Yew Tree

There are so many different kinds of yew trees that I admit I do not know which kind grows here at the side of my little patio. On the other hand, I may have mislabeled this tree. In some cultures, the yew leaves are used for medicinal purposes; however, the yew tree is toxic, so don't try this at home! In the fall, it grows beautiful gray-blue berries just about the size of a blueberry. The birds in my yard don't seem to pay much attention to it, perferring pine trees and yupon bushes; however a large hummingbird feeder hung in the tree was drained of every drop of artificial nectar without my having seen a single hummingbird.

Wild Berries

This wild berry vine has wrapped itself around my Nandina bush, which itself has beautiful berries. The wild berries seem lush and ready to pop, with their heart-shaped leaves, so apropos to this Valentine season; however, now in mid-February, the berries are gone... gone to the frost? to the snow? to the birds? Not sure. Today the high was in the 20s with lots of wind and constant chilly rain. The forecast is for more snow and bad weather in the north of Houston. At least it is nothing like the snows on the east coast.