Winter Walk-Off 2015

This is the fifth year that Les at A Tidewater Gardener has hosted the Winter Walk-Off meme.  I'll let him explain, "For those of you who aren't familiar with my little challenge, this is a way to encourage all bloggers to rise from th couch, cast off that musty Afghan, grab a camra, and get out of the house to show the rst of us what their part of the planet looks like."  There are a few rules that can be found here. In past years, I've shared images of things that are uniquely Tacoma.  Today, I had a very short time to walk so I headed a different way from the house than I had in previous years.  In looking at what I saw, it could be just about any town U.S.A.

Of course, I was noticing all of the plants.

Magnolia stellata

 The interesting but unwelcome berries of Hedera helix which the birds eat and "plant" everywhere, including at the bases of trees where the ivy grows up and, if left unchecked, usually overtakes the tree, killing it.  Sometimes the additional foliage will bring down deciduous trees in winter wind storms when their own foliage is long gone.  It also creates great habitat for rats of which Western Washington has a huge population!  

Next on our tour of El Paso...  Oh wait, this is Emmanuel Presbyterian Church.

A glance down the street at Commencement Bay, part of Puget Sound, assures us that we're indeed in the Pacific Northwest.

These are popping up everywhere these days.  I love the idea but have not used a Little Free Library yet.  Have you?

Nandina in glorious fruit.

A row of  houses in Tacoma's most common historic house style, the American Foursquare.  Popular from a the mid 1890's to the early 1930's this style of home is a common sight in many parts of the country.

The Church of Saint Patrick, Roman Catholic, has a gorgeous interior with a carved marble back altar and incredible stained glass.  (Happy Saint Patrick's Day, BTW)

Perhaps next year for winter walk-off, I'll see if I can walk inside and take photographs.  

It's all fun and games until someone has to clean up!

I rather enjoy the carpet of purple and white petals, it makes the garden look dressed up for a special event!  Once the petals turn brown, a quick once over with a mulching mower would take care of them in no time!

Old brick fire house turned into condos. 

Another fun old house on the street. 

So cheerful!

 Notice the tag on this yellow fungus.  I think it said something like Sphereiphyllum  wilsonii. 

I decided to walk back through an alley.  This Bergenia flower looked quite springy to me.  Also to the little green spider who seems to have taken up residence.  Do you see him?

What kinds of ladies ply their trade in back alleys?    As I spoke to the buff colored one, the other two came running.  I love chickens but don't want to give up the space it takes to keep them.

I love brick walkways but this one seems to be saying, "Get OUT!"  Maybe it was simply trying to tell me where to go.

 So, there it is, my ever so brief winter walk off post for this year.  Next year, I'll start earlier but the couch with the musty afghan was too tempting this time!  Happy almost spring!