stone, lichen and moss

In early spring, moss and lichen-covered rock formations come to life in many of the forests where we pass time. As snows melt and spring rains begin to fall, moss and lichen are rehydrated — the crisp burnt ochres, olives and grays of summer’s searing heat, replaced by soft, verdant hues of emerald and mint. The dull and brooding granite monolith gains sentience. Forest atmosphere gives way from autumn’s somnolence, to the expectency of springtime — the awakening of moss and lichen a precursor to the emergence of soft, new leaves.

Saturated by snow and rain, subtle tracery of rock and stone is accentuated. An eroded slab of crystalline limestone now takes on the character of a fragment of fluted marble column. Odd how we step past such a stone, giving it little heed for its shape is the handiwork of time and nature, and not that of some ancient Greek mason.

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9 Responses to “stone, lichen and moss”

  1. Wayne Says:

    That’s a spectacular rock at top. When I wander the woods I’m immediately drawn to rocks to see what’s growing on and around them. I’d be all over that one!

    That’s also true for stumps and logs and fallen branches and holes in the ground! So many things to examine.

  2. burning silo Says:

    Yes, it is quite spectacular. I’m always a little surprised that so many people wander right past such a rock without seeming to give it a glance. For me, a rock like this will stop me dead in my tracks — and yes, I want to examine the layers of life forms that it hosts. Same for the decaying stumps and logs which you’ve mentioned. That has given me an idea for something to write about today. (-:

  3. Randa Says:

    Is that picture at the top really a single rock formation?! I first thought it was a stone wall! It’s spectacular!

    I, too, am drawn to rocks. A rock’s shape, size, texture, and colour all tell a story as to its history. And the ‘dressing’ of lichens and mosses only add to the allure.

  4. burning silo Says:

    Randa – Yes, that’s one big chunk of rock. It’s about 30 feet long and has a fracture through it in one place. there’s another one to either end, and together, they make a formation that is about 75 feet long. There’s another on the same trail which is enormous — looks like the hull of a sailboat that has been turned upside down. That one is probably about 60 or so feet long and 10 feet tall. Both are located on the Point Trail at Murphy’s Point Prov. Park. Another terrific rock of this type is down on the Shoreline Centennial Trail at Charleston Lake. I’ll try to post a photo of it sometime soon. It’s like a huge loaf of bread and has been fractured at one end so that the slabs of rock have tipped away from the main formation just like slices of bread. Very unusual!

  5. pablo Says:

    Beautiful!

  6. Acadia Says:

    I am fortunate to live near Acadia National Park. Rocks and cut stone along trails and carriage paths abound. Stone bridges built in the early 1900’s also have lichen, moss and lime decorating their surfaces.
    I am trying to encourage the growth of lichens on rocks in my yard – any tips?

  7. burning silo Says:

    Hi Acadia — I’m not sure about how to encourage lichen to grow, but a friend who does a lot of gardening once told me that you can encourage moss to grow on rock or concrete by soaking it with tea. I don’t know how effective that is or how often you have to repeat the treatment, but it might work.

  8. Mick Gordon Says:

    Fantastic, I love the rock, indeed, it is my primary interest. Beautiful site and your links are very interesting. BTW thanks for visiting my site, it is how I found your blog. I will return as soon as I have more time. mick http://rockwatching.wordpress.com

  9. burning silo Says:

    Mick – Thanks for stopping by again. I visited your site again last night and see that you do a lot of caving. Neat!