Persimmons

How to make beer in 1779

Imagine that you are a settler in the Bluegrass in 1779, the year Lexington was established.  There is no shortage of game, and wild plants. But what do you do if you want a good beer? West Sixth Brewing was not open yet, so what was the thirsty settler to do?  You could make your […]

Sycamore fruit in spring

Sycamore in Spring

American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) flowers in late spring and creates the well-known sycamore ball that kids are fond of throwing at each other (not quite as painful as sweetgum balls). The fruit is unusual because it stays on the tree all winter as a hard, dormant ball. The following spring, the ball begins to expand […]

Picture of a Friday Tree

Friday Tree Followup

Friday tree followup – Several people got this. Although the bark is unusually pale, this is a common persimmon, Diospyros virginiana.  Persimmon is a common tree in Kentucky and is interesting year-round.  The bark, resembling alligator hide, makes it easy to identify. In late fall, after a few cold nights, the fruit is ripe and […]