Lichens And Stones

When the family was here for Thanksgiving, Amy and I took a walk as we often do.  It was sunny and beautiful, but chilly.  Usually we take the camera, but this time it was left behind.  I've always thought that she has a very special eye when it comes to finding interesting nature subjects to photograph.  We found some fantastic lichens on some of the stones on the top of  Ed's wall.  I went back with the camera today.  Mother Nature did a great job on this stone.  In a way it reminds me of cedar leaves.  I think the black is a lichen too.  This stone is so pretty the temptation is to take it inside to enjoy, but I know that would ruin it.  I know where it is and if I want to see it when it is covered with snow I can visit it here.  I can even click on the picture and get a closer look.

This stone is frosted with lichens. One is the same as before, but the brown is new and unfamiliar to me.  My curious mind wants to know more about these interesting plants.

Here is an even closer look.  I would love to find a great field guide about lichens with great pictures and descriptions that I might understand.  If you are into lichens and can help me with my curiosity, I would love to hear from you!  On the other hand, if you have never noticed what grows on a stone wall you are missing some cool stuff!

Rock, Lichen, Scissors

We have all played the game of rock paper scissors.  Paper covers rock, rock breaks scissors and scissors cut paper.  For the stone walls in the garden it is not paper that beats them, but lichens.  I like some of the lichens that grow on the walls.  I find them attractive.  The longer the walls stand out there in the sun the more lichens grow on them.  The lichens are in fact very slowly consuming the stones.

It's impossible not to notice the black lichen that is growing on the stone square.  I find it interesting to notice that where the stone is shaded the black lichen is absent.

Here a number of lichens are growing on the top of the wall.

Although the black lichen looks smooth from a distance, it is really quite pebbly in texture.  How the black lichen got started or where is came from I don't know.  I'm sure it has a name, but I don't know it.  Perhaps is the stone equivalent of a sunburn.