Simply..here, now....

5/1/2024

..and that is enough. Looking closely at what is around me.

My neighbour's rowan tree is festooned with lichen. Beard lichen (usnea subfloridana. I have a lovely book called The Names of Plants which rather unhelpfully says that usnea is 'a name of uncertain meaning'.

I know it is considered to be indicative of clean air which is nice to know, but it also has antibacterial and antifungal qualities and has been used in the tretment of wounds.

I have seen it used in Stockholm houses between the inner and outer windows where I suppose it absorbs moisture and keeps the winter windows clear.

A little more light each day now, a brighter weather forecast here, and a reason to go out every day to add to the winter nature table..I can feel my spirits llift as I wonder what I will find.

10 Comments

Susan inDorset

6/1/2024 12:23:57 am

I adore the pallid greens (and yellows) of lichen, especially against the dark umbers of the earth, fallen leaves, and branches.
I do like that it's used as insulation and moisture wicking in buildings.
I had hemp and flax batts put into my walls for the same purpose, but hand-picked local lichen, seems more romantic.

Freda

6/1/2024 01:59:01 pm

How lovely to use such natural materials to insulate your cottage.

Liz. N

6/1/2024 03:49:27 am

I love the pictures of the Lichen, Freda! It certainly is a fascinating life form, and now that I have recently watched the programme Wild Scandinavia Series 1 : episode: 2 "Heartlands" on BBC 2, all I can think about are the Sami people, Reindeer herders - a lovely Nature programme. (Available on BBC iplayer)

Freda

6/1/2024 01:59:53 pm

Thank you! I enjoyed watching that this evening.

Liz. N

6/1/2024 04:27:30 am

PS Because Reindeer feed on Lichen, I forgot to add! I was interested to learn from you Freda, that it has antibacterial and anti fungal properties.

Karen

6/1/2024 07:30:27 am

Thank you for that reminder to look closely at what is around us, Freda, such beautiful lichens. I've just been out for a short walk and didn't do much noticing of wildlife. In my defence, it is still frosty/slippy in areas the sunshine hasn't reached and I am frightened of falling. Will try & be more observant tomorrow, whilst still being safe.

Freda

6/1/2024 02:01:31 pm

Safety first! You could always bring something home to examine closely in comfort.

Mary B

6/1/2024 10:31:35 am

I love your neighbour's tree. We have lichen growing on quite a few of our trees too plus lots of mosses. They look as if they're wearing little green velvet coats! I also remember seeing lichen used between windows in Norway . I am curious about the hemp flax batts than Susan mentioned.

Freda

6/1/2024 02:04:41 pm

I googled it. Very interesting!

Susan inDorset link

7/1/2024 06:55:18 am

Hello Mary B.
The hemp or flax is compressed, with a binder into firm cuttable batts, or more loosely into fluffy rollable sheets. Then, it's placed between the shell of the building (stone, bricks etc) and the inner lining (various types of board).
(Hemp or flax can also be mixed with lime putty, and allowed to cure into bricks.)
I've added a link to show how it's applied. Best wishes, Susan

Simply..here, now....

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