my neighbors know not to follow too closely when I’m driving, because if I see a tree or bush in full fall glory, I’m braking and getting the camera out.

Todayl I was driving back to Tyler from Gordon’s Landing and decided to take a side street in the Old Omen community just to see what was there. And wham!, I hit the brakes, backed up, and pulled out the camera and tripod. The magnificent bigtooth maple above was glorious in her autumn plumage. What a treat!

Black Haw Berries: Good Fresh or In A Pie

Posted on October 30, 2009 by Larry Lynch

Fall is the time for picking black haw berries

My late Aunt Mable ate them right off the tree, but they’re also wonderful in pies or jam. They’re tart and sweet. and the tree is pretty, too, especially in the fall, when the leaves turn red. I have eaten a few berries off this tree over the past few years…in memory of my Aunt Mable.

Great in jams and pies

Fall Treats: The Beautyberry

Posted on October 7, 2009 by Larry Lynch

East Texas fall foliage is just beginning to appear. The sweetgums will be turning soon and my cameras are ready.

This is the time of year when those beautiful purple berries appear all over this area. The bush is a Callicarpa , common name American Beautyberry. My dad called it a “French Mulberry” and I think Grandma had another name for it, as well. I was surprised to learn it’s sold through nurseries since it seems to be all over the woods around here. Birds and raccoons eat the berries and we enjoy the great color this time of year.

The Beautyberry feeds birds and small mammals in East Texas