I Spy - Landscaper's Edition

I spy something... Blue. Yesterday's job site was situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. It was a little chilly but what a spectacular view of the Grand Traverse Bay.

I spy something... Sharp. Ack! While assessing the tasks at hand, Jason rounded a corner and came face to face with this porcupine. Jason said it startled them both and the porky was quick to puff up and bristle his quills. But he was slow to waddle off so Jason was able to snap several photos up close & personal. It was quite an amusing tale that ended with "Boy am I glad he wasn't a skunk!"

Now it's your turn. Look at the picture below. What do you spy?

I hope you see a booby-trap that should be left alone. This is a morel mushroom nestled inside a healthy patch of poison ivy. Most of us know the old saying, "Leaves of three, let it be." I'll be the first to admit that I often walk right past poison ivy without noticing it. Jason is always the one to point it out. I will also admit that I've never had a poison ivy rash because I am afraid of snakes and rarely walk in the bush where I can't see my feet. But, that's another blog.
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Poison ivy can grow anywhere in Michigan and it is in many yards and landscape beds in the area.

• Always use extreme caution around poison ivy.
• Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves & boots when handling.
• Wash tools and clothing separately in hot water after exposure. 
• Urushiol (the "poison" in poison ivy) can remain active for years.
• Be careful when raking, mowing & weed-whacking.
• Never burn poison ivy. Inhaling the smoke can lead to an allergic reaction in the lungs and death.